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2025-2026 SGPP Catalog and Student Handbook
Education, M.A.
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Program Description
The Master of Arts in Education provides current and future teachers with a strong educational foundation including the most up-to-date content, strategies, and knowledge to lead in their classrooms, schools, districts, and communities. Contemporary learning theory relevant to the understanding of learners and learning communities is examined. Also examined are contemporary teaching strategies used for effectively facilitating positive learning environments. Students in the program identify professional teaching goals and develop strategies for furthering their education professions.
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 support student intellectual, social, and personal growth.
- Communicate and collaborate effectively and respectfully, including the use of instructional media and technology.
- Design instructional strategies to manage classrooms 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.
- Develop academic curricula which meet the diverse needs of all learners.
- 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.
- Develop strategies for facilitating socially and emotionally healthy learning environments.
Program Structure and Delivery
Learners can complete the standard M.A. in Education program, or one of three content specialization options. Students completing one of five approved graduate certificates in education also have the option of applying the certificate to the completion of the M.A. in Education program. Students completing any version of the program complete the same 15 core program credits. Six core credits may be transferred, with program director approval, if the content is equivalent. Courses are delivered in an online format.
Option 1: M.A. in Education (standard) - 30 credits
Option 2: M.A. in Education with specialization - 30 credits.
The M.A. in Education program provides options for adding a specialization track for International partnership program students, Educate Pathways students or Lasallian Education students:
- The Curriculum and Instruction Specialization is restricted to students enrolled in international partnership program initiatives. Students explore the theories and concepts of curriculum design, considering diverse student learning approaches and designing curriculum strategies which are aligned with organization goals. Effective instruction and communication strategies which facilitate collaborative learning environments are examined. Also examined are processes for evaluating and assessing learning outcomes.
- The Custom Specialization is for current or aspiring teachers or administrators seeking licensure in Wisconsin. Up to 12 of the 15 credits required for the specialization can be earned from Educate Pathways licensure courses and applied to the completion of Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota’s M.A. in Education program. Students must also complete the 15-credit core curriculum of the M.A. in Education program to complete the degree. Additional program outcomes for the Custom Specialization track includes:
- Apply administrative skills and best-practices required for Wisconsin teaching or Wisconsin education administrative state licensure.
- The Lasallian Education Specialization is for graduates of The Buttimer Institute of Lasallian Studies (Buttimer) and The Brother John Johnston Institute of Contemporary Lasallian Practice (JJI). Students who have completed Buttimer or JJI complete additional academic requirements earn 15 credits for their completion of the Buttimer or JJI programs. Students must also complete the 15-credit core curriculum of the M.A. in Education program to complete the degree. Additional program outcomes for the Lasallian Specialization track includes:
- Explore how Lasallian history, spirituality, and pedagogy influences contemporary Lasallian education practices.
- Apply the core principles of Lasallian education practice and philosophy to contemporary learning environments.
Students who select one of the 15-credit specialization options must also complete the 15-credit core curriculum of the M.A. in Education program.
Option 3: MA in Education with Graduate Certificates - 30 credits.
Students who have completed one of the following graduate certificates can apply the certificate toward the completion of the M.A. in Education degree:
Students who have completed one of the graduate certificates must also complete the 15-credit core curriculum of the M.A. in Education program to complete the degree.
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Degree Requirements
Option 1: M.A. in Education Option 2: M.A. in Education with Specializations: Option 3: M.A. in Education with a Graduate Certificate Student completing the select graduate certificates may complete the M.A. in Education core courses to receive a master’s degree. Options include: Faculty
The faculty members for the Master of Arts 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 may complete an interview with a program administrator as part of the admission process. Application Process
Applicants must submit: - Completed application form and,
- An official transcript issued to Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota from the institution posting the applicant’s completed bachelor’s 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 on a course by course basis by a university accepted evaluation service, 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). Evaluations from an approved member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES.org) will also be accepted.
Students with transcripts issued in the U.S. may be admitted without an official transcript. Students must provide an official transcript by the last day to add/drop classes in their first term of attendance. In cases where students are completing coursework while simultaneously applying for admission, students may be admitted with an in-progress transcript, and an official transcript posting final grades and, when appropriate, degree attainment, must be submitted before students are allowed to register for subsequent semesters. - Applicants with international transcripts may require an English language proficiency exam.
Please Note: Application materials should be sent to the attention of the Office of Admission on the Minneapolis Campus. Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
Office of Admission
2500 Park Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55404 |
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