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Master of Science in Education

Program and Vision

The purpose of Western Oregon University’s Master of Science in Education: Continuing Teaching License program or Standard License (MS in Ed) degree is to provide a critical, advanced and intellectually rigorous curriculum whereby practicing teachers are given the opportunity to advance their knowledge of the teaching/learning process, demonstrate an exemplary level of competence in all aspects of teaching, increase their knowledge of content information and materials, and show their commitment to professional excellence and professional leadership. This graduate curriculum is designed to assist teachers in decision-making, critical and creative thinking, and problem solving as they apply to the school context. The need to develop a cadre of professional educators who demonstrate advanced knowledge in standards based education and who are capable of assisting others to reach the professional level of teaching is well documented. The responsibilities of the master teacher go beyond the typical classroom as they are called upon to design and implement new programs and to work in the collaborative setting.

MSEd graduates will be:

• professionals and leaders in their field
• able to express themselves competently in writing
• reflective practitioners
• conversant in the literature and research of their discipline
• familiar with technology
• knowledgeable about connecting with all of their students, whether they ne children or adults
• able to synthesize the new knowledge they have gained from all the classes we offer in our programs, and will know how to apply that knowledge in meaningful ways to improve their practice, improve student learning, and advance the field of education.

Program Description

The Master of Science in Education degree has been designed to meet Oregon’s Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC) requirements for the Continuing Teaching License. With minor modification this curriculum also meets the older Standard Teaching License requirements. This program requires at least 45 credits of graduate study. The master's degree may be completed either on a full-time or part-time basis. The culminating experience for those interested in the Continuing Teaching License is six credits of Continuing Teaching documentation (FS 600 and FS 601). This course should be considered an on-the-job demonstration of competence. The student, with College of Education support, arranges to work in a school environment where a master mentor teacher is available to the student.

Admission Requirements

Anyone wishing to participate in the MS in Education degree program must be admitted to the University by the Graduate Admissions Office. The MSED Graduate Application packets are assembled, disseminated, and monitored by the Division of Extended Programs. All materials should be sent directly to JoNan LeRoy, DEP, Western Oregon University, Monmouth, Oregon 97361.

As part of the application process, the following will be needed:

• Completed Application for Graduate Admission form.
• If you have previously been admitted to WOU as a graduate student, submit an Application for Re­enrollment form.
• Admission fee ($50), non-refundable, made out to Western Oregon University;
• Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities;
• Copy of scores from either the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) or Graduate Record Exam (GRE) if GPA is less than 3.00 on last 60 semester or 90 quarter hours of undergraduate work;
• Copy of current Oregon teaching license; and
• Student Contract signed by you and your advisor.

After completing the above items, you will receive a letter of admission and, if needed, a checklist requesting additional materials. Western Oregon University Graduate Admissions Office

Program Advisor

It is the responsibility of the student to request an advisor; however, the Division of Extended Programs (DEP) provides an on-site program advisor during the first class meeting of each term. An individual student contract will be developed and signed through this advisement process.

University Services

WOU students participating in programs at a distance from campus are assigned a WOU email account, PIN number and V number with which to access web services. Students can web access grades and unofficial transcripts, information about their financial account and library services. In addition, students may visit the WOU library, Instructional Technology Center and Curriculum Lab.

Textbooks

The WOU bookstore can be accessed on-line, in person, or by phone for required textbooks. However, textbook information will be distributed prior to the start of term if you prefer to find alternate sources for your textbooks.

Vouchers

Vouchers are issued to master teachers for use in classes offered on the WOU campus. Vouchers may be applied to DEP MSEd courses.

Course Substitutions and Five Year Rule

When an individual has related, graduate level coursework from an institution other than WOU, the courses may be substituted for identified course(s) on the student contract after the academic advisor's review. Official transcripts are required to determine any substitutions. The five-year rule for course recency will apply - all courses applied toward this degree must have been taken within a five-year period to conferment of the degree. The five-year rule for course recency can be extended to seven years with a formal student-filed petition.

Grades

Students have access to their unofficial transcript via the web. Grades are not mailed to students. Official transcripts can be ordered online.

Western Oregon University Contacts

JoNan LeRoy – DEP Director and Advisor: (503) 838-8361; leroyj@wou.edu

Dr. Marie LeJeune – WOU MSEd Coordinator and Assistant Professor: lejeunem@wou.edu

WOU DEP Website:  www.wou.edu/extendedprograms

Curriculum

The MSEd degree consists of a minimum of 45 quarter hours of approved graduate-level courses in a combination of education and content courses.  The credits are distributed as follows:

Education Core - 21 credits

ED 611 Theories of Teaching and Learning (3)

This course will apply key concepts, models, and strategies related to different theories of learning, including behaviorist, cognitive and socio-cultural perspectives. Students will examine epistemological frameworks, issues of transfer, social and cultural influences, as well as motivation and engagement to design powerful learning experiences. Additionally, students will learn key concepts, models, and strategies related to language acquisition and to cognitive, social and emotional development.

ED 632 Cultural, Social, and Philosophical Issues in Education (3)

This course examines issues of learning and culture from a variety of philosophical perspectives, linking practice to theory and ideology. Students will frame their teaching and learning experiences by examining the role of culture in schooling and learning, specifically addressing issues surrounding culture, diversity, and critical perspectives in education.

ED 633 Research and Writing (3)

Students will examine the traditions and theories of both quantitative and qualitative research and evaluate methods, findings, and implications of research studies. Students will critique research and produce scholarly writing.

ED 635 Action Research (3)

This course introduces students to the principles and processes of action research, a form of self-reflective inquiry by practitioners within socio-cultural contexts. The goals of action research are to better understand and imp[rove  practice. Students develop skills in data collection, analysis, interpretations, as well as the oral and written presentation of research.

ED 636 Leadership and Policy in a Diverse Society (3)

Students will analyze current educational policy and potential leadership within multiple contexts. Emphasizing local, national and global trends, this course will help students explore issues of diversity and socio-political constructs of schooling.

ED 637 Advanced Content Pedagogy (3)

Students analyze subject matter specific assessments and instructional practices, including content area literacy, diversity, and technology as they relate to improving learning. Students will examine and critique current issues, research, and implications for classroom practice.

CSE 610 Computers in Education (3) or CSE 624 Internet for Educators (3)

Technology courses explore the philosophy of the use of technology and/or internet in the classroom.

Content Core - 21 credits

Students continue graduate-level work in their academic area of Bilingual/ESOL or ESOL, Reading, or Educational Media and additional endorsements may be added.  Students seeking to complete a new authorization level or endorsement within the 21 credit hours portion of the program are required to complete a 90 clock hour practicum in the appropriate authorization level or endorsement.

Advanced Proficiency Documentation - 6 credits

Students with a Basic License needing a Standard License will take six hours of electives rather than Advanced Proficiency Documentation.

FS 600 Differentiated Assessment Strategies examines the key issues and concepts in using classroom assessment to help teachers differentiate instruction and the curriculum.

FS 601 APD/CTL Seminar. This documentation, prepared by the student with the guidance of faculty members and peer teachers, is designed to demonstrate the student’s ability to teach and work with others at an advanced level of performance.  Activities and requirements specifically address Teacher Standards and Practices Commission’s requirements for Continuing License as well as National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.

Division of Extended Programs (DEP) Western Oregon University
345 N. Monmouth Ave.,
Monmouth, OR 97361
1.800.451.5767 or 503.838.8483 V/TTY
e-mail: extend@wou.edu