Master of Education in Advanced Studies
Master of Education in
Advanced Studies
This program is designed to help those wanting to teach at the secondary or college level meet education requirements. With more than 10 majors and more than five Focus of Study areas, it allows you to obtain 18-credit hours in the area of your choosing.
Total cost at ACE
$9,500(tuition + fees)
Compare with other institutions*:
$20,424
Capella University
$25,092
Concordia University
$17,325
Walden University
*Based on information provided on each institution's website as of August 2018
Applications due April 5 for April 8, 2019 Term
View Tuition DetailsKey Features
- Intentional Design: With eighteen credit hours for every major, you can get the required credits to meet accreditation standards in the area you wish to teach.
- Customizable: This program offers numerous Majors and Focus of Study options—allowing you to customize the degree to suit your individual needs. For example, if you wish to teach math to adult learners, you can pair a Math Major with the Adult and Continuing Education Focus of Study.
- Flexible: Study on your schedule. Our online format allows you to plan your coursework around your life.
- Accelerated Completion: Students who have received a Certificate in Content Area Instruction at ACE can transfer these courses to fulfill the course requirements for the major.
For more information about this program, view the College Catalog. You can also ask questions anytime via chat.
Majors
Your selected major will require 18 of your credit hours and comprise the bulk of your specialization. View the College Catalog for more details about each major.
Business
Cognitive Science
Early Childhood Education
English
History
Integrated Biology
Integrated Chemistry
Integrated Physics
Integrated Science
Interdisciplinary Leadership
Mathematics
Social Science
Focus of Study
Twelve of your semester credits will be spent specializing in a focus area of your choice.
View the College Catalog for full descriptions.
Adult and Continuing Education
Higher Education
Instructional Leadership
International Education
Online Learning and Teaching
Department Chair
Cathy McKay, Ed.D.
Administrative Faculty and Chair,
Department of Professional Educational Studies
Dr. Cathy McKay spent most of her professional career in the K-12 context. As she taught in both public and private schools, she worked with many educators on a variety of projects including process improvement, standard test readiness, and alternative educational opportunities. She helped develop two district-wide curricula in science and math for grades K-12. Additionally, she participated in programs to improve student achievement through data analysis.
While continuing her work in K-12 education, Dr. McKay transitioned to higher education through teaching at a local community college, where she developed and implemented programs focusing on student success, primarily in mathematics.
A Degree You Can Count On
We are, and have always been, regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. This accreditation guarantees that our programs meet certain levels of quality standards.
A Note About Licensure:
While this program provides a comprehensive understanding of the intended program outcomes, it does not lead to licensure, certification, or endorsement. ACE offers several programs that do provide a pathway to licensure, certification, or endorsement and they can be found here.
Tuition
M.Ed. in Advanced Studies
Total Tuition
34 semester credits x $235 per credit
$7,990
Fees
$50 Application Fee
$1,360 Technology & Library Fee ($40 per credit)
$100 Program Conferral Fee
$1,510
Total Program Cost*
$9,500
*This is an estimated value of the cost for tuition and fees. Amounts may vary depending on number of transfer credits applied to the selected program hours, the pace and satisfactory completion of the selected program credit hours, receipt of scholarship and/or grant amounts, and adjustments to tuition or fees as described in the Catalog Right to Modify Tuition section.
State of California Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF)
It is a state of California requirement that a student who pays his or her tuition is required to pay a state-imposed assessment for the Student Tuition Recovery Fund. For more information and to see if you must pay the state-imposed assessment for Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) click here.
ACE General Admission Requirements
- Complete and submit all application components including the admission application, including the enrollment agreement, and payment agreement.
- Submit the nonrefundable application fee.*
- Provide official transcripts from a regionally accredited institution indicating successful completion of the level of education required for entry to the program.**
*The application fee is valid for one year from date of submission.
**Additional evidence may be required to fulfill state requirements, including but not limited to verification of professional experience, test scores, or an interview.
Program Admission Requirements
M.Ed. in Advanced Studies
- Bachelor's or Highest Post-Baccalaureate degree earned
- Minimum Grade Point Average 2.75 on a 4.0 Scale for full admission
- Minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average of 2.50 on a 4.0 Scale for Provisional Admission*
- Additional evidence may be required to fulfill state requirements, including but not limited to verification of professional experience, test scores, or an interview
*Applicants whose overall GPA, or GPA in the last 60 hours is below 2.50 will not be admitted to the degree program
International Transcript Requirements
All applicants must submit to the Admissions Office official, sealed college transcripts from each institution attended.
- Transcripts that are international and/or not in English must be evaluated through an NACES-recommended agency.
- Texas applicants may only submit evaluations from agencies approved by the Texas Education Agency.
- International applicants must request the course-by-course evaluation. The evaluation report must show that the non-U.S. education is equivalent to the education/accreditation level required for the program.
