Master of Education General Information

Purpose

The Master of Education programs are basically designed to prepare professional educators as teaching scholars, educational leaders and developers of human potential, thus improving the quality of educational experiences for all children and families. The purpose is to develop master teachers and administrators through individual programs of study designed to provide proficiencies in professional education and specialized academic subject matter fields.

Particular objectives are:

1. To improve the candidate’s general professional background, including knowledge of human growth and development;
2. To increase the candidate’s knowledge, understanding, and competence in a field of specialization;
3. To increase the candidate’s appreciation of an ability to do scientific investigation and reporting.

Admission

Admission to the Master of Education program includes:

1. An earned bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
2. Scores no more than five years old on either the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT).
3. An Approved Application for Graduate Admission.
4. One official transcript of all previous college course work. The transcript must be sent directly from the schools attended to the Graduate College Office.
5. A grade point average of 2.5 based on a 4.0 scale in all undergraduate course work attempted or a 2.75 based on a 4.0 scale in the last 60 semester hours of undergraduate course work or a score at the 25th percentile on the MAT or GRE.
6. Completion of a minimum of 12 semester hours of education and/or psychology in order to take courses in professional education for graduate credit. (Exception: Speech-Language Pathology.)
7. Completion of a minimum of 18 semester hours in any certificate area in which the student plans to take courses for graduate credit. (Exceptions will be made in the areas of reading, but equivalent substitutions will be required.)
8. Several M. Ed. programs require qualifying for a standard Oklahoma teacher’s certificate/license. A copy of teacher’s certificate/license or recent certification checklist is needed.  Please check with individual program specifications for guidelines.
9. Additional criteria as specified by the Master of Education degree program being pursued.

Advisement

An advisor is assigned when the candidate is admitted to graduate studies. The advisor counsels the candidate and assists them in the selection of classes each semester.

Plan of Study/Statement of Understanding

The plan of study (degree plan) is prepared by the advisor in conference with the candidate. The advisor familiarizes the candidate with the Statement of Understanding after which both parties sign it. All copies of the signed degree plan and the Statement of Understanding are sent to the Graduate College for the Dean’s approval and for distribution.

Any changes made in the candidate’s plan of study require prior written approval of the advisor and the Dean of the Graduate College.

Teacher Certification

Completion of a degree program does not guarantee recommendation for a teacher’s certificate. Criteria for certification may be secured from the Teacher Certification Officer or Teacher Certification Specialist at Northeastern.

Admission to Candidacy

Admission to a Master of Education degree program does not imply admission to candidacy. Candidates are eligible to be admitted to candidacy if they have:

1. Been formally admitted to a specific program leading to a Master of Education degree;
2. Satisfactorily completed the course, Education 5103, Educational Research.
3. Filed a plan of study approved by the advisor and the Dean of the Graduate College.
4. Filed a Statement of Understanding signed by the student and the advisor with the Graduate College.
5. Completed a minimum of eight semester hours as prescribed by the plan of study.
6. Maintained a 3.0 grade point average in all graduate course work attempted.

School Counseling candidates must also receive the approval of the Counseling faculty.

Candidates are advised to meet candidacy requirements within the first 16 semester hours of the program. They must meet these requirements within the first 24 hours. In any event, 16 semester hours toward the master’s degree must be completed after being admitted to candidacy.

Requirements for Graduation

In addition to the requirements set forth in the Academic Information Section of the Graduate Catalog, the candidate for the Master of Education degree must satisfy the following:

1. Complete an approved program in early childhood education, mathematics education, reading, school administration, school counseling, special education, science education, or teaching as prescribed by the plan of study.
2. Possess a grade point average of 3.0 in professional education.
3. Possess a grade point average of 3.0 in the 5000 only courses specialization/content area.
4. Possess a grade point average of 3.0 in all graduate course work.
5. Possess a grade point average of 3.0 in all Northeastern State University graduate course work attempted.
6. Possess a grade point average of 3.0 in all 5000-only courses.
7. Possess a grade point average of 3.0 in all 5000 level course work applicable to the program.
8. Satisfactorily complete a capstone experience.

Capstone Experience

A capstone experience is an academic activity which encourages the use of skills learned and knowledge gained to demonstrate competency in one or more areas of the degree discipline. It is a culminating experience beyond the minimum hours and course work required for the Master of Education degree and should be completed near the end of the student’s program.

Each program specifies the capstone experience options which are available.

Program of Study

The curriculum for the Master of Education degree is under the general supervision of the College of Education.

The programs leading to a Master of Education degree require a minimum of 32 semester hours. Each program is divided into at least two categories. They are professional education and specialized education.

Program Checklist for Master of Education Degree

1. Apply for admission 30 days prior to the first enrollment for graduate studies.
2. Receive advisor assignment when admission is complete.
3. Interview with advisor prior to each enrollment.
4. Register for classes as specified in the schedule of classes.
5. Take aptitude test within the first semester of graduate studies. (Some programs require test scores prior to admission or during first enrollment.)
6. Complete program admission requirements.
7. Develop and file an approved degree plan within the first 16 hours of graduate studies.
8. Complete Education 5103 within the first 16 hours of graduate studies.
9. Attain candidacy within the first 16 hours of graduate studies.
10. Request degree check prior to the semester of expected graduation.
11. Apply for degree at the beginning of the semester of expected graduation (note: summer students should apply by March1).
12. Complete capstone experience 60 days before conferral of degree.
13. Expect to be notified about graduation two weeks prior to date of ceremony.

Since each program leading to the Master of Education degree has its own specific requirements and structure, see the guideline for program being pursued for more detailed information.