Master of Science in Education

Secondary Education

Contact: Bruce Spitzer

Office: Wiekamp Hall (DW) 2248

Telephone: (574) 520-5074

Internet Address: baspitze@iusb.edu

 Program Objectives

The School of Education attempts to provide appropriate educational experiences for graduate students who are working for advanced degrees, for new teaching licenses, for transfer to other institutions, or for professional development in their fields. Applicants must indicate their goal on the application. The applicant can apply for only one degree at a time, although certification and professional development work may be included. If the applicant changes goals, a new application must be filed. Admission to one program does not assure admission to another.

Admission Procedures

Admission to specific programs may require additional steps as described in the program specific admission requirements and procedures section of this Campus Bulletin. All programs require the following steps:

1. File the application for admission to graduate study 0n-Line.  Applications may not be filed for the master’s degree program until all academic work has been completed for the student’s bachelor’s degree program. It is highly recommended an appointment be made with an academic advisor.

2. Obtain official transcripts from all institutions other than Indiana University where the applicant has taken courses previously.

3. Contact the Education Student Services Office to complete the admission process. A graduate advisor will prepare an initial degree program outline. The student and the advisor together will plan and periodically review the student’s program so that:

a. The mandatory program requirements are met.

b. The student will continually strengthen those areas which the student (or the advisor) believes are in need of strengthening.

4. A check or money order payable to Indiana University for the application fee.

5. Applicants must submit all materials to the Education Student Services Office, Greenlawn Hall 120, IU South Bend. The mailing address is:

Indiana University South Bend

School of Education

1700 Mishawaka Avenue

Post Office Box 7111

South Bend, Indiana 46634-7111

6. Your admission allows you to register for 6 credits (2 classes) during which you will be expected to submit all outstanding admission materials (i.e.. recommendation letters, transcripts, etc). 

7. Additional requirements may vary according to the individual programs.

8. International students wishing to enroll must submit the international student admission materials and the IU South Bend Master of Science in Education degree application to the IU South Bend Office of International Student Services. This must be done before they may be considered for admission to a graduate program. All students must present evidence of proficiency in English if their native language is not English. Applicants must score 550 or above on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) before they are eligible for unconditional admission.

9. Undergraduates who are in the final semester of an undergraduate degree program and who complete the requirements within that semester may be admitted to graduate study. Courses open to graduate students that will not be included as part of the undergraduate degree requirements may be taken during that semester and will count toward the higher degree. Failure to obtain the bachelor’s degree at the end of the semester will nullify graduate credit for the courses taken. The application previously submitted for graduate work may be validated by notification of receipt of the bachelor’s degree. All undergraduates must receive written permission from the advisor/counselor, School of Education, prior to enrolling in a graduate course.

Graduate Admission Requirements

An applicant who has met all admission requirements listed for the appropriate program may be admitted unconditionally. Enrollment in at least one course within two years of the date of admission is required to maintain admission status. If the student does not enroll during the two-year period, a new application is required. The following are required for admission into graduate degree programs beginning in May 2005:

• Applicants must have earned a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning with a 2.50 GPA or higher.

• Complete the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) and score at least 450 on the Verbal Reasoning and at least a 3.5 on the Analytical Writing section. Information can be found online at www.ets.org/gre .

• Meet all additional admissions requirements of the specific programs or divisions within the School of Education. Students must have admission approved by the program coordinator in such program or division.

• Complete a School of Education graduate admission form.

Secondary Education

• General application requirements and procedures as described in preceding section on admission.

• Approval of application by the Department Head of the program.

• Secondary students who have a combined undergraduate GPA or 3.0 or higher are not required to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). Students who have a combined undergraduate GPA of 2.5 to 2.99 need to complete the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) and score 450 on the Verbal Reasoning and at least a 3.5. on the Analytical Writing section. Students who have an combined undergraduate GPA of 2.49 or less, are not eligible for admission.      

Secondary Education with Certification

Students who have already completed a bachelor’s degree in a field outside of education and who then decide that they want to enter the field of teaching must complete a number of education courses, as well as remove other deficiencies in their area of specialization to obtain state certification.

