Take your teaching career to the next level with Shenandoah’s Master of Science in Education program.
Our comprehensive program will provide you with the tools and knowledge you need to increase your marketability and value in the teaching profession.
The MSED Individualized Focus Degree Program is well suited to students with highly individualized career or educational goals that are interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary, international, general or specific.
Students in this program are very motivated, goal-oriented and self-directed learners who are carving their own pathways of knowledge within an advanced degree program. Some students in this program are U.S. National Board Certified Teachers, fully licensed teachers, provisionally certified teachers, green card holders, or those on F-1 student visas.
Learn More About This Program
Shenandoah University’s Division of Education & Leadership prepares practitioner-leaders by offering programs of study that conform to the following principles: practicing in a spirit of collaboration; thoughtful examination of the foundations, current contexts and future possibilities of the fields of study; encouraging proactive, problem-centered philosophies of educational and professional practice; producing graduates who will be knowledge-driven, competent decision-makers whose thinking is informed by reflective practice; and preparing caring, capable and reflective teachers, administrators, human services and public sectors practitioners.
Our master’s and doctoral programs are unique in their emphasis on the application of theory to real-world problems and lived experiences. Administration and Supervision Licensure and Teacher Education Licensure programs have each earned accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
Career and Salary Possibilities
Students accepted in this program meet with the faculty advisor to select the courses that meet their career or educational goals.
Take your career further by adding a Gifted Endorsement or by becoming a mentor or lead teacher. Update your teaching skills while pursuing National Board Certification (NBCT). Our flexible program offers options to fit your individual career path. You can even complete NBCT within a supportive, cohort environment with professors and other class members.
Did you know:
- National Board Certified Teacher credentials are recognized across the country, and certification often commands a higher salary.
- Teachers who have earned Gifted Endorsements on their license have the opportunity to work with specialized populations, and often have fewer students in their classes and additional budgets for special expenditures.
- Teachers who become lead teachers or mentor teachers often have school leaders who support their continuing pathways to administrative positions.
Classes
Because of the flexibility allowed in the 18-credit elective section of the Individual Focus program, students in health professions, political positions, coaching jobs and various administrative employments utilize this program to obtain the necessary educational coursework while gaining an advanced degree.
The 12-credit research core allows students to design action research projects to seek credible solutions for real on-the-job or situational problems.
You’ll learn:
- best practices in 21st century teaching and learning: planning, instruction , assessment (of and for learning), professionalism, relevant theory, integrating technology and pedagogy
- data collection and analysis, data-driven teaching and learning decisions, formative assessment
- how to communicate assessment outcomes to students, parents and other stakeholders
Our program prepares you to comply with the new teacher evaluation system and teaches you to implement formative assessment that increase student responsibility for rate, amount and quality of learning. You’ll also utilize technology to gather, analyze and communicate data to stakeholders in relevant and meaningful ways.
Faculty
Our accomplished and caring faculty serve as mentors beyond the classroom. As a team, they prepare you to serve as a compassionate educator, critical thinker and ethical leader. You’ll benefit from small class sizes that enable faculty members to provide individualized attention and nurture your academic and professional development.
Application Information
Shenandoah University’s Division Of Education & Leadership Provides Inquiry-Driven, Problem-Oriented Examinations Of Public Education And Organizations.
View application deadlines and submit your Shenandoah Application.
Education Application Information
State Reciprocity – SARA
Shenandoah University is a member of NC-SARA, the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements. View the licensure requirements for out-of-state students enrolling in Shenandoah programs leading to licensure. Click on the tab at the bottom of the screen to locate your program. Note that these requirements are subject to change. Please contact your program with questions.
Professional Studies Certificate (PSC) to MSED Individual Focus
Students in the Professional Studies Certificate (PSC) programs can apply to be concurrently accepted into the MSED Individual Focus program or can do so after completing the PSC. These students would use 18 credits from the PSC as electives and then do the research core to complete the degree.
Course Requirements
Students in the Professional Studies Certificate (PSC) programs can apply to be concurrently accepted into the MSED Individual Focus program or can do so after completing the PSC. These students would use 18 credits from the PSC as electives and then do the research core to complete the degree.
Inquiry Core*
| Course | Title | Hrs. |
|---|---|---|
| RST 671 | Using Educational Measurement and Statistics | 3 |
| RST 672 | Outcomes Assessment & Stats App. in Orgs. | 3 |
| EDU 585 | Educational Technology Applications | 3 |
| EDU 647 | Projects in Curriculum & Instruction | 3 |
| Total | 12 | |
| Elective Credits | 18 | |
| Total | 30 |
* In addition to the 12 credit Inquiry Core, 18 advisor-approved elective credits must be completed in your area of study.
