Master of Education

• Overview
• Curriculum Summary
• Course Descriptions
• Spring 2012 Course Schedule
• Summer 2012 Course Schedule
• Admission Information

Overview

The Master of Education program focuses on the core foundation of the education profession-teaching and learning. You may choose between an emphasis in elementary or secondary education.  The Master of Education in elementary education is for those teachers who hold Level A licensure (teachers with only a bachelor's degree).

Belhaven University, has a long tradition of academic excellence in preparing teachers. Originally founded as a woman's college, Belhaven's first "professional degree" was in teacher education. Since that time, the College has produced thousands of teachers who have filled classrooms in Mississippi and many other states. Building on this tradition, Belhaven offers two non-traditional teacher graduate programs: the Master of Education and the Master of Arts in Teaching. The Master of Education meets the needs of professional teachers who already are certified and desire a graduate specialty in elementary or secondary education.

While serving different audiences, all degree programs acknowledge the expertise, experience, and needs of adult learners. Both programs also foster inquiry into the nature of learning and the effects of teaching, transfer of theory to practice, self-directed learning and reflection, collegial interaction with peers, commitment to innovation and change, and the development of leadership skills and professional efficacy.

Curriculum Summary

Master of Education - Elementary
	*REQUIRED CORE (18 credits):
EDU 610	Research Methods and Procedures
EDU 612	Curriculum Organization and Planning
EDU 614	Effective Teaching Strategies
EDU 621	Assessing Student Learning
EDU 622	Teaching Reading Skills and Comp.
EDU 625	Instructional Leadership Skills
	GENERAL ELECTIVES (15 credits):
EDU 623	Technology in Education
EDU 624	Issues and Innovations
EDU 626	Seminar in Child Development
EDU 630	Diagnostic and Remedial Strategies
EDU 631	Individualized Instruction
EDU 633	Special Problems in Education
EDU 636	Supervision of Instruction
EDU 634	Designing Instruction
EDU 640	Practicum
Master of Education - Secondary
	*REQUIRED CORE (18 credits):
EDU 610	Research Methods and Procedures
EDU 612	Curriculum Organization and Planning
EDU 615	Effective Teaching Strategies
EDU 617	Teaching Reading
EDU 621	Assessing Student Learning
EDU 625	Instructional Leadership Skills
	GENERAL ELECTIVE (15 credits):
EDU 623	Technology in Education
EDU 624	Issues and Innovations
EDU 630	Diagnostic and Remedial Strategies
EDU 631	Individualized Instruction
EDU 633	Special Problems in Education
EDU 636	Supervision of Instruction
EDU 634	Designing Instruction
EDU 640	Practicum
* ALL required core courses must be completed before beginning the comprehensive exam process.

Course Descriptions

See University Catalogue for Master of Education course descriptions.

Admission Information

Offered to students who hold an undergraduate degree in education or have completed a teacher preparation program, the MEd focuses on the core foundation of the educational profession – teaching and learning. Students can choose between an emphasis in elementary education or in secondary education. Belhaven faculty assists teachers in expanding their knowledge base, enhancing instructional practice, incorporating technology, and integrating ethical principals. If you have any questions about admission, contact gradadmission@belhaven.edu or 601-968-8947. Admission requirements are as follows:

1. COMPLETE the APPLICATION for Admission

• Pay the $25 application fee through the online payment form.
• If you prefer not to fill out the application online, you can download it and mail/fax it in: application for admission
• Baccalaureate degree from regionally-accredited institution of higher learning required.

2.  TRANSFERRING CREDITS

• Submit official transcripts from each college or university attended. You may make copies of the transcript request form provided.  See Transferability of Credit Notice.
• GPA of 2.8 or higher on one of the following: Cumulative from undergraduate/graduate degree granting institution or cumulative on last 60 hours of undergraduate work

3.  PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION

• Evidence of holding or being eligible to hold a Class A license in the area of emphasis for which the student is seeking degree
• A letter to the Dean and two recommendation forms may be submitted voluntarily by the student or may be requested by the admission office if student does not meet minimum requirements for acceptance.
• Your admission representative will work with you to determine what, if any, additional items may be required to present your application package to the Admission Committee.
• A veteran who wishes to be assessed for military credit or who will use veteran benefits must submit a copy of Form DD214 and/or DD295 to Belhaven University.

4.  SUBMIT TEST SCORES

• Proficiency in the English language as demonstrated by at least two years of successful academic work at the college or university level in the United States or by a minimum score of 550 paper-based or 79 internet-based on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). In registering for the TOEFL, note the Belhaven TOEFL code number is 1055. All international students must provide an official guarantee of funds (Affidavit of Support) for the first academic year of attendance. Medical Insurance is also required.

5.  FINANCIAL AID

• Apply for Federal Assistance by filing the Free Application for Federal Assistance (FAFSA) on the Internet at  www.fafsa.ed.gov. Be sure to list Belhaven University as one of the colleges to receive the results of your evaluation. Our code number is 002397. Do not mail the form before January 1 but applying early improves your opportunities for the best aid package.
• Visit the Belhaven University Financial Aid Web Site.

Please return all application materials and fees to:

Belhaven University
Office of Graduate Admission
1500 Peachtree Street, Box 266
Jackson, MS, 39202
phone: 601-968-8947
fax: 601-968-5953
gradadmission@belhaven.edu

Non-Degree Students

Students who are in need of classes for licensure renewal or for alternate route licensure that leads to Class A licensure can enroll as non-degree seeking students in the Graduate Teacher Education Program. Admission requirements are as follows:

• Completed application for admission
• $25 application fee – online payment form
  
• Or if you prefer not to fill out the application online, you can download it and mail/fax it in: application for admission
• Official transcript from undergraduate or graduate degree granting institution. You may make copies of the transcript request form provided.

Belhaven University does not discriminate in the administration of its education policies, applications for admission, scholarship and loan programs, or athletic and extracurricular programs. The rights, privileges, programs and activities at Belhaven University are made available to all students who are enrolled regardless of sex, religion, color, national origin, handicap or age.