English as a Second Language Applicants
All applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate competence in the English language as demonstrated in one of three ways:
- Submission of an official transcript showing a degree from a United States secondary school or regionally accredited college/university.
- Submission of a transcript from a secondary school or college/university whose country uses English as a primary means of instruction, including, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand.
- Submission of an official minimum score on the paper-based or internet-based TOEFL exam.
- The minimum TOEFL score required for the paper-based Test (PBT) is 550, and for the internet-based (iBT) Test is 80.
- Applicants to the Texas M.Ed. in Educational Leadership program must submit scores from the internet-based (iBT) TOEFL An overall score of 80, and a score of 26 on the speaking section is required.
- The testing agency must send test scores directly to American College of Education.
Admissions Appeal Process
Applicants have the right to appeal admissions decisions. Begin the process by filling out the admissions appeal here.
Courses
Explore the classes you'll take to fulfill this program's 34 semester credit requirement. For more information, a complete list of requirements, and course options, see the College Catalog.
Research Courses
(3 semester credits)
This course enables students to become informed consumers of research and to develop skills to prepare them to carry out action research in their schools and organizations. An emphasis is placed on providing students with knowledge they can apply in determining whether particular research findings are relevant to their leadership and instructional practices and to distinguish between trustworthy and non-trustworthy research. The course places action research within the context of various types of research and examines research in terms of basic concepts and various purposes, methods, data, and paradigms. Emphasis is placed on how research can become a vital and relevant tool for educational and organizational leaders.
Teaching/Learning Core Courses
(1 semester credit)
The Capstone Experience is designed for candidates to demonstrate and document the impact of their knowledge and competencies gained throughout, and as a result of studies related to the Advanced Studies program.
Major
Select an 18 credit-hour major to meet the accreditation requirements for teaching that subject.
Business
(18 semester credits)
Designed to explore fiscal and budget responsibilities, this course applies budgetary principles to interpret a range of funding and valuation models, including property tax levy. By analyzing the shifts in cash flow, students consider multiple theoretical approaches to effectively manage revenue sources, expenditures, budgetary constraints, and forecasts of resources, with respect to state and federal regulations. Emphasis is placed on the budget process including the support of technology resources, facilities, and applications as it relates to reporting the management and oversight of funds and financial services.
This course establishes the legal foundation of public schooling by examining authority from constitutional through local governance. Issues related to school and public works law are examined in case studies focused on liabilities, disabilities, and facilities delivering educational services. This includes laws related to labor relationships and contract negotiations, and building and construction contracts.
This course develops leaders in a wide range of educational and organizational settings, who can effectively forecast and evaluate financial risks challenging their institutions. To avoid or minimize risk in a proactive manner, students learn to utilize analysis, avoidance, minimization, or elimination of undesirable threats to protect present and future organizational interests. Through the identification, assessment, and prioritization of risks, students prepare to minimize, monitor, and control the probability and impact of negative events on an institution in a manner that does not detract from the institutional goals.
In this course, students evaluate models, theories, and evidence-based best practices related to strategic management and innovation in educational entrepreneurship. Students learn the fundamentals of business planning and design, develop, and implement strategic models facilitating innovation and creativity to be used in diverse entrepreneurial endeavors.
Using research, students acquire and utilize multiple resources designed to effectively and efficiently create, collect, filter, process, and distribute data through well-managed information systems. The course provides a solid foundation for maximizing available technological and organizational resources through the enhancement of operations and information systems support while also providing the knowledge, skills, and experience to administer such functions. This course further helps to prepare educational business leaders to successfully analyze and evaluate trends and best practices in information systems.
As an introduction to foundational concepts of marketing, this course considers various perspectives from influencer to consumer. Marketing opportunities are explored for implementing strategic plans through the use of research and analysis. Students examine examples of brand development, positioning, and management of integrated marketing communications (IMC) campaigns, which can be highly beneficial for private and charter schools. Case studies and scenarios frame the examination of managed markets. The intersection of marketing with public and media relations is also explored.
Cognitive Science
(18 semester credits)
Distinguishing between intelligence and the intellect, this course establishes a foundation for examining the role that the intellect, with specific focus on cognition, plays in learning, growth and development, and daily life. Theories of intelligence, including cognitive intelligence and emotional intelligence, are examined in the context of the performance of the intellect. Topics include constructivist and neo-constructivist theories of cognitive development; processes and strategies related to decision making, problem solving, and creative thinking; and the structural features of language, the processes of language acquisition, and the relationship between language and thought.
This course explores the nature of psychological theories and how they relate to real-world applications and explanations of psychological phenomena. Specifically, learners trace the historical development of major ideas in psychology and the work of Freud, Jung, Erikson, Skinner, Piaget, and Thorndike, and others. Students gain an understanding of psychological research and basic quantitative and qualitative methods psychologists use to gather and analyze evidence. Emphasis is placed on the emergence of psychology as an empirical science, ethical considerations in psychological research, the use of reference materials and electronic technologies, and the communication of psychological information in written form.
