Program Information
Gateway Assessment
In order to earn a Master of Education degree students must maintain a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA, complete at least 36 credit hours of graduate-level coursework including a 6-credit practicum, have successfully presented a research capstone, and have passed each gateway.
Gateway 1: Entrance
Occurs for M.Ed. candidates at the time they make initial application to the M.Ed. program. Candidates move to Gateway 2 when all conditions for admissions have been met.
Gateway 2: Pre-Practicum
Requires that candidates meet with the program director to discuss assessment requirements of the appropriate specialized professional association. As applicable, the program director ensures that candidates have proper clearance to work in schools or other workplaces and that program requirements have been maintained.
Gateway 3: Transition
Occurs midway through the practicum when candidates submit a log of experiences and reflections to the university supervisor. Through a comparative analysis of the appropriate specialized professional association standards with the log of experiences and reflections, a plan for the remainder of the practicum is developed.
Gateway 4: Program Completion
Is the successful completion of the practicum (with a rubric score of 2.0+), research capstone (2.0 or better), and all program assessments and requirements as determined by a transcript analysis.
Program Completion Capstone
M.Ed. students are required to complete a graduate research capstone. MEDUC 630 and MEDUC 631 support capstone development.
Academic Policies
Admission and Advancement to Candidacy
Advancement to candidacy may be awarded to those who have fulfilled all admission requirements. Upon advancement to candidacy, M.Ed. and MAT students have five years to complete their program. If necessary, students may petition for an extension. All graduate students must maintain a 3.00 GPA
Admission and Advancement Decision Appeals
Applicants who wish to appeal a decision regarding special student enrollment or advancement to candidacy decisions must submit a written request to the Chair of the School of Education.
Academic Sessions
Sessions are offered on a year-round basis.
Practicum Experiences
Practicum
Master of Education students culminate their program of study with a practicum. A practicum provides prospective professionals with scaffolded opportunities to experience the multiple roles of the profession. With an experienced mentor and a university supervisor, candidates will develop a Professional Development Plan so as to further develop and demonstrate their proficiency with the appropriate specialized professional association standards. Lab fee applies.
Incomplete Policy for School of Education Practicums
Due to the nature of advanced practicums, a student receiving a grade of I (Incomplete) may be required to defer the completion of the practicum until the next time the experience is offered, which may be during the following academic year. Requirements of practicum assessments, and/or reassigned practicum placements could require the candidate to participate in the experience in its entirety.
Technology
Mount St. Mary’s University emphasizes the integration of technology into teaching as outlined by the International Society for Technology Education (ISTE) and the Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT). Coursework models best practice in uses of technology as tools to enhance student learning.
The Mount uses Canvas as its course management platform. M.Ed.candidates use Chalk and Wire, an e-portfolio system, to develop their practicum portfolio.