Education, M.A.

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The Master of Arts in Education program has been a vital part of Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus since 1989. The courses focus on providing students with the attitudes, skills, and knowledge to become better teachers and leaders in their classrooms, schools, and districts. Students examine educational theory and research and are guided through the development of applications to enhance their current educational practices. Students select a specialization area for deeper exploration of a content area or instruction.

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of the Master of Arts in Education program, graduates are expected to do the following:

Apply knowledge of child growth and development to plan an engaging learning environment.
Design and differentiate curriculum, instruction, and assessment to meet diverse learner needs.
Communicate and collaborate effectively and respectfully in a variety of modes in a range of situations.
Design effective classroom management strategies based on subject matter, relevant student information, and expectations of the school community.
Design effective assessments and analyze assessment data to monitor learning and increase achievement.
Evaluate studies and design research to evaluate educational practice.
Develop understanding of ethics and laws that apply to educational decision making.
Access current information to develop skills of critical and creative thinking, self-evaluation, and resilience to keep pace with a changing educational world.
Apply knowledge of subject matter and standards to align curriculum, instruction, and assessment.
Integrate the ethical and professional implications regarding the use of technology in the classroom as it aligns with equity in the classroom for all students.

Program Structure and Delivery

Students will complete at least 15 specialization credits followed by 18 credits of core courses. Three core credits may be transferred, with program director approval, if the content is equivalent. Cohorts select specializations from options designed specifically for the Master of Arts in Education program.

Classes are scheduled at locations in and near the seven-county metropolitan area, and in a number of locations outside the metropolitan area. Cohorts of 15-20 people attend classes at facilities near their workplace. Most class sessions are held in the late afternoon and early evening.

Courses are delivered in a blended format, integrating face-to-face classroom meetings and online activities or interactions in a planned, instructionally valuable manner. Students who possess the following skills benefit most from blended learning programs: good time management, the ability to work independently, strong written communications, and the ability to solve minor computer issues.

Degree Requirements

Specialization (choose one)	15 cr.
Culturally Responsive Teaching Curriculum and Instruction Gifted Inclusive Education
Core Courses	18 cr.
Total	33 cr.

Culturally Responsive Teaching Specialization: 15 cr.

Curriculum and Instruction Specialization: 15 cr.

Gifted Inclusive Education Specialization: 15 cr.

Core Courses: 18 cr.

Faculty

The faculty members for the Master of Arts Degree in Education program have earned doctorate, education specialist, or master degrees. Faculty members are selected for their combination of educational and professional experience and expertise.

Admission Requirements

Applicants may apply for admission to master’s degree programs at any time during the year. Applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution and maintained an overall grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale. Applicants must demonstrate the language proficiency necessary for successful graduate coursework. Applicants must complete an interview with a program administrator as part of the admission process.

Application Process

Applicants must submit the following:

Completed application form with the nonrefundable application fee (fee not required for alumni or students seeking readmission or veterans and active military personnel), and
An official transcript issued to Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota from the institution posting the applicant’s completed bachelor degree and other relevant transcripts documenting program prerequisites and potential transfer credits. (An official transcript is one that is sent to the university by the credit-granting institution. Transcripts from countries other than the U.S. must be evaluated by a university accepted evaluation source, such as World Education Services, Educational Credential Evaluators, Educational Perspectives, or One Earth International Credential Evaluators and be deemed equivalent to accredited U.S. university standards).
A reflective essay which includes the following:
1. brief description of the applicant’s background, training, and experience; and
2. statement indicating the career goals of the applicant and his or her reasons for seeking admission to the program; and
3. description of the areas the applicant considers to be his or her strengths and areas in which the applicant wishes to develop greater strengths and abilities; and
4. personal information the applicant wishes to share.
Letter(s) of recommendation that verify professional and/or volunteer experience and academic ability; and
A current résumé listing educational background and work experience.
Applicants with international transcripts may require an English language proficiency exam (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE or MELAB accepted.)

Please Note: Application materials should be sent to the attention of the Office of Admission on the Twin Cities campus.

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
Office of Admission
2500 Park Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55404

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