The elementary education master's program offers students opportunities to explore current theories and teaching practices through active learning courses developed from research-based practice. Course work offers students instructional strategies for learner-centered classrooms, exploration of best practices through review of current literature, and application of learning through development of processes and products useful in the classroom. The master's program in elementary education prepares educators to develop curriculum materials, assessment tools and research designs. The master's degree in elementary education is a 36 hour program with 12 to 15 hours in a resource area required for the professional certificate. Degree requirements include 24 semester hours in the area of elementary education, with an additional 12 hour academic resource minor in any field outside elementary education, or a composite of such courses.
Most students elect to defend course portfolios for the exit examination.
A minimum grade point average of 3.0 on the last 60 undergraduate semester hours or a 2.8 GPA on all undergraduate work. The Department of Teacher Education and Administration requires that applicants have a minimum of 18 hours of education for unconditional admission. The program in Elementary Education requires that applicants have teacher certification. EDEE 5060 Advanced Studies in Elementary School Language Arts Electives 3 hours Three semester hours in any EDEE 5000 level course. Academic Resource Area 12 hours Four courses outside of Elementary Education.