Education (Master of Arts)

430 David M. French Hall
(810) 424-5215 or (810) 762-3260
Fax: (810) 424-5539 or (810) 762-3102
http://www.umflint.edu/graduateprograms/education.htm

Graduate Program Director: Judith Ableser
Advisor: Rachel Biocchi
Department Chair: Michael Pardales

The Master of Arts in Education includes concentrations in Early Childhood Education, Literacy (K-12), Special Education and Technology in Education, as well as a concentration in Elementary Education with Certification (MAC program). These degree programs provide advanced study for persons who wish to enhance their knowledge base and professional background in educational fields that have an urban focus. Endorsement programs for Early Childhood Specialist (ZA), Reading Specialist (BR), Cognitive Impairment Specialist (SA), Learning Disabilities Specialist (SM), and Educational Technology Specialist (NP) are embedded in the appropriate concentrations.

Endorsement and certification programs are responsive to changes mandated by the Michigan Department of Education. Students should consult the Graduate Programs website or their advisor for the most current information. Special announcements, such as changes in course scheduling, are sent to students’ university email accounts.

The Master of Arts Degree Program is designed to Offer Students:

Awareness of the unique characteristics and needs of diverse student populations in an urban setting
Understanding of principles of motivation and learning and how these translate into the classroom
Awareness of the historical, sociological, political, and philosophical factors that promote equal educational opportunity
Opportunity to examine school and classroom environments and to develop strategies that will both improve instruction in elementary and secondary school settings and enhance University/school partnership opportunities
Enhanced skills as instructional decision makers
Theoretical and practical information on both integrated and discipline-based curriculum models
Pedagogical-content knowledge necessary to make appropriate instructional decisions
Exposure to current research and theory in education
Knowledge and experience with a variety of educational research techniques
Opportunity to enhance multidisciplinary understandings through integrated and cross-discipline study

Department Mission and Program Assessment

The mission of the Education Department’s teacher education program is to prepare teachers and educational personnel who understand and value the disciplines they teach; comprehend psychological principals and variations of human development, behavior, and potential; recognize factors that promote equal educational opportunity; possess necessary pedagogical-content knowledge; discern ethical obligations; and can demonstrate their ability to use their knowledge in working with children. The program participates in the University-wide effort to assess its academic programs. Information on assessment plans, including goals, methods and outcomes is available at http://www.umflint.edu/assessment/.

Admission Requirements

The number of individuals admitted into the Master of Arts in Education program is limited. The application deadline for the MAC program is November 15 for the one-year full-time program beginning in Spring term, and March 15 for the two-year part-time program beginning in Fall semester. Application deadlines for the other concentration programs must be received by July 15 for Fall semester, by November 15 for Winter semester, by March 15 for Spring semester, and by May 15 for Summer semester. Admission is selective and is determined by the Education Department Graduate Committee. Applicants must meet the following requirements to apply for admission:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. (MAC students must have completed a bachelor’s degree with not less than 40 semester hours in a program of general or liberal education.)
A valid teaching certificate (not applicable to students applying to the MAC program). As noted in the descriptions which follow, for certain concentrations, individuals with unique expertise in the subject area may petition to have this requirement waived.
3.0 or higher undergraduate overall grade-point average based on a 4.0 scale.
Completion of an application form for the Master of Arts in Education (available in the Office of Graduate Programs, 251 FWTL). This application must be accompanied by:
- An official transcript from each college or university attended (for students applying to the MAC program, two official transcripts from the institution granting their bachelor’s degree and one from any other institutions attended).
- Three letters of recommendation
- A personal statement of purpose
- A copy of a currently held teaching certificate (certified teachers only)
- A $55 application fee
Application deadlines for all concentration programs (except MAC and the Global program) are accepted four times a year and must be received by July 15 for Fall semester, by November 15 for Winter semester, by March 15 for Spring semester, and by May 15 for summer semester.
For students applying to the MAC program:
- Completion of at least half the credit hours required for each teaching major and minor, with an undergraduate grade point average of 2.75 or higher (based on a 4.0 scale) in each major and minor at the time of application.
- A passing score on the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) in Basic Skills prior to admission. Conditional admission may be granted pending report of satisfactory test results.
- Effective Fall 2007, all students must undertake a criminal background check that includes fingerprinting prior to their admission. Students are responsible for any cost incurred for this requirement.

Transfer of Credit

Up to six (6) hours of graduate credit (which includes UM-Flint Graduate Extension) may be accepted for transfer into Master of Arts in Education programs. Students seeking to transfer credits that are not designated as program requirements or electives should contact the program director. (Students in the MAC program may not apply graduate transfer credits toward the requirements for the MA, but they may be used to fulfill the major/minor requirements.)

Grading System

See “Graduate Study ” for grading scale.

Academic Rules and Regulations

The Master of Arts in Education requires a minimum of 33 to 36 credits of coursework at the graduate level. The Early Childhood Education endorsement (ZA) requires 21 graduate credits. The MA with a Special Education concentration is 36 credits, of which lead to the endorsement. A second Special Education endorsement may be completed with a minimum of an additional 18 credits.

All graduate level courses are numbered 500 and higher and are open only to graduate students. Students must be formerly admitted to the concentration program for which they have completed the degree requirements to be recommended for graduation.

Contact the Office of Graduate Programs for further information concerning academic rules and regulations.