Overview
Program Coordinator: Steve Johnson
Program Delivery Format: Online (Hybrid delivery, mix of online and in-person, is available for School Partnership cohorts), 8-week sessions.
Total Credits: 33
Average Completion Time: 24 months
Admission: Fall, Spring and Summer (two admission options each semester, six entry points a year)
For more information contact:
Graduate Admissions: Crystal Perry, Assistant Director, Graduate Enrollment Management
cperry@mcdaniel.edu
(410) 857-2516
McDaniel Graduate and Professional Studies - gpsadvising@mcdaniel.edu or 410.857.2500.
This program is designed for certified teachers who are seeking to improve teaching and learning, both in and out of the classroom. This master’s degree offers graduate students the opportunity to design an individual curriculum plan that is best aligned with the student’s professional goals. Candidates will work directly with the program coordinator to design a plan of study which will include the selection of a focus area which will uitilze courses from McDaniel’s existing graduate programs.
Admissions Requirements
Candidates must submit:
- Application for graduate study (online) here.
- Official transcripts conferring bachelor’s degree (minimum of 3.00 GPA*) from an accredited institution; graduate transcripts if applicable.
- Copy of a Teaching Certificate - Maryland State Department of Education Standard Professional Certificate (SPC I or SPC II). Students with Professional Eligibility Certification or evidence of completion of teacher preparation program and passing Praxis II scores can be accepted in lieu of teacher certification. Teachers who hold a license or certification from states outside of Maryland must also provide a copy of their teaching certificate. Students holding provisional or conditional teacher certification would not be eligible for this program. Provisional or conditional certificate holders should discuss program options with the Graduate and Professional Studies office.
Please note: Students who have a 2.75 to 2.99 GPA may be admitted provisionally and will be required to maintain a 3.0 GPA in the first 9-12 credit hours. Students with less than a 2.75 GPA will be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis for provisional admission but may be required to provide additional documentation and/or participate in an interview. Admission may also come with additional conditions.
This program does not lead to initial teacher certification. Students wishing to pursue initial teacher certification should consider the MS in Teaching, MS in Special Education or MS in Education of the Deaf programs.
Elementary/Secondary Program Degree Requirements: 33 credits
The Elementary and Secondary programs are designed for teachers holding initial licensure in the respective content area who are seeking a master’s degree that provides an opportunity for a self-designed curriculum which will meet a student’s professional goals. Students are required to take two core courses (6 credits), 24 credits within a self-designed curriculum, and a 3-credit capstone. Students are encouraged to select one area of focus as part of the self-designed curriculum.
Core Courses: (6 credits)
Foundation Courses: 24 credits
Students will be required to meet with the program coordinator to develop an approved plan of study. Candidates are encouraged to select at least one area of focus from McDaniel’s current graduate programs. Below is a list of suggested focus areas, some of which can lead to a post-baccalaureate certificate and/or MSDE endorsement in a specialty area. Please note that the total required self designed credit requirement is 24 credits, not including the capstone or internship requirement.
Focus Area Options:
- Administrator I Certificate (18 credits ) (PBC)*
- Data Analytics (15 credits) (PBC)
- Equity and Excellence in Education (15 credits) (PBC)
- Elementary Math Instructional Leadership ( 21 credits)*
- Gifted and Talented Education Specialist (18 credits) (PBC)*
- Innovations in Teaching and Learning (15 credits)
- Learning Technologies Specialist (15 credits) (PBC)
- STEM Instructional Leadership (18 credits) (PBC)*
- TESOL Praxis Prep Course Series (15 credits)*
- Writing for Children and Young Adults (15 credits)
Candidates should schedule a meeting with the program coordinator upon initial admission to develop their individual program of study.
Capstone: 3 credits
Students are required to complete the capstone course as part of the degree requirements for this program. However, students who choose a focus area which leads to post-bachelor’s certificate and/or MSDE endorsement eligibility may have a required internship associated with the endorsement or post-bachelor’s certificate program. In this case, the internship will replace the capstone requirement. It is important to meet with the Program Coordinator to develop a study plan that includes the appropriate capstone option.
State Authorization
McDaniel is an approved institutional member of the National Council of State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (NC-SARA). Membership in SARA is intended to make it easier for students to take online courses/programs offered by postsecondary institutions based in another state. For more information about SARA, including the states currently participating in the agreement, visit http://www.nc.sara.org.
SARA membership allows McDaniel to accept and deliver our programs/courses online to students in 49 States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Students who reside in California, currently the only state not a member of SARA, should contact the admissions office prior to application to verify if you are eligible to participate in the online program of interest.
For more information about state authorization requirements and complaint resolution, visit https://www.mcdaniel.edu/academics/graduate-professional-studies/state-authorization-requirements-complaints-resolution
