University of New England

Requirements
    • A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution substantiated by official transcript/s
    • Minimum of one year teaching experience.
    • Employed as a teacher or able to access a classroom on a regular basis over an extended period of time.
    • Strong writing skills, a capacity to succeed in a distance education format, and a commitment to educational change and professional development as evidenced by your goal statement submitted at the time of application.
UNE carefully assesses MSEd applicants on the basis of evidence provided in all application materials submitted. Therefore, while a personal interview is not required, application materials submitted must be prepared thoroughly and thoughtfully for full consideration.
 
To participate in this degree program, students also are required t
    • Work as a participating member of a collegial study team.
    • Have access to a video player, television and Internet.
    • Have access to a classroom in which to apply the strategies that are taught.
    • Attend one on-campus, 1-week Summer Seminar on current issues in Education or enroll in a Guided Self-Study focused on current issues in education.
    • Submit all course assignments in a satisfactory and timely manner.
 
Procedures and Policies
    • Completed application form submitted to UNE's MSEd office. The program admits learners for each of the three terms—fall, spring and summer.

    • $40 non-refundable application fee.

    • Goal Statement - A minimum of two double-spaced typewritten pages including information about your experience as a teacher, your interest in graduate level study, your capacity to succeed in a distance education format, and your post-master's professional goals.

    • Official transcript(s) from the accredited institution(s) from which you attained your baccalaureate degree and have completed any graduate courses (must have official seal). NOTE: Although there is no minimally acceptable grade point average for admission, grade point average will be considered as an additional indicator of potential for success in the program.

    • Teaching certificate or evidence of teaching experience.

    • If you are not currently employed as a classroom teacher you will need the following:

(1) a statement of your plan to access a classroom;

(2) a letter of invitation from the teacher in whose classroom you propose to work on a weekly basis over an extended period of time; and

(3) a letter from the principal, who is responsible for the school's instructional program, accepting your plan for access.

    • Applications will not be processed until all required items have been received by UNE. Completed applications with late materials may be reviewed for admission in the next semester.

A maximum of three 3-credit graduate level courses (grade B or better) may be transferred from an accredited institution and applied toward the 33-credit-hour MSEd curriculum. An official transcript, course description and syllabus must be submitted, accompanied by a statement explaining why the course is equivalent to the MSEd course for which a waiver is requested. A review will occur by faculty members to determine whether the equivalency request will be approved.  Age of course (no more than 5 years is the general standard) and the degree to which the course matches the UNE requirement will be used to determine approval.  The following courses cannot be satisfied through transfer credit: Collaborative Action Research (EDU- 560, 566, 572) and Current Issues in Education (EDU-558 or EDU 558A). Transfer credit requests and approvals can be made only after the applicant has been admitted as a degree candidate.

UNE Individual Video Courses, taken prior to matriculation into the MSEd program, may apply to equivalent courses in the MSEd curriculum with a maximum of 9 credits allowed. Additional work may be required to ensure equivalency.

Experiential Learning and Advanced Standing
No credit for experiential learning or other forms of advanced standing will be given, as we believe full participation in the MSEd curriculum is necessary to achieve the desired integration of theory and practice the program provides.

The MSEd Program, literacy concentration, requires 33 semester hours of course work for completion.   This program of study includes an 18-credit focus on literacy that will develop your expertise  in  language  and  reading  development  for  grades  K-6.
 
This program of study spans the K-12 curriculum examining overall instructional strategies and issues. Each course is designed to present:

(1) a thorough understanding of current research in each area presented;

(2) practical strategies to apply the concepts presented in the classroom; and

(3) evaluative skills necessary to critically analyze and implement concepts ensuring maximum classroom success.

A collaborative action research project allows you to select an area of interest in which to conduct a study within your classroom.   A culminating portfolio completes the program and provides an opportunity to synthesize and solidify your knowledge and skills.

Videotaped presentations introduce you to nationally recognized experts in teacher education and well-known faculty from universities across the country. For several of the courses, the presenters on the videos are also the authors of the textbooks assigned for the course. Throughout the program, you have the opportunity to observe actual classroom lessons taught by master teachers, and hear them discuss their philosophy of teaching and how they use the techniques taught in the program in their own classrooms. Audio-visual materials are augmented by texts, assigned readings and a course study guide.
 
The video presentations are a key component of the content of each course. It is recommended that they be viewed, whenever possible, with your study partner or collegial study group. Videos and materials are produced for the University of New England by Laureate Education, Inc., in consultation with UNE faculty.
    

