Master of Science in Education - Teaching Methodologies

The Master of Science in Education - Concentration in Teaching Methodology Program is a 30-credit master’s degree encompassing 15 graduate credits that already are offered within the Teacher Certification Program (TCP) and an additional 15 credits that have been designated as core courses delivered on-line.  Please see admission requirements for the guidelines for admittance into the program. 

Program Goals

• Allow UNE post-baccalaureate teacher certification students to build on their graduate –level teacher certification courses to complete a master’ degree.
• Offer an innovative curriculum that presents the latest educational theories and the practical skills necessary to maximize performance and competency as professional educators.
• Enable teachers to complete academic work and degree studies in a time/place flexible manner utilizing primarily an online WebCT format.
• Establish a learning environment for teachers to become more reflective about their practice, and translate new insights into meaningful change.

Requirements for admission  

• A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution or its equivalent. See International Admissions for details regarding evaluation of international degrees for grade and degree equivalency.
• Minimum of one year teaching experience.
• Employed as a teacher or ability to access a classroom on a regular basis over an extended period of time.
• Strong writing skills, the capacity to succeed in a distance education format, and a commitment to educational change and professional development as evidenced by your goal statement submitted at the time of application.

UNE carefully assesses MSED applicants on the basis of evidence provided in all application materials submitted. Therefore, while a personal interview is not required, application materials submitted must be prepared thoroughly and thoughtfully for full consideration. Additional prerequisites to participate in one of the on-line Master of Science in Education programs include but may not be limited to:

• A sincere interest in continuing professional development as an educational leader.
• The potential to improve practice through application of new knowledge and skills.
• Current employment in an educational setting where you have regular access to an environment in which you can apply course concepts and strategies.
• The ability to pursue challenging online graduate study.
• Sufficient computer skills to navigate the worldwide web and effectively participate in an on-line program.
• Own or have regular access to a computer with internet connection and with the hardware and software requirements described on the MSED website. 
• Motivation to complete all course assignments in a satisfactory and timely manner.

PROCEDURES AND POLICIES

• Applications for admission are accepted through UNE’s online application only. Detailed instructions are included in the online application.
• Official transcripts for all colleges and universities attended, as well as other documents to support the application, must be submitted to the Office of Online Worldwide Learning, 716 Stevens Ave, Portland, ME, 04103
• Students are admitted to the MSED program six (6) times a year: Summer A & B, Fall A & B, Spring A & B.
• Applications received and completed by the respective deadlines will be given full consideration.  Applications submitted and/or completed after the deadline will be reviewed for the next available term.
• Admissions are rolling and decisions are made by the program admissions committee throughout the cycle.
• International applicants and applicants with international degrees must have their transcripts evaluated for degree and grade equivalency to that of a regionally accredited US institution.  See International Admissions.
• All applicants to UNE must be able to understand and communicate in English to be admitted to the university.  UNE accepts several methods of English Proficiency, see International Admissions.  English Proficiency requirement must be completed at the time of application.

For additional information on the admissions process and requirements, please access the MSED website

advanced standing/transfer credit/experiential credit

No transfer credit, advanced standing status, or credit for experiential learning is accepted into the on-line MSED programs. Full participation in the MSED curriculum is necessary to achieve the desired integration of theory and practice the program provides.

Policy exceptions

The Master of Science in Education program and the MSED Admissions Committee in collaboration with the Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions reserve the right to make exceptions to the admissions criteria and to make changes or exceptions to policies and procedures, on a case by case basis, when it deems such a decision is necessary and appropriate.

Only UNE TCP credits will transfer.

Minimal Grade Standard and Academic Progress

Students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B or better) with no less than a “C” in any course. Failure to maintain a GPA of 3.0 will result in academic probation and possible termination from the program. Students receiving a grade below a “C” in a course must repeat the course before continuing in the program.  If a student receives an “F” in any course he/she will be immediately placed on academic probation. This student must register and pass the failed course with grade of “C” or better before registering for any additional credits.  Unsuccessful completion (C- or below) of two courses will result in ineligibility to continue in the program.

If a student feels the grade is in error, the first step in the appeal process is to discuss the outcome with the course instructor.  If the issue is not resolved satisfactorily, the student should follow the grievance policy outlined in the program of study found on the website.

Courses 

This master's degree program is designed as a two-step program for candidates entering as non-certified teachers. 
 
First, the student will elect the elementary certification, the secondary certification program, or the art certification program and will complete the total credits that are needed to become licensed as a teacher (potentially 27 credits of coursework and 15 credits of internship for elementary certification students; 18 credits of coursework and 15 credits of internship for secondary certification and art education students). 
 
