Master of Science in Education Elementary Education with a Concentration in Licensed Teachers (MSEd)

General Description of Elementary Education

Elementary programs include the Master of Science in Education degree program and four post-baccalaureate licensure programs. Within the Master of Science in elementary education degree program there are a number of concentrations and emphasis area choices for both licensed teachers as well as those seeking initial licensure or endorsement. For those seeking initial licensure there are the following concentration areas:  PreK-6, middle school 6-8, and library science K-12 (Note: the library science concentration may also be done through Master of Science in Education, Secondary Education). For licensed teachers seeking additional education there are the following concentration areas:  math specialist PK-8, library science K-12 (Note: the library science concentration may also be done through Master of Science in Education, Secondary Education), and elementary generalist. Post-baccalaureate endorsement programs are designed for individuals with a non-teaching BS or BA degree who want to obtain licensure or for those with a teaching license who want to be licensed in an additional teaching area. The four endorsement programs offered in elementary education are PreK-6, Middle School 6-8, Library Science K-12, and Mathematics Specialist PreK-8.

Master of Science in Education, Elementary Education, for Licensed Teachers

3101 Education Building
757-683-3284

Brandon Butler, Graduate Program Director

The Master of Science in Education, Elementary Education program for licensed teachers is designed for those who wish to improve and update their professional competency in teaching and enrich their teaching expertise for becoming master teachers. Licensed teachers completing the program enhance their ability to teach effectively and to participate in educational research in their schools. Completion of the program requirements leads to the upgrade of the teaching license to the Postgraduate Professional level. The program of study consists of 30-credit hours, 18 credit hours taught in a cohort model with shared courses for students from the early childhood, elementary and secondary advanced master's degree programs. An additional three credit hours are completed as independent research/internship. The remaining nine credit hours focus explicitly on teaching and learning in the elementary grades. The MSEd - Elementary Education program for licensed teachers is offered online only. 

The graduate program associated with this major is intended to meet the needs of the individual student. Program options are designed to accomplish three primary goals:

1. to enhance classroom instruction by enriching the knowledge and skills of practicing teachers;
2. to train and encourage classroom teachers to conduct in-school research so that significant findings in the learning-teaching process can be applied to the classroom situation; and
3. to permit teachers to upgrade their teaching credentials to the Postgraduate Professional License level.

Curricula for the program include specific courses that emphasize the inter-disciplinary nature of teaching in diverse settings. Topics addressed in courses include curricular and pedagogical principles, assessment, English language learners, teaching in the digital age, and culturally responsive teaching. Students also learn to engage in reflective inquiry and how to conduct practitioner inquiry that directly transforms instructional practice and beliefs about teaching. The program has four component areas:

1. General core;
2. Research core;
3. Elementary emphasis area; and
4. Capstone experience.

Students must choose one of two capstone options – a research thesis and associated 3-credit hour thesis course (Thesis Option); or an internship experience and associated 3-credit hour internship course (Internship Option). The thesis option requires a successful defense of the thesis prospectus. The non-thesis internship option requires successful completion of a comprehensive examination covering program coursework.

Admission

Students must:

1. hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college/university;
2. hold the Virginia Collegiate Professional License or an equivalent from another state for elementary or middle school education;
3. have a general undergraduate grade point average of at least 2.80;
4. submit an application letter of interest;
5. submit official copies of all transcripts;
6. submit a written essay on career goals (two pages) that demonstrates academic writing proficiency;
7. submit two letters of professional reference for this program of study; and
8. have an interview with the graduate program director.

Program Requirements

Students enrolled in the Advanced Master’s Degree program are expected to be dedicated to the goal of becoming master classroom teachers who can address dynamic issues in the profession through an in-depth understanding of research and practice. Students must successfully complete all elements of the 30 credit hour program of study. After admission to provisional or regular degree status, the student must meet with the graduate program director who will assist in the identification of a permanent advisor from the graduate faculty of the Darden College of Education and Professional Studies. It is the responsibility of the student to confer with the assigned advisor for the purpose of determining a thesis/internship committee, and preparing and defending the thesis/internship as a requisite for graduation.

Curriculum

Course List

Code	Title	Credit Hours
Common Core
TLCI 731	Instructional Technology Trends in Curriculum and Instruction	3
TLED 618	Assessment and Evaluation in PK-12 Schools	3
TLED 775	English Language Learners in the PK-12 Classroom	3
TLED 701	Teacher as Leader	3
Research Core
TLED 638	Researching Teaching in Elementary and Secondary Grades	3
TLED 671	Practitioner Inquiry in Elementary and Secondary Grades	3
Electives
TLED 724	Curriculum Development Principles and Practices in Elementary Schools	3
TLED 734	Problems of Teaching in the Elementary Grades	3
TLED 744	Diversity and Equity in Elementary Education	3
Capstone Experience - Choose 1 of 2 Options		3
Thesis Option
TLED 699	Thesis
Internship Option
TLCI 668	Internship in Curriculum and Instruction
Total Credit Hours		30

Licensed Teachers Concentration

The Master of Science in Education, Elementary Education program for licensed teachers is designed for those who wish to improve and update their professional competency in teaching and enrich their teaching expertise for becoming master teachers. Licensed teachers completing the program enhance their ability to teach effectively and to participate in educational research in their schools. Completion of the program requirements leads to the upgrade of the teaching license to the Postgraduate Professional level.

Students seeking this degree need to apply through the Department of Teaching and Learning.

Additional Requirements

Continuance

Students must:

1. complete the Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) modules during the first twelve graduate credit hours at Old Dominion University;

2. maintain a grade point average of 3.00

Exit

Students must:

1. have a 3.00 grade point average;

2. pass an oral thesis proposal defense (thesis option only);

3. pass a comprehensive examination (internship option only);

4. successfully complete the thesis/internship requirement;

5. have an exit interview (online);

6. have completed all course requirements;

7. submit an application for graduation.