The Master of Arts and Education is a combined master's degree program offered by the Judith Herb College of Education in collaboration with the College of Arts and Letters and the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. This degree is designed for students who wish to enhance their knowledge in a humanities or social sciences field and in education. As a general rule, students will have an advisor in the Judith Herb College of Education and in the collaborative college who will jointly plan and direct the program. Students who wish to complete their culminating experience in education will work with their Judith Herb College of Education advisor. Students who wish to complete their culminating experience in their humanities or social sciences field will work with their collaborative College advisor.

Areas of concentration include: economics, English, English as a second language (ESL), French, geography, German, history, mathematics, political science, sociology, Spanish. This program does not lead to a teaching license. Students interested in licensure should apply to one of the Licensure and Master's Programs (LAMP).

The MAE is a 36 semester hour program. Students take courses in curriculum and instruction along with courses selected with a faculty adviser based on the student's area of concentration. The program culminates with a theory and research class and the completion of either a master's seminar aimed at producing a publishable manuscript, a research-based project, or a thesis depending on the student's interest. Coursework is completed through a combination of on-campus, online and field-based courses. 

Admission to the Master of Arts and Education

In addition to admission requirements of the College of Graduate Studies, admission to the master's program requires the following:

• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited four-year institution

• A well-written statement of purpose describing the student’s background and goals as well as the importance of the degree in achieving those goals

• Three letters of recommendation regarding the prospective student's potential for doing master's level work from professionals such as an undergraduate major advisor, current employer, school principal or others who are knowledgeable about the applicant’s ability to engage in graduate work in the desired program

• A content area grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.7 on a 4.0 scale for coursework in the selected concentration is preferred

• Undergraduate content area coursework in preparation for graduate work in the selected concentration 

The master's program has selective admissions and may admit a limited number of students. Thus, meeting all formal criteria does not guarantee admission.

What to Submit with Your Application

• Official transcripts from all institutions of higher education

• Statement of purpose

• Three letters of recommendation 

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MAE 

For the Master of Arts and Education degree, students must complete the following program requirements:

• A minimum of 36 semester hours of approved graduate course work

• An area of specialization in curriculum and instruction of a minimum of 12 semester hours with courses pre-approved by the faculty advisor

• An area of specialization in the selected concentration of a minimum of 15 semester hours with courses pre-approved by the faculty advisor

• A course to complete the specialization in curriculum and instruction or the selected concentration 

• A course in theory and research

• A thesis, project, or research seminar

In addition, no more than six semester hours of credit from any combination of workshops (5950), problems or special topics courses (5980 or 6980), and independent studies (5990 or 6990) may be included in the degree program.

All coursework and requirements of the master's degree must be taken within a six-year period immediately preceding the date the degree is awarded.

PLAN OF STUDY

A plan of study identifying the courses for the master's degree is required after 12 credit hours, generally at the end of the first semester of full-time study. The master's plan of study must include the following within the 36-semester hour minimum:

• 12 credits of specialization in curriculum and instruction

• 15 credits of specialization in the selected concentration 

• 3 credits in curriculum and instruction or the selected concentration 

• 3 credits of theory and research 

• 3 credits of thesis, project or research seminar 

Guide for Developing a Plan of Study

Below is a guide for developing a Plan of Study for the Master of Arts and Education. Students should work with their faculty advisor to identify specific courses to fulfill program requirements. 

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
Specialization in Curriculum and Instruction
Select 12 credits in curriculum and instruction as approved by faculty advisor		12
Specialization in Area of Concentration
Select 15 credits in the concentration as approved by faculty advisor		15
Education or Concentration Elective
Select 3 credits as approved by faculty advisor		3
Theory and Research
Select one of the following:		3
CI 6490	Theory And Research In Literacy (Recommended)
CI 6590	Theory And Research In Mathematics Education (Recommended)
CI 6690	Theory And Research In Science Education
CI 6790	Theory And Research In Social Studies (Recommended)
CI 6890	Theory and Research in Learning and Teaching Content
Master's Thesis, Project, or Research Seminar
Select one of the following:		3
CI 6900	Masters Research Seminar In Curriculum And Instruction
CI 6920	Masters Research Project In Curriculum And Instruction
CI 6960	Masters Thesis In Curriculum And Instruction
Total Hours		36

Demonstrate knowledge of core ideas in curriculum and instruction including current ideas and issues in a thoughtful and substantive manner.
Demonstrate knowledge of core ideas in a subject matter discipline including concepts and processes in a thoughtful and substantive manner.
Design a plan for studying learning that integrates core ideas and develops pedagogical content knowledge.
Reflect on his or her own thinking, learning, and pedagogical content knowledge.
Communicate professionally in formal writing using language style and conventions of academic English and APA guidelines.
Participate in the roles of author, reviewer, and editor in the professional publication process.
Write a focused manuscript that illustrates their knowledge of content specific education.