University of New England

Degree: Master of Science in Education (MSEd)

College: Arts and Sciences

Department: Education

Contact: Dr. Susan J. Hillman (Chair)  shillman@une.edu

Program Information

Overview
The Master of Science in Education with a concentration in teaching methodology is available to our graduate Teacher Certification students only.  This program is a 33-credit master’s degree encompassing 18 graduate credits from the Teacher Certification Program (TCP) and an additional 15 credits that have been designated as core courses delivered via distance learning (WebCT) with potentially some on-site classes.  Initially students within this program will complete course work designed to satisfy Department and state requirements for certification in areas of elementary education (K-8), secondary education (7-12), or art education (K-12).  The remaining 15 credits will be completed following initial certification and will provide in-depth study in the areas of differentiation, classroom management, and research. 

Program Goals 
· Allow UNE post-baccalaureate teacher certification students to build on their graduate –level teacher certification courses to complete a master’ degree
· Offer an innovative curriculum that presents the latest educational theories and the practical skills necessary to maximize performance and competency as professional educators.
· Enable teachers to complete academic work and degree studies in a time/place flexible manner utilizing primarily an online WebCT format.
· Establish a learning environment for teachers to become more reflective about their practice, and translate new insights into meaningful change.

Requirements
· Completed UNE’s Teacher Certification Program with a minimum of a 3.0 GPA and no grade below a “C”
· Presently employed as a teacher or able to access a classroom on a regular basis over an extended period of time.
· Ability and discipline to pursue rigorous, self-paced graduate level studies.
· Interest in professional development and commitment to educational change.
 
Procedures and Policies  
· Application form should be submitted to the Coordinator of Graduate Programs

· 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.

Transfer Credit 
Only UNE graduate level TCP course credits will be accepted as part of this program or graduate credit that has been transferred in as part of the UNE Teacher Certification Program.  

Advanced Standing/Experiential Learning

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.

Courses 
This master's degree program is designed as a two-step program for candidates entering as non-certified teachers. 
 
First, you will elect the elementary certification, the secondary certification program, or the art certification program and will complete the total credits that are needed to become licensed as a teacher (potentially 27 credits of coursework and 15 credits of internship for elementary certification students; 18 credits of coursework and 15 credits of internship for secondary certification and art education students). 
 
The concentration courses for the master's degree in teaching methodology will be comprised of 18 of these initial teacher certification courses taken in conjunction with UNE's Teacher Certification Program. 
 
The remaining 15 credits are designed to be taken generally after the student has obtained a teaching position, and basically entails your enrolling in three to six credits of coursework per semester (fall, spring, summer). 

Elementary Education

COMMON CORE   12 credits (each course is 3 credits each)          

EDU 533 - American Education                                                                                EDU 605 - Action Research/Case Study Research Classrm     
EDU 610 - Differentiation Theory and Strategies      
EDU 615 - Motivational Theory/Classrm Mang            
           
CONCENTRATION (from Certification) 
18 credits

ELEMENTARY CERTIFICATION (select 6) for 18 credits   

     
EDU 502 - Curriculum Theory and Design       

EDU 510 - Exceptionality in the Classroom      

EDU 517 - Teaching Reading         

EDU 520 - Language Arts        

EDU 530 - Educational Assessment & Evaluation      

EDU 549 - Education Psychology         

EDU 561 - Teaching Social Studies Elementary School       

EDU 567 - Teaching Science in Elementary Schools      

EDU 573 - Teaching Elementary Math       

CAPSTONE PROJECT  3 Credits
EDU 595 - Portfolio             
            
Distribution:            
COMMON CORE         12           
CONCENTRATION      18           
CAPSTONE                   3           
DEGREE TOTAL         33

Secondary or Art Education

COMMON CORE    12 credits (each course is 3 credits each)

          
EDU 533 - American Education                                                                                  EDU 605 - Action Research/Case Study Research Classrm     
EDU 610 - Differentiation Theory and Strategies      
EDU 615 - Motivational Theory/Classrm Mang

CONCENTRATION   18 credits

EDU 502 - Curriculum Theory and Design         

EDU 510 - Exceptionality in the Classroom       

EDU 530 - Educational Assessment & Evaluation       

EDU 549 - Education Psychology

EDU XXX - Teacher as Leader     and

EDU 536 - Teaching Secondary English  or      

EDU 537 - Teaching Secondary Science  or   

EDU 538 - Teaching Secondary Social Studies  or

EDU 539 - Teaching Secondary Math   or

EDU 541 - Methods of Art Education        

CAPSTONE PROJECT  3 Credits
EDU 595 - Portfolio             
            
Distribution:            
COMMON CORE         12           
CONCENTRATION      18           
CAPSTONE                   3           
DEGREE TOTAL         33

Course Titles and Suggested Sequence—Elementary Education
The first two years will be dedicated to the student attaining his/her initial teaching license. Only 18 of these credits (internship credit can not be used) will apply toward the master's degree.
 
