Program Purpose
The purpose of the Graduate Program in Education is to provide advanced study in a Christian environment to meet the needs of professional educators.
Objectives
The graduate student will:
- develop the ability to gather and reflect on information relevant to the educational setting.
- apply specialized knowledge and skills constructively in collaboration with others in the educational setting.
- articulate Christian approaches to ethical and social issues inherent in the education setting.
- prepare for leadership roles in the educational setting.
- meet selected Ohio licensure requirements for educators.
Candidate Proficiencies
Malone Teacher Education and the Graduate Program in Education seek to prepare educators who are proficient in the knowledge, skills, and dispositions that are envisioned by and in accordance with the mission of the University. The School of Education serves as the primary unit for all the state-approved teacher education programs. The mission of the unit, in collaboration with the liberal arts faculty and PreK-12 educational partners, is to provide a biblically based education which prepares knowledgeable, reflective, collaborative educators committed to serving others in order that all individuals may learn and develop to their fullest potential and interact with each other and their environment with respect, compassion, and fairness.
The Teacher Education Program prepares candidates who are committed to serving collaboratively and reflect the following proficiencies:
- Demonstrate ways in which a Christian worldview informs education practice
- Apply sound principles of teaching, learning, and advocacy
- Master the content for which they have educational responsibility
- Demonstrate competence in the process of planning developmentally appropriate practices
- Exhibit effective techniques which promote learning for all students regardless of race, culture, gender, creed, or ability
- Identify organizational and behavioral management strategies that create an educational environment conductive to effective learning and growth
- Evaluate and support student learning and growth by utilizing varied assessments to inform instruction and interventions
- Display professionalism and ownership of professional growth
- Use technology as a tool for instruction, communication, collaboration, and creativity
- Collaborate with family, teachers, community, and other stakeholders in student learning and growth
- Initiate and sustain conversation in an organized, clear, and confident manner, using standard English, in written and oral form
- Exhibit dispositions for educators committed to serving together by:
- Providing service
- Practicing fairness
- Promoting stewardship
- Believing all students can learn and grow
Assessment
The Graduate Program in Education employs a comprehensive assessment plan that includes multiple methods to assess individual programs, candidate progress within the program, and the graduate education programs as a whole. Embedded in key courses are assignments and field/clinical learning experiences aligned with program specific standards and Malone Teacher Education Program candidate proficiencies which provide assessment data. The complete assessment plan is available in the School of Education.
Admission Requirements
Regular Admission
- Hold a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution with at least a minimum cumulative g.p.a. of 3.00.
- Have or have had a valid teaching license, a copy of which must be submitted by the applicant for the graduate file.
Conditional Admission
Applicants with a minimum cumulative g.p.a. of 2.50-2.99 may be considered for conditional admission. Applicants must receive a score of 175 or higher on the Praxis I Writing Examination as well as complete all other required admission procedures. The Program Director will review all submitted materials and make a determination on granting Conditional Admission status. Individuals granted this status will be granted Regular Admission upon successful completion of 12 semester hours with the required minimum g.p.a. of 3.00.
Non-Degree Admission
Individuals who are not seeking a graduate degree at this time but wish to pursue personal/professional goals may seek admission for non-degree status through the graduate program. The admission process is as follows:
- Complete the application form with the $25.00 application fee (waived for Malone alumni).
- Submit a copy of one’s teaching license (current or expired). If an individual does not have a teaching license, he/she must submit official transcript(s) to be forwarded directly to Graduate Admissions and Student Services from previously attended colleges or universities.
- Other requirements as determined by non-degree classification.
To change from non-degree status to degree-seeking status at a later time, the requirements are to:
- Complete the procedure for Regular Admission.
- Complete the prescribed course of study.
If applicable, course work taken with non-degree status may transfer to the degree program. EDUC 575 (workshops) may constitute a maximum of four elective hours toward the degree. Please see Academic Policies for time limits information.
Teacher Licensure Areas
The Graduate Education Program has been approved by the Ohio Department of Education to offer licenses or endorsements in the areas listed below. Consult the appropriate course of study for requirements:
- Administrative Specialist License
- Computer/Technology Endorsement
- Intervention Specialist: Mild/Moderate License
- Reading Endorsement
Exit Requirement
The Master of Arts in Education degree requires each candidate to complete a research project. The graduate candidate in education may choose to complete EDUC 696 Graduate Research Project (1-3 semester hours credit). In lieu of the graduate research project, candidates may elect to complete EDUC 698-Research Thesis (3 semester hours credit) or National Board Certification (2 semester hours credit) through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards to satisfy this requirement.
Graduation Checklist
Candidates admitted to the master’s program are to use the following checklist as a guide:
- Application for admission to the Graduate Program in Education
- An interview with the Program Director
- Written notification of acceptance for admission
- Completion of all course work and requirements for M.A. Ed.
- Application for Graduation
- Complete the Application for Graduation provided by the Office of the School of Graduate and Professional Studies.
- Return the completed form to the Office of the School of Graduate and Professional Studies by January 30 for May and August graduates and September 30 for December graduates.
Programs of Study
