MASTER OF EDUCATION DEGREES (M.ED.)
Telephone: (302) 831-1165
http://www.udel.edu/education
Faculty Listing: http://www.udel.edu/education/people/index.html
The School offers a Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree program with majors in Educational Technology; Exceptional Children and Youth; Higher Education Administration; Reading; and School Leadership.
Major in Educational Technology
The Master of Education in Educational Technology is a degree program designed for individuals who seek both a theoretical and a practical grounding in educational technology methods and techniques, emphasizing theories of teaching and learning that support these methods. Based on the assumption that new media and the Internet can have a positive effect on teaching and learning, this program is designed for individuals who want to use technology to make a positive impact on the future of schooling. Those interested in applying to the program must provide the School of Education faculty with evidence of a strong academic background representing both breadth and depth in their content area and experience with technology. Due dates for receipt of completed applications are April 1 for admission for the Fall semester, and November 1 for admission for the Spring semester.
Requirements for Admission to the M.Ed. in Educational Technology
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A bachelor’s degree in a field relevant to the applicant’s proposed program.An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher from an accredited college or university.
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A minimum score of 600 on the TOEFL (paper-based test) or 250 (computer-based test) or 100 (iBT), or a minimum overall score of 7.0 on the IELTS from applicants whose first language is not English.
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Three letters of reference from individuals who can assess the applicant’s academic ability and potential.
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A complete program application including a written statement of goals and objectives.
Program Requirements for the M.Ed. in Educational Technology
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Core courses (6-9 credits) including courses in curriculum theory (EDUC 640) and research (EDUC 600 or EDUC 607).
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Specialization courses (9 credits) in educational technology: EDUC 650, Technology and Cognition; EDUC 685, Multimedia Literacy; and EDUC 638, Learning Technologies across the Curriculum.
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Restricted electives (12-18 credits) in educational technology. For specific requirements in this area please see http://www.udel.edu/education/edtc/ProgramOfStudy.html
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Students complete a Master’s Comprehensive Examination or a research paper or a Master’s Thesis to graduate from this program. This decision is made in consultation with the student’s faculty advisor.
Major in Exceptional Children and Youth
This program is a unique noncategorical program that provides advanced training for teachers, education consultants, educational diagnosticians, and technology specialists. Eight concentrations, representing different focus areas and certification tracks, are offered in the program as indicated in the table below. Focus areas include: (1) Elementary Special Education, (2) Secondary Special Education, (3) Special Education Technology, and (4) Severe Disabilities Certification tracks include: (1) the Masters Program (EEC) advanced degree only track for teachers with an initial teaching certificate in special or general education or those not intending to pursue certification, (2) the Masters Plus Certification Program (MPCP) track for those seeking an initial teaching certificate in addition to the degree, and (3) a dual certification (4+1) program track for secondary education undergraduates seeking an advanced degree and certification in special education.
Certification Tracks
Focus Areas |
Advanced Degree Only
(M.Ed.) |
Masters Plus Certification Program
(M.Ed. plus initial certification) |
Dual Certification for Secondary Education Undergraduates
(Bachelor's plus M.Ed. and second certification) |
Elementary |
EEC ELEM |
MPCP ELEM |
n/a |
Secondary |
EEC SEC |
MPCP SEC |
4 + 1 SEC |
Severe Disabilities/Autism |
EEC SD/Autism |
MPCP
SD/Autism |
n/a |
Special Education Technology |
EEC SET |
n/a |
n/a |
Due dates for receipt of completed applications for the three tracks are:
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M.Ed. advanced degree only: April 1 for admission in the subsequent Fall semester, and November 1 for admission in the subsequent Spring semester.
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MPCP: February 15 for admission the following summer.
4+1 dual certification: January 15 of junior year for admission in the subsequent Fall semester.
Requirements for Admission to the M.Ed. in Exceptional Children and Youth
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A minimum undergraduate cumulative index of 3.0 from an accredited college or university. ‘4+1’ track applicants must successfully complete EDUC 415 (1 credit) Special Education Practicum prior to their senior year.
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A minimum graduate cumulative index of 3.5 (if applicable) from an accredited college or university.
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An officially reported minimum TOEFL score of 600 (paper-based test) or 250 (computer-based test) or 100 (iBT) OR an officially reported minimum IELTS score of 7.0 for applicants whose native language is not English.
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Uncertified applicants must submit passing scores on the Praxis I exam consistent with the Delaware Department of Education requirements.
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Three letters of reference from professors or supervisors who can attest to the applicant’s academic ability and potential.
