2010-2011 UNK Graduate Catalog/ Teacher Education Program Information

Teacher Education Program Information and Admission Requirements

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Curriculum and Instruction - Master of Arts in Education Degree
Reading PK-12 - Master of Arts in Education Degree
Special Education - Master of Arts in Education Degree
Instructional Technology - Master of Science in Education Degree
- Instructional Technology Module
- Library Media Module
TE Courses
TEMO Courses
TESE Courses
Department of Teacher Education

Degrees Offered

Master of Arts in Education
- Curriculum and Instruction
  - Early Childhood Education Concentration
  - Elementary Education Concentration
  - Reading/Special Education Concentration
  - English as a Second Language Concentration
  - Secondary Education Concentration
  - Instructional Effectiveness Concentration
- Reading PK-12 (Includes Nebraska Endorsement)
- Special Education
  - Gifted Emphasis (Includes Nebraska Endorsement)
  - Advanced Practitioner Emphasis (Selected Nebraska Endorsements Possible)
  - Mild/Moderate Emphasis (Used for Initial Certification. Includes Nebraska Endorsement)
Master of Science in Education
- Instructional Technology
  - Instructional Technology Module
  - Library Media Module (Includes Nebraska Endorsement)

Four Master's degrees are available within the Department of Teacher Education, each with selected emphasis areas (see descriptions below). The degrees require the same four core classes covering the areas of research, democracy, diversity, and technology in accordance with the renewed focus of the College of Education. All programs are 36 credit hours; however, additional hours may be needed for state certification in some endorsement areas.

Admission requirements include GPA and either the Graduate Record Examination or a Professional Biography. Some degrees also require references and teacher certification. Contact individual programs within the Department for specifics. For information about assistantships, contact the Graduate Program Chair.

Curriculum and Instruction

The Master of Arts in Education - Curriculum and Instruction degree is designed to provide educators with an opportunity for gaining knowledge and skill in the design, development and evaluation of school curriculum. In addition, this degree is intended to assist the classroom practitioner in gaining greater expertise in a chosen instructional specialization or endorsement area. Instructional specialization could include, but is not limited to, focus areas such as art, elementary education, English as a Second Language, mathematics, political science, social sciences, and a variety of other topics and endorsements.

Reading

The Master of Arts in Education - Reading degree satisfies the academic requirements for professional certification and an additional endorsement in reading. The current endorsement track includes PK-12.

Special Education

The Master of Arts in Education - Special Education degree offers the three emphasis areas described below: Advanced Practitioner, Gifted Education, and Mild/Moderate Disabilities.

Advanced Practitioner is designed to extend the expertise of educators with a teaching credential in one or more areas of special education. In addition to advanced work in the special education core, students may emphasize in assistive technology, behavior disorders, learning disabilities, or secondary/transition. Nebraska endorsement is currently available in behavior disorders and learning disabilities, and may require a small number of additional classes.
Gifted Education is designed to prepare educators with the knowledge base and competencies necessary for the appropriate education of gifted and talented learners. It includes the 18 hours necessary for the state Supplementary Endorsement in Gifted Education.
Mild/Moderate Disabilities is designed to lead to initial certification in special education. This applies to teachers certified in a field of education other than special education. Completion of the undergraduate professional sequence is required in addition to the Master's classes for individuals who do not have degree in education.

Instructional Technology

The Master of Science in Education - Instructional Technology prepares graduates for careers in either business or education. In education, instructional technologists are building or district-wide technology resource personnel. They provide or assist with technology-related professional development, strategic planning components, trans-curricular integration of technology, improvement of instruction, coordinating and developing technology-oriented curricula plans, and instructional delivery. Instructional Technologists in the business world focus on designing and developing instruction, job aids, training aids, consulting, and similar training related issues. Instructional Technologists are involved with all instructional aspects of technology and related areas.

Successful completion of a comprehensive examination/project is required of all degree-seeking students prior to graduation. There are three parts: 1) program examination/project, 2) departmental examination, and 3) College of Education survey of Desired Outcomes. Contact your adviser at least one semester in advance of your planned graduation. Additionally, you must apply for graduation in the first few weeks of the semester in which you intend to graduate even if you will not attend.