Master of Science in Education (M.S.Ed.)

(30 credits)

The Master of Science in Education–STEM is a graduate professional degree designed for teachers. The purpose of this program is to strengthen the knowledge and skills required for effective teaching with an infusion of STEM Education. STEM is a burgeoning, integrated subject-area, which pK-12 teachers of all content-areas and grade levels may tap into to appropriately prepare students to be 21st century learners and professionals. Through the program, certified teachers are also provided with a pathway to the #047 Technology Education cross-endorsement.

The program meets the Connecticut law that to qualify for a professional educator certificate, a person who holds or has held a provisional educator certificate must obtain a master’s degree in an appropriate subject matter area

The program includes instruction in leadership skills with the goal of enabling completers of this degree to become STEM leaders among their colleagues in the districts and schools where they teach. The program stresses the importance of seeking out, understanding, and applying insights from current educational research, with the fundamental goal of improving instruction for all students. The program culminates with students writing a grant to bring a specific STEM technology/pedagogy to their classroom.

Upon completing the program of study in STEM Education, students will:

• Know and discuss educational matters within an ethical framework.
• Acquire skills needed to teach STEM concepts effectively.
• Demonstrate the pedagogical skills necessary for leading students to the awareness that all STEM content areas are connected and interdependent.
• Demonstrate the ability to collect and analyze assessment data for the purpose of informing student learning.
• Demonstrate the ability to recognize and to conduct valid educational research for the purpose of writing a grant.
• Master the ability to recognize differences among students, including learning and cultural differences, and to provide differentiated STEM-based instruction that enables all students to learn.
• Demonstrate skills necessary for leading others to effective STEM curriculum development and application.

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from a nationally or regionally accredited institution approved by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

• Minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.7.

• Demonstration of strong written and oral communication skills.
• Personal interview.
• Proficiency in the business application of personal computers.
• Valid Connecticut teaching certificate or eligibility for Connecticut teacher certification. (Applicants who are not certified may request a waiver indicating reasons for the request.)
• For non-native English-speakers, a minimum score of 550 paper-based, 80 internet-based, or 213 computer-based on the Test of English as a Foreign Language .
• Proof of immunization in accordance with Connecticut state requirements.
• Applicants intending to use VA benefits submit a copy of their certificate of eligibility to a school certifying official.

The applicant must submit:

• • Official transcripts from all nationally and regionally accredited degree-granting institutions, approved by the USDE or CHEA, attended.

• • An essay (of 500-600 words, double-spaced) on their professional career interests, reasons for entering the program and expectations of the program. See the application for specific instructions.
  • Three letters of recommendation, including a character reference, and at least one academic reference. (If currently teaching, a reference from a supervising administrator is encouraged.)
  • Resume or C.V.

Tuition and Fees

Costs vary by graduate program; please consult https://www.albertus.edu/admission-aid/business-office/accelerated-degree-program/graduate-tuition-fees.php.

• Application Fee: $50.00
• Tutorial Surcharge: $500.00 (for student requested tutorial)

• Thesis Continuation Fee: $250.00 per registration period (within seven years of matriculation) until completion of the thesis.

Fees and rates are subject to change.

Accreditation

Albertus Magnus College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

The Master of Science in Education is accredited by the State of Connecticut Office of Higher Education.

Program Format

Classes are offered in an accelerated degree format, which consists of five, eight-week modules during the calendar year. All classes are fully online.

Academic Advisement

Admitted students are assigned a faculty advisor, typically the program director. Together the student and advisor will develop a program of study. Throughout the program the advisor will assist students with course planning, registration and regular academic review.

Course Load

Students may register for no more than 6 credits per mod.

Graduation Requirements

• Completion of all requirements within seven years of matriculation, including completion of the capstone course.
•  Minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0.
•  Minimum grade in each course of 2.0.
• Payment of all tuition and fees.

Graduation with Honors

Master’s degree candidates who have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.90 or above and a grade of “A” in all components of the final project/capstone course/thesis are awarded honors and will have the notation included on their transcript and diploma.

PROGRAM OF STUDY

Education, M.S. - STEM

REQUIRED CORE (15 credits)

ED 501 - Maps of Education: Tracing the Roots of Contemporary Public Education
ED 503 - Capstone Research Practicum I
ED 512 - Foundations of Blended, Remote & Online Learning
ED 604 - Engaging Diverse Audiences
ED 623 - Gamification and Learner Motivation

CONCENTRATION REQUIREMENTS (15 credits)

ED 510 - Curriculum and Methods of STEM
ED 607 - Principles of Technology/STEM and Assessment
ED 628 - Techniques for Accessibility and Inclusion
ED 677 - Leadership in STEM
ED 680 - Capstone Research Practicum II