Education

Master of Education Concentrations in Middle/Secondary School Education

Middle/Secondary Graduate Coordinator:
Dr. Joshua U. Aisiku
508-929-8668
email: oaisiku@worcester.edu

The mission of the Middle/Secondary School Education Program at Worcester State College is governed by the commitment to produce Middle/Secondary School Teachers who are responsive to the developmental needs and special characteristics of adolescents. This commitment is expressed in programs which reflect basic Middle/Secondary School concepts: block scheduling, thematic and integrated curriculum organization, team planning and team teaching, cooperative learning, etc. The Middle/Secondary School programs are designed to prepare teachers for the special challenges of creating developmentally appropriate educational environments. Further, the Middle/Secondary programs are based on the conviction that a sound knowledge of subject matter is critical to effective teaching and that the ability to build connections among the seemingly discrete bodies of knowledge in the different subject areas of instruction is imperative. These programs equip teachers with the skills for translating subject-matter knowledge into appropriate and effective curriculum through an understanding and sensitivity to adolescents’ psychological and social developments, educational needs and learning styles. Students will guide their research according to their area of licensure.

1) Professional Licensure Track:
This program is designed primarily for teachers who hold a bachelor’s degree and an Initial License or its equivalent.
Prerequisites:

1. General Middle School applicants must have passed the Content Area MTEL in two areas.
2. Have either an Undergraduate or Graduate course in Adolescent Development/Psychology.

Secondary School Program Structure

I. Core Requirements:
ED 981 Advanced Foundations of Education 3 credits
ED 974 Curriculum Development and Innovations (Secondary School) 3 credits
ED 975 Assessment and Classroom Management in the Secondary School 3 credits
ED 963 The Understanding and Teaching of Culture 3 credits

II. Advanced Education Requirements:
ED 982 Research in Education 3 credits
ED 994 Thesis seminar 3 credits
ED 992 Portfolio 1 Credit

III. Content Area Requirements:
6 Courses in the Content Area Concentration. 18 credits
Total 37 credits

Middle School Program Structure

I. Core Requirements:
ED 981 Advanced Foundations of Education 3 credits
ED 958 Middle School Curriculum and Instruction: Strategies and Modifications 3 credits
ED 959 Assessment and Classroom Management in the Middle School 3 credits
ED 963 The Understanding and Teaching of Culture 3 credits

II. Advanced Education Requirements:
ED 982 Research in Education 3 credits
ED 994 Thesis Seminar 3 credits
ED 992 Portfolio 1 credit

III. Content Area Requirements:
6 Courses in the Content Area Concentration. General Middle School Candidates must take 3 courses in each of two areas. 18 credits
Total 37 credits

2) Professional Development (Non-Licensure) Track:
This program is designed for those students who wish to pursue a Masters Degree in Education but who do not wish Licensure in Massachusetts. Applicants must hold a Bachelors Degree from a regionally accredited institution or from a recognized foreign institution.

Prerequisites:
1. Hold a Bachelors Degree from a regionally accredited Institution or from a recognized foreign institution.
2. Have an undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or higher.

Program Structure

I. Core Requirements:
ED 981 Advanced Foundations of Education 3 credits
ED 982 Research Methods in Education 3 credits
ED 960 Educational Law 3 credits
ED 994 Thesis Seminar 3 credits