Education

Download as PDF

MASTER OF ARTS IN EDUCATION

Our department offers a Master of Arts in Education with concentrations in Graduate Education, Teacher Leadership, Higher Education Leadership, and Educational Policy, as well as a Master of Arts in Education Plus Teaching Certification. Below you will find a summary of the different degree programs.

The concentration in Graduate Education aids students in the following areas:
1) strengthening and expanding professional knowledge; 2) applying research to improve teaching practice; 3) pursuing special interests in education (e.g., curriculum design); 4) learning to apply knowledge and skills to the larger school community.

The concentration in Teacher Leadership is designed for current teachers who wish to develop their leadership ability for use in the classroom or in such expanded roles as lead teacher, team leader, curriculum developer, department chairperson, new teacher mentor or special project leader. Professionals who enter this program are leaders and future leaders of our schools.

The concentration in Higher Education Leadership is designed to prepare students for careers in college and university settings, the public policy sector, as well as organizations engaged in research, advocacy, and action pertinent to higher education.

The MA in Education with a Concentration in Educational Policy prepares students to critically analyze, craft, and implement education policy, to evaluate its impact on students and teachers, and to advocate for more equitable and effective educational policy. 

The Master of Arts in Education Plus Teacher Certification is for aspiring teachers. Our accelerated program leads to a master’s degree, as well as satisfies Pennsylvania Department of Education's “program approval” requirements for state certification in secondary teaching.

1) Master of Arts in Education with a Graduate Education, Higher Education Leadership, Teacher Leadership, or Educational Policy concentration (30 Credits)

Degree Requirements: A minimum of 30 graduate credits is required for each concentration of the Master of Arts in Education degree. A student may choose to take all 30 credits in Education or to combine credits in Education with up to six graduate credits in another subject or teaching field. Additionally, upon receiving approval of the Department of Education and Counseling, a student may undertake the writing of a thesis for six credits in lieu of six elective credits. Prior to being awarded the degree, students must submit and present a digital portfolio. This may be done following the completion of 24 credits, including all required courses.

2) Master of Arts Plus Teacher Certification (34 Credits)

Degree Requirements: Those seeking admission to this program should have an undergraduate major, or the majority of their undergraduate coursework, in an academic subject area and/or the necessary prerequisite coursework. Subjects available for certification are: English, Communication, Mathematics, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, General Science, Social Studies, Citizenship, French, Italian, German, Spanish and Latin. The program consists of 34 credits, observations in schools, and a full time student teaching experience. The program is typically completed in 12 consecutive months (one summer session and two semesters) and is for prospective secondary teachers, grades 7-12 only. It is also possible to complete the program on a part time basis over two years.

Graduate Education Concentration: THIRTY (30) CREDITS REQUIRED

Teacher Leadership Concentration: THIRTY (30) CREDITS REQUIRED

Higher Education Concentration: THIRTY (30) CREDITS REQUIRED

Master of Arts Plus Teaching Certification: THIRTY FOUR (34) CREDITS REQUIRED

Graduate Education Concentration I. Core Courses (Required):

All five core courses have signature assignments which are required in the digital portfolio. All remaining courses are electives, and should be selected from our rotating speciality courses, available in the master schedule. Up to nine electives credits may be taken in teaching content area.

Course
Title
Credits
Sub-Total Credits
15

Teacher Leadership Concentration I. Core Courses (Required):

All five core courses have signature assignments which are required in the digital portfolio. Students may choose to take EDU 8603 or EDU 8641 to fulfill degree requirements. All remaining courses are electives, and should be selected from our rotating speciality courses, available in the master schedule. Up to nine electives credits may be taken in teaching content area.

Course
Title
Credits
Sub-Total Credits
18

Higher Education Leadership Concentration I. Core Courses (Required):

All four core courses have signature assignments which are required in the digital portfolio. This specific degree requires students to take a minimum of six credits of higher education leadership elective courses, which may included 1-credit workshop courses, also be included in the digital portfolio. All remaining courses are electives and should be selected from our rotating courses, available in the master schedule. Up to six electives credits may be taken in another graduate department.

Course
Title
Credits
Sub-Total Credits
12

Master of Arts Plus Teaching Certificate: 34 credits required

A digital portfolio is not required for this degree program. All courses are required, per department and Pennsylvania Department of Education guidelines, and should be taken in the prescribed order.

Course
Title
Credits
Sub-Total Credits
34

Concentration in Education Policy. Core Courses (Required):

All five core courses have signature assignments which are required in the digital portfolio. Students will take EDU 8603 Educational Research, EDU 8654 Policy Analysis, EDU 8656 Education Law, EDU 8664 Politics of Education, and EDU 8669 Comparative Education to fulfill degree requirements. All remaining courses are electives, and should be selected from our rotating speciality courses, available in the master schedule. Up to nine electives credits may be taken in teaching content area.

Course
Title
Credits
Sub-Total Credits
15
Total Credits:
30-34

 

Disclaimer:
In order that programs offered by Villanova University reflect current advances and additions to knowledge and upgraded professional requirements, Villanova University reserves the right to change programs and requirements without prior notice. Students generally are bound to the requirements in effect and published on the world wide web for the year in which their class begins its first year of study. Special requirements may be in effect for students who have left the University and are being readmitted. Students are advised to check with the web catalog or with their college offices regarding changes that may affect them. Additional academic information may be obtained from the various college offices and the web sites listed for the particular policies, programs and services found in this catalog.

Overview

Program

Education and Counseling

Type

Master of Arts