Middle Grades Education Specialization, M.Ed.

Graduate Coordinator, Middle Grades Education: Dr. Jeremy Hilburn

The M.Ed. with specialization in Middle Level Education provides advanced training for individuals holding, or qualified to hold, North Carolina Class “A” teacher licensure in at least one area of middle grades education (6‐9). The 33‐credit-hour program is comprised of three components: Professional core in which graduate candidates explore topics in research, curriculum, and diversity and their implications for middle level education; a focus area in which candidates conduct a deep investigation of issues related to middle level education; and a capstone experience that allows candidates to synthesize issues of middle level education. Based on the view of the professional as a decision‐maker, the specialization addresses the needs for conceptual and procedural bases for decision‐making and specific alternatives within the candidate’s anticipated area of professional practice.

Admission Requirements

Bachelor’s degree, earned from a regionally accredited institution, before graduate study begins.
Candidates must hold or be qualified to hold an initial Class “A” teacher license in at least one area of middle grades education (6‐9).
Official copies of transcripts of college work (graduate and undergraduate).
An undergraduate grade average of “B” (GPA = 3.0) or better is recommended.
Official scores on Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or Miller Analogies Test (MAT).
Three recommendations by individuals in relevant professional fields.
A letter of interest describing commitment to the teaching profession, prior experiences working with middle grades learners, prior experiences in schools, and philosophy of teaching and learning.
Application and supplemental documents must be submitted by the published deadline.

Degree Requirements (33 total credit hours)

Professional Core (9 credit hours required)

Curriculum (Choose one course from the following)
EDL 530 - Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Credits: 3
EDN 541 - The Role of Literature in Learning and the Curriculum Credits: 3
EDN 584 - Development of Language and Literacy Curriculum Credits: 3
EDL 574 - Action Research in Curriculum and Instruction Credits: 3
Research (Choose one course from the following)
EDL 523 - Research in Education Credits: 3
EDN 566 - Research in Literacy Education Credits: 3
HST 500 - Historiography and Methodology Credits: 3
Diversity (Choose one course from the following)
LIC 520 - Advanced Diverse Learners, 6-9 Credits: 3
EDN 509 - Education in a Multicultural Context Credits: 3

Content Option (18 credit hours required)

Interdisciplinary Studies (INST)

Interdisciplinary Studies provides a highly integrated exploration of education, which not only includes the study and role of teaching, but is specifically designed for highly motivated middle grades teachers who wish to deepen their understanding of the social, scientific, and humanistic dimension of teaching in the 21st century. Candidates may choose from among the following courses:

For Licensure in Language Arts:
ENG 500-599

For Licensure in Mathematics:
MAE 500-599

For Licensure in Science:
ANT 500-599
BIO 500-599
CHM 500-599
EVS 500-599

For Licensure in Social Studies:
ECN 500-599
GGY 500-599
HST 500-599
SOC 500-599

Education courses:
EDL 500-599
EDN 500-599
LIC 500-599

Program Emphasis (6 credit hours required)

EDN 549 - Middle School Education Credits: 3
EDN 595 - Special Topics in Education Credits: 1-4 (3 credit hours required)

Exit Criteria

A comprehensive presentation of graduate work to address NC Level “M” Licensure requirement.