M.A. in Education

EDU-511 Issues in Education

An overview of the philosophy of education. The course introduces the Christ-centered worldview as it relates to education within the context of educational leadership, global issues, diversity and choice, technology, learning disabilities, literacy, curriculum, etc. Specific emphasis is placed on how issues impact decision making at the administrative and classroom levels.

EDU-572 Technology

An emphasis on providing a conceptual framework for technology and a means of using technology as a tool in the educational setting. Administrators and teachers find ways to become leaders in the use of technology within the school. Instruction is given in the areas of using technology to facilitate inquiry-based learning, finding and developing resources, using computers in the classroom and exploring ways to use the internet as an instructional tool.

EDU-522 Curriculum, Assessment and Instructional Theory

A review of current professional organization and governmental curriculum standards. The course also provides guidance in developing objectives, assessments and strategies in working with a variety of student populations in the inclusive classroom.

EDU-553 Research

A review of current best practice methods as indicated by meta-research. The course reviews data related to student achievement (local and beyond) and provides direction on how to use teacher/administrator-developed data to improve student learning. Finally, it provides a framework to use data as a basis for professional reflection.

EDU-593 Master’s Project A

An identification of an area of need in the educational system that the student would like to create and develop a solution to through a master’s project in EDU-595. The master’s project is generally done in the area of educational leadership, curriculum development and assessment, school management, or educational technology dependent on M.A.Ed. concentration. In EDU593, students propose a master’s project and complete a literature review. Prerequisite: EDU-553.

EDU-566: Reading Diagnostic Tools and Remediation

An introduction to diagnostic tools and remediation strategies within the context of the differentiated instruction model. The course incorporates instruction in the following areas: interest inventories; English language learning; visual and auditory discrimination tools; language expression and processing screening; phonemics, phonics, vocabulary, fluency comprehension, spelling, writing and writing assessment tools; and best practice instructional strategies in all areas of literacy. This course is not required if you are taking the educational leadership concentration. 

EDU-524 Community Building and Educational Leadership

An investigation of institutional structures (including technology), managing and creating change, administrative/teacher cooperation, teacher/teacher cooperation and community involvement. Ways to help teachers and administrators remain successful, such as stress management and conflict management, are explored.

EDU-595 Master’s Project B

A continuation of the EDU-593 master’s project that fills an area of need in the educational system. Throughout the program, the student continues to refine and develop their proposal, adding useful resources in order to complete the project. The master’s project is generally done in the area of educational leadership, curriculum development and assessment, school management or educational technology depending on M.A.Ed. concentration. Prerequisite: EDU-593.

EDU-513 Student Motivation and Behavior

A review of current research and best practice in the areas of educational psychology, student motivation, brain research, multiple intelligences, learning styles and classroom management. The course also reviews developmental psychology concepts necessary to understanding children and adolescents.

EDU-521 Instructional Strategies for Diverse Classrooms

A study of issues relating to the education of diverse populations within the classroom including socioeconomic considerations, at-risk and ethnic and racial groups. Students study issues in the context of a Christ-centered world and life view, developing plans to meet the needs of all children in the classroom.

EDU-525 Assessment for K-12 Students

A study of standardized and authentic assessments used in K-12 classrooms. Students review research and interpret its contribution to the field from a Christ-centered worldview. Methods used to assess student success include consideration of educational tests and measurements, alternative assessments, portfolio assessment and performance assessments.

EDU-527 Instructional Strategies for Students with Learning Disabilities

A study of best-practices in remediation for students with learning disabilities. Students review research and interpret its contribution to the field from a Christ-centered worldview. Students learn teaching strategies and their relationship to cultural and linguistic differences, developing plans to meet the needs of all children in the classroom.

EDU-695 Educational Leadership Internship

An opportunity for a 90 plus hours internship within two different K-12 school settings, one of which is culturally diverse. Online seminars allow students to come together to solve complex educational problems and share from their internship experiences. Creation of a self-improvement plan is completed based on self-inventory results. Internship occurs simultaneously while EDU-531, EDU-533, EDU-535 and EDU-537 are taken.

EDU-531 Organizational Leadership

A focus on ways to advance the student’s knowledge and competency in the area of organizational leadership with particular emphasis upon developing public relations: specifically those with parents, the community, business leaders, intermediate school districts, and county, state, national, and local governments. Additionally, various public relations strategies are considered.

EDU-533 Educational Supervision and Evaluation

An emphasis on understanding the process of human resource management, including supervision and evaluation of staff and programs within the school system. Ways in which to improve communication, the use of technology, and opportunities to reach the diverse student body is addressed. Additionally, the role of the principal and his/her responsibilities to the community is provided.

EDU-535 Educational Finance

An emphasis on understanding the financial principles of operating a school relating to federal, state and local requirements. Application of Christian principles of stewardship is examined. Topics include budgeting, fund-raising, safeguards in financial management and more.

EDU-537 Educational Law and Ethics

An emphasis on understanding legal principles along with the origin and development of laws governing American schools at the local, state, and federal level. Consideration is given to aligning biblical standards for practice within the school. Topics include the school environment, constitutional issues, student matters, personnel guidelines and accountability.

As an educator, your influence can inspire your students and school to reach their full potential. Our master’s in education program prepares you to live out your vocational calling as an administrator or teacher as you grow in charitable leadership.

Proficiency in Terminology, Theories, Concepts, Practices and Skills

Students will demonstrate knowledge of and proficiency in the terminology, theories, concepts, practices and skills specific to the field of education.

• Identify major theories and terminology relevant to the study of K-12 education.
• Articulate approaches to curriculum development, assessment of learning and instructional theory.
• Demonstrate effective use of technology in K-12 education.
• Analyze current issues related to K-12 education.
• Exhibit knowledge of educational leadership within the K-12 setting.

Competency in Applying Knowledge to Address Real-Life Problems

Students will exhibit competency in applying your knowledge to address real-life problems through both individual and group effort.

• Demonstrate professional skills appropriate to the degree program.
• Provide evidence of the ability to collaborate with others in achieving shared objectives.
• Exhibit communication skills, both in written and oral forms, appropriate for their professional field.
• Apply research to addressing issues in professional educational practice.

Integration of Traditional and Non-Traditional Cognitive Skills

Students will demonstrate your ability to integrate both traditional and non-traditional cognitive skills, including analytical inquiry, information literacy, quantitative fluency and communicative fluency.

Intercultural Competence

Students will demonstrate intercultural competence in addressing civic, social, environmental and economic issues. This will include issues related to multicultural education, understanding diversity and developing cultural awareness in teaching and learning.

Articulation of a Christ-Centered Worldview

Students will articulate a Christ-centered worldview and its personal, professional and communal embodiment through Christian virtues. In particular, you will demonstrate understanding of the integration of Christian worldview and education.