This program allows candidates for teacher certification in secondary education who already have a bachelor’s degree in a different field to pursue state certification requirements, meet all of the School of Education’s professional undergraduate requirements, and meet the requirements for a master’s degree at the same time.

All required education courses for certification, except student teaching, are taken at the graduate level. If degree candidates have course deficiencies related to their teaching specialties, additional undergraduate courses may be required. The basic admission requirements for the Master of Science in Education, Secondary Education apply.

General Degree Requirements

Basic Requirements

• A student must be admitted unconditionally to graduate study, or, if allowed to enter conditionally, must remove the conditions satisfactorily within one year of admission. Enrollment in at least one course within two years of the date of unconditional admission is required to maintain admission status.

• A student must complete a minimum of 36 credit hours (55 credit hours in counseling and human services).

• A student may apply a maximum of 6 credit hours toward the degree gained through workshops and/or conferences that carry college credit. Credit acquired in activity courses or in work taken by correspondence will not apply toward degree requirements.

• Course work used to complete the requirements for a previous master’s degree will not be accepted as credit for the degree Master of Science in Education.

Completion of requirements for the degree Master of Science in Education does not necessarily mean that a student has met requirements for professional teaching, administrative, or supervisory certification. For current certification information, students must contact the Education Student Services Office.

Semester Load

Indiana University defines full-time status for graduate students as enrollment in a minimum of 8 credit hours per semester. Half-time status is enrollment in a minimum of 4 credit hours per semester.

Residence

The residence requirement for the degree Master of Science in Education at IU South Bend may be met by completion of at least 15 of the 36 credit hours on the IU South Bend campus.

Grade Point Average

Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 in all work to be eligible for the degree Master of Science in Education. An overall 2.5 cumulative GPA must be earned to meet certification requirements. Refer to undergraduate academic policies for other requirements that may apply to graduate students pursuing standard teacher certification programs at IU South Bend; then consult an advisor.

The School of Education at IU South Bend will not accept D grades earned at IU South Bend or at any institution for credit toward a graduate degree. No grade below C (2.0) will be accepted in the student’s concentration area(s) for any teacher certification program. The latter rule applies to various certification areas as follows:

—For students majoring in elementary education, this rule applies to professional education courses.

—For students majoring in secondary education, this rule applies to:

• Professional Education,

• Major (primary), and

• Minor (supporting) courses.

—For students majoring in special education, this rule applies to:

• Professional education, and

• Major courses.

Policy for Transfer of Course into Graduate Degree Programs

As of the fall 2005 semester, students seeking a graduate degree in the School of Education may request a transfer of a maximum of 12 credit hours of required courses from any institution, including IU South Bend, into School of Education graduate degree programs. Each program in the School of Education may further limit the number of transfer credit hours and specific courses that may be transferred. The transfer of all courses must be approved by the program coordinator or a designee. All courses transferred into graduate degree programs in the School of Education must have a grade of B or better.

Pass/Fail Option

Any graduate student may choose to be evaluated on a Pass/Fail basis (P/F) in any elective course, up to a maximum of four courses per degree program and not more than two courses in any calendar year. A Master of Science in Education degree candidate may not elect the Pass/Fail option for any of the credit hours required in the major, minor, or any area of certification.

A student choosing the Pass/Fail (P/F) option for an elective course must do so during the first three weeks of a regular semester or during the first two weeks of a summer session by processing the prescribed request in the Education Student Services Office. This election is not reversible.

Application for Graduate Degree

An application for a degree must be completed and filed six months before the degree is to be granted. The application is to be filed in the Education Student Services Office. Failure to file this application by the proper deadline may result in failure to graduate at the expected time. The responsibility for checking degree requirements rests with the student.

Retention in Graduate Study

• Students failing to maintain a B (3.0) average in all work taken after the bachelor’s degree will be placed on academic probation and so notified. If a student fails to remove the probationary status during the next enrollment period, the privilege of continuing in the School of Education may be denied. Students who have been dismissed from the School of Education are not eligible for recommendation for teaching or other licenses. Students who have been dismissed may appeal to the office of the dean if there are extenuating circumstances that may not have been considered.

