Teaching MS

Overview

The Teaching program provides students with the content, pedagogical background and experiences necessary for initial certification in elementary (Grades 1-6), secondary (Grades 7-12) (including biology, chemistry, English, mathematics, physics, and social studies) or PreK-12 (art, French, German, music, physical education and Spanish) education. The program has been evaluated and approved by the Maryland Higher Education Commission, the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education, and the Maryland State Department of Education.

The Teaching program embraces a rich combination of research based learning theory, effective teaching practices with significant public school experiences, opportunities for research within the public school setting, and encouragement to reflect upon classroom practice. National standards provide the basis for the pedagogical and content knowledge throughout the Teaching program.

Successful completion of the Teaching program will result in the candidate becoming eligible for initial teacher certification by the Maryland State Department of Education and the awarding of a Master of Science degree by McDaniel College.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants to the program must submit:

application for graduate study with non-refundable fee;
official transcripts verifying completion of an appropriate undergraduate degree from an accredited institution with a cumulative GPA of 2.75;
satisfactory interview with program coordinator;
three professional letters of recommendation

To begin the program, candidates must:

Complete a criminal background record check through fingerprinting and disclosures
Complete a program plan developed in consultation with the Program Coordinator

To continue past the foundation courses (EDU580/581), candidates must pass PRAXIS Core and satisfy one of the following requirements:

2.75 GPA in undergraduate content courses
Pass PRAXIS Core (or have achieved qualifying scores on the SAT, ACT, or GRE)

Certification Course Sequences

Pending transcript analysis by the Program Coordinator, additional content courses may be required for certification.

Elementary Sequence:

Course required from undergraduate studies: American History, Children’s Literature, Life Science and Physical Science (12 credits), Mathematics (9 credits), Child Psychology or Lifespan Psychology, and Issues in Inclusive Education.

Total Credit Hour Requirement: 45

Secondary Sequence:

Course requirements from undergraduate studies: Earned major in subject area of certification, an Adolescent Psychology or Lifespan Psychology course.

Choose the appropriate methods course and matching practicum for the intended area of certification:

Total Credit Hour Requirement: 35

PreK - 12 Sequence:

Course requirements from undergraduate studies: Earned major in subject area of certification, a Child and Adolescent Psychology course, or a Lifespan Psychology course.

Choose the two (2) appropriate methods courses and matching practicums for the intended area of certification:

Total Credit Hour Requirement: 35

Note:

A final standards-based portfolio: unit plan and action research project are certification and degree requirements. Praxis II test scores that meet MSDE minimum score is a certification and graduation requirement.

Individuals pursuing certification in physical education must take a fitness test at least twice during their teacher education preparation program and must agree to be committed to their own physical fitness.