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Graduate Program
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Master’s in Education degree program? The Master’s in Education degree program at Wilmington College is intended to facilitate the professional growth of practicing teachers. A common core of six courses stresses the themes in learning theory, historical and cultural trends in education, conflict resolution and peace education, and educational research. Concentrations of five courses each are offered in reading and special education. The program highlights insights into cultural diversity, learning differences, reflective teaching, student-centered instructional methods, and democratic classroom management. The licensure program in special education – intervention specialist for individuals with mild-moderate and/or moderate-intensive learning needs – adds four courses and a student teaching assignment. Additional coursework in reading may also be required for licensure candidates in special education who do not have such coursework at the undergraduate level.
How does it fit with the mission of Wilmington College and its Education Department? As in the undergraduate education program, the graduate degree program will develop “reflective practitioners for peaceful schools.” Strands in multicultural diversity, peace and conflict resolution, educational technology, and state-mandated assessment are woven throughout core and concentration classes.
What are the admissions requirements? Applicants to the degree program must have received a bachelor level degree from an accredited institution of higher education. Applicants must submit the following: · A completed Application for Admission. · A $100 Enrollment Fee. (This is a nonrefundable fee, but will be applied to tuition costs the first semester of enrollment.) · Official transcripts from graduate work to be counted towards credit and the undergraduate institution where bachelor’s degree was awarded. (All transcripts must be received directly from the institution attended. Students receiving their bachelor’s degree from Wilmington College will not need to request an official transcript.) · A biographical essay. In addition, degree-seeking applicants must also provide: · A copy of valid teaching certificate/license. · A spontaneous writing sample. · GRE or MAT scores. · Two letters of recommendation.
Are there other requirements?Yes. Once admitted, students must maintain a GPA of 3.0 in all coursework and satisfactorily pass a comprehensive exam. They must also undertake a research project, initiated in the Educational Research Methods (EDU501) class and completed during the capstone class, Critical Issues in Education (EDU560), at the end of the candidate’s program.
What concentrations are available? There are two concentrations: reading and special education. Each concentration has four required courses and a capstone course. All courses in the degree program are three semester hours of credit.
Reading courses are as follows: REA530 Current Principles, Theories, and Practices in Teaching and Reading REA531 Multicultural Fact and Fiction REA532 Assessment and Diagnosis of Reading Problems REA533 Remediation of Reading Problems
Special education courses are as follows: SPE520 Teaching Individuals with Exceptional Learning Needs SPE521 Assessment and Identification of Students with Mild-Moderate Educational Needs SPE522 Social Skills Development and Behavior Management SPE523 Methods and Materials for Students with Mild-Moderate Educational Needs
Additional courses leading to licensure as Intervention Specialist for Individuals with Mild-Moderate-Intensive Learning Needs: SPE525 Speech and Language Development SPE526 Early Childhood and Special Education SPE527 Learning Disabilities SPE529 Student Teaching and Seminar
Additional courses leading to licensure as Intervention Specialist for Individuals with Moderate-Intensive Learning Needs: SPE524 Methods and Materials for Students w/Moderate-Intensive Educational Needs (in lieu of SPE523) SPE525 Speech and Language Development SPE526 Early Childhood and Special Education SPE528 Communication Strategies and Technologies SPE529 Student Teaching and Seminar
The following courses are required for both concentrations: EDU501 Educational Research EDU502 Educational Assessment EDU510 Advanced Educational Psychology EDU511 Social and Cultural Foundations of Education EDU512 Conflict Resolution in Educational Settings EDU513 Advanced Curriculum Development EDU560 Seminar: Contemporary Issues in Education
Can you transfer credits from another institution? Yes. Up to nine semester hours of graduate credit may be transferred from an accredited institution of higher education. The Director of Graduate Studies will determine if the hours are appropriate substitutes for course and program requirements.
Does the program lead to certification or licensure? The reading concentration will lead to an endorsement in reading attached to an existing certificate or licensure from the Ohio Department of Education. Students have the option of completing the M.Ed. in special education with or without pursuing initial licensure as intervention specialists.
How long will it take to complete the program? Students who take two courses each during the fall and spring semesters and three courses during the summer semester can graduate from Wilmington College in five semesters. Students pursuing licensure as intervention specialists can anticipate spending longer in the program, depending on their undergraduate degrees and full or part-time status.
When will classes meet? Classes during the spring and fall semesters will meet one evening per week for three hours with one fifteen-minute break. Summer classes will meet three days a week for three hours and fifteen minutes. Summer classes are split into two four-week sessions. Most summer classes meet for four weeks.
Where will classes be held? All classes are held on the main campus of Wilmington College.
What college facilities will be available for graduate students? Graduate students will have full use of the facilities of Watson Library, including OPAL and OhioLink. They will also have use of computer technology available in Robinson 114 and the other academic computer labs. Students will also have access to the Student Resource Center for help with writing and other course work.
Can you take courses without being in the Master’s in Education program? Yes. Students not seeking a degree may take an unlimited number of hours on a non-degree basis. A special course, EDU550, has been designated for professional development and is intended to provide one to three hours of credit for study of topics of importance to teachers and school districts; it may be repeated indefinitely as long as the topics are different.
Is the program approved and accredited? The degree program has been approved by the Ohio Board of Regents and the Higher Education Commission of the North Central Association. The Ohio Department of Education has granted approval for the reading endorsement for those students whose concentration is reading, and for initial licensure as intervention specialists for those students pursuing the master’s in special education.
What is the cost? The cost per semester hour is $290, with a per-semester fee of $25. There is also a $100 non-transferable enrollment fee that will be charged to the student’s account. There is no application fee. What are the payment options?There are three available payment options to all students: Option 1: WILpay Plan. This is a direct debit from the student’s checking or savings account on the 20th of each month. Forms can be obtained from the Office of Graduate Studies or from the Student One Stop Center and must be submitted by the 5th of the month when payment will begin. No interest will be charged when using this option. Option 2: Employer Reimbursement. This option is a billing deferment plan for students whose employers will cover the cost of tuition and/or books. Forms may be obtained from the Office of Graduate Studies and must be submitted at the beginning of the semester. Option 3: There will be a payment due date on the billing statement students receive in the mail. If full payment is made by that date no interest will be charged.
Interest begins accruing 30 days from the beginning of the semester on the 15th of the month. The interest rate is 1% of the unpaid balance.
If there are any questions regarding payment options please contact the Office of Graduate Studies.
Is financial aid available? Degree-seeking students may apply for financial aid by contacting Student Financial Services. at (937) 382-6661 x337. This aid is in the form of Stafford loans available from the federal government. At the present time, students enrolled in the Graduate Program at Wilmington College are not eligible for institutional aid of any kind. Non degree seeking students are not eligible to apply for financial aid funds.
Where can I get additional information? Contact Terry Miller, Director of Graduate Studies, or Donna McClughen at: Wilmington College Pyle Center Box# 1311 Wilmington, OH 45177 (937) 382-6661 x623 or (937) 383-8512 |
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