Master of Science in Education
Accreditation
All programs at the ³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ are accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
Curricular Requirements
The Master of Science in Education
³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ allows students to customize their program by choosing electives from different topic areas in education such as curriculum, literacy, educational leadership, and inclusion for teachers looking to advance their careers in education.
Contact your state’s Department of Education for specific certification requirements.
| Program Required Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| EDU 610 — Differentiation Theory & Strategies | 3 |
| EDU 620 — Ethical Responsibilities in Today's Education Systems | 3 |
| EDU 625 — Developing a Framework for Diversity and Inclusion | 3 |
| EDU 690 — Action Research | 3 |
| EDU 695 — Portfolio | 3 |
| Five (5) Program Specific Electives | 15 |
| Minimum Total Required Credits | 30 |
|---|
Program Specific Electives
| Elective Options | Credits |
|---|---|
| EDU 600 — Teacher as Leader | 3 |
| EDU 615 — Motivational Theory and Class Management | 3 |
| EDU 631 — Transforming Curriculum for Online Learning | 3 |
| EDU 632 — Enhancing Online Student Engagement | 3 |
| EDU 633 — Assessment Approaches in Online Courses | 3 |
| EDU 634 — Navigating an Online Learning Ecosystem | 3 |
| EDU 635 — Advanced Elements of Learning Experience Design | 3 |
| EDU 650 — Design Thinking for Organizational Innovation | 3 |
| EDU 701 — Educational Leadership | 3 |
| EDU 702 — School Law | 3 |
| EDU 703 — Educational Change/School Reform | 3 |
| EDU 704 — Supervision and Evaluation of Instructional Personnel | 3 |
| EDU 706 — School-Community Relations and Communications | 3 |
| EDU 707 — Instructional Leadership | 3 |
| EDU 709 — School Finance | 3 |
| EDU 715 — Organizational Theory and Strategic Planning | 3 |
| EDU 720 — Special Education Law for the Classroom | 3 |
| EDU 721 — Using Technology within Inclusion Education | 3 |
| EDU 722 — Special Education Assessment in Inclusion Settings | 3 |
| EDU 723 — Teaching and Learning in Inclusion Settings | 3 |
| EDU 725 — Behaviors Considerations/Inclusion | 3 |
| EDU 726 — Telling Your School's Story through Data Analysis | 3 |
| EDU 727 — Understand the Whole Child | 3 |
| EDU 730 — Universal Design for Learning | 3 |
| EDU 740 — Supporting Literacy Development for All Learners | 3 |
| EDU 741 — Literacy Assessments as Teaching Tools | 3 |
| EDU 742 — Study Skills & Content Literacy Instruction for All | 3 |
| EDU 743 — Connecting Reading with Writing for Success | 3 |
| EDU 744 — Meeting Student Literacy Challenges | 3 |
| EDU 746 — Professional Learning and Literacy Leadership | 3 |
| EDU 747 — Literacy for English Language Learners | 3 |
| EDU 748 — Literacy for Inclusion Settings | 3 |
| EDU 760 — Adult Learning Theory | 3 |
| EDU 770 — Maximizing the Talent in your Organization | 3 |
Master of Science in Education — Reading Specialist
For educators interested in pursuing certification, the ³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ offers a program to equip teachers with the foundational knowledge and curriculum required by the State of Maine.
| Program Required Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| EDU 600 — Teacher as Leader | 3 |
| EDU 610 — Differentiation Theory & Strategies | 3 |
| EDU 740 — Supporting Literacy Development for All Learners | 3 |
| EDU 741 — Literacy Assessments as Teaching Tools | 3 |
| EDU 742 — Study Skills and Content Literacy Instruction for All | 3 |
| EDU 743 — Connecting Reading with Writing for Success | 3 |
| EDU 744 — Meeting Student Literacy Challenges | 3 |
| EDU 746 — Professional Learning and Literacy Leadership | 3 |
| EDU 747 — Literacy for English Language Learners | 3 |
| EDU 748 — Literacy for Inclusion Settings | 3 |
| EDU 749 — Reading Diagnosis: Clinical Practice I | 3 |
| EDU 750 — Instruction Intervention: Clinical Practice II | 3 |
| Minimum Total Required Credits | 36 |
|---|
Master of Science in Education — Special Education
For educators interested in pursuing certification, the ³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ offers a program to equip teachers with the foundational knowledge and curriculum required by the State of Maine.
| Program Required Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| EDU 600 — Teacher as Leader | 3 |
| EDU 690 — Action Research | 3 |
| EDU 720 — Special Education Law for the Classroom | 3 |
| EDU 721 — Using Technology within Inclusion Education | 3 |
| EDU 722 — Special Education Assessment in Inclusion Settings | 3 |
| EDU 723 — Teaching and Learning in Inclusion Settings | 3 |
| EDU 725 — Behavior Considerations in the Inclusive Setting | 3 |
| EDU 726 — Telling Your School's Story Through Data Analysis | 3 |
| EDU 727 — Understanding the Whole Child in the Inclusive Setting | 3 |
| EDU 730 — Universal Design for Learning | 3 |
| Minimum Total Required Credits | 30 |
|---|
Master of Science in Education — Educational Leadership
For educators interested in pursuing certification as building administrators, the ³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ offers a program to equip teachers with the foundational knowledge and curriculum required by the State of Maine.
| Program Required Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| EDU 600 — Teacher as Leader | 3 |
| EDU 620 — Ethical Responsibilities in Today's Education System | 3 |
| EDU 701 — Educational Leadership | 3 |
| EDU 702 — School Law | 3 |
| EDU 704 — Supervision and Evaluation of Instructional Personnel | 3 |
| EDU 706 — School-Community Relations & Communications | 3 |
| EDU 709 — School Finance | 3 |
| EDU 715 — Organizational Theory and Strategic Planning | 3 |
| EDU 720 — Special Education Law | 3 |
| EDU 791P — Internship Principal I or EDU 791S – Internship Superintendent I | 3 |
| Minimum Total Required Credits | 30 |
|---|
Master of Science in Education — Teaching Methodology
The Master of Science in Education — Teaching Methodology is available only to ³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ students who have successfully completed the former Teacher Certification Program (TCP). The Teaching Methodology program is a thirty (30)-credit master’s degree encompassing fifteen (15) graduate credits from ³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ’s former College of Arts and Sciences Teacher Certification Program and fifteen (15) core credits in the current College of Professional Studies (CPS) Graduate Programs in Education.
| Fifteen (15) Credits of Pre-Admission Courses from Former Teacher Certification Program Below:* | Credits |
|---|---|
| EDU 502 — Curriculum and Assessment | 3 |
| EDU 510 — Exceptionality in the Classroom | 3 |
| EDU 561 — Teaching Social Studies, K-8 | 3 |
| EDU 567 — Teaching Science, K-8 | 3 |
| EDU 573 — Teaching Mathematics, K-8 | 3 |
| EDU 581 — Foundations of Literacy Development and Instruction | 3 |
| EDU 582 — Literacy Research-Based Instructional Methods | 3 |
| Total Credits Required for MSM | 15 |
| Post-Admission Requirements for Teaching Methodology Program | Credits |
|---|---|
| EDU 610 — Differentiation Theory & Strategies | 3 |
| EDU 620 — Ethical Responsibilities in Today's Educational Systems | 3 |
| EDU 625 — Developing a Framework for Diversity and Inclusion | 3 |
| EDU 690 — Action Research | 3 |
| EDU 695 — Portfolio | 3 |
| Total Credits | 15 |
*Please note: these courses are no longer offered. Other courses from ³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ’s former Teacher Certification Program that are 500-level or above may also be considered with review from the program director.
Academic Policy
attendance policy
Students taking online graduate courses through the College of Professional Studies will be administratively dropped for non-participation if a graded assignment/discussion post is not submitted before Sunday at 11:59 p.m. of the first week of the term. Reinstatement is at the purview of the Dean’s Office.
Course Withdrawal Policy
Add/Drop Period
A student may add or drop a course during the time frames published on the ³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ Academic Calendar. Courses dropped during the add/drop period will not appear on a student’s official transcript.
Course Withdrawal Period
A student may withdraw from a course after the add/drop period has ended through the designated withdrawal deadline, which is approximately at the 60% point of the course's length. The withdrawal period for each semester and session is published on the ³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ Academic Calendar.
Grade for the Course Withdrawal
A course withdrawal during the withdrawal period results in a grade of W, which will appear on a student’s official transcript. The grade of W is awarded only if a student has submitted a completed Course Withdrawal Form to the Registrar’s Office by the deadline. A W grade does not impact the term or cumulative GPA.
Consultation Before a Course Withdrawal
Before deciding to withdraw from a course, students must consult their Program/Academic Director and are encouraged to discuss the situation with the instructor.
International students must obtain the approval of the Office of Global Education, as withdrawals may affect visa status.
Students are strongly urged to consult with Student Financial Services, as course withdrawals may affect financial aid or Veterans benefits.
Course Withdrawal Process
Students who wish to withdraw from a course must submit a Course Withdrawal Form, signed by their Program/Academic Director and Office of Global Education (if applicable), to the Registrar’s Office before the Course Withdrawal deadline.
Ceasing to attend classes or notifying the instructor does not constitute an official withdrawal.
Late Withdrawal
Requests to withdraw from a course after the withdrawal period will only be considered in extreme circumstances. To request a late withdrawal, a student must consult with their Program/Academic Director and submit a completed Academic Petition stating the extenuating circumstances and a letter of support from an advisor, faculty member, or Program/Academic Director to the College’s Dean’s Office offering the course for consideration.
If approved, a W grade will appear on the transcript, not impacting the GPA calculations.
Late withdrawal petitions must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office by the last day of the class.
Note: All deadlines, procedures, and policies related to course withdrawal are subject to the guidelines specified on the ³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ Academic Calendar.
Minimal Grade Point Average
Matriculated graduate students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B) or better. Failure to do so will result in academic probation and possible termination from the program. Any student receiving a grade below B- on any individual course has failed that course and must re-enroll and repeat the course to achieve a grade of B- or better. Students receiving a grade of F in any course will be immediately placed on academic probation. Any student who receives a grade of F in two (2) courses is dismissed from the program.
