Curriculum and Instruction

MASTER OF EDUCATION AND MASTER OF ARTS IN TEACHING

School of Education

Department of Curriculum and Instruction

University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

1200 N. University, Mail Slot 4927

Pine Bluff, Arkansas 71601

Vera Lang-Brown, Ed.D.

Chair

langbrownv@uapb.edu

School of Education Graduate Programs

Mail Slot: 4986

Telephone: (870) 575-8058

Fax: (870) 575-8016

Adrienne Robinson, Ph.D.

Graduate Programs Coordinator

Telephone: (870) 575-8242

robinsonam@uapb.edu

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The mission of the School of Education Graduate Programs is to offer advanced programs in professional education that lead to improved classroom instruction and prepare responsible, productive citizens, and prospective change agents in the field of education with the knowledge, skills and disposition that will enable them to meet the educational challenges of an ever-changing educational field. Within this perspective, the School of Education offers quality programs for the advanced preparation of teachers and the improvement of classroom instruction in P-12 schools, leading to licensure and careers in professional education. In addition to training teachers and human service professionals to meet the educational challenges of an ever-changing society in the 21st Century, the School of Education provides the opportunity for the students to study in a multicultural university setting, thereby encouraging responsible, productive citizens and prospective change agents in the field of education. The School of Education fulfills its mission through teaching, research and public service to the immediate service area, the state of Arkansas, and the nation.

The School of Education currently offers graduate degrees in two major areas-the Master of Education (MEd) and the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT). Each degree program is comprised of associated options and/or specialty areas. These master level degree programs allow candidates who hold bachelor’s degrees from regionally accredited institutions to pursue a Master’s degree and to complete programs of study leading to Arkansas teacher licensure.

Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.)

Options:

Elementary Level Education

Middle Level Education

Secondary Level Education

Broad Range

Master of Education (M.Ed.)

Master of Education in Elementary Education

Master of Education in Secondary Education

Specialty areas:

English Education

Mathematics Education

Science Education

Social Studies Education

Master of Education in Physical Education

Options:

Teacher Licensure

Non-Licensure, Sport Programming

Master of Education in Educational Leadership

Conceptual Framework for Professional Education Programs

These graduate degree programs follow state and national standards for academic excellence and quality instruction in professional education programs utilizing the conceptual framework, the Teacher as a Promoter of Academic Excellence (T-PAE), as the guiding structure from which all educational experiences in the School of Education, both at the undergraduate and graduate levels have evolved. Thus, the T-PAE Model depicts the uniqueness of graduate education at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. The conceptual framework is based upon critical dimensions within teaching: changes in demands in classrooms for P-12 learners navigating seven (7) domains: knowledge of content; assessment; technology; professional education; professional growth; social, cultural and human diversities; and community and global awareness. The curricula of these programs prepare candidates with experiences in developing the knowledge, skills, and dispositions which will enhance self-esteem, confidence, and constructive interpersonal relations among people of all ethnic, cultural, socio-economic, and religious backgrounds. Additionally, courses aligned with the conceptual framework address technology, assessment, and instructional skills. Graduate students exit the programs prepared to work professionally with all learners, especially from culturally diverse and exceptional populations.

GENERAL ADMINISTRATION

The program is administered by the Coordinator of the School of Education Graduate Programs. The Dean of the School of Education will have approval responsibility for the graduate programs. The Graduate Council, along with the Dean of Graduate Studies, has legislative authority for the entire process and designates specified advisory responsibilities. The School of Education’s Teacher Education Committee also approves all new courses, degrees, and degree plans before they are submitted to the Graduate Council.

Advancement to Candidacy

Students admitted to the School of Education are awarded graduate status. However, to complete their degree, students must advance to candidacy. To advance to candidacy, the student must complete twelve (12) credit hours of graduate level coursework with a 3.0 GPA or better (no grades below a “C” or an “Incomplete” are acceptable) to advance to candidacy.

ADDITIONAL POLICIES

Residence Requirements

The candidate must complete a minimum of twenty-seven (27) hours in residence in order to receive a Master’s degree from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. All programs require the completion of a minimum of 36 hours of graduate course work as prescribed by the specific program’s degree plan.

Course Load

Graduate courses may not be used simultaneously to fill both undergraduate and graduate degree requirements. A full-time graduate student load is nine (9) hours; three (3) additional hours may be taken with the approval of the candidate’s advisor, the graduate coordinator and the dean of the School of Education. Full-time for a summer session is six (6) hours.

Transient Students

Applicants who are pursuing a graduate degree at another accredited college or university are eligible to be admitted for one semester only as a non-degree seeking student. A “Letter of Good Standing” is required from the Dean of the Graduate School of the applicant’s home institution.

Undergraduate/Graduate Enrollment

Undergraduate students who are within nine (9) semester hours of graduation (does not include student teaching) may enroll in graduate courses not to exceed six (6) semester hours. Graduate courses may not be used to fulfill both graduate and undergraduate degree requirