Graduate programs in the School of Education enhance teacher, counselor, and administrator knowledge. The Master of Education program builds upon undergraduate coursework and professional experience.

The Seattle Pacific University master's degree in education provides the following:

• Understanding of the historical, social, economic, legal, political and technological forces that shape the American educational system.
• Knowledge and application of teaching theories in schools and related settings.
• Knowledge of literature, research and trends in the area of professional specialization.
• Effective written and oral communication skills.
• Training to access, evaluate, apply, and contribute to the research and literature of education.
• Appreciation of cultural and individual diversity
• Advocate for education as a helping profession supported as shaped by the Christian worldview of Seattle Pacific University.

MASTER OF EDUCATION DEGREE PROGRAMS

• Curriculum and Instruction

• Literacy
• Educational Leadership
• School Counseling
• Master of Arts in Teaching
• Master in Teaching Math and Science

FOR ADDITIONAL PROGRAM INFORMATION, REFER TO THE FOLLOWING:

Graduate Newsletter — Winter 2012

Graduate Newsletter — Autumn, 2011

Graduate Newsletter — Summer 2011

MASTER OF ARTS IN TEACHING

This program begins once a year during Autumn Quarter. Application materials are generally submitted early Winter Quarter, so students may be informed of final decisions by Spring Quarter. For additional information regarding admissions requirements, contact The Graduate Center. In addition, the applicant must complete most of the requirements for a primary endorsement in the subject of choice. Contact the School of Education for a list of available endorsement areas.

ONLINE MASTER'S PROGRAM

The master of education in curriculum and instruction can be earned online. This is a two-year, 48 credit program, which includes 27 credits in teaching and learning.

ADDITIONAL GRADUATE DEGREE/CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS

Applications are accepted throughout the year. However, some of the graduate programs have acceptance deadlines and requirements unique to the specific program. Contact The Graduate Center for additional information.

ELECTRONIC PORTFOLIO

Like the best schools and colleges of education across the nation, the SPU School of Education utilizes an electronic portfolio system to track student achievement of program competencies. Courses require assignments to be posted to this system for faculty review. This portfolio will be a record of completion and can be part of the application process as you begin your education career to showcase your work.

Students enrolling for the first time will be assessed a fee of $65 for an electronic portfolio. This fee will be posted to your student account. It is applied before classes begin so that financial aid can be applied to this fee as well as tuition charges.

COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION

A written comprehensive exam is required for most graduate education programs is taken during the last quarter of coursework or the first quarter thereafter. The educational leadership degree also includes an oral defense of the exam. All exams should scheduled with the Graduate Programs Manager in the School of Education.

MASTER'S THESIS

The master's thesis is a formal investigation involving original research that results in a scholarly manuscript which may be submitted for publication. It is not required for a master of education degree. The master's thesis is a recommended option for students intending to pursue a doctoral degree.

APPLY TO GRADUATE!

Graduate students who plan to complete their degree between Autumn 2011 and Summer 2012 should apply to graduate now. The application is required in order to obtain the degree and must be submitted by January 31. This application determines who is eligible to participate in graduation events, including Commencement, Graduate Hooding, and Ivy Cutting. Failure to submit the graduation application in a timely manner may impact degree completion and Commencement participation. The university will provide communication in late February/early March regarding this year’s events.