Dismissal from the Program
Termination from the Program may occur when the Education Program Director becomes aware of one of the following:
- Surrender of a teacher license in any jurisdiction for disciplinary reasons.
- Documented academic dishonesty (Note this also includes course online postings and email communications with faculty and staff. Students are advised that their behavior while participating in the Program should exemplify the ethical behavior of a professional educator with respect to all communications.)
Graduation Requirements
To complete the program and receive a Master of Science in Education, a student must:
- Complete all program requirements.
- Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0.
- Pay all tuition and fees.
Leave of Absence (Academic Stop Out)
Students may stop out of their program for up to two (2) semesters. Students need to coordinate stop outs in advance with their assigned student support specialist, and stop out time is considered part of the time allotted to complete the academic program. Application for readmission is not necessary if the student returns as planned. However, the student who does not return at the specified time or who exceeds two (2) semesters of stop out will be administratively withdrawn and will be subject to readmission procedures. Readmitted students are subject to the re-admittance term’s catalog (this may mean that policies and/or program requirements have been changed or updated since previous admission, and should be reviewed for potential impact on degree requirements, time to complete the degree, and degree planning).
Re-admission
Students who have withdrawn from the program, either self-initiated or administrative withdrawal, must reapply to the program if they wish to continue their studies. The application procedures, academic policies, and program requirements that are in effect at the time of readmission will apply.
Students who re-enroll following withdrawal will have their previous coursework evaluated for applicability to the existing academic requirements. Coursework that is more than five (5) years old may not be accepted for credit in the program.
Learning Outcomes
Students will learn to:
- Apply leadership frameworks that focus on personal values, beliefs, ethics, and leadership styles.
- Address the full range of motivation and differentiation issues encountered in today's educational systems.
- Promote social justice using principles of diversity and inclusion.
- Analyze and conduct research relevant to their teaching or administrative interests.
- Document professional development in the program via an electronic portfolio of coursework.
- Develop online collaborative relationships with peers.
Transfer Credit
Upon acceptance, students may apply to transfer up to three (3) courses (maximum of nine (9) credits) into the Master of Science in Education program.
To request consideration for transfer credit, a student must provide an official transcript. Transfer credit is awarded at the discretion of The College of Professional Studies based on specific program details listed below. Requests for approval of transfer credit should be submitted to and will be granted at the discretion of the program director.
Transfer credit must be:
- Classified as graduate level.
- Taken at a regionally accredited institution.
- Worth three (3) credits.
- Taken within five (5) years of application.
- Completed with a grade of B or better.
- Equivalent to one (1) of the required program courses or an elective course that meets the goals of the student’s education.
Transfer credit cannot be accepted into any program leading to State of Maine certification.
Admissions
Admission Requirements
- A bachelor's degree or above from a regionally accredited institution or its equivalent. See International Admissions for details regarding evaluation of international degrees for grade and degree equivalency.
- Applications are reviewed holistically as a determination of academic readiness. The admissions committee values previous academic performance as indicated on transcripts and considers it as part of the review process.
- Computer with an internet connection, including the hardware and software requirements described in our . Must also possess sufficient computer skills to navigate the internet as all classes are accessed 100% online.
Application Process
- Completed online application: .
- Current Resume or Curriculum Vitae.
- Goal Statement/Writing Sample.
- Official transcripts reflecting conferral of a bachelor's degree or above from a regionally accredited institution.
Note: Transcripts for any coursework appearing as transfer credit on the transcript of the conferred degree can be waived if the coursework is unrelated to the degree being sought. The program admissions committee defines all coursework not eligible for waiver.
Procedures and Policies
- Applications for admission are accepted through ³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ’s online application only. Detailed instructions are included in the online application.
- Official transcripts, as well as other documents to support the application, must be submitted to The College of Professional Studies, either electronically or sent to 716 Stevens Ave, Portland, ME, 04103.
- International applicants and applicants with international degrees must have their transcripts evaluated for degree and grade equivalency to that of a regionally accredited U.S. institution. See International Admissions.
- All applicants to ³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ must be able to understand and communicate in English to be admitted to the university. ³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ accepts several methods to demonstrate English Proficiency, See International Admissions.
- If an applicant cannot prove English Proficiency in another way, scores from the are required and must be submitted as a part of the completed application.
- All materials submitted as part of the application become the property of ³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ and will not be returned or released to anyone, including the applicant. This policy includes letters of reference, primary and secondary applications, personal statements, transcripts, and other supporting materials.
For additional information on the admissions process and requirements, please access the .
Exceptions
The Master of Science in Education program and the MSEd Admissions Committee in collaboration with the College of Professional Studies reserve the right to make exceptions to the admissions criteria and to make changes or exceptions to policies and procedures, on a case-by-case basis, when it deems such a decision is necessary and appropriate.
Financial Information
Tuition and Fees
Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.
Financial Aid
Detailed information and applications are available on request from the Financial Aid Office. Call (207) 602-2342 or visit the Financial Aid website.