Master of Education

Program Description

The Master of Education (M.Ed.) program in middle grades education is designed for teachers who hold a clear renewable T-4 teaching certificate. It provides advanced professional and pedagogical studies that develop expertise in the knowledge, skills, and habits of accomplished teachers.

Educator Preparation at Columbus State University is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), formerly the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.

All educator preparation programs are approved by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission.

Career Opportunities

Upon successful completion of the M.Ed. program, the candidate may apply to upgrade teacher certification to the T-5 level.

Admission Requirements

• Minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 (regular admission) or 2.50 (provisional admission) on all undergraduate work at an accredited United States institution in fulfillment of the requirements for a baccalaureate degree
• A clear renewable teaching license or documentation of eligibility for certification (approved program completion and applicable licensure exam scores)
• The successful applicant must not have a criminal record or discharge from the armed services that would prevent recommendation for related teacher certifications

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will:

• Demonstrate improving expertise in content area
• Demonstrate expertise in planning effective instruction based on standards and knowledge of students
• Demonstrate expertise in implementing effective instruction to help every student succeed
• Demonstrate expertise in creating a classroom environment that supports the learning of all students
• Demonstrate expertise in selecting and using technology, curricula, and other materials to enhance teaching and learning
• Demonstrate expertise in assessing instruction, both the effect on individuals and on programs, and using assessment data to improve teaching and learning
• Apply and add to the body of educational research related to the teaching and learning of mathematics
• Display values, commitments, dispositions, and habits associated with accomplished teaching

Additional Program Requirements

• Students must earn a 3.0 GPA calculated on all graduate work attempted. "Academic Forgiveness" policy does not apply to graduate studies
• Students cannot graduate with a grade of "C" or below in more than two (2) graduate courses
• A minimum of 27 hours of the hours required for the degree must be earned in residence (75%). Asynchronous (online) and distance learning courses administered through Columbus State University constitute courses taken in residence
• A maximum of nine (9) semester hours of transfer credit or courses taken at CSU prior to full admission to a masters degree program may be applied toward the degree. Courses with earned grades of "C" or below cannot be transferred. The student’s advisor and the coordinator of the program in which the student is enrolled must approve any courses transferred
• All degree requirements must be completed within seven (7) years of first enrollment

Program of Study

Area 1 Professional Core Required Hours: 7
EDUF 6115 Educational Psychology: Achievement for Diverse Learners
EDUF 6116 Educational Research Methods
EDUF 6795 Seminar: Foundations of Collaborative Student Support

Area 2 Middle Grades Core Required Hours: 11
EDCI 6158 Trends/Issues in Mid Grades/Sec Edu
EDCI 6255 Teacher Inquiry and Investigation
EDMG 6155 Psych of Early Adolescent Learner
EDRG 6116 Integrating Literacy Strat Mid Grds

Area 3 Concentration Required Hours: 15
Select nine semester hours in one area and six semester hours in a second area of graduate elective courses as approved by advisor:
Language Arts
EDMG 6125 Teaching Math in the Mid Grades
EDMG 6126 Content Underpinnings for Middle School Mathematics
MATH, EDMG Math, EDSE Math, or EDCI Math, (5000 level or above)
Science
EDRG 6148 Psychology of Reading
EDRG 6245 Assessment and Classroom Instruction
EDRG 6756 Classroom Literacy Seminar
EDRG 5000G or above

Area 4 Electives Required Hours: 3

Total Hours Required: 36