Principles create a framework for testing the value of information and ideas. Knowing is an intellectual process which shapes daily actions and how individuals relate to the world. This course explores principles, evaluating their performance as an aid to selection of enduring guidelines for making personal and group decisions. Topics include the characteristics of memory, memory storage and retrieval, and factors interfering with the retention and retrieval of memories, and the theories and primary internal and external factors impacting motivation.
This course investigates the role of neuropsychology in the context of socio-psychological development with specific focus on the context of socioemotional learning. The distinction between neuroscience and psychology frames the investigation of the course, especially in terms of physiological factors that influence brain development across the lifespan. Learners also explore how the nervous, endocrine, and sensory systems interface and affect thinking, memory, personality, development, and behavior. The effects of alcohol and drugs on consciousness are also discussed.
This course provides learners insights into the nature of psychology as a profession, the opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge of the theoretical and research basis of current issues in psychology, and the links between theoretical developments and professional practice. Topics include challenges associated with providing services to complex, vulnerable, and diverse populations; the ethical responsibilities of practitioners; stress and strategies for its alleviation; definitions and characteristics of psychological disorders and their treatment; primary internal and external factors affecting motivation, and political, social, economic, and medical issues related to mental health and behavioral disorders in contemporary society. Comparisons are made between cognitive/perceptual psychology, abnormal psychology, and social psychology. These subfields are related to the diversity of careers in psychology and the tools and theories used by various psychologists to determine and interpret personality and individual differences.
Utilizing theories and principles, this course addresses the stages of human development, factors associated with personality development, and critical issues related to human development from infancy through adulthood. These concerns are woven into physical and social, affective and cognitive domain changes influenced by family dynamics, education, relationships, and individual perspectives. This course addresses the impact of change across time and circumstances as a way to guide life choice responses. Topics include emotions and their effects on perception, cognition, and behavior; the development of moral reasoning, and the effects of heredity and environment on human and personality development.
Early Childhood Education
(18 semester credits)
Focused on development, this course will explore classic theories of child development while investigating emerging theories in the field. This course establishes an understanding of current practices and concerns relating how they influence a child's environment and future learning experiences.
This course will address the traditional stages of development from infancy through early childhood. Concepts will address developmental milestones, domains of thought, and related theories of growth.
This content will focus on curriculum design using learning expectations across different standards and the developmental needs of children. Curriculum design methods, developmentally appropriate practices, and application methods will be explored by relating distinctive age-appropriate ideas.
Addressing content-specific curriculum development, strategies will be introduced to promote development across specific areas of learning. Selected activities will be investigated to promote literacy, social and emotional growth, logical reasoning, and physical development.
This course explores current trends in early childhood education by examining public policy, research, professional development relevant to classroom practices, and program management. Creating a connection between theory and current information will help to maintain relevance for the profession.
Focused on early childhood developmental issues, this course includes formal and informal approaches to assessing young children while diagnosing potential concerns which lead to informed instructional and intervention choices. Choices in curriculum are aligned to needs to enhance student achievement.
English
(18 semester credits)
Covey's principle of "beginning with the end in mind" sets the stage for developing competencies in using different language strategies to convey meaning, relevance, and purpose for reading and writing within various genres. By exploring theories for developing and interpreting concepts, learners establish a vehicle for integrating content across disciplines as a way to interpret, synthesize, and respond to issues experienced by various audiences. Emphasis is placed on argumentative, informative/explanatory, narrative, and other forms of writing, their structure, and appropriateness to various audiences.
This course aids in understanding the influences on creation of thought and perspective as reflected in personal expressions and professional expectations. By examining literary and commercial works on the same topic, learners consider how personal or professional perspectives can take a dramatic shift depending upon environmental influences and delivery approaches impacting comprehension. Understanding the drama of a personal story gives expression to the human experience.
This course investigates the societal factors impacting literary expression including class, politics, gender, and globalization, as expressed in music, digital devices, images, film, and other technologies. From wars to social media, an understanding is gained of how these have influenced changes in the English language over time, as a backdrop for responding and reflecting upon personal and professional fulfillment.
This course introduces the impact of language in personal and public writing and speaking - including uses of propaganda, contradiction, letters, novels, journalism, poetry, theater, and visual media - on social and political change, including insurrection, legislation, and military conflict. To accomplish a purpose for communicating to a selected audience, the structure and conventions of language are examined.
This course defines ways media has served as a conveyance of ideas, generating responses from the town crier to digital devices. By exploring the theories and psychological factors of developing and interpreting meaning, learners engage in forms of communication based upon research into the patterns of language, ways to determine accuracy and truth, and a best-fit approach for a selected audience.
This course selects influential works from pivotal moments in history which shaped the course of human interaction. "The pen is mightier than the sword" has given way to the tweet of thumbs. Through research, learners explore how the Library of Congress determines what to archive, identifies significance, and sorts content. The nature of new literacies frame the study of exemplary writers and the descriptive writing process.
