Overview
Mount St. Mary’s Graduate Programs in Education have a reputation of educational excellence. Originally attracting working professionals from the regional area either seeking initial certification to teach or advanced training in specialized fields, the Education Department now attracts a rich blend of graduate students that includes recent graduates of undergraduate programs. The unit strives to meet the needs of all graduate students by limiting class sizes and emphasizing the importance of close faculty-student relationships.
Statement of Purpose
Mount St. Mary’s University proudly prepares teachers for today and for tomorrow through its Master of Arts in Teaching programs for prospective teachers and Master of Education programs for currently certified teachers. The School of Education recognizes the diversity of experiences brought to our programs by entering graduate students and complements those experiences by advancing the University tradition of liberal arts education in a Catholic setting. To this end, the department develops educators who are proficient in content and pedagogy, reflective, and ethical professionals dedicated to leadership in an increasingly diverse, technological, and global society.
Outcomes
Mount St. Mary’s develops educators who:
- Demonstrate the content and pedagogical knowledge, skills, and dispositions to effect student learning (proficient).
- Examine learning to shape their practice (reflective).
- Demonstrate commitment to the diversity, dignity, equality, and rights of the individual (ethical).
- Demonstrate leadership as active participants in the education community (leading).
- Respond to the demands of an increasingly diverse technological and global society (adaptive).
All programs are approved by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) and accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP).
Upon successful completion of all program requirements, Master of Arts in Teaching programs lead to certification to teach in Maryland and states with reciprocity agreements with the MSDE. The Master of Education in Reading leads to MSDE certification as a reading specialist. The Master of Education in Instructional Leadership leads to administrative certification.
Accreditation
All teacher education programs at the Mount are approved by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) and accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP).
Center for Catholic School Excellence
It is fitting that America’s second oldest Catholic University devote its resources to fostering Catholic education for future generations. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton’s first home in Emmitsburg was on our campus. From here, supported by our founder Fr. John DuBois, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton dedicated herself to the Catholic education of children. The Center for Catholic School Excellence is a living commitment to the Church’s ministry of education in the Catholic community.
The Center, housed within the School of Education, is a resource for preservice teachers, in-service teachers and administrators in P-12 Catholic education. It provides a range of programs designed to promote excellence in teaching and learning in Catholic schools that include, but are not limited to the following:
- Strategic planning
- Professional development
- Dual enrollment program for high achieving Catholic high school juniors and seniors
Admission Requirements
Master of Education Admission Requirements
Individuals wishing to apply for admission into an M.Ed. program must submit the following items:
Master of Arts in Teaching Admission Requirements
Individuals wishing to apply for admission into an MAT program must submit the following items:
When taking Praxis exams, please designate Mount St. Mary’s University (use college code 5421) as well as the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) (code R7403) as score recipients.
If the student plans to teach in a state other than Maryland, it is the student’s responsibility to research the specific certification requirements of that state.
Application Process
Applications for admission are accepted year-round and are reviewed on a rolling basis. For priority consideration, please apply before the following suggested deadlines:
- August 1st to begin classes in the Fall semester
- December 1st to begin classes in the Spring semester
- May 1st to begin classes in the Summer semester
Applications received after these deadlines will be reviewed and accepted on a space-available basis.
Application and supporting documents should be directed to:
http://msmary.edu/admissions/graduate-admissions.html
or
Graduate Programs in Education
Mount St. Mary’s University
Frederick Campus
5350 Spectrum Drive
Frederick, MD 21703
Or Email: dcs.admissions@msmary.edu
Non-Degree Student Status
Individuals who are not seeking a degree or certification but who wish to enroll in graduate courses may enroll in any courses except a teacher internship or Graduate Research Capstone. Students who have never taken graduate coursework at Mount St. Mary’s University must complete the non-degree seeking graduate application prior to registering for courses, as well as submit an unofficial transcript showing a conferred bachelor’s degree. Up to 9 credits taken as a non-degree seeking student may apply towards degree requirements for a masters or certificate program. Non-degree students may change their status to M.Ed. or MAT by following the application procedure described in the Admission Requirements section of this catalog.
Transfer of Graduate Credits
See - Graduate Academic Policies
How to Request Transfer Credit
- Request official transcripts from the institution(s) from which you earned the credits.
- Submit an official catalog course description and/or syllabus for course(s) you wish to be considered.