Sample Sequence
Year 1
Fall Semester 
Curriculum Theory and Design - 3 credits (required for K-8 certification)
Teaching Reading - 3 credits (required for K-8 certification)
 
Spring Semester 
Language Arts - 3 credits (required for K-8 certification)
Teaching Social Studies - 3 credits (required for K-8 certification)
Educational Psychology - 3 credits (required for K-8 certification)
 
Summer Semester 
Exceptionality in the Classroom - 3 credits (required for K-8 certification)
Educational Assessment & Evaluation - 3 credits (required for K-8 certification)
 
Year 2
Fall Semester 
Teaching Science in the Elem. School - 3 credits (required for K-8 certification)
Teaching Elem. School Mathematics - 3 credits (required for K-8 certification)
 
Spring Semester 
Internship-15 credits-EDU 490, not to be used toward master's degree 
Important note: At this juncture, the student would become a certified teacher in the state of Maine. Eighteen credits from the above coursework, outside of the internship, will be able to be used toward the 33-credit master of science in education with a concentration in teaching methodology. The remainder of the courses would be completed while teaching within their classroom.
 
Year 3 
Fall Semester  
Differentiation Theory and Strategies (Core Course)  - 3 credits
Motivational Theory & Classroom Management (Core Course) - 3 credits
 
Spring Semester 
Action Research & Case Study Research for the Classroom (Core Course) - 3 credits
Teacher as Leader - 3 credits
 
Summer Semester 
Portfolio - 3 credits
Total - 33 credits 
 
 
Course Titles and Suggested Sequence—Secondary in English, History, Mathematics, Life Sciences or Physical Sciences (7-12) or Art Education (K-12)

The first two years will be dedicated to the student attaining his/her initial teaching license. All of these credits since American Education is required for these certification programs (internship credit can not be used) will apply toward the master's degree.
 
Sample Sequence
Year 1
Fall Semester 
Curriculum Theory and Design - 3 credits (required for 7-12/K-12 certification)
American Education - 3 credits (required for 7-12/K-12 certification)
 
Spring Semester 
Secondary Methods Course - 3 credits (required for 7-12/K-12 art certification)
Educational Psychology - 3 credits (required for 7-12/K-12 certification)
 
Summer Semester 
Exceptionality in the Classroom - 3 credits (required for 7-12/K-12 certification)
Educational Assessment & Evaluation- 3 credits (required for 7-12/K-12 certification)
 
Year 2
Fall Semester 
Internship-15 credits-EDU 492/3, not to be used toward a master's degree 
Important note: At this juncture, the student would become a certified teacher in the state of Maine. The three (3) credits from American Education and the fifteen (15) credits from the above coursework, outside of the internship, will be able to be used toward the 33-credit Master of Science in education with a concentration in teaching methodology. The remainder of the courses should be completed while teaching within their classroom.
 
Year 3
Fall Semester 
Differentiation Theory and Strategies (Core Course) - 3 credits
Motivational theory &classroom management (Core Course) - 3 cr.
 
Spring Semester 
Action Research and Case Study Research for the Classroom (Core Course) - 3 credits
Teacher as Leader- 3 credits
 
Summer Semester 
Portfolio - 3 credits 
Total - 33 credits 
 
 
Nature of Field Experience 
Within each course in the concentration, there is an expectation of a minimum of 10-12 hours of fieldwork per class to meet the State of Maine's requirement of "early and on-going" clinical experiences in public school classrooms. The core courses are based in the classroom of the certified teacher.   
  

Academic Policies 

Minimal Grade Standard and Academic Progress
Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 (B or better) with no less than a “C: in any course. Failure to maintain a GPA of 3.0 will result in academic probation and possible termination from the program. Students receiving a grade below a ”C” in a course must repeat the course before continuing on in the program.  If a student receives an “F” in any course he/she 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.

Course Withdrawal Policy
In the fall, spring and summer semesters, a student may withdraw from a course without academic penalty with a grade of W at any time during the first two-thirds of the semester as specified in the current academic calendar. If withdrawal occurs after that date, the grade of WP (withdrew passing) or WF (withdrew failing) will be entered. The grade of WF is computed in the grade point average.

Incomplete Policy
An incomplete (I) grade may be given by the instructor 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 I grade must be changed within the time limit determined by the instructor and may not extend beyond six weeks following the end of the semester or 30 days following the end of an eight-week session. Until changed, the I grade defers computation of credits and grade points for the course to which it is assigned. Failure to complete the work before the limitation date, or within the time imposed by the instructor, 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 dean's list, good standing or probationary standards.

Timeline for Completion/Leave of Absence
Students may complete the program in two or three terms (i.e. one year beyond completion of the Teacher Certification Program (TCP) or less); students may “stop out” for one term if necessary, and take 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.

However, if a student has not completed the M.S.Ed Program, Teaching Methodology within five (5) years, the student will be administratively withdrawn from the program and be required to apply for readmission. 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 to in writing to the program coordinator.  

Satisfactory Academic Progress

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.

Tuition and Fees
Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. 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
Students in one of the MSEd programs who are enrolled for at least three credits per semester may be eligible to receive financial assistance in the form of federal student loans. These loans may be used to pay the student's institutional charges each semester. For additional information, please contact the Financial Aid Office at (207) 602-2342 or visit the Financial Aid website.

Graduation Requirements

• All M.S.Ed. degree candidates must fulfill the following academic requirements: Satisfactorily complete all required courses, readings, assignments and papers in a timely manner.
• Abide by all University regulations applicable to M.S.Ed. students.
• Fulfill all financial obligations in a timely manner.

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 Education Office and Registrar's Office of name, address, phone, and email changes through the Change of Address, Name, or Phone Form.
 
Technical Support for WebCT courses
Students who require assistance with access to the online WebCT course materials and information should first address their computer access questions/problems to their online faculty member.  Technical support is available through the 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 date when close to completing requirements for the degree.

See Education: Graduate Programs Information