Graduate Degree

The Master of Arts degree in Education is designed for educators who are interested in enhancing their professional practice through online study of advanced professional knowledge related to teaching, learning, and leadership in P-12 schools and postsecondary contexts such as community colleges, universities, community centers, and the workplace.

The primary objective of the master’s degree program in education is to help students acquire a breadth of knowledge grounded in theory while gaining expertise in one or more areas of concentration.

A range of relevant courses and experiences can be incorporated into the student’s program to satisfy individual needs and interests.

The student must select one of the six concentration areas of study within the discipline of education as part of their planned program: Literacy Education, P-12 School and Postsecondary Leadership, Science and Mathematics Education, Special Education, Sport Coaching and Leadership, or Technology and Learning. The online format of the program provides optimum flexibility for students who wish to engage in inquiry and learning that will contribute to exemplary educational practice.

The College of Education has not determined whether the Master of Arts Degree in Education (MAED) online program satisfies licensure, endorsement, or certification requirements in all states.  Licensure and certification is regulated individually by states and no two are exactly alike. Some states have different levels of licensure and/or certification requirements.  For example, in Michigan, the MAED online program alone does not lead to State of Michigan endorsement or initial teacher certification.  Students who wish to use this program for renewal, endorsement, or certification in their home state should contact their bachelor’s certification institution or their home state department of education for applicable requirements, rules, and regulations of their home state.  Students are responsible for determining whether the MAED online program will meet their home states’ requirements for certification, licensure, or otherwise advancing a student’s teaching credentials.  Contact MSU’s Online MAED academic advisor with questions or, for state department of education contact information, please visit www2.ed.gov/about/contacts/state/index.html.

The requirements for the program must be completed within five years. All course work, including potential transfer and previous MSU course work, must be no older than five years at the time of graduation. Once enrolled in Master of Arts degree in Education, only MSU courses delivered fully online will be accepted for use toward the degree requirements. In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and of the College of Education, students must meet all requirements specified below with advisor approval.

Admission

Applications for admission to the Master of Arts in Education are reviewed by College of Education faculty who look for evidence of appropriate preparation for advanced professional study at the master's level and the likelihood of success in the distance learning format. Such evidence includes applicant's prior educational record, work experience in educational settings, and a statement of professional goals that is consistent with the intellectual focus and on-line format of the program.  In this statement, applicants must specify their interest in at least one area of concentration and address their personal and professional strengths that support their ability to engage in on-line learning.

Requirements for the Master of Arts Degree in Education

The program is available only online and only under Plan B (without thesis). The student must complete a total of 30 credits approved by the MAED academic advisor distributed as follows: