Education, M.S.

Overview

Neumann University’s graduate program leading to the Master of Science in Education is consistent with, and driven by, the University’s Mission Statement. The program enables graduate students to acquire a wide range of knowledge and skills which are designed to prepare them to assume the role of instructional leaders of their schools. By analyzing cutting-edge pedagogical theory and applying interpretations of that theory to teaching practices, graduate students become master teachers, i.e., educators who know and show others how to orchestrate assessment, diversity, technique, and technology within the context of contemporary education. The goal of the instructional leadership degree is to instill the knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes of master teachers in professional educators. Hence, this degree program prepares educators to become classroom innovators and school role models.

Program Design

The Master of Science in Education contains multiple tracks. Each track is designed to provide the graduate student with coursework to address a designated career goal. The goals may include a degree, a degree and principal certification, and a degree and special education certification (36 credits plus the internships). A secondary teacher certification in Biology/General Science, English, or Social Studies is available. There is also a track for those who wish to become a licensed teacher in Pennsylvania. This Master of Science in Education will provide the candidate with a PK-4 elementary and PK-8 special education certificate (53 credits).

Program Outcomes

Successful graduates of Neumann University’s Master of Science in Education will be able to:

• Participate in curriculum development projects.
• Supervise cooperating teacher positions.
• Assume department head activities.
• Engage in mentoring roles in professional instruction programs.
• Pursue further study at the doctoral level in curriculum, instruction, and technology.
• Represent contemporary best practices in classroom teaching.
• Successfully orchestrate strategies and techniques in culturally diverse classrooms.
• Articulate the concerns and capabilities of educators dedicated to the pursuit of a teaching career in a pluralistic society.
• Comprehend the relationship between the pedagogical objectives of the school and the abundant range of skills, talents, and interests of a diverse community of learners.

Admission Requirements

In conjunction with the general admission requirements of the University, applicants must:

• Submit a completed Graduate Student Application for Admission, or apply online through the Neumann University web site at www.neumann.edu.
• Provide official transcripts from each regionally accredited, degreegranting institution attended, including that of the baccalaureate degree (as well as Master’s Degree in Education if pursuing the Post-Graduate Certification option).
• Have a 3.00 cumulative undergraduate GPA.
• Complete a letter of intent which includes a biographical sketch, professional experience overview, and projected professional goals and objectives.
• Provide the names of three individuals who would serve as references; at least two of these are to be from professional educators who have known or observed the applicant.
• Arrange for an interview with the Program Director of the Master’s Degree Program in Education or designated full-time faculty member.

Note: There may be additional program requirements that are unique to the candidate’s goal, and these requirements will be clarified prior to the candidate’s acceptance.

Once all admission materials have been received and processed through the Office of Admissions, the graduate Program Director will arrange for an interview, if appropriate, following a review of all candidate credentials.

Progression/Retention/Graduation Requirements

For the Master of Science in Education, continued progress requires that the student maintain an overall “B” average (cumulative 3.00 GPA) in the required courses and satisfactory participation in the program. Completion of all degree requirements for the program is not to exceed five years. Exemption to this time limitation must be applied for in a written request to the Division Dean. Graduation from the program is contingent upon (1) submitting a signed Application for Graduation form to the Registrar on or before the date specified in the Academic Calendar; and (2) successful completion of all course work, including report(s) of action research, an effective, formal presentation of learning to a faculty committee, and an individual portfolio of developed resources and materials. The student must maintain an overall “B” average (cumulative 3.00 GPA) in all required courses, with no more than two grades of “C” level work.

Curriculum

Graduate students must complete 36 credits from the following courses. Selection of appropriate courses occurs in consultation with the graduate student advisor.