Education, M.A.

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

Master of Arts in Education

REACH to Teach: Accelerated Master of Arts in Education with Secondary Teacher Licensure Program

Master of Arts in Education with Concentrations in:

Curriculum and Instruction
Educational Technology
Literacy Internship
Multiple Intelligences—Theory to Practice
Reading and Language – Elementary
Reading and Language – Secondary
Research-based Learning Interventions

Program Outcomes for the Master of Arts in Education

The student will:

Be a critical thinker and effective problem solver who is concerned with the social, emotional, and intellectual issues of all children and adolescents in contemporary educational settings
Apply advanced pedagogy in curriculum, instruction, and assessment to engage all students in reaching their potential as people and as learners.
Develop the capacity to influence and advance positive change for students, professionals, and the profession in a complex global society.

Acceptance Requirements for the Master of Arts Degree

Graduate admission application and nonrefundable admission fee
A conferred bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
A minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.5; cumulative GPA of 3.0 for REACH to Teach
Two sealed official transcripts of all undergraduate work and any prior graduate work
Two letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to the candidate’s suitability to work with children and families. The cover form for these letters is available on the University website. 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
Immunization record using the University of Saint Joseph Health Services form available on the USJ website
A planned program of study developed by the candidate and the faculty advisor, approved by the Dean of the School of Education.

There are additional requirements for acceptance into a Graduate Teacher Licensure Program.

Continuation Requirements for the Master of Arts Degree

Completion of the first six graduate credits with a grade of B or better is required for continuation in a program in the School of Education. Only courses with a B or better at any point in the program will be accepted as graduate work. After the first six credits, a course with less than a B may be repeated only one time.

Exit Requirements for the Master of Arts Degree

Eligible candidates for the Master of Arts degree take a comprehensive exam in February or July. The application for the comprehensive exam is available from the School of Education and the School of Graduate and Professional Studies. 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 indicated due date.

Program Coursework for Master of Arts Degree Concentrations

The Master of Arts degree in Education features a set of core courses, a concentration area, and electives. All degree options are planned in consultation with program faculty. Core and concentration courses must be taken at the University of Saint Joseph.

Degree requirements (30 credits)

A. Core requirements for all concentrations (6 credits)

EDUC 515 - Educational Research 3 Credits

Plus one of the following courses (3 credits):

EDUC 511 - Educational Issues: Contemporary & Historical Perspectives 3 Credits
OR
EDUC 587 - Public School Law 3 Credits

B. Concentration courses (9 credits); courses may not be chosen from the candidate’s individual Teacher Licensure Program

C. Elective courses (15 credits); teacher licensure candidates may use 15 credits from coursework in teacher licensure program.

D. Comprehensive examination after the completion of all coursework

Course Selections by Concentration Area

Literacy Internship

The Literacy Internship is for licensed teachers. Selected interns, with a minimum GPA of 3.25, receive 15-30 credits of coursework plus a stipend in exchange for working within a school district as a reading tutor for one to two years. The program places an emphasis on developing candidates’ reading intervention skills. This program is directed by the Teacher Licensure Officer.

To view Literacy Internship Program requirements.