Master of Education

Program Description

The M.Ed. program in English Language Arts 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 expertise in understanding and using content knowledge
• demonstrate expertise in implementing effective instruction to help every student succeed
• demonstrate expertise in assessing instruction, both the effect on individuals and on programs, and using assessment data to improve teaching and learning
• display values, commitments, dispositions, and habits associated with accomplished teaching including application of educational research to teaching and learning.

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

An active LiveText account is a required resource for this program because selected assignments must be submitted electronically using this online platform. LiveText (www.livetext.com) is used by the university to maintain our accreditation, to demonstrate the quality of our academic programs, and to improve teaching and learning.

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 Secondary Educ Core Required Hours: 5
EDCI 6158 Trends/Issues in Mid/Sec Education
EDCI 6255 Teacher Inquiry and Investigation

Area 3 Concentration Required Hours: 18
ENGL 5147, ENGL 5148, ENGL 5166, ENGL 5167 or ENGL 5168
Select three of the following (literature and composition):
ENGL 5***/6*** or
EDSE 6115 Trends in Young Adult Literature
Select one of the following:
EDCI 6118 Teaching Composition in Grades 4-12
EDRG 6148 Psychology of Reading
THEA 5205 Advance Creative Dramatics

Area 4 Electives Required Hours: 6
Recommended electives include:
EDCI 6159 Integrating Multicultural/Global Studies Throughout the Curriculum
Other recommended electives include studies to gain a gifted education endorsement, an ESOL endorsement or NBPTS licensure.

Total Hours Required: 36