The concentration courses for the master's degree in teaching methodology will be comprised of 15 credits of these initial teacher certification courses within UNE's Teacher Certification Program. 
 
The remaining 15 credits are designed to be taken generally after the student has attained a teaching position, and entails the student enrolling in three to six credits of coursework per semester (fall, spring, summer).

Elementary Education

Secondary Art Certification

Course Titles and Suggested Sequence—Elementary Education

The first two years will be dedicated to the student attaining his/her initial teaching license. Only 15 of these credits (internship credit can not be used) will apply toward the master degree.

Course Titles and Suggested Sequence—Secondary in English, History, Mathematics, Life Sciences or Physical Sciences (7-12) or Art Education (K-12)

The first two years will be dedicated to the student attaining his/her initial teaching license. Fifteen of these credits will apply toward the master degree.

Nature of Field Experience 

Within each course in the concentration, there is an expectation of a minimum of 10-12 hours of fieldwork per class to meet the State of Maine's requirement of "early and on-going" clinical experiences in public school classrooms. The core courses are based in the classroom of the certified teacher.  

After completing the MSE program, students should be able to: 

1. address the full range of student motivation and differentiation issues encountered in today's school systems
2. analyze and conduct research relevant to their teaching or administrative interests
3. document professional development in the program via an electronic portfolio of course work
4. demonstrate a high degree of specialized knowledge and skills about their chosen concentration area
5. exhibit leadership in their classroom and/or school system
6. develop online collaborative relationships with peers 

Course Withdrawal Policy

The last date to withdraw from a course with no record is the first day of course. Students who withdraw from a course must do so in writing (e-mail is acceptable) by the end of the fourth week of the course.  Students will receive a “W” on their transcripts indicating withdrawal.  Beyond the fourth week, at the faculty’s discretion, a “WP” or “WF” may be assigned if extenuating circumstances do not allow the student to complete his/her work. Be aware that no portion of the tuition will be refunded after the second week of the course.

Dismissal from the Program

Termination from the Program will occur when the Graduate Coordinator and Chair of the Education Department become aware of one of the following:

• Surrender of a teacher license in any jurisdiction for disciplinary reasons.
• Documented academic dishonesty (Note this also includes course on-line postings and email communications with faculty and staff. Students are advised that their behavior while participating in the Program should exemplify the ethical behavior of a professional educator with respect to all communications.).
• Serious reservations identified on the Professional Performance Student Self-Assessment and Review instrument.
• Academic failure (see “Minimal Grade Standard and Academic Progress”).

Timeline for Completion/Leave of Absence

A student who has not completed the MSEd Program within three (3) years will be administratively withdrawn from the program and be required to apply for readmission. Students are required to take a course every term, otherwise they must request a Leave of Absence, or be withdrawn from the program.  Students may take a slightly reduced course load in any term if necessary. These arrangements are the responsibility of the student and must be communicated in writing to the graduate program coordinator.

Students may “stop out” for one term, if necessary, and take an additional term to complete the program. The required Request for Leave of Absence form must be filed with the MSEd office and the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences if this will be occurring.  Application for readmission is not necessary if the student returns as planned; however, the student who does not return at the specified time will be administratively withdrawn and will be subject to readmission procedures. Policy on leave of absence tuition credit is found in respective Financial Information sections of this catalog. Note: It is the responsibility of the student to contact the Dean's Office and  the Education Department to indicate change of plans.

Re-admission

Students who have withdrawn from the program, either self-initiated or administrative withdrawal, must reapply to the program if they wish to continue their studies. The application procedures, academic policies, and program requirements that are in effect at the time of readmission will apply.

Students who re-enroll following withdrawal will have their previous coursework evaluated for applicability to the existing academic requirements. Coursework that is more than five years old will not be accepted for credit in the  program.

Academic Honesty Policy

The University of New England regards academic integrity as an essential component to the educational process. Charges of academic dishonesty will be handled through the dean of the appropriate college. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to:

• Cheating, copying, or the offering or receiving of unauthorized assistance or information.
• Fabrication or falsification of data, results, or sources for papers or reports.
• Action that destroys or alters the work of another student.
• Multiple submission of the same paper or report for assignments in more than one course without permission of each instructor.
• Plagiarism, the appropriation of records, research materials, ideas, or the language of other persons or writers and the submission of them as one's own.

It is expected that students will accurately and correctly document all academic resources. APA format is the required style for citing sources and establishing a bibliography.

Documented instances of academic dishonesty will be reviewed by UNE administrators. Violation of the academic honesty policy will result in a grade of "F" being issued for the course involved. A student who has violated the academic honesty policy may also be dismissed from the program and the university.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.