History
(18 semester credits)
This course focuses on ways historians view ideas while utilizing a variety of theories and frameworks which define an approach to thinking. With the goal of communicating ideas gathered from research using professional methodologies, emphasis is placed on a historiographical perspective to identify patterns in human behavior, the cause and effect of events. Through academic studies of the past and the application of course theories to public history, students will focus on various approaches to study and teaching of the past.
Roads connect more than trade goods as cultures, ideas, and people groups move along pathways. By investigating the impact of historical routes on the growth of the United States within geographical and economic contexts, learners explore cross-cultural encounters and the influence of trade and exploration via the Old North Trail, the Mississippi River, the Erie Canal, the Transcontinental Railway System, and Route 66 among others. Exploration of pathways into space and the oceans and experiential learning situations are designed to bring historical concepts into 21st century application.
New ideas ignite revolutions across time and location, influential individuals and ideas, cultures and communities. Individuals and groups promote reform, share the emergence of new media, and capitalize on how ideas develop into action. Through the study of various revolutions, the course offers innovative approaches for investigating how past and present civic responsibilities determine the course of a community, country, or global problems and their outcomes.
This course explores the big ideas of history which have shaped Western thought including the concepts of freedom, justice, equality, and liberty. Using primary documents, ideologies are contrasted from a range of perspectives, including political, social, professional, and personal. Through critical analysis, the lives of those who have influenced change are examined in light of issues such as immigration across time or the impact of education.
This course uses the early history of the United States as a framework to examine the development of its government and culture. Consideration is given to special problems including the causes of war, the benefit of diplomacy, and social movements which have changed to course of nations. Through primary documents, records and images, key pieces of legislature, and the reactions of the populace students explore innovative ways to understand and teach American history and culture.
Without history, understanding current issues is problematic. This course offers a more personal approach to historical research as a way to support critical and creative thinking, problem solving, and writing skills. American and world texts are used as the narrative for change. Newspaper clips, photographs, political cartoons, and other media become perspectives to view the legacies of history that surround all of us.
Integrated Biology
(18 semester credits)
This course provides a holistic overview of historical and current issues and trends impacting biology in today's global society. Emphasis is placed on the themes of organization, information, energy and matter, interactions, and evolutionary change. Topics include cellular chemistry and structure, organisms, interdependence, and heredity and genetics. An understanding of essential, underlying themes provides tools to help describe and understand everyday phenomena. Learners gain a comprehensive understanding of the nature of science and the processes of scientific inquiry, and the relationship of biology to the other sciences, engineering, technology, and society. Critical and creative thinking, problem solving, writing skills, and scientific research methods are emphasized.
Biological systems exist from the smallest cells to the biosphere and beyond. As a way to define order and organization, students identify characteristics found in repeatable patterns which predict interactions between systems and their environments. Utilizing a universal view of various systems as they relate to current biological problems, students diagnose potential issues and explore ways to solve problems while determining what and how various forces are influencing the overall system.
Forces act upon the biosphere and its diverse lifeforms, from the flow of water to fields of growing corn. At the cellular level, living "machines" use mechanical forces - push, pull, and resistance - to complete their tasks. Understanding the interaction of these forces generates deeper awareness of the possibilities and limitations of the underlying systems. By examining principles of biological and environmental science, learners identify evidence to support models for sustaining the diversity of life on Earth.
The everyday task of living brings biology into the practical. Through the use of measurement and the interaction of energy, problems in biology are examined as they relate to distribution, complexity, and evolution. The ability to understand how energy and matter are related establishes a cause-and-effect relationship essential to understanding reactions and interactions within living organisms. Using a model-based inquiry approach, learners investigate concepts such as metabolic activity, abiotic factors, and competitive systems.
From the atom to the biosphere, life on Earth follows a hierarchy of organization. This course explores the hierarchical model as a way to examine the many layers and levels of biology. By processing information about structure, substructure, shape, and form, learners examine how living things and their environments can create layers of complexity.
Change is evident across time. Using atmospheric and ecological biology as a backdrop, this course explores a variety of issues of scientific interest and social relevance that are transforming life on Earth today. Among the issues are climate change, the greenhouse effect, pollution, deforestation, and the ozone layer. The course also explains the conditions that make life possible, including the potential for life on newly discovered Earth-like planets.
Integrated Chemistry
(18 semester credits)
This foundations course describes historical and current issues and trends impacting chemistry in today's global society. Topics include atomic and molecular structure, properties of matter, chemical bonds, conservation of matter and stoichiometry, rates of reaction, organic chemistry, thermochemistry, biochemistry, the periodic table, interactions and reactions, and chemical and physical changes.
