Education, M.S. (Online)

General Description

For the graduate student who wishes to earn the master’s degree in approximately one year. This fully online accelerated master’s program provides students who are certified teachers with the courses required for one of three endorsements: Autism Spectrum Disorders, Online Instruction, or Instructional Coach. Please note that this program does not lead to any teaching certification and/or licensure. If you are seeking teaching certification and/or licensure , you should check with your respective state teaching certification/licensure authority in regards to the appropriate program. This program is a total of 30 credits.

Overview and Mission

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 varied roles as instructional leaders in 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 this program degree is to instill the knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes of master teachers in professional educators.

Program Design and Outcomes

The Master of Science in Education contains multiple tracks, each of which is designed to provide the graduate student with coursework to address a designated career goal. Students completing the Master of Science in Education Online program will understand the relationship between pedagogical objectives and the skills, talents, and interests of a diverse community of learners.

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

Demonstrate contemporary best practices in classroom teaching.
Employ strategies and techniques to create culturally responsive classrooms.
Design and implement curriculum development projects.
Articulate both strengths and concerns of educators dedicated to teaching in an inclusive society

Admission Requirements

Applicants with a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited, degree-granting institution who have successfully completed all prerequisite courses are eligible for entrance to the Master of Science in Education Program, subject to the approval of the Program Director. Acceptance is on a competitive basis after submission of all credentials and an interview with the Program Director. This program is open to those with or without a current teacher certification. Only certified teachers may apply for Autism Endorsement Certification. This program does not lead to certification. All applicants must submit the following:

A completed Graduate Student Application, in print or online through www.neumann.edu/apply.
Official transcripts from all institutions attended.
Letter of intent outlining reasons for pursuing the Master of Science in Education Degree.
Names and telephone numbers of two professional references.
A copy of current teacher certification if applying for PDE autism spectrum disorders endorsement.
Security clearances that meet current state-approved teaching requirements.

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

Nine graduate credits from a regionally accredited institution may be transferred into the program with the approval of the School Dean.

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. 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. If the student’s GPA falls below a 3.0, the student will be put on probation. The student will have one semester to bring his/her GPA up above a 3.0. If this does not occur, the student will be dismissed from the program.

Field Experience

Field experiences are required for each of the endorsement programs (Autism Spectrum Disorders, Online Instruction, or Instructional Coach). Students must obtain and submit with admissions material all security clearances that meet current state-approved teaching requirements. For current security clearance requirements, contact the Field Experience Coordinator.