Early Childhood Education/Special Education, M.A.T.

Program Outcomes

Students will:

• Be critical thinkers and effective problem solvers who are concerned with the social, emotional, and intellectual issues of young children in the contemporary educational setting
• Apply advanced pedagogy in child development, curriculum, instruction, and assessment to engage young students in reaching their potential as individuals and as learners
• Develop the capacity to influence and advance positive change for young children and the profession of early childhood education in a complex global society
• Encourage development of collaborative relationships among all adults and agencies responsible for the appropriate emotional, social and cognitive development of young children

Acceptance Requirements

1. Graduate admission application and nonrefundable admission fee
2. A conferred bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
3. A minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.5; cumulative GPA of 2.67 for teacher licensure
4. Two sealed official transcripts of all undergraduate work and any prior graduate work
5. Two letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to the candidate’s suitability as a prospective teacher or to work with children and families, accompanied by the cover form. Note: Recommendations must be obtained from individuals who are not family members, personal friends or members of the School of Education at the University of Saint Joseph.
6. Immunization record using the USJ Health Service form available on the University website
7. A planned program of study developed by the candidate and the faculty advisor, approved by the chair of the Department of Education

Continuation Requirements

Students must earn a grade of B or better in their first attempt in their first two classes to remain in the program. They must earn a B or better in all courses for continuous progression throughout the program.

Exit Requirements

Eligible candidates for the master of arts degree take a comprehensive exam in March or July or complete an Early Childhood Special Education Portfolio that can be submitted in fall, spring or summer. The exam/portfolio is taken or handed in after completion of all coursework. The application for the comprehensive exam is available from the School of Education. It is the candidate’s responsibility to obtain his/her faculty advisor’s signature and to submit the application to the office manager of the School of Education by the due date.