Overview
Program Coordinator: Steve Johnson
Program Delivery Format: Online, 8-week sessions
Total Credits: 33
Average Completion Time: 24 months
Admission Cycle: Fall, Spring and Summer (two admission options each semester, six entry points a year)
Admissions Contact: Crystal Perry, Assistant Director, Graduate Enrollment Management (cperry@mcdaniel.edu | 410-386-4833)
GPS Student Support Liaisons: gpsadvising@mcdaniel.edu | 410-857-2500
This program is designed for licensed 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 to include the selection of a focus area which will utilize courses from McDaniel’s existing graduate programs.
Admissions Requirements
Applicants to the program must:
- Complete an application for graduate study
- Submit official bachelor’s degree transcripts (minimum of 3.00 GPA*) from an accredited institution; graduate transcripts if applicable.
- Provide a copy of a teaching license or evidence of completion of a teacher preparation program and passing Praxis II content scores in lieu of teacher certification. Teachers who hold a license from states outside of Maryland must also provide a copy of their teaching license. Candidates 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 2.75-2.99 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 licensure. Students wishing to pursue initial teacher licensure should consider the MS in Teaching, MS in Special Education or MS in Education of the Deaf programs.
International Students:
This program is delivered online and as a result does not meet the federal regulations for international students to study in the US. If you are a US citizen living outside of the US, you should contact gps@mcdaniel.edu to discuss your eligibility for admission to this program.
Elementary/Secondary Program Degree Requirements: 33 credits
The Elementary and Secondary programs are designed for teachers holding initial licensure in a 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 specialty license*. 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 (PBC)*
- Equity and Excellence in Education (PBC)
- Elementary Math Instructional Leadership
- Generalist
- Gifted and Talented Education Specialist (PBC)*
- Innovations in Teaching and Learning
- Learning Technologies Specialist (PBC)*
- Special Education*
- STEM Instructional Leadership (PBC)*
- TESOL Praxis Prep Course Series
- Writing for Children and Young Adults
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 specialty license eligibility may have a required internship associated with the licensure 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
Professional Licensure
Requirements for professional licensure in fields such as accounting, education, counseling, nursing, psychology, and social work vary from state to state. McDaniel’s academic programs are designed to meet Maryland’s licensure requirements and may not meet requirements from other states. Before beginning any academic program that leads to licensure, McDaniel highly recommends that you contact the appropriate state licensing board where you wish to seek licensure to determine whether the program you are considering will meet that state’s licensing requirements. You may also contact McDaniel College’s Professional Licensure Representative at gps@mcdaniel.edu to inquire.
For more important information regarding professional licensure , please review our Professional Licensure webpage.
Students who complete this program and choose a focus area which leads to Maryland specialty licensure will be required to meet all Maryland-specific requirements in addition to completing this Maryland approved program. The requirements may include but are not limited to any of the following:
- Additional coursework
- Passing scores on content specific exams (i.e. - Praxis II content test)
- Teaching experience
- Payment of application or processing fees
More information about Maryland State Department of Education requirements can be found at https://marylandpublicschools.org
