Master of Science in Education 

 

Core Graduate Component 

 

EDU 662 Research Methods 3 graduate credit hours 

Evidenced-based inquiry processes will provide students with tools for conducting a major research project. Topics include conceptualizing a research study, designs for research, methodology, data collection, analysis of data, communicating results and utilizing research findings. Application of research methods to PK-12 education, continuing education, or staff development is expected. 

 

MTH 542 Statistics 3 graduate credit hours 

This course prepares the graduate student to utilize statistics within a major research project. Descriptive and inferential statistics are studied. Topics include probability theory, various distributions, data description, confidence intervals, sampling designs, quality control and hypothesis testing including z test; t test; correlation and regression; Chi-square; F test and Analysis of Variance; and nonparametric statistics. 

 

EDU 621 Curriculum Design and Program Planning 3 graduate credit hours 

Using sound principles of curriculum development and instructional design, implementation and evaluation, students learn to create a meaningful and significant teaching-learning environment for all students. Students will examine effective practices, procedures and theories for the development, implementation and evaluation of quality curriculum. A major focus of the course is the theoretical relationship among curriculum, instruction and assessment as a basis for creating and evaluating standards-based curriculum. Approaches to standards-based curriculum and assessment are explored and applied to PK-12 classrooms. Current issues and theories about curriculum are analyzed throughout the course.  (Many components of this course are in an on-line format.) Students will examine researched best teaching practices and apply them.  

 

EDU 632 Assessment and Evaluation Strategies 3 graduate credit hours 

This course provides an introduction to best practice principles for educational assessment and evaluation in PK -12 education, continuing education and staff development. Various methods for designing, conducting, and analyzing assessments and evaluations of outcomes on multiple levels including individual student, class, course, curriculum, program and educational organization will be studied and analyzed. Students will explore underlying selection, construction, administration, and interpretation of educational tests, including the constructs of reliability and validity and how to apply them.    

 

EDU 603 Leadership in Educational Organizations 3 graduate credit hours 

The purpose of this course is to provide an examination of theories and research related to leadership in educational organizations. Students will examine major schools of thought regarding leadership theory and organizational theory and will focus on concepts that inform an understanding of how leadership occurs in educational organizations. It is intended to provide students with both an overview of the theoretical basis for meeting the challenges of organizational leadership as well as practical application of the constructs. 

 

EDU 695 Capstone Project  6 credit hours  Prerequisite:  Advisor Approval 

Students individually explore a problem or issue within their area of educational practice. Similar in weight to a thesis, but more flexible, this final project should synthesize and apply concepts acquired in the graduate program. The student will work closely with an academic advisor throughout the project. Evaluation will focus on the quality and professionalism of applied research and writing; analytical, management, critical and creative thinking; problem-solving skills; and an oral presentation.  

 

Assessment Leadership Track 

 

EDU 651 Large Scale Assessments 3 graduate credit hours  Prerequisite: (simultaneous enrollment in EDU 652) 

This course provides professional educators the opportunity to reflect on their school-wide and district assessment beliefs and practices. Activities and discussions focus on understanding the context within which large scale assessment occurs, understanding and applying specific assessment methods, and communicating about student and organizational achievement. The course is designed to stimulate thought and provide specific opportunities through which educators can improve their current assessment practices. 

 

EDU 652 Classroom Assessments 3 graduate credit hours  Prerequisite (simultaneous enrollment in EDU 651) 

This course provides professional educators the opportunity to reflect on their classroom assessment beliefs and practices. Activities and discussions focus on understanding the context within which our work in classroom assessment occurs, understanding and applying specific assessment methods, and communicating about student achievement. The course is designed to stimulate thought and provide specific opportunities through which teachers can improve their current assessment practices. 

 

EDU 650 Assessment Leadership 3 graduate credit hours 

This course is focused on the relationship between assessment and learning. Educators will learn to make instructional and curricular decisions based on what students need to learn and how to assess that learning. Learning activities will include development and implementation of genuine authentic and traditional assessments.  

EDU 653 Analysis and Dissemination of Data 

This course is designed to acquaint education leaders with major methods and techniques of evaluation used to assess and report growth, development, and academic achievement of learners in grades Pre-K - 16, including interpretation and dissemination of standardized test information. 

 

EDU 672 Practicum/Action Research in Assessment 3 graduate credit hours 

Educators implement assessment knowledge and skills acquired through program coursework in genuine educational settings. Through electronic discussion, students share experiences and results of their projects and receive assistance from instructors. 

 

 

English as a Second Language (ESL) Track 

 

EDU 515 Teaching ESL 3 graduate credit hours 

This course will provide an understanding of first language development and of second language acquisition. This knowledge will include an understanding of basic research of second language acquisition and instructional strategies that promote second language development. This course will provide a variety of methods and strategies that can be utilized to differentiate instruction to meet the needs of second language learners in a content area class. This course will provide a brief overview of basic federal and state laws related to limited English proficient students. This course will provide instruction on the methodology and strategies for teaching reading and writing to second language learners, including both students who are literate and those who are non-literate in their first language. This course will provide an overview of assessment tools used to measure second language acquisition.  This knowledge will include an understanding of intake and placement procedures, and federal requirements related to No Child Left Behind.  

 

ENG 520 Linguistics for Teachers 3 graduate credit hours 

This course is a study of the structure of the English language which includes units of lexicography, semantics, and dialects.  Linguistics for Teachers focuses on how knowledge of the way languages work will directly benefit the teaching of English Language Learners. The course covers the linguistic components of language, providing an opportunity for teachers to explore the relevance of linguistics to second/foreign language teaching and learning. The course provides an overview of linguistic, socio linguistic and psycholinguistic analyses as they pertain to the language proficiency and academic achievement of ELL students. Topics to be addressed include pragmatics, semantics, syntax, morphology, phonology, language variation, first language acquisition, second language acquisition, and written language, language. 

 

EDU 573 ESL Practicum 

The practicum will provide educators who are planning to teach ESL in the public and private schools with an opportunity to interact with ESL teachers and students in classroom and other appropriate settings. Practicum students will develop understanding of the world of ESL, the challenges confronting teachers, students, and administration, and the resources available to address them. Focus of the practicum is practical application of knowledge and skills of teachers of ESL students, and the development of those skills.  

 

EDU 525 Assessment of ESL 3 graduate credit hours 

This course is designed to acquaint educators with assessment instruments and evaluation procedures including language proficiency testing, entry and placement procedures, theories of second language acquisition, and selection, development, and evaluation of curriculum based on language proficiency.  This knowledge will include an understanding of federal requirements related to No Child Left Behind.  

 

EDU 506 Intercultural Communications 3 graduate credit hours 

This course emphasizes skills you can utilize throughout your and personal and professional life by preparing you to effectively communicate both within small group settings and one-on-one communication. It is based on a study of self-perceptions and verbal/non-verbal communication moving through audience analysis. Effective interpersonal communication is the key to success in any career field. The course will provide an overview of cultural issues related to second language learners.  This knowledge will include an understanding of how language and culture are inseparable, the parents' beliefs of the educational system, and how to create an inclusive, linguistically, and culturally rich learning community where students take risks and learn how to work independently and collaboratively in the educational setting.