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A completed program application including a statement of professional objectives that specifies intended focus area and certification track
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A 500 word essay on a special education topic. For more information on this admission requirement please see http://www.udel.edu/educ/graduate/masters/exceptional/index.html
Program Requirements for the M.Ed. in Exceptional Children and Youth
Program Requirements for persons who enter the M.Ed. degree only track include:
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Required Core Courses (18 credit hours):EDUC 623; EDUC 679 or 625 or 674; EDUC 680; EDUC 681; EDUC 682; and EDUC 745.
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Focus Area Coursework (15 credit hours): Students will complete 15 credit hours of focus area coursework in one of the following areas: Elementary, Secondary, Special Education Technology, or Severe Disabilities. Focus area courses are selected jointly by the student and her/his advisor.
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Final Paper or Thesis: In addition to coursework, students will pursue either a Final Paper or a Master’s Thesis as a final demonstration of learning.
Persons who enter the MPCP track (no prior certification) must meet four additional program requirements in order to be eligible for certification:
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Complete background courses in addition to the 33 graduate credits. Depending upon the student’s prior academic program, these courses generally include courses in literacy/reading, mathematics, and education of the exceptional child;
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Choose a focus area of Elementary Special Education, Secondary Special Education, or Severe Disabilities/Autism and complete their 15 credits of focus area courses in one of these three areas;
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Students seeking initial certification must show evidence of having taken a state-designated content area knowledge test (e.g., Praxis II) no later than when they have completed 27 credit hours in the program; and
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Complete the Graduate Teaching Internship (EDUC 750), including related Final Papers.
Program requirements for the ‘4+1’ track include:
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During the Senior year complete 9 graduate credits (EDUC 680, 673, 757) in lieu of 9 undergraduate credits, and complete all remaining undergraduate requirements, including secondary education student teaching in a content area.
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During the +1 year complete 18 graduate credits (EDUC 658, EDUC 681, EDUC 674, EDUC 745, EDUC 682, EDUC 646
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6 credits of graduate teaching internship (EDUC750)
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Complete a non-course Final Paper requirement.
For more information about specific course requirements as well as information about the Final Paper and Masters Thesis, please consult the Program Guidelines on the web at http://www.udel.edu/educ/graduate/masters/exceptional/index.html or by calling (302) 831-1165.
Major in Higher Education Administration
The Master of Education in Higher Education Administration is a 33 credit hour program for individuals seeking professional advancement and leadership development in a higher education environment. Although most students enroll in this program on a part-time basis, it is also possible to complete the program as a full-time student. The curriculum draws upon candidates’ work experience to integrate theory and practice as it prepares them for positions of leadership in traditional colleges and universities, non-traditional post-secondary institutions, and adult and continuing education programs within corporate or higher education settings. Within this degree program, a specialization in sports administration and management is available for individuals seeking professional positions in athletic administration or coaching at the university or secondary level.
Requirements for Admission to the M.Ed. Program in Higher Education Administration
Please Note: The Master of Education in Higher Education Administration is currently under review and is not accepting applicants at this time. For more information, please email Dr. Gail Rys at gailrys@udel.edu.
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A complete program application including a written statement of goals and objectives.
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An minimum undergraduate cumulative index of 2.75 or higher from an accredited college or university.
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A minimum graduate cumulative index of 3.0 or higher (if applicable) from an accredited college or university.
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An officially reported minimum TOEFL score of 600 (paper-based test) or 250 (computer-based test) or 100 (iBT) OR an officially reported minimum IELTS score of 7.0 for applicants whose native language is not English.
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Three letters of reference from individuals who can assess the applicant’s academic ability and potential as well as their leadership qualities.
Program Requirements for the M.Ed. In Higher Education Administration
The M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration requires 33 credits of coursework, including:
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General Core Courses (24 credits): EDUC 607, EDUC 670, EDUC 699, EDUC 818, EDUC 849, EDUC 883, HDFS 688, and HDFS 689.
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Elective Requirements (6 credits): Six credits of electives chosen with the approval of the student’s advisor. Recommended electives include the following courses for students interested in sports administration and management: KAAP 616, KAAP 620, KAAP 634, KAAP 635, KAAP 647. Additional electives may include: HDFS 683, HDFS 692, and EDUC 847.
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Higher Education Internship (3 credits). All students are required to complete the graduate course, EDUC 743 Internship in Higher Education Administration. A portfolio is required for this internship.
Major in Reading
The Master of Education in Reading leads to state certification as a Reading Specialist. It is designed for teachers with initial licensure and at least 3 years teaching experience by the time they graduate. Candidates completing this program will be granted certification by the State of Delaware Department of Education and 30+ other states with which the state holds reciprocity agreements. The program was developed in accordance with the International Reading Association Standards for Literacy Professionals and the State Standards of Delaware and is nationally accredited through NCATE. It focuses on classroom teaching, intervention with students who struggle with reading, and the management and assessment of reading programs.
