Master of Science in Education (MSEd)

MISSION

The mission of the Teacher Education Department is to develop reflective educators for a global society.

VISION

The MSSU Teacher Education faculty and staff are dedicated to developing competent teachers who will incorporate into their classrooms a strong foundation of knowledge and pedagogy; a lifelong love of teaching and learning; and motivation to improve practice through reflection, self-study, and professional development. It is our goal to assure that all candidates become ethical classroom practitioners, cognizant of the need to help all students meet their full learning potential. All Teacher Education programs have been approved by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

The department of Teacher Education offers three options for a Master of Science in Education (M.S.Ed.): Administration, Curriculum & Instruction, and English Language Learners.

Master of Science in Education - Administration

This program aligns with the Missouri Model Leader Standards and Indicators (2018), as well as the Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (2015), which emphasize the school leader as a competent manager and instructional leader who continuously acquires new knowledge and skills and is constantly seeking to improve leadership practice to provide for high academic achievement for all students. Courses and assessments in this program encourage prospective school leaders to exercise good professional judgment and to use these standards to inform and improve their own practice. During the capstone semester, students will complete the Missouri Performance Assessment for Aspiring Building Administrator. Students will also register for and complete the Building-Level Administrator Missouri Educator Gateway Assessment prior to graduating from the program.

This M.S.Ed., Administration program follows a cohort structure with coursework of 5-7 credit hours per semester over the course of 5 sequential terms for a total of 30 credit hours. Program courses are offered in an online 8-week format with on-ground 16-week internship requirements. Requirements for thesis, internship or other capstone experience(s) will align with Portfolio (MoSPE Standards) and the Missouri Leadership Development System expectations.

For more information on the MSEd - Administration program click here.

Master of Science in Education - Curriculum & Instruction Degree

Classes in the Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction are offered completely on-line. It is recommended that students take six hours per semester (fall, spring, and summer) and can finish in six semesters. The program and instruction have been designed for professional educators who want to continue their education around their busy schedules. Faculty members who teach in the M.S.Ed., Curriculum and Instruction program are experienced educational leaders and content specialists. The program provides teachers and other professionals with an opportunity to expand their knowledge in education, improve their practice and learn how to better plan and carry out their curriculum.

For more information on the MSEd - Curriculum & Instruction click program here.

Master of Science in Education - English Language Learner (ELL)

This M.S.Ed, ELL program follows a cohort structure allowing two courses per semester (6 credit hours). All courses are offered online. This degree is designed for teachers who wish to obtain Missouri ELL certification or other educators who wish to increase knowledge and skills in the ELL field. There are 21 content knowledge hours required for certification and then students may choose 15 additional credit hours from the list of Teacher Education electives below. The content knowledge courses are the only certification requirements if the student has already met the psychology/exceptional child and literacy requirements (most often met with a B.S.E.) The entire degree can be completed in 2 years (fall, spring, and summer).

For more information MSEd - English Language Learner program click here.

Admission to the Master of Science in Education programs

Complete application for admission and pay application cost. (See US Citizens Application).

Possess and earned baccalaureate degree in a related field from an institution accredited by agencies recognized by Missouri Southern State University.

Have your official undergraduate transcript and any graduate program transcripts submitted to the MSSU Admissions Office at admissions@mssu.edu or mailed to Admissions at 3950 E. Newman Road, Joplin, MO 64801. Undergraduate and graduate transcripts must show a minimum overall grade point average of 3.00. (2.75 for tentative admission) effective for Fall 2018 applicants not approved by May 1, 2018.

Submit to tegradprgm@mssu.edu a writing prompt (between 500-1,000 words). Refer to the specific program link for writing prompt details.

Submit to tegradprgm@mssu.edu a current resume.

Three references are needed. Use the student form here and the reference form here. The reference form link will need to be shared with 3 persons that are references for the applicant. One education administrator and two professional education colleague submissions are needed for the student application file.

A video recording, no longer than 5 minutes, of candidate describing:

Introduction of self
Professional background
Professional goals
Reason for applying to the program

Submit to tegradprgm@mssu.edu or mail to Teacher Education Graduate Program, 3950 E Newman Road, Joplin, MO 64801.

A copy of current teaching certificate for Administration applicants only.

Application materials are due by:

August 1 for the Fall Semester.

January 1 for the Spring Semester.

May 1 for the Summer Semester.

For additional information contact:
Gene Taylor Education Graduate Office • 417.625.9314
tegradprgm@mssu.edu

Programs

Master of Science in Education