Systems exist from the contents of a beaker in a chemistry lab to the Amazon rainforests. This course explores the importance of systems and their surroundings to thermodynamics and thermochemistry. Theories guide the identification of characteristics found in repeatable patterns which predict interactions between systems and their surroundings. Topics include open, closed, and isolated systems and the relationships among energy, heat, and work as revealed in the study of systems.
Forces of attraction are at work in chemistry. Understanding the interactions resulting from intermolecular and intramolecular forces generates deeper awareness of the possibilities and limitations of the underlying systems. Topics include the impact of chemical forces on the states of matter, boiling and melting points, vapor pressures, and viscosities. The course also explores van der Waals's forces: dipoledipole interactions, hydrogen bonding, and London dispersion.
The everyday task of candy making brings chemistry into the practical. Through the use of measurement and the interaction of energy, sources of candy are changed yielding predictable results. The ability to understand how energy and matter are related establishes a cause-and-effect relationship essential to understanding reactions and interactions. Using a model-based inquiry approach, learners investigate key terms and concepts related to candy making and chemistry.
This course addresses the fundamental concepts of energy and heat and their association with chemical processes. Beginning with a discussion of thermodynamics in general, the course moves to application specifically related to chemical changes. Topics include atomic structure and energy levels, different forms of energy, energy scales and units, and heat and work.
This course focuses on the environmental aspects of chemistry associated with the atmosphere, soil, groundwater, and surface waters. A major focus is how to fundamentally apply chemistry concepts to environmental issues occurring within social, political, and economic contexts. Learners determine the causes of such problems and recommend evidence-based changes that could potentially be made by individuals, industries, and governments. Ethical issues also serve as a source of discussion. Topics include atomic, molecular, ionic, and radical structures, stoichiometry, gas laws, acids and bases, equilibrium, and oxidation/reduction.
Integrated Physics
(18 semester credits)
This foundations course provides a holistic overview of historical and current issues and trends impacting physics in today's global society. Topics include motion and forces, energy and momentum, thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, and vibrations and waves. The course introduces major ideas in contemporary physics, including the big bang, the big crunch, the big freeze, and the big rip, and concepts such as dark matter and dark energy, wormholes, and the unusual consequences of quantum mechanics.
This course explores the inquiry approaches and experimental methods leading to the big ideas and formation of the fundamental laws of physics. Theories guide the identification of characteristics found in repeatable patterns which predict interactions between systems and their surroundings. Topics include systems and techniques of measurement, advanced mathematical methods, Newton's laws of motion, conservation laws, and the laws of thermodynamics.
This course focuses on the nature of forces and their application in physics. Two broad categories of physical force are explored: contact forces and action-at-adistance forces. Contact forces include friction and air resistance, tension, normal, applied, and spring "pushes and pulls." Gravitational, electrical, magnetic, and nuclear forces do not require contact between objects, and these "action-at-a-distance" forces have stimulated physicists to rethink the idea of forces altogether for ages. Emphasis is placed on how forces or interactions impact isolated systems, real-life situations, and the cosmos.
The everyday task of automobile driving reveals physics in the practical realm. The use of measurement and mathematical methods to study motion and momentum, energy, and matter allows the prediction of future events. Cause-and-effect relationships lead to understanding actions, reactions, and interactions between matter and energy on the everyday scale as well as the atomic and quantum levels. Using a modelbased inquiry approach, learners investigate concepts such as classical and quantum mechanics, energy transformations, the nature of elementary particles, and special relativity as they relate to real-world applications.
This course addresses the fundamental principles and two primary purposes of geophysics: (1) the exploration of the physics of the planet and (2) applications for societal purposes such as the environmental impacts of oil and mineral exploration and extraction. Topics include gravitational and magnetic fields, earthquake mechanisms, geothermics and heat flow, and radiation and cloud physics.
This course takes an interdisciplinary approach to exploring biophysics, inte-grating the traditional fields of physics, chemistry, engineering, biology, and medicine. Topics in medical physics include biomechanics (including sports med-icine and prosthesis technologies); modern imaging techniques; treatment practices, such as heat therapy, electrotherapy, and various types of radiation. The emphasis is on how physics has improved the diagnosis and treatment of illness and injury, emerging technologies, and their implications.
Integrated Science
(18 semester credits)
This course provides a holistic overview of historical and current issues and trends impacting science education in today's global society. Emphasis is placed on the examination of diverse viewpoints and approaches to integrated science education to examine research-based integrative models and strategies for the improvement of student learning. Participants will examine current STEM education initiatives related to policy, method, and engagement. Critical and creative thinking, problem solving, and writing skills are emphasized. While using an integrated approach, this course spotlights content-rich components dedicated to biology, chemistry, and physics.
From the smallest particles to constellations in the universe, systems exist. As a way to define order and organization, theories guide the identification of characteristics found in repeatable patterns which predict interactions between systems and their environment whether these are on earth or in space. This course utilizes a universal view of various systems as they relate to current problems. By examining models to diagnose potential issues, learners explore ways to solve problems while determining what and how various forces are influencing the system. While using an integrated approach, this course spotlights content-rich components dedicated to biology, chemistry, and physics.
