Master of Science in Education
The Master of Science in Education program is designed for experienced teachers and education professionals who want to become experts in curriculum, teaching, and learning so they can be leaders in their schools, districts, and communities. The flexible online format will meet busy professionals’ needs within their schedule and time demands. The MSEd faculty care about their students and care about making education better for all!
Start your program anytime, anywhere!
credits required
Program Details
Overview
Designed for:
The MSEd program option is intended for teachers and other education professionals who want to enhance their understanding of theory and practice. Students engage in evidence based decision-making, critical, innovative, and creative thinking, and problem solving as they apply to a professional education context. The MSEd program is open both to licensed educators and those who are not licensed but have an interest in pursuing one or more areas of education. The MSEd program does not lead to a teaching license. (The Master of Arts in Teaching does.)
Where this degree can take you:
- Enhancing of Teaching P-12
- Prominent leadership roles in the field of education
- Preparation for doctoral programs
- Education related positions in government, nonprofits, recreation, environmental education centers, and museums
To start, you need:
- A bachelor’s degree
- Background or Interest in Education
Finishing will take:
- 5-6 terms for full time students; 2-3 years for part-time students, but varies on individual timelines
- 45 credits
- A master’s culminating experience (e.g. professional project, thesis, portfolio)
Begin your Master of Science in Education program:
Next term
Where you will take classes:
- Online/distance fall, winter, spring, and summer
Technology you will need:
- Computer with internet connection
MSED content majors offered:
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Early Childhood Education
- Elementary Mathematics Specialist (K-8)
- English for Speakers of Other Languages
- Interdisciplinary Professional Studies
- Literacy Education
- Reading
- STEM Education
What you will learn:
The Master of Science in Education (MS in Ed) degree provides a critical, advanced, and intellectually rigorous curriculum in which education professionals can advance their knowledge of the teaching/learning process, demonstrate an exemplary level of competence in all aspects of teaching, increase their knowledge of content information and materials, and show their commitment to professional excellence and leadership in education. The MSEd degree responds to the well documented need to develop a cadre of professional educators who demonstrate advanced knowledge in standards-based education and who are capable of assisting others to reach the professional level of teaching. Responsibilities of master teachers go beyond the typical classroom as they are called upon to design and implement new programs and work in collaborative settings.
Learning outcomes:
- Effectively apply the professional content expertise, knowledge, skills, and dispositions of their education profession.
- Use research and evidence to develop environments that support and assess learning and their own professional practice.
- Show commitment to and develop professional education leadership attributes.
Application Requirements
Deadlines and key dates:
- You may apply to the program any term.
Graduate Student Assistant Positions are a form of student employment, earning a compensation package including both salary and tuition remission for the performance of research or teaching services to the University as part of a student’s academic and professional training and development. If you are interested in applying for a Graduate Assistant Position, please apply for this position no later than February 1st for priority processing.
Detailed application requirements
Application materials required for WOU Graduate admission:
- Application Fee $60
- Transcripts
- You can upload an unofficial copy of your transcript to complete your application for admission. We will require an official transcript from the Colleges or Universities you have attended for formal admission. Save as PDF with your first and last name in time from all previous colleges.
- Transcripts are used as Evidence of completion of a four-year baccalaureate degree (or international equivalent) from regionally accredited institution as defined by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars, with a cumulative B average (equivalent 3.00 on a U.S. 4.00 grading scale) on the most recent baccalaureate degree. Applicants who hold a master’s degree will have the 3.0 GPA requirement waived. Students with less than 3.0 can also provide passing MAT/GRE scores to be fully admitted.
Application materials for MS in Education program:
- Current Resume
- Save as PDF with your first and last name in title.
- Personal Statement
- Please provide a brief statement explaining your interest in a graduate degree in education, the content specialty area you are interested in pursuing, and how it will help you meet your current and/or future professional goals.
- Professional Characteristics Form
- Review the professional characteristics document and upload.
Process: You will be notified via email regarding acceptance status of your complete application. A complete program application includes your current resume, professional statement, professional characteristics form, and all transcripts. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. You will be notified via email if you are missing any application components.
Curriculum
Master of Science in Education curriculum overview:
The Master of Science in Education curriculum builds on educators’ teaching skills and professional excellence by expanding their practical and theoretical knowledge of the teaching/learning process, increasing their knowledge of content information and materials, and showing their commitment to professional excellence and leadership.
The MS in Ed curriculum arc has three strands. The first strand is the Education Core. This builds on and develops educators’ understanding of educational theories, practices, research, ethics, and professional best practices.
