Instructional Leadership, M.Ed. *

OSRHE Program Code: 124
CIP Code: 130301
Major Code: 3920
Option Codes:

• 3816 - Classroom Teaching Cognate
• 3810 - National Board Cognate
• 3825 - Online Teaching Cognate
• 3848 - Professional Enhancement Cognate

Purpose

The M.Ed. in Instructional Leadership program develops accomplished teachers who are reflective about their practice and who critically analyze what constitutes effective teaching and valuable learning. Teachers expand their instructional repertoires and master an expanding body of pedagogical knowledge while becoming deeply cognizant of the ethical and societal dimensions of education.  Teachers will understand that they are part of a global village which embraces diversity. Teachers will draw on this knowledge to make principled judgments about their students and their instruction.  Teachers will use and understand research and the role it plays in academic decisions and pedagogical practices. These teachers will also collaboratively engage students, parents, colleagues, and communities in educative pursuits which foster partnerships and life-long learning.

Credential Requirements

Courses included do not represent all courses needed for a teaching certificate for the State of Oklahoma.  Candidates seeking certification should contact NSU’s Teacher Certification office for individual advisement on courses needed based on previous college credits.

Student Learning Outcomes - Professional Education Core

1. Implement learner-centric instructional strategies based on theoretical foundations.
2. Utilize a learner-centric curriculum based on theoretical foundations.
3. Use assessment data to monitor learning and inform decision-making.
4. Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusivity.
5. Serve as a leader informed by current trends and theoretical foundations.
6. Conduct research to improve practice, empower communities, and serve others.
7. Engage in critical reflection to drive professional growth.

Student Learning Outcomes - Classroom Teaching Cognate

1. Identify contemporary approaches in the knowledge base of theories of motivation.
2. Demonstrate reflective teaching practices.
3. Reflect on the impact of educational psychology as a tool for understanding the teaching and learning process

Student Learning Outcomes - National Board Cognate

1. Create evidence for national certification
2. Develop a National Board Certification plan
3. Engage in research to improve practice

Student Learning Outcomes - Online Teaching Cognate

1. Establish an online learning community
2. Integrate research-based learning and assessment theory in the development and delivery of online courses
3. Integrate best practice and standards in online course design and instruction

Student Learning Outcomes - Professional Enhancement Cognate

1. Engage in research to improve practice

Admission, Retention, and Graduation

Admission. Beyond admission requirements for the Graduate College, admission to the Instructional Leadership, M. Ed. program requires:

1. Hold or be eligible for an Oklahoma standard teaching certificate or teaching license or be eligible for the Oklahoma alternative certification program with a plan of study for certification provided by NSU’s Certification Office or the Oklahoma State Department of Education Professional Standards on file with NSU’s Office of Teacher Certification and the Graduate College. If going through alternative placement with the State Department, a letter of acceptance must be submitted with admission materials.
2. Program GPA requirements
   • 3.00 overall undergraduate, OR
   • 3.25 in the last 60 hours undergraduate
3. Through the Graduate College Admission Portal, submit the following documents. 
   • Certification or alternative certification documentation.
   • Statement of educational philosophy.
   • Names and emails of three (3) professional and/or academic references who will complete recommendation forms.
4. The Admissions Committee will review all materials and will make a recommendation concerning admission to a program. A formal interview and/or other materials may be requested by the committee at its discretion.

Conditional Admission. For those persons who wish to pursue a degree, but are not able to meet the requirements for the undergraduate GPA, conditional admission may be allowed as follows:

• Students must earn a graduate program GPA of 3.5 for twelve credit hours of coursework taken at Northeastern State University, and all other admission requirements must be completed during the first semester of enrollment.
• Full admittance will be considered by the Admissions Committee at the completion of 12 credit hours upon the written request of the student within the semester deadlines for admissions.
• No more than six credit hours will be allowed to be taken in any semester until fully admitted into the program; second semester of enrollment must be authorized by the candidate’s advisor.

Advisement. The Graduate College assigns students an advisor upon admission to graduate studies. It is the candidate’s responsibility to make an appointment with the advisor prior to enrollment to discuss policies and procedures relevant to the degree program. Conferring with the student, the advisor develops the plan of study, assists in the selection of classes, and counsels the student.

Retention and Graduation Requirements

1. Students must continue to meet the Graduate College’s Retention Standards to be retained in the program. See the Academic Information page for more information.
2. Students are encouraged to monitor degree progress using the degree audit system in the goNSU portal.
3. Students must meet Graduate College policies detailed in Academic Information and Master’s Degree Requirements regarding GPA, minimum grades, coursework age, residency and institutional / state regulations governing degree conferral.
4. Students completing a thesis for the capstone requirement must have that thesis approved by the graduate program faculty and submitted to the Dean of the Graduate College at least 30 days prior to graduation.