Degree & Certificate Requirements
Students are responsible for ensuring that all of the following graduation requirements have been satisfied:
- Completion of all required graduate hours, electives, and independent research.
- A cumulative GPA of at least 3.00.
- Completion of course work within the five-year time limit.
Requests for time extensions must be submitted in writing and may be granted at the sole discretion of the MAT/M.Ed. program director.
Overview of Study Options
The MAT Degree with Initial Certification in Elementary Education (Grades 1-6)
This program is designed for those who hold a baccalaureate degree (in any field of study) and who seek initial certification in elementary education (grades 1-6). The course of study is customized for each individual on the basis of his/her academic background and professional experience.
The MAT Degree with Initial Certification in Elementary (Grades 1-6)/Special Education (Grades 1-8)
This program is designed for those who hold a baccalaureate degree (in any field of study) and who seek initial certification in elementary education (grades 1-6) and generic special education (grades 1-8). The course of study is customized for each individual on the basis of his/her academic background and professional experience.
The MAT Degree with Initial Certification in Elementary (Grades 1-6)/Early Childhood Education (Grades PreK-3)
This program is designed for those who hold a baccalaureate degree (in any field of study) and who seek a teaching certificate in elementary (grades 1-6) and early childhood (grades PreK-3). The course of study, customized for each individual on the basis of his/her academic background and professional experience.
The MAT Degree with Initial Certification in Elementary (Grades 1-6)/Special Education (Grades 1-8)/Early Childhood Education (Grades PreK-3)
This program is designed for those who hold a baccalaureate degree (in any field of study) and who seek a teaching certificate in elementary (grades 1-6), generic special education (grades 1-8), and early childhood (grades PreK-3). The course of study, customized for each individual on the basis of his/her academic background and professional experience.
The MAT with Initial Certification in Secondary Education (Grades 7-12)
This program is designed for those who hold a baccalaureate degree and who seek a teaching certificate at the secondary level. Study programs are customized for each individual based on his/ her academic background and professional experience and are offered in selected content areas. The content areas include: business education, English, mathematics, biology, or social studies.
The MAT with Initial Certification in Art Education (Grades P-12)
This program is designed for those who hold a baccalaureate degree in the fine arts and who seek a teaching certificate in art (grades P-12). Study programs are customized for each individual based on his/her academic background and professional experience.
The MAT with Initial Certification in Music Education (Grades P-12)
This program is designed for those who hold a baccalaureate degree in the fine arts and who seek a teaching certificate in music (grades P-12). Study programs are customized for each individual based on his/her academic background and professional experience.
The MAT with Initial Certification in World Languages (Grades P-12)
This program is designed for those who hold a baccalaureate degree who seek a teaching certificate in world languages (grades P-12). Study programs are customized for each individual based on his/ her academic background and professional experience. The content areas include: French or Spanish.
The M.Ed. Degree in Reading
These programs are designed for certified teachers who seek a graduate degree in education with certification in reading specialist K-12.
The M.Ed. Degree in Instructional Design and Technology
This program is for educators and other professionals seeking an advanced degree in the facilitation pedagogy and technology within an organization.
The M.Ed. Degree in Instructional Leadership
This program is designed for education professionals who are seeking administrative certification in order to pursue leadership roles in their school system. This degree is also appropriate for non-educators seeking an advanced degree to lead within an organization (e.g. social work, human services, etc.).
Certificate of Advanced Study in Reading
This program is designed for certified teachers holding a master’s degree and seeking a program leading to certification in reading specialist K-12.
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Instructional Leadership
This program is designed for educational professionals who are seeking administrative certification in order to pursue leadership roles in their school system.
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Instructional Design and Technology
This program is designed for professionals who hold a baccalaureate degree in any field seeking a program to enhance skills in technology facilitation in the classroom or workplace.
M.Ed. and MAT By Design
The Dean of the School of Education may approve an M.Ed. or MAT by Design for two reasons: (1) when a graduate student wishes to personalize the graduate program and opts out of the certification associated with the degree, or (2) when a graduate student is at the end of the program and wishes to discontinue an internship. The Dean will approve and forward the personalized program to the registrar.
Academic Sessions
Academic sessions vary across programs, however, courses are always offered in the evening to accommodate the schedules of working adults. Courses are offered fall, spring, and during both summer sessions.
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