The M.Ed. in Reading is taught in an online format only and all accepted students will be expected to have the appropriate hardware and software components listed on the program’s School of Education website.
Requirements for Admission to the M.Ed. Program in Reading
Applicants are admitted to this program three times a year, with completed applications due by August 1 for fall semester admission; January 1 for spring semester admission and May 1 for summer session admission.
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A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
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An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher. Applicants with lower than expected performance are not automatically disqualified, but should provide an explanation for their prior performance and describe the experiences, skills, and dispositions they believe indicate the ability to succeed at the graduate level.
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An officially reported minimum TOEFL score of 600 (paper-based test) or 250 (computer-based test) or 100 (iBT) OR an officially reported minimum IELTS score of 7.0 for applicants whose native language is not English.
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Three letters of reference from individuals who are able to assess the applicant’s academic ability and potential. Letters should be from professors who can attest to the candidate’s suitability for graduate study and supervisors who can comment on the candidate’s professional commitment and experience. Letters from family, friends and professional peers are strongly discouraged.
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A complete program application including a written statement .of goals and objectives that should (a) clearly describe why the applicant wishes to pursue an MEd in Reading and Reading Specialist certification and (b) indicate and explain any areas of special interest.
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Demonstrated knowledge of the teaching of oral language, reading, and writing through previous coursework and teaching.
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A writing sample responding to the following prompt: As you know, the M.Ed. in Reading program at the University of Delaware is offered online. In a 500 word essay, describe the following: (1) your technology skills and experiences with technology and (2) how this program can meet your professional goals.
Program Requirements for the M.Ed. in Reading
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Coursework: The M.Ed. in Reading requires 36 credits of graduate-level coursework. The required coursework includes: EDUC 601, EDUC 604, EDUC 608, EDUC 609, EDUC 622, EDUC 630, EDUC 631, EDUC 761, EDUC 762, EDUC 763, EDUC 765, and EDUC 768. There are no elective courses in this program. Additionally, all accepted students must complete a free, non-credit Introduction to Online Learning tutorial and submit a “certificate of completion” for this tutorial to their advisor prior to starting their first course in the program.
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Examinations: Prior to exit from the program, all candidates are required to earn a passing score on Praxis II Reading Specialist – 20300 test as determined by the Delaware Department of Education certification requirements.
Certificate in Reading
The Certificate in Reading is designed to serve current teachers who wish to enroll in a program focusing on a concentrated course of study in reading. The curriculum focuses on theory, research, and practical application of reading and writing. Specifically, the courses aim to provide candidates with a strong foundation in literacy theory and research, a firm understanding of evidence-based instruction and assessment practices, and the ability to evaluate and plan literacy instruction for of all students in the reading and writing classroom, including struggling readers and writers. In addition, candidates will learn how to create an environment where students read, write, and learn using traditional literature, multimodal texts, and technology-based literacy tools. Finally, candidates will learn how to design evidence-based literacy curricula and support colleagues in the implementation of reading curricula.
The Certificate in Reading is taught in an online format only and all accepted students will be expected to have the appropriate hardware and software components listed on the program’s School of Education website.
Requirements for Admission to the Certificate in Reading
Complete applications will be reviewed upon receipt but no later than the following deadlines: fall admission, August 1st, spring admission, January 1st, summer admission, May 1st. Admission application forms are available online.
Admission decisions are made by the full-time faculty in literacy. Candidates will be admitted to the program based upon enrollment availability and their ability to meet the following minimum recommended entrance requirements:
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Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university.
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Transcripts showing an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher. Applicants with lower than expected performance are not automatically disqualified, but should provide an explanation for their prior performance and describe the experiences, skills, and dispositions they believe indicate the ability to succeed at the graduate level.
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Transcripts showing a minimum GPA of 3.0 for all graduate courses completed (if applicable). This GPA applies to graduate level courses taken through continuing education or graduate programs at the University of Delaware and other institutions.
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Three letters of recommendation from individuals who are able to assess the applicant’s academic potential. Letters should be from professors who can attest to the candidate’s suitability for graduate study and supervisors who can comment on the candidate’s professional commitment and experience. Letters from family, friends, and professional peers are strongly discouraged.
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For students whose native language is not English, an officially reported minimum TOEFL score of 600 (paper-based test) or 250 (computer-based test), and IELTS of 7.0.