The everyday task of cooking brings chemistry into the practical. Through the use of measurement and the interaction of energy, sources of food are changed yielding predictable results. The ability to understand how energy and matter are related establishes a cause-and-effect relationship essential to understanding reactions and interactions. Using a model-based inquiry approach, learners investigate terms such as extraction, denaturation, and transference. While using an integrated approach, this course spotlights content-rich components dedicated to biology, chemistry, and physics.
The everyday task of cooking brings chemistry into the practical. Through the use of measurement and the interaction of energy, sources of food are changed yielding predictable results. The ability to understand how energy and matter are related establishes a cause-and-effect relationship essential to understanding reactions and interactions. Using a model-based inquiry approach, learners investigate terms such as extraction, denaturation, and transference. While using an integrated approach, this course spotlights content-rich components dedicated to biology, chemistry, and physics.
This course explores the formation of natural structures and how these form levels dependent upon the density and type of matter. In a similar fashion, manmade structures are dependent upon the relationship between the properties of materials and how those materials are expected to function. By processing information about structure and form, learners examine how the shape and substructure of objects and living things can create layers of complexity. While using an integrated approach, this course spotlights content-rich components dedicated to biology, chemistry, and physics.
Change is evident across time. What may appear stable at one level may not be static at a different layer. Using weather as the backdrop, this course explores static and dynamic equilibrium, considering how scale and proportion influence a resulting phenomenon such as a flash flood or mass migration. By understanding the influence of size on how or why something occurs, changes in the elements or components of a system can be adjusted to create different outcomes and possible solutions for sustainability. While using an integrated approach, this course spotlights content-rich components dedicated to biology, chemistry, and physics.
Interdisciplinary Leadership
(18 semester credits)
This course emphasizes the importance of understanding state, federal, and other accountability standards in relation to the needs of learners within schools, school districts, and organizational communities. The focus of the course remains on identifying learners' academic strengths and areas in need of improvement to eliminate achievement gaps, improve achievement levels, ensure progress, increase graduation rates, and promote post-secondary and college/career readiness.
Success is attributed to effective decision making, a skill required for professional and personal reasons. An essential ability required by leaders, decision making is a process which identifies critical elements of a choice to determine a course of action. The focus for this course considers ways decisions are made and how these techniques can be evaluated to improve outcomes. Specifically, the course addresses the development of skills to efficiently and consistently make informed decisions using data to maintain awareness of organizational needs, demographics, and performance levels. The role of collaboration in decision making is also a major focus.
Ways to develop and sustain a thriving school culture are examined through the utilization of effective communication and collaboration strategies within and beyond the community. Governance strategies for ethical and legal policies, organizational development and optimization, and decision making are covered. Students explore ways in which their ethical code protects and ensures equity, fairness, tolerance, and respect in various educational and organizational cultures.
This course focuses on establishing and maintaining the instructional vision and mission of an institution through effective use of student performance data to inform the selection of strategies and practices contributing to academic success. Through the development of districtwide initiatives and priorities, supported by effective communication, students learn to facilitate collaborative efforts, develop productive partnerships, promote academic rigor and empower leadership skills in others to create a culture of achievement.
This course examines the leadership process in the context of developing and distributing or sharing leadership within an organization. It investigates team and group dynamics, team building, interpersonal and group relations, and effective problem solving and decision-making skills within collaborative environments. The course places particular emphasis on the development of human resources skill sets for leaders, including risk-prone behaviors and conflict management; relationships among leaders internal and external to the organization; and how leaders build other leaders, contributing to effective succession plans to maintain organizational cohesion and performance.
This course focuses on individuals as leaders from an individual perspective, emphasizing principles and practices of interpersonal relationships for leadership development, professional role modeling for those who look to them for guidance, and advocacy for change within and outside the organizational environment. In the course, students will take an introspective look at their leadership as a personal and professional journey - how their past life experiences set them on a course toward leadership, where they are today in their journey, and how they envision and are preparing for future destinations.
Mathematics
(18 semester credits)
This course enables learners to integrate simple and complex algebra, geometry with trigonometry, and statistics in a coherent manner to solve real-life problems. An emphasis is placed on exploring related concepts and common threads that appear throughout mathematics.
This course emphasizes strategies for mathematical modeling of problems in real-life situations. The six steps of mathematical modeling are used to apply theories and techniques from dynamic systems, statistics, differential equations, game theory, chaos theory, algebraic theory, number theory, and linear, quadratic, exponential, and logarithmic regression models to solve problems.
Learners utilize integrated approaches and key strategies to solve real-life problems while applying tools from calculus, linear algebra, geometry, and functions. Practical problem-solving settings involving motion, light, music, and exponential decay are investigated using strategies such as looking for clues, developing a plan, and checking for mathematical and practical accuracy during the process.