The second strand is the content core. Students use the content core to focus on their area of interest and develop a rich understanding and exposure to the material as well as gain valuable experience working with content scholars.
The third strand is the capstone. For the capstone, students may opt for advanced professional specialty proficiency documentation or work with faculty on a professional project or thesis. Non-licensed teachers have the option of participating in comprehensive exams.
Your plan of study:
Once admitted to the Master of Science in Education, you will work with an advisor to plan the courses you will take and how you will complete the academic requirements of the program. By filing your Program Plan (all program plans are provided), you have a road map for completing your degree and clarity on what to expect.
Catalog Description
[Link to program plans] [Link to real time class availability] [Course Rotation PDF]
Professional Education Core
All MSEd students complete this core
- Computer Science Education Credits: 3
- ED 632 Cultural, Social and Philosophical Issues in Education Credits: 3
- ED 633 Educational Research Credits: 3
- ED 636 Leadership and Policy in a Diverse Society Credits: 3
Choose One
- ED 610 Unmasking the Adult Learner: Adult Education from Training to Empowered Possibility Credits: 3
- ED 611 Theories of Teaching and Learning Credits: 3
Elective Credits: 3-6
- MSEd students have 3-6 credits of electives, depending on their advanced specialty core. Electives are selected in consultation with their advanced specialty advisor.
Advanced Specialty Core Credits: 18-24
Students in the Masters of Science in Education program will complete 18-24 credits of coursework in a selected content area. Students may continue graduate-level work in their academic areas or additional endorsement courses may be added.
Students seeking to complete a new endorsement within the 18 credit portion of the program are required to complete a 90-clock-hour practicum in the appropriate preparation level or endorsement. Endorsements are offered in ESOL and Reading and are described in the endorsement section.
Select one content/specialty core:
Exit Evaluation Requirement
Students must complete a culminating experience in order to receive their degree. Options for completing the culminating experience exit requirement are listed in the specialty core.
Faculty
CARMEN CACEDA
Professor, Education & Leadership
503-838-8409 | cacedac@wou.edu | RWEC 222
MARIA DANTAS-WHITNEY
Professor, Education & Leadership
503-838-8636 | dantasm@wou.edu | RWEC 223
MARIE LEJEUNE
Interim Associate Dean/Professor, Education & Leadership
503-838-8450 | lejeunem@wou.edu | RWEC 217
JOSHUA SCHULZE
Associate Professor, ESOL and Bilingual, , Education & Leadership
503-838-9285 | schulzejm@wou.edu | RWEC 221
Designed for:
The MSEd program option is intended for teachers and other education professionals who want to enhance their understanding of theory and practice. Students engage in evidence based decision-making, critical, innovative, and creative thinking, and problem solving as they apply to a professional education context. The MSEd program is open both to licensed educators and those who are not licensed but have an interest in pursuing one or more areas of education. The MSEd program does not lead to a teaching license. (The Master of Arts in Teaching does.)
Where this degree can take you:
- Enhancing of Teaching P-12
- Prominent leadership roles in the field of education
- Preparation for doctoral programs
- Education related positions in government, nonprofits, recreation, environmental education centers, and museums
To start, you need:
- A bachelor’s degree
- Background or Interest in Education
Finishing will take:
- 5-6 terms for full time students; 2-3 years for part-time students, but varies on individual timelines
- 45 credits
- A master’s culminating experience (e.g. professional project, thesis, portfolio)
Begin your Master of Science in Education program:
Next term
Where you will take classes:
- Online/distance fall, winter, spring, and summer
Technology you will need:
- Computer with internet connection
MSED content majors offered:
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Early Childhood Education
- Elementary Mathematics Specialist (K-8)
- English for Speakers of Other Languages
- Interdisciplinary Professional Studies
- Literacy Education
- Reading
- STEM Education
What you will learn:
The Master of Science in Education (MS in Ed) degree provides a critical, advanced, and intellectually rigorous curriculum in which education professionals can advance their knowledge of the teaching/learning process, demonstrate an exemplary level of competence in all aspects of teaching, increase their knowledge of content information and materials, and show their commitment to professional excellence and leadership in education. The MSEd degree responds to the well documented need to develop a cadre of professional educators who demonstrate advanced knowledge in standards-based education and who are capable of assisting others to reach the professional level of teaching. Responsibilities of master teachers go beyond the typical classroom as they are called upon to design and implement new programs and work in collaborative settings.
Learning outcomes:
- Effectively apply the professional content expertise, knowledge, skills, and dispositions of their education profession.
- Use research and evidence to develop environments that support and assess learning and their own professional practice.