• A student who has been admitted to the School of Education but denied admission to a particular program may not take any further work in that area of study unless the program agrees to the continued work.

• All work must be completed within six calendar years from the date of the receipt of a grade in the first course that is to be used toward the degree.

• All graduate students are expected to abide by all specific program policies. In addition to academic performance, IU South Bend's graduate students will be evaluated on the basis of their professional conduct and dispositions. Unsatisfactory professional conduct or unprofessional dispositions observed on the part of a graduate student in the School of Education in classes at IU South Bend or in field or clinical experiences, may result in that student's dismissal from the graduate program. Dispositions will be assessed as part of the Unit Assessment System. Also, a Letter of Concern will serve as documentation of concerns related to professional conduct or dispositions. School of Education procedures will be followed when documenting concerns about dispositions with a letter of concern. Letter of Concern procedures are described in detail in this Campus Bulletin on page 86.

NOTE: Electronic mail (e-mail) is the official means of communication with students at IU South Bend. A student’s failure to receive or read official university communications sent to the student’s official e-mail address does not absolve the student from knowing and complying with the content of the official communication. It is recommended that students check e-mail messages at least once a day. Students will be made aware of program changes via e-mail sent to their university address.

Secondary Education

Master of Science in Education, Secondary

Students entering the graduate secondary education master’s degree program at IU South Bend are primarily practicing professionals in the field of secondary (middle school and high school) education. The goal of our program is to support them as professionals and foster a commitment to acquire and use professional knowledge, skills, and dispositions to prepare them for the future.

The candidate for the Master of Science in Education, Secondary degree will require a minimum of 36 credit hours of graduate courses in the content area, in professional education, and in research; including a capstone research project during their last two semesters. For an application or advising information, including specific course work, please contact the IU South Bend School of Education Student Services Office to make an appointment with the graduate advisor.

Graduate Certification Students

Graduate students interested in completing a license in secondary education will be advised on an individual basis. Students must complete an application for admission to the graduate licensure program. After completing an application, students should arrange for an appointment to meet with an academic advisor. In most cases, students will need a transcript from their undergraduate degree program and from all other postbaccalaureate programs in order to plan an appropriate course of study with an advisor.

Admission Requirements

• General application requirements and procedures as described in preceding section on admission.

• Approval of application by the director of the secondary education program.

Program Requirements

(All courses are 3 cr. hours unless otherwise designated.)

Block I (21 cr.)

EDUC-H 520 Education and Social Issues

EDUC-K xxx Exceptional Learner in the Secondary School

EDUC-P 503 Introduction to Research

EDUC-P 507 Assessment in the Schools

EDUC-P 516 Adolescent Behavior and Development

EDUC-R 503 Application of Instructional Media and Technology

One of the following:

EDUC-S 503 Secondary School Curriculum

EDUC-S 530 Junior High and Middle School Curriculum

Block II–Elective Focus (15 cr.)

EDUC-S 591 Research Project in Secondary Education

Students choose a focus area and select 12 credit hours of elective courses

xxx = course under development

Secondary Education with Certification

(for students with a non-education bachelor’s degree)

Students who have already completed a bachelor’s degree in a field outside of education and who then decide that they want to enter the field of teaching must complete a number of education courses, as well as remove other deficiencies in their area of specialization to obtain state certification.

This program allows candidates for teacher certification in secondary education who already have a bachelor’s degree in a different field to pursue state certification requirements, to meet all of the School of Education’s professional undergraduate requirements, and to meet the requirements for a master’s degree at the same time.

This program is for students who already possess a bachelor’s degree in a field outside of education and who want to obtain an Indiana teaching license. If the individual has deficiencies in the content area, additional courses may be required.

Students should make an appointment with an advisor in the Education Student Services Office, Greenlawn Hall 120, for an evaluation.

(All courses are 3 cr. hours unless otherwise designated.)

Block I–Professional Education/Foundations (21 cr.)

