WCSU Graduate Catalog 2023-2024 : SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN EDUCATION

Master of Science in Education

Offering an Option for Certified Teachers in Elementary and Secondary Education

Instructional Technology – THIS PROGRAM WILL NOT BEING TAKING APPLICATIONS AT THIS TIME.

John Caruso, Graduate Coordinator, WH 319 Phone: (203) 837-8517
carusoj@wcsu.edu
Therese Richardson, Department Secretary, WH 321 Phone: (203) 837-8510
richardsont@wcsu.edu
Fax: (203) 837-8413

 

Faculty:  A. Brewer, T. Canada, J. Caruso, M. Daria, M. Delcourt, N. DeRonck, S. Kuhn, D. Mariotti, C. O’Callaghan, J. Piro, K. Roe, T. Stewart. 

 

Program Overview and Mission

Western’s M.S. in Education degree program enhances and develops careers in teaching. The program maintains professional relationships with the broader educational community and is committed to the continuous support and development of cooperative projects and services with area schools. The M.S. in Education program empowers students to attain the highest standards of academic achievement, personal development, and ethical conduct. 

Goals, Objectives and Learning Outcomes of the MSED in Curriculum Program

The goals, objectives and learning outcomes of WCSU’s MSED in Curriculum program are varied and to the professional development of classroom educators and for the improvement of student achievement. The program is designed to prepare K-12 educators to:

A. The program will prepare educators who demonstrate academic competence in their selected option:

  1. Investigate curriculum theory and associated research as these apply to classroom practices directed toward the improvement of instruction as indicated by the design of curriculum, website, or grant in the capstone project.

B. Graduates of this program will value and infuse diversity:

  1. Expand his or her professional knowledge base regarding the education and development of exceptional, gifted, talented, and disabled students in a regular classroom as indicated by the creation of a research proposal that impacts learning for the diverse classroom.
  2. Accurately assess and analyze student learning, reflecting on adjustments needed for both instruction and assessment as indicated by the measuring student learning project.

C. The program will prepare educators who demonstrate a spirit of inquiry, the use of critical thinking skills, and the habits of the reflective practitioner;

  1. Demonstrate the ability to be a consumer of information and a producer of educational research through the use of inquiry, critical analysis, and synthesis as indicated by the investigation of a selected research project.

Admission Requirements

Applicants who wish to be admitted to the M.S. programs in teacher education must submit the following materials to the Office of Graduate Admissions:

  1. Application for admission to the Office of Graduate Admissions and a $50 application fee. Online application: https://www.wcsu.edu/graduate/application/
  2. One official transcript mailed (not hand-delivered) to the Office of Graduate Admissions from each college or university previously attended, including all earned grades and degree. (For initial nonmatriculating enrollment, an unofficial transcript indicating a 3.0 undergraduate grade point average (GPA) or higher and the baccalaureate degree will suffice.)
  3. A copy of a valid teaching certificate in elementary and/or secondary education
  4. Evidence of an earned baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher education
  5. After all of the materials indicated above have been submitted, the applicant should contact the program coordinator for an interview

Graduate students in the M.S. programs must complete the requirements for the degree within the six-year period immediately preceding the awarding of the degree.

New-York-State-certified teachers must check with the New York State Education Department to determine if a Western Connecticut State University graduate program meets New York State certification requirements.

Program Entry Interviews and Academic Planning

Each candidate must meet with the M.S. graduate coordinator to discuss and plan the academic program. Course-sequencing suggestions will be provided at that time.

LiveText License Requirement

All candidates who enter degree or certificate programs in Education and Educational Psychology at Western Connecticut State University are required to purchase a LiveText license before or during the first week of class. LiveText is part of Western’s assessment system and essential for continuous accreditation. Information about purchasing the license is at this link: www.livetext.com.  If you have questions, please contact Dr. Catherine O’Callaghan, E&EP Chair, ocallaghanc@wcsu.edu.

Degree Requirements: Option in Instructional Technology (noncertification)

The objective of the instructional technology option is to expand the professional knowledge base of teachers regarding the use of instructional and information technology in the classroom. A minimum of 30 semester hours is required for the M.S. in Education degree, including the requirements for the nonthesis or thesis approach. The culmination of the program includes completion of a three-semester hour capstone project (ED 592). This program does not currently lead to certification in technology.

Master of Science in Education: Option in Instructional Technology (noncertification)    

Professional Education Requirements (12 SH)  Course Rotation
ED 500 Contemporary Educational Issues 3 SH Every Spring
EPY 505 Measurement and Evaluation 3 SH Every Fall
ED 501 Introduction to Educational Research 3 SH Every Spring
ED 592 Capstone Project in Education 3 SH Every Spring
   
Option Courses (select 12 SH)
ED 532 Computer Literacy in Education 3 SH Every other Fall
ED 556 Curriculum Development Using Instructional Technology 3 SH Every other Fall
ED 557 Computers in Special Education 3 SH Every other Spring
ED 558 Online Learning 3 SH Every other Spring
ED 559 Gaming and Computer Simulations 3 SH Every other Spring
   
Electives 6 SH Summer or Student Discretion
Up to 3 SH of elective graduate credits may be taken outside of the E&EP Department.  
Intersession courses (ED 733) should only apply as graduate electives.