- Show commitment to and develop professional education leadership attributes.
Deadlines and key dates:
- You may apply to the program any term.
Graduate Student Assistant Positions are a form of student employment, earning a compensation package including both salary and tuition remission for the performance of research or teaching services to the University as part of a student’s academic and professional training and development. If you are interested in applying for a Graduate Assistant Position, please apply for this position no later than February 1st for priority processing.
Detailed application requirements
Application materials required for WOU Graduate admission:
- Application Fee $60
- Transcripts
- You can upload an unofficial copy of your transcript to complete your application for admission. We will require an official transcript from the Colleges or Universities you have attended for formal admission. Save as PDF with your first and last name in time from all previous colleges.
- Transcripts are used as Evidence of completion of a four-year baccalaureate degree (or international equivalent) from regionally accredited institution as defined by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars, with a cumulative B average (equivalent 3.00 on a U.S. 4.00 grading scale) on the most recent baccalaureate degree. Applicants who hold a master’s degree will have the 3.0 GPA requirement waived. Students with less than 3.0 can also provide passing MAT/GRE scores to be fully admitted.
Application materials for MS in Education program:
- Current Resume
- Save as PDF with your first and last name in title.
- Personal Statement
- Please provide a brief statement explaining your interest in a graduate degree in education, the content specialty area you are interested in pursuing, and how it will help you meet your current and/or future professional goals.
- Professional Characteristics Form
- Review the professional characteristics document and upload.
Process: You will be notified via email regarding acceptance status of your complete application. A complete program application includes your current resume, professional statement, professional characteristics form, and all transcripts. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. You will be notified via email if you are missing any application components.
Master of Science in Education curriculum overview:
The Master of Science in Education curriculum builds on educators’ teaching skills and professional excellence by expanding their practical and theoretical knowledge of the teaching/learning process, increasing their knowledge of content information and materials, and showing their commitment to professional excellence and leadership.
The MS in Ed curriculum arc has three strands. The first strand is the Education Core. This builds on and develops educators’ understanding of educational theories, practices, research, ethics, and professional best practices.
The second strand is the content core. Students use the content core to focus on their area of interest and develop a rich understanding and exposure to the material as well as gain valuable experience working with content scholars.
The third strand is the capstone. For the capstone, students may opt for advanced professional specialty proficiency documentation or work with faculty on a professional project or thesis. Non-licensed teachers have the option of participating in comprehensive exams.
Your plan of study:
Once admitted to Master of Science in Education, you will work with an advisor to plan the courses you will take and how you will complete the academic requirements of the program. By filing your Program Plan (all program plans are provided), you have a road map for completing your degree and clarity on what to expect.
Catalog Description
[Link to program plans] [Link to real time class availability] [Course Rotation PDF]
Professional Education Core
All MSEd students complete this core
- Computer Science Education Credits: 3
- ED 632 Cultural, Social and Philosophical Issues in Education Credits: 3
- ED 633 Educational Research Credits: 3
- ED 636 Leadership and Policy in a Diverse Society Credits: 3
Choose One
- ED 610 Unmasking the Adult Learner: Adult Education from Training to Empowered Possibility Credits: 3
- ED 611 Theories of Teaching and Learning Credits: 3
Elective Credits: 3-6
- MSEd students have 3-6 credits of electives, depending on their advanced specialty core. Electives are selected in consultation with their advanced specialty advisor.
Advanced Specialty Core Credits: 18-24
Students in the Masters of Science in Education program will complete 18-24 credits of coursework in a selected content area. Students may continue graduate-level work in their academic areas or additional endorsement courses may be added.
Students seeking to complete a new endorsement within the 18 credit portion of the program are required to complete a 90-clock-hour practicum in the appropriate preparation level or endorsement. Endorsements are offered in ESOL and Reading and are described in the endorsement section.
Select one content/specialty core:
Exit Evaluation Requirement
Students must complete a culminating experience in order to receive their degree. Options for completing the culminating experience exit requirement are listed in the specialty core.
CARMEN CACEDA
Professor, Education & Leadership
503-838-8409 | cacedac@wou.edu | RWEC 222
MARIA DANTAS-WHITNEY
Professor, Education & Leadership
503-838-8636 | dantasm@wou.edu | RWEC 223
MARIE LEJEUNE
Interim Associate Dean/Professor, Education & Leadership
503-838-8450 | lejeunem@wou.edu | RWEC 217
JOSHUA SCHULZE
Associate Professor, ESOL and Bilingual, , Education & Leadership
503-838-9285 | schulzejm@wou.edu | RWEC 221