EDUC-H 520 Education and Social Issues

EDUC-K 505 Introduction to Special Education for Graduate Students

EDUC-M 501 Laboratory/Field Experience

EDUC-P 507 Assessment in the Schools

EDUC-P 510 Psychology in Teaching

EDUC-R 503 Application of Instructional Media and Technology

EDUC-S 512 Workshop in Secondary Education

One of the following:

EDUC-S 503 Secondary School Curriculum

EDUC-S 530 Junior High and Middle School Curriculum

Block II–Pedagogical Content/Advanced Methods Courses/Student Teaching (30 cr.)

EDUC-K xxx Exceptional Learner in the Secondary School

EDUC-M 401 Laboratory/Field Experience (0-1 cr.) (to accompany advanced methods class)

EDUC-M 451 Student Teaching in the Junior High/Middle School

EDUC-M 480 Student Teaching in the Secondary School

EDUC-P 475 Adolescent Development and Classroom Management

EDUC-P 503 Introduction to Research

EDUC-S 514 Advanced Study in the Teaching of Reading in the Junior High and Secondary School

EDUC-S 591 Research Project in Secondary Education

One of the following:

EDUC-S 516 Advanced Study in the Teaching of Secondary School English Language Arts

EDUC-S 517 Advanced Study in the Teaching of Secondary School Mathematics

EDUC-S 518 Advanced Study in the Teaching of Secondary School Science

EDUC-S 519 Advanced Study in the Teaching of Secondary School Social Studies

EDUC-S 520 Advanced Study in the Teaching of Foreign Language

xxx = course under development

Master of Science in Education, Secondary with Reading Certification

(All courses are 3 cr. hours unless otherwise designated.)

Block I–Foundations (18 cr.)

EDUC-H 520 Education and Social Issues

EDUC-P 516 Adolescent Behavior and Development

EDUC-P 507 Assessment in the Schools

EDUC-P 503 Introduction to Research

EDUC-S 591 Research Project in Secondary Education (taken at end of program)

One of the following:

EDUC-S 503 Secondary School Curriculum

EDUC-S 530 Junior High and Middle School Curriculum

Block II–Pedagogical Content Courses (18 cr.)

EDUC-S 514 Advanced Study in the Teaching of Reading in the Junior High and Secondary School

EDUC-X 501 Critical Reading in the Content Areas

EDUC-X 504 Diagnosis of Reading Difficulties in the Classroom

EDUC-X 525 Practicum in Reading

One of the following:

ENG-L 376 Literature for Adolescents

EDUC-L 533 Library Materials for Children and Young Adults

One of the following:

EDUC-X 502 Sociological, Psychological, and Linguistic Perspectives on Reading and Language

ENG-G 552 Linguistics and the Teacher of English (4 cr.)

Graduate Certification in Secondary Education

The purpose of this program is to allow candidates who already have a bachelor’s degree to obtain a state teaching license. The program is structured to meet all of the School of Education’s professional education requirements (approximately 43 credit hours) and allows the candidate to meet the requirements of a Master of Science in Education degree concurrently. Secondary graduate certification candidates must complete a number of education courses as well as any relevant additional courses in their area of specialization to obtain state licensure. Successful graduates will obtain state licensure for the middle school (early adolescence) and high school (adolescent/young adult) settings in one or more of the following content areas corresponding with the existing bachelor’s degree:

• Mathematics

• English

• Foreign Language (French or Spanish)

• Social Studies (student selects three areas from the following six options: historical perspectives, government and citizenship, geographical perspectives, economics, psychology, and sociology)

• Science (student selects one or more areas from the following: life science, earth/space science, physical science, physics, chemistry, or life and earth/space science)

Students may also add the following areas to any of the above content areas:

• English as a New Language (pending approval)

• Reading

• Special Education–Mild Interventions

Students will also have the option of earning a master’s degree by completing several additional courses, including a capstone research project. For specific courses and advising information, students should contact the School of Education Student Services Office to speak with the graduate advisor.

New Program Pending

A program for a Master of Science in Education, Secondary with a certification in English as a New Language is pending approval. Students should check with the Education Student Services Office if interested in this area of study.

                 For specific degree requirements for admission into the program click here.