This course challenges learners to investigate historical aspects of mathematics as they relate to diversity and numbers. Different perspectives are explored as seen in the development and applications of elementary and abstract algebra, Euclidean and non-Euclidean geometry, and elementary trigonometry and hyperbolic functions. Investigating culturally significant contributions to historical aspects establishes an appreciation for mathematics as a global experience while helping students to understand the changes in fundamental constructs.
Covering many topics students wished they had learned about equations, this course enables learners to explore commonly used equations while deviating from algorithmic use and seeking a deeper understanding. The Pythagorean Theorem, Quadratic Formula, rate of change, matrices, and linear, quadratic, cubic, radical, exponential, and logarithmic functions are analyzed. Emphasis is placed on examining the often overlooked links among equation, algorithm, concept, and application.
This course uses statistical methods to guide learners to discover, identify, and bring culturally significant aspects of mathematics to the forefront of curricula. The course addresses social issues surrounding mathematics and ways mathematics can be used to make meaning of social issues. Students will use mathematical methods such as ANOVA and statistical tests to explore issues such as gender, race, culture, socioeconomic status, institutional theory, and age.
Social Science
(18 semester credits)
Utilizing theories, standards, and practices in the field, learners explore contemporary issues in sociology using an experiential approach guided by research. Through analysis and evaluation of behavior, social issues are investigated which shape understanding of personal, social, national and global relationships, processes, and interactions. Learners analyze the nature, dimensions, causes, and characteristics of selected social problems of major interest. Consideration is given to theories, research, and programs for prevention and treatment.
Culture is an aspect of human interaction. It is a collection of values, attitudes, behaviors, and social mores expressed by a collection of individuals within a society, organization, institution, or country. The underlying philosophy or principles held by a culture are examined in this course to understand how productivity and performance, personal and professional relationships are established and maintained. These include the influence of organization and power structures and control systems which incorporate procedures and process along with routines and individual stories. Emphasis is placed on diverse learners, collaboration with stakeholders, data analysis and interpretation and its influence on culture, the impact of instructional models, and the role of social-emotional learning.
This course explores the nature of sociological theories and how these relate to real-world applications and explanations of social phenomena. Specifically, learners trace the historical development of major ideas in sociology and the work of important sociologists. Students gain an understanding of sociological research and basic quantitative and qualitative methods sociologists use to gather and analyze evidence and how to analyze and interpret data presented in graphic formats. Emphasis is placed on the emergence of sociology as a social science, ethical considerations in sociological research, the use of reference materials and electronic technologies, and the communication of sociological information in written form.
This course addresses the development of personal identity and sense of self and the ways in which social groups and institutions impact individual and social needs and provide a context for social interactions. The effects of social, cultural, and economic factors on individual values, beliefs, and attitudes and group dynamics are explored. Topics include race, ethnic, and gender relations and the impact of stereotyping, ethnocentrism, acts of altruism, and discrimination on group interactions; formal organizations and factors influencing their evolution, and the characteristics of bureaucracies. Emphasis is placed on the basic social institutions of family, economics, religion, education, health and medicine, and politics.
This course addresses the causes, functions, and effects of social stratification and inequality including social class, gender, race, ethnicity, and age. Students explore theoretical explanation of deviance, normality, and crime in diverse social and cultural contexts and the sources of conformity, social order, and social control from a global perspective in different types of societies. Current topics include male-female differences and gender issues; aging and the sociology of death and dying, and the types and functions of social mobility in contemporary world societies.
The purpose of this course is to understand the theories, forms, development, and consequences of social and political collectiveness and movements on contemporary social life and how they are related to the changing nature of society. Topics include birth, death, migration, and other demographics; reasons for population growth and decline; the social and cultural effects of urbanization and industrialization; causes of conflict; the role of the mass media; modernization, and globalization and their impacts on diverse contemporary societies. Connections are made to social psychology and to other fields of study, such as economics, business, and government.
Focus of Study
Customize this degree by choosing a four-course Focus of Study to fulfill the remaining 12 semester credits.
Adult and Continuing Education
(12 semester credits)
This course examines the theory and research of andragogy, with an emphasis on the historical influences, practical applications, and critical analysis. Topics include fields of practice, schools of thought, clarification of concepts, and emerging issues and challenges.
This course examines a variety of learning and teaching strategies to enhance adult learning. Students analyze methods suited for adult learning in different settings, apply knowledge of adult learning theories, and explore ways in which adults learn critical thinking.
This course focuses on theories and processes of measuring student learning in post-secondary educational settings to evaluate the effectiveness of academic programs. Students explore accreditation procedures and standards, instructional approaches, engagement strategies, and management of instructional environments.
This course provides an introduction to the historical developments, theoretical perspectives, fundamental approaches, and real-world practices of evaluating adult learners. Students learn to apply a variety of methods to assess learning outcomes effectively and to analyze assessment data to improve teaching and learning.
