This degree is administered by the Office of Graduate Studies through the faculty of Education, Department of Curriculum and Instruction, College of Education.
The Master of Arts in Professional Education program is designed for teachers who want to enhance their knowledge of curriculum, pedagogy, and theoretical applications and how to apply these skills in the classroom, and to deepen their subject matter knowledge. Program graduates are prepared for leadership roles as content specialists or curriculum coordinators, and those graduates who have 18 graduate credits in an academic discipline may often also be prepared to teach dual credit courses and/or courses at the community college. A degree plan consistent with the student's interest and needs is developed in collaboration with an advisor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction.
Admission Requirements
Candidates for admission to the Professional Education program must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Applicants may be considered for regular or conditional admission.
Regular Admission Status
- Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university.
- GPA of 3.0 or better in the last 60 credit hours - or - successful completion of previous master's Degree.
- Essay submitted and reviewed: "What are your reasons for choosing the area of emphasis that you have selected for your studies in this program?"
Conditional Admission Status
- Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university.
- GPA below 3.0 - 2.5 in the last 60 credit hours
- Essay submitted and reviewed: "What are your reasons for choosing the area of emphasis that you have selected for your studies in this program?"
- OTHER EVIDENCE: At least one of the following:
- Minimum GRE score of 282 (verbal and quantitative combined); or
- May also consider cultural components including, but not limited to, English as a second language, weak academic preparation that can be remediated, student motivation and desire to succeed, evidence of success in career field (e.g., teaching or service awards), and/or candidate's diverse experiences and perspectives.
Program Requirements
Education Foundations
(Choose two courses from the following:)
Professional Education Core Requirements
| EDUC 6330 | Theories of Curriculum and Instruction | 3 |
| EDUC 6305 | Research Design in Education and the Social Sciences | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 6 |
Professional Education Pedagogy Requirements
(3-6 sch)
Pedagogy course selection is based on the student's interest and need.
Professional Education Focus Area Requirements
(15-18 sch)
Course selection is based on the student's interest and need. Graduate courses may be in an area of Education and/or in content areas such as Biology, English, History, Mathematics, or Music. Those focusing on an area of Education may choose from Reading, Educational Leadership, Bilingual or ESL Education, Special Education, STEM Education, Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, or Gifted Education.
Culminating Experience
Total Credit Hours: 30
Master's in Professional Education with Teacher Certification
A graduate student seeking certification as a secondary or middle grades classroom teacher may apply their graduate-level certification coursework toward the requirements for the Master of Arts in Professional Education. Contact the Professional Education program coordinator for information about this option.
Program Recommendations
All students should include EDUC 6305 Research Design in Education and the Social Sciences near the end of their coursework as preparation for their culminating experience.