Program Description
The program leading to the M.A.Ed. degree in comprehensive education requires a minimum of 30-36 semester hours of graduate study consisting of a professional core of 12 semester hours and a concentration of 18-24 hours. Unless noted otherwise, each of the concentrations leads to a recommendation for Advanced Competencies licensure from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. For all concentrations leading to Advanced Competencies Licensure, all candidates must meet state licensure requirements before recommendation. Concentrations may have additional requirements for admission specific to the concentration. An oral and/or written exam may be required for some concentrations. During the program, students in all M.A.Ed. Comprehensive Education concentrations will engage in two field experiences and one clinical experience. For details regarding the application process and the requirements for the field experiences and the clinical experience see information in the link below. https://www.wcu.edu/learn/departments-schools-colleges/ceap/stl/graduate-teaching-maed.aspx#residential
Program Admission Requirements
In addition to the admissions criteria established by the Graduate School, the program also requires applicants to submit the following documents for review as part of the admission process to the specific concentration.
English:
GPA and/or previous coursework or degree
3.0 or higher GPA and an undergraduate degree in the concentration.
Essay or Narrative Statement
A senior level analytic essay that synthesizes multiple sources and articulates an argument.
Letters of Recommendation
Three letters of recommendation from persons who are in a position to judge the applicant's aptitude for graduate study and potential as a graduate-level classroom teacher are required.
Resume and/or Experience
Resume.
Literacy:
GPA and/or previous coursework or degree
3.0 or higher GPA and an undergraduate degree in the concentration.
Essay or Narrative Statement
A written essay describing your 1) reasons for pursuing a masters' degree in education,
2) professional goals as a participant in the program, and 3) areas of research interests.
Letters of Recommendation
Three letters of recommendation from persons who are in a position to judge the applicant's aptitude for graduate study and potential as a graduate-level classroom teacher are required.
Resume and/or Experience
Resume.
Additional Requirements
A North Carolina teaching license in Elementary or Middle Grades Language Arts.
Special Education:
GPA and/or previous coursework or degree
Minimum GPA requirement is 3.0. Applicants who have a cumulative undergraduate GPA below 3.0 will be considered for conditional admission.
Essay or Narrative Statement
A written essay describing professional goals and including a one to two-page single-spaced essay addressing one of the following topics:
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Why should a society provide a “free and appropriate” education to students with disabilities who will not be able to achieve academic or other skills at the same level as students without disabilities?
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What are the most important skills or characteristics a teacher should possess, and why do you say these are the most important?
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Describe your position on inclusion of students with disabilities in general education. What are the benefits of inclusion and the potential barriers?
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It is a commonly held belief that gifted students do not need special services because they can “make it on their own.” Why is it important for schools to provide programming for gifted and creative students?
Letters of Recommendation
Three letters of recommendation from persons who are in a position to judge the applicant's aptitude for graduate study and potential as a graduate-level classroom teacher are required.
Resume and/or Experience
Resume.
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics):
GPA and/or previous coursework or degree
3.0 or higher GPA and an undergraduate degree in science or math, or the candidate should have 24 approved credit hours in the science or math field.
Essay or Narrative Statement
A written essay describing your 1) reasons for pursuing a masters' degree in education,
2) professional goals as a participant in the program, and 3) areas of research interests.
Letters of Recommendation
Three letters of recommendation from persons who are in a position to judge the applicant's aptitude for graduate study and potential as a graduate-level classroom teacher are required.
Resume and/or Experience
Resume.
Additional Requirements
A North Carolina teaching license in Elementary, Middle Grades Mathematics or Science, or Secondary Mathematics or Science.
* Licensure Exception: Applicants applying for the Educational Studies Non-licensure Option do not need an initial teaching license but need a BSED in special education or other closely related degree, and a current employment context that allows for completion of course requirements.
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