Ready for you
Earn IU Degree with a small campus sense of community, plus a cost you can afford!
Explore over 25 programs, talk to us about your ideas and options, and take the next step towards your future.
Master of Science in Education
30 Credits
The Master of Science in Education degree program is designed to provide extended study and development of teacher scholars and researchers. Highly effective practices in pedagogy and assessment guide a program built on the core propositions of the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). We work with teachers to ensure that they are presented with opportunities to collaborate and grow professionally.
Five Core Propositions for National Board of Professional Teaching Standards
- Teachers are committed to students and their learning.
- Teachers know the subjects they teach and how to teach those subjects to students.
- Teachers are responsible for managing and monitoring student learning.
- Teachers think systematically about their practice and learn from experience.
- Teaches are members of learning communities.
Teaching is a multifaceted and constantly evolving profession, so teachers require this support and collaboration with their colleagues to become seasoned and effective educators. The School of Education believes that the commitment teachers hold to their profession requires an educator to be a life-long learner.
The professional judgment and skillsets that teachers develop is unique from one individual to the next. Thus, the Master of Science. program allows students to choose a specific area of focus for their graduate program, or they can choose a generalist approach. This focus can be within K-12, higher education, or other instructional settings.
Areas of specialization include:
- Reading
- Special Education
- Early Childhood Education
The School of Education looks forward to collaborating, challenging, and supporting your growth as a professional educator.
This program is part of the School of Education.
Degree Requirements
The Master of Science in Education program is based on the extended study and development of teacher scholars. Best practices in pedagogy and assessment guide a program built on the core propositions of the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). We work to ensure that teachers are presented with the opportunities to collaborate and grow as scholars and professionals.
Phase 1-Foundations of Effective Practices
The first component of the program is focused on foundations coursework. You will examine and analyze current prevailing practice regarding what is most effective and efficient in the way of programs, curriculum, strategies and practice.
Foundations Coursework
- EDUC-J 500, Instruction in the Context of Curriculum (3 credits)
- EDUC-P 507, Planning and Assessment (3 credits)
- EDUC-H 520, Social Issues in Education (3 credits)
- EDUC-Y 520, Strategies for Educational Inquiry (3 credits)
Phase 2-Area of Focus/Specialization
The second component, through which you earn up to 18 credits, combines your analysis of professional practice in your classroom and school with courses you select based on your professional development objectives. You will have the opportunity to research and share the practices you find most effective in your classroom. Students have the option of choosing from a variety of courses that will meet their professional/classroom needs. Additionally, we also offer the following optional specialization areas:
Online Teaching and Assessment (12 hours required)
- EDUC-R 505, Instructional Media Applications
- EDUC-P 507, Planning and Assessment
- EDUC-W 520, Instructional Technology
- EDUC-R 503, Application of Instructional Media and Technology
Reading (12 hours required)
- EDUC-L 559, Tradebooks in the Classroom
- EDUC-L 504, Diagnosing Reading Difficulties
- EDUC-L 501, Reading in the Content Area
- Special Topics
- Approved ENG courses
- Reading Practicum
Special Education (15 hours required)
- EDUC-K 500 or 505, Intro to SPED (not required if equivalent coursework has been taken)
- EDUC-K 520, Classroom Behavior and Management
- EDUC-K 525, Teaching Methods
- EDUC-K 535, Intellectual Disabilities (mild and moderate)
- EDUC-K 563, Diag. & Remediation of Learning Disabilities
- EDUC-K 595, Field Experience
Early Childhood Education (15 hours)
- EDUC-E 501, Emergent Literacy
- EDUC-E 506, Curriculum in Early Childhood Education
- EDUC-E 507, Evaluation of Classroom Behavior
- EDUC-E 508, Seminar in Early Childhood Education
- EDUC-E 525, Advanced Curriculum Study in ECE
How to Apply
The Master's of Science in Education is a selective admissions program. No single admission component will exclude admissions, with the exception of the requirement of a Bachelors' degree from an accredited institution. Each candidate must submit an admission portfolio documenting their professional dispositions and potential. No incomplete application portfolio will be considered for admission. The Admissions Rubrics are included in this packet. The following are required components of the admissions portfolio:
Completed Application Form
Apply to IU East as a degree-seeking graduate student. Learn how to apply.
Signed and Sealed Letters of Recommendation
Two letters documenting teacher dispositions, teaching potential, and leadership potential. Letters should be written by persons with personal knowledge of the candidate's work with students and teaching colleagues. Two additional letters (not required) from other sources may be submitted, in addition to the professional references. Sealed letters may be submitted in the Admission Portfolio. References desiring to communicate directly with the Director of Graduate Studies in Education may do so.
Professional Objective Statement
Clear and concise statement of professional objectives. Include relevant information regarding background, professional experience. Specifically focus, in detail, on professional development objectives. This statement must be included in the Admission Portfolio. Limit document to 500-750 words. Professional writing skills are an expectation for this program.
Professional Resume
Program applicants should include a current resume.
Documentation of professional dispositions and potential
Selected by the candidate and included in the Application Portfolio. Examples of appropriate documentation would include, but not be limited to; original lesson plans, units or curriculum written by the candidate, evidence of community involvement, evidence of leadership or initiative in the teaching community, evidence of commitment to diverse learners, and evidence of engaging instruction. Each document should be accompanied by an explanation detailing why the document is included.
Transcripts
Official transcripts of all academic work must be submitted. Transcripts should be sent from the institution to the Director of Graduate Studies in Education at the Richmond campus. Graduate work completed at the time of application will be taken into account when determining academic competence. Transcripts of any post baccalaureate work should be submitted in addition to the undergraduate transcripts. Minimally, applicants must have a Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
Personal Interview
An interview will be completed with the Graduate Admissions and Retention Committee, or designee. The interview will take place after the submission of the Admission Portfolio. The interview will be scored on a rubric and submitted with the portfolio to the Graduate Admissions and Retention Committee.
The above admissions components will be scored on the admissions rubric by the Graduate Admissions and Retention Committee. This committee will be composed of university faculty.