M.A. in Education

The College of Saint Elizabeth offers the Master of Arts in Education and Certification Programs approved by the NJ State Department of Education in Elementary Education (K-5), Secondary Education (K-12), and Special Education (Teacher of Students with Disabilities). The Master's degree can also be earned by combining initial certification and an endorsement certification.

Program Philosophy

The graduate degree program in education offered by the College of Saint Elizabeth prepares education professionals to assume leadership roles in meeting the challenges of educational settings that represent current cultural, social, technological, economic, learning and health factors, and global concerns. In this program, the teacher is viewed as the central professional to bring the needed human/social services to children and families in an integrative manner. Professional educators are prepared to effectuate alliances between school and community settings to meet the comprehensive needs of children and their families.

Graduates are expected to emerge as empowered leaders who act with responsibility and accountability; this enhancement of their professional role should result in increased commitment and extraordinary practice.

Program Goals

The goals of the program are to:

  • Provide the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skill necessary to address the diverse academic, cultural, social, technological, economic, and health needs of students in educational settings.
  • Provide the opportunity to acquire applied research skills, with an emphasis on technology.
  • Enable participants to become familiar with best practices in education as documented in the professional literature.
  • Prepare professional leaders who will serve in a variety of roles which bridge the school with community agencies, and to guide change in those settings.
  • Equip professional educators to utilize technology in educational settings.
  • Provide opportunities for teachers to advance in the profession to leadership roles in the schools.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must:

  • Be certified professional educators.
  • Have completed a baccalaureate degree with a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
  • Complete a personal written statement.
  • Submit two letters of recommendation.
  • Submit official transcripts from all colleges attended.

Program Description

The M.A. in Education program is a sequenced program (minimum of 38 credits) that allows students to choose from two areas.

M.A. in Education with an Emphasis in Special Education

ED620Introduction to Assistive Technology

3

ED623Assistive Technology Reading & Writing

3

ED625Assistive Technology for Individuals with Multiple Disabilities

3

ED627Assistive Technology Assessment

3

ED629Clinical Practice in Assistive Technology

3

ED659Behavioral Management of Students with Severe Special Needs

3

ED665Nature & Needs of Students with Educational Disabilities

3

ED671Curriculum, Instruction & Special Materials

3

ED675Community Agencies

3

ED677Action Research in Special Education

3

ED681Field Experience in Educational Technology

3

MC626Ethical Issues

3

PSY619Psychological Issues for Special Needs Population

3

M.A. in Education with Initial Certification

This M.A. degree allows students who complete our initial Teacher Certification program (ACT 1) to matriculate into an M.A. program by selecting one of the other ACT choices. The options for this M.A. with Initial Certification are outlined below:

Option A (38 credits):

Completion of ACT 1 (22 credits) along with Early Childhood Endorsement (10 credits) plus 6 credits in Ethical Issues and Action Research

Option B (46 credits):

Completion of ACT 1 (22 credits) along with Teacher of Students with Disabilities Endorsement (21 credits) and an Ethical Issues Course (3 credits)

Admission Requirements

  • Successful completion (3.25 GPA) of initial certification program
  • Two recommendations from College faculty
  • Passing score on relevant Praxis exams
  • Personal Interview and written goal statement