Mar 28, 2024  
2012-2013 Graduate Catalogue 
    
2012-2013 Graduate Catalogue Archived Catalogue

Secondary Education, M.Ed.


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: -Watson College of Education

Graduate Coordinator, Secondary Education: Dr. Donyell Roseboro

Admission Requirements


Applicants seeking admission to the (M.Ed.) graduate program are required to submit the following to the Graduate School:

  1. An application for graduate admission
  2. Official copies of transcripts of all college work (undergraduate and graduate)
  3. Official scores on the Miller Analogies Test or the Graduate Record Exam
  4. Three recommendations by individuals in relevant professional fields (employers, professors, supervisors)
  5. A 2-3 page typed letter of application which includes a description of the applicant‘s professional goals, educational interests in pursuing graduate study, and philosophy of teaching.

The criteria for graduate admissions decisions include:

  1. A grade average of “B” in the undergraduate major
  2. Satisfactory scores on the Miller Analogies Test or the Graduate Record Exam
  3. Satisfactory letters of recommendation from appropriate references
  4. Satisfactory writing skills indicated by the letter of application

Admissions decisions are based upon several factors and where other indicators of success warrant, individuals who fall below the established criteria in one of the areas may be considered for admission.

In addition to the general requirements, applicants to the program in elementary education are required to hold, or be qualified to hold, North Carolina Class “A” teacher licensure in early childhood education, intermediate education, or elementary education. Applicants to the program in middle grades education are required to hold, or be qualified to hold, North Carolina Class “A” teacher licensure in middle grades education. Applicants to the language and literacy program are required to hold, or be qualified to hold, North Carolina Class “A” elementary, middle grades, special education or secondary teacher licensure. Applicants to the curriculum /instruction supervision program must hold, or be qualified to hold North Carolina class “A” teacher licensure in the area of curricular emphasis. Applicants to the secondary education program are required to hold, or be qualified to hold, North Carolina Class “A” teacher licensure in English, history, mathematics, Spanish, or science at the secondary level.

Under exceptional circumstances, individuals who do not hold the specified teaching credential may be admitted. Such exceptions may be made in cases of otherwise qualified applicants who are engaged in relevant professional roles not requiring teacher certification and who may profit professionally from the type of advanced study offered at this institution. Examples of applicants for whom exceptions are appropriate include community college administrators and teachers. In such instances, the programs may be modified appropriately. However, upon completion of the graduate program individuals admitted under such exceptions are not qualified for the institution‘s recommendation for North Carolina Board of Education instructional or administrative licensure.

Students who seek professional improvement or licensure renewal but do not intend to pursue a degree may register for graduate courses through procedures established for non–degree students. Those procedures are described in an earlier section of this catalogue. (NOTE: Licensure requirements change, and requirements must be adjusted to accommodate new mandated competencies and guidelines. Students should check with their advisors or the dean‘s office to keep informed of changes.)

Degree Requirements


The program leading to the Master of Education degree (M.Ed.) in secondary education provides advanced academic and professional study for individuals holding, or qualified to hold, North Carolina Class “A” secondary teacher licensure in one of the academic specialty fields included in the program. The 39-semester hour program is comprised of a core of professional studies designed to enhance the instructional decision-making skills of secondary teachers and a specialization track designed to enhance knowledge of subject matter, structure of the disciplines, and appropriate modes of inquiry. The M.Ed. in Secondary Education is offered in the following specialties: English, history, mathematics, science, and Spanish.

Based upon the view of the professional as a decision-maker and reflective practitioner, the program requires 18 semester hours of professional education courses, and 21 semester hours in the academic specialization.

II. Academic Specialization (21 hours) Courses must be approved by advisor


A. English


 21 semester hours are required including:

In addition

  • Students selecting a literature focus must select at least two courses in the study of literature which may include EDN 545 - Black Literature and Resources for Teachers  and other appropriate courses which develop multicultural awareness. Students may utilize the remaining semester hours to extend one or more of the following areas of interest: linguistics, writing, or literature, and courses which enhance pedagogical development and disciplinary content knowledge.

B. History


21 semester hours are required including:

In addition

  • one course each in United States, European, and Global history
  • nine hours of graduate electives in liberal studies, history or other social studies disciplines required.

C. Mathematics


21 semester hours are required. In consultation with advisors, students select 21 hours including:

D. Science


21 semester hours are required. In consultation with advisors, students will select 21 hours of graduate science coursework based upon previous academic preparation.

E. Spanish


Students must choose at least one Spanish-related and one Spanish American-related course from SPN 511 , SPN 512 , SPN 521 , and SPN 522 . A total of 3 credit hours may be accepted from SPN 591 .

Additional Spanish courses to be chosen from the following: (12 credit hours total)

Additional Information


Competence in appropriate inquiry procedures will be developed through the required course, EDL 523 - Research in Education , and other projects required in various courses. Culminating requirements include submission of a performance portfolio and an oral defense.

Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: -Watson College of Education