Higher Education
(12 semester credits)
This course investigates critical issues and concerns, emerging roles and functions, and influencing factors helping to redefine the nature of higher education. Societal shifts are probed to determine relevancy. Trends in technology and instructional delivery become the frame for forecasting the possible future of higher education.
Focused on examining statutory and regulatory compliance issues impacting institutions, this course is designed to heighten analytical skills to ensure an understanding of the intricacies influencing higher education in today's climate of globalization. The interrelationship between law and policy is explored through the use of case studies, partnerships, and community relationship serving to establish a context for practice with the governance of an organization.
This course considers how to strategically manage human, financial, and data resources. Strategic thinking, planning, and development establish effective ways to 1) strengthen working relationships, 2) engage in financial practices which contain costs and advance the mission of an institution and 3) utilize data for continuous improvement. By comparing and evaluating institutional advancement strategies, activities are assessed to determine how they complement strategic priorities and goals, build and enhance program relevance, and add practical value.
Dependent upon function and service, student affairs influences the relationship between adult learning and instructional outcomes. Leadership practices, as seen through theoretical lens, explore personnel issues, student support, success, and retention, and assessment options which guide decision-making. Consideration is given to ways student perspectives shape the college experience and how these can be leveraged for change.
Instructional Leadership
(12 semester credits)
This course emphasizes the importance of understanding state, federal, and other accountability standards in relation to the needs of learners within schools, school districts, and organizational communities. The focus of the course remains on identifying learners' academic strengths and areas in need of improvement to eliminate achievement gaps, improve achievement levels, ensure progress, increase graduation rates, and promote post-secondary and college/career readiness.
Success is attributed to effective decision making, a skill required for professional and personal reasons. An essential ability required by leaders, decision making is a process which identifies critical elements of a choice to determine a course of action. The focus for this course considers ways decisions are made and how these techniques can be evaluated to improve outcomes. Specifically, the course addresses the development of skills to efficiently and consistently make informed decisions using data to maintain awareness of organizational needs, demographics, and performance levels. The role of collaboration in decision making is also a major focus.
This course focuses on the improvement of curriculum, instruction, and student achievement throughout diverse school and organizational settings. To make these improvements, leaders must first develop the skill set and knowledge base necessary to build leadership capacity among staff members. Instructional leaders can then collaboratively set learner-centered goals to promote higher levels of student progress, achievement, and post-secondary and college and career readiness.
This course promotes the concept of leaders serving as role models of professional development for their staffs to achieve higher levels of performance within the organization. To do so, leaders must utilize effective strategies, programs, and services based on data-driven decisions and the needs of stakeholders in the organizational community. Emphasis is placed on the impact of relevant, high-quality, job-embedded, differentiated, technology-integrated professional learning opportunities aligned to organizational goals. The course also prepares leaders to serve as advocates for sufficient preparation, time, and support for colleagues to work collaboratively in job-embedded professional learning.
International Education
(12 semester credits)
This course provides an overview of education from a global perspective, including international development theories, as well as key international development policies and frameworks impacting education, including Education for All, the Millennium Development Goals, Post-2015 Agenda as well as key protocols developed by the United Nations (UN) and other international organizations. Leaders will also explore the complexities of international aid, refugee education and post-conflict environments. Professionals will have the opportunity to apply what they learn in the course by developing policy briefs, and conducting qualitative and quantitative analyses.
This course explores the role of international organizations, international aid agencies, nongovernmental organizations, and global foundations in the provision of education internationally, with a focus on developing countries. After looking at guiding frameworks and financing issues in the LEAD6243/LEAD5003 course, students will move on to look at programs, initiatives, and implementation of education programs in a wide variety of contexts (formal, informal and non-formal).
This course explores international migration - at the international, transnational, and local levels - and its impact on education systems. Challenges for teaching, learning and administration will all be explored. Leaders will have the opportunity to examine different cases and conduct comparative research to explore the impact of migration on education, as well as strategies to deliver high quality education in diverse learning environments.
Leaders will examine in this course some of the major international programs and initiatives in education, such as study abroad, the International Baccalaureate in K-12 education and the Bologna Accord in the area of higher education. With an emphasis on applied learning, students will explore pedagogies, theories, curricula and strategies that are applied to meet the needs of intercultural and multicultural learning environments. Significant attention will be given to the application of technology, including mobile technology; students will have the opportunity explore the use of educational technology in both developing and developed country contexts.
Online Learning and Teaching
(12 semester credits)
Students will compare theories of teaching and learning with applications to online instruction. Content includes emerging technology and use of Open Educational Resources.
Students will critique research on social presence and best practices for connecting online with students or colleagues, as well as best practices for social media use within education organizations.
Students will implement and assess the concepts of Universal Design for accessible online courses and compare models of instructional design.
Students will demonstrate effective online teaching and assessment; analyze and compare Learning Management Systems; and advocate for professional organizations which provide continuing development for online educators.