Course Titles and Suggested Sequence
    EDU 550-The High-Performing Teacher, 3 credits
    EDU 557- Foundations of Reading and Literacy, 3 credits

            EDU 558-Current Issues in Ed: Summer Seminar or 

            EDU 558A - Current Issues in  Ed: A Guided Self-Study (both 3 credits)

    EDU 560-Collaborative Action Research - Part 1, 1 credit
    EDU 563-Designing Curriculum Instruction, and Assessment, Part 1, 3 credits
    EDU 565- Strategies for Literacy Instruction – Part 1, 3 credits
    EDU 566-Collaborative Action Research - Part 2, 1 credit
    EDU 569-Strategies for Literacy Instruction –Part 2, 3 credits
    EDU 572-Collaborative Action Research - Part 3, 1 credit
    EDU 574-Designing Curriculum Instruction, and Assessment, Part 2, 3 credits
    EDU 575- Supporting the Struggling Reader, 3 credits
    EDU 576- Planning and Managing the Classroom Literacy Program, 3 credits
    EDU 595-Portfolio (An online WebCT Course), 3 credits

Academic Standards

Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 (B or better). Failure to do so will result in academic probation and possible termination from the program. Students receiving a grade of “F” in any course will be immediately placed on academic probation. This student must register and pass the failed course with grade of C or better before registering for any additional credits.

Timeline for Completion

Students may complete the program in five or six terms (i.e. two years or less); students may “stop out” for one term if necessary, and thereby taking an additional term to complete the program. The required Request for Leave of Absence form must be filed with the MSEd office and the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences if this will be occurring.  Application for readmission is not necessary if the student returns as planned; however, the student who does not return at the specified time will be administratively withdrawn and will be subject to readmission procedures. Policy on leave of absence tuition credit is found in respective Financial Information sections of this catalog. Note: It is the responsibility of the student to contact the office of the appropriate academic dean and the Education Department to indicate change of plans.
In addition, students may also take a slightly reduced course load in any term if necessary, but this will require some additional study team arrangements. These arrangements are the responsibility of the student and must be communicated in writing to the program coordinator. 
If a student has not completed the MSEd Program within eight semesters, the student will be administratively withdrawn from the program and be required to apply for readmission, at which time any change to the program may result in the need to take additional course work.

Incomplete Grades

 An Incomplete (I) grade may be given by a faculty mentor to a student, who is doing passing work in a course, but who, for reasons beyond his/her control, is not able to complete the work on time. The student must request an incomplete from the faculty mentor (by letter or via e-mail) at least one week prior to the end of the term in which the student has registered for the course. The “I” grade must be changed with the time limit determined by the faculty mentor and may not extend beyond one term following the end of the semester. Until changed, the “I” grade defers computation of credits and grade point for the course to which it is assigned. Failure to complete the work before the limitation date, or within the time imposed by the faculty mentor results in the assignment of an administrative “F” grade for the course. Once an “I” grade is removed, academic standing will be updated according to good standing or probationary standards. Additionally, a grade of “F” is assigned by the faculty mentor to a student who fails to make any contact with the faculty mentor within the term of initial enrollment in any course. The student will be required to retake and repay for the course in order to receive credit when an “F” or an administrative “F” has been given. 

Tuition and Fees
Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing during the optional summer seminar. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.

Technology  Fee
A technology fee is required to help cover the costs of the Internet connections, student technology infrastructure, student web mail accounts and web mail administration for those students in the MSEd program.

Financial Aid
the Financial Aid website.

All MSEd degree candidates must fulfill the following academic requirements:

Orientation
All newly admitted students will receive orientation materials to familiarize them with UNE and the MSEd program prior to beginning degree studies.

Students With Disabilities
Students with disabilities who require accommodations or modifications should communicate their needs to the Director, Office of Students With Disabilities, University of New England, 11 Hills Beach Road, Biddeford, ME 04005.

Communication 
The e-mail account is the official means for University communication. As such, students are responsible for information that is distributed to them via e-mail. This web-based e-mail account allows students to pick up their e-mail from any computer connected to the Internet.

Name and Address Changes
Students are responsible for notifying the University of New England MSEd Office and Registrar's Office of name, address, phone, and email changes through the Change of Address, Name, or Phone Form.

Technical Support relating to WebCT course, EDU 595, only
Students who require assistance with access to online course materials and information in EDU 595—Portfolio, should first address their computer access questions/problems with their online faculty member.  Technical support is available through the Instructional Technology Department at UNE during the school year from 8 to 6 pm Monday through Thursday and 8 to 4:30 on Fridays. Summer hours are 8 to 4:30 daily.

Graduation
Graduates are encouraged to participate in the commencement ceremonies held in mid-May. They are notified of times and the date when close to completing requirements for the degree.