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A written statement of goals and objectives that should (a) clearly describe why the applicant wishes to pursue a Certificate in Reading and (b) indicate and explain any areas of special interest.
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Writing sample responding to the following prompt: As you know, the Certificate in Reading program at the University of Delaware is offered online. In a 500 word essay describe the following: (1) your technology skills and experiences with technology and (2) how this program can meet your professional goals.
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Demonstrated knowledge of the teaching of oral language, reading, and writing through previous coursework and teaching.
Program Requirements for the Certificate in Reading
Coursework:
The Certificate in Reading requires 18 credits of graduate-level coursework. There are no electives. The required coursework includes:
EDUC 608 Literacy Assessment and Instruction I (3 cr)
EDUC 609 Literacy Assessment and Instruction II (3 cr)
EDUC 622 The Role of Literacy in Content Areas (3 cr)
EDUC 604 Teaching Writing in the Elementary and Middle School (3 cr) or EDUC 765 Writing Strategy Instruction (3 cr)
EDUC 630 Supervised Reading Clinic: Elementary (3 cr) or EDUC 763 Supervised Reading Clinic: Middle/High School (3 cr)
EDUC 761 Literature in 21st Century Classrooms (3 cr)
Technology:
Technology plays a vital role in the Certificate in Reading program. Candidates will use technology to communicate with instructors, collaborate with peers, document school-based instruction, and submit assignments. Given the importance of technology to this program, candidates are responsible for ensuring access to specific software and hardware components as described in the program’s description on the School of Education website. These technology requirements may be revised in response to changing technologies.
Tutorial:
All candidates must complete the Introduction to Online Learning tutorial upon admission to the program. The purpose is to provide candidates with: (1) tenets of online learning, (2) an overview of the tools used in the Certificate in Reading program, (3) sample online lessons and lectures, and (4) the opportunity to introduce themselves to an online learning community of Certificate in Reading candidates. Candidates must submit certificate of completion to their advisor prior to the start of the first course.
Course Scheduling:
Candidates are required to take courses during the fall, spring, and summer semesters. They must take two courses per semester following a predetermined sequence unless given permission by their advisor. Course content delivery will vary, including synchronous and asynchronous meetings.
Major in School Leadership
This program is for individuals seeking Delaware certification as a principal or assistant principal. This part-time, evening/weekend degree program is designed for people who are employed full-time in PK-12 settings. The curriculum draws upon candidates’ work experience to integrate theory and practice as it prepares them for positions of school leadership in educational settings. Coursework in this program aligns with the Interstate School Leadership Licensure Consortium (ISLCC) standards. Therefore, students who complete the program will qualify for School Leader I certification.
Requirements for Admission to the M.Ed. Degree in School Leadership
Please Note: The Master of Education in School Leadership is currently under review and is not accepting applicants at this time. For more information, please email Dr. Gail Rys at gailrys@udel.edu.
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Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university.
-
Transcripts showing an undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or higher. Applicants with lower than expected performance are not automatically disqualified, but should provide an explanation for their prior performance and describe the experiences, skills, and dispositions they believe indicate the ability to succeed at the graduate level.
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Transcripts showing a minimum GPA of 3.0 for all graduate courses completed (if applicable). This GPA applies to graduate level courses taken through continuing education or graduate programs at the University of Delaware and other institutions.
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Three letters of recommendation. One letter must come from an immediate supervisor (e.g., principal), and the other two may come from a faculty member or another individual who is familiar with the quality of the applicant’s academic ability and potential for school leadership. Letters from friends and family are strongly discouraged.
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An officially reported minimum TOEFL score of 600 (paper-based test) or 250 (computer-based test) or 100 (iBT) OR an officially reported minimum IELTS score of 7.0 for applicants whose native language is not English.
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A written statement of goals and objectives. This three-question essay response is part of the standard Graduate Studies application and should explain why the applicant wishes to pursue a MED in School Leadership.
Program Requirements for the M.Ed. in School Leadership
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Coursework: The MEd in School Leadership requires 33 credits of graduate-level coursework. The required coursework includes: EDUC 661, EDUC 664, EDUC 693, EDUC 733, EDUC 734, EDUC 735, EDUC 736, EDUC 737, and EDUC 738.
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Internship: Students complete a 6-credit Internship (EDUC 739). The Internship requires students to engage in authentic, leadership-related field experiences in approved school settings. A portfolio is required as part of this internship.
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Non-registered degree requirements: Before enrolling in the internship (EDUC 739), students must submit School Leadership Licensure Assessment (SLLA) scores to the Graduate Programs Director of the School of Education. Students will not be allowed to graduate from this degree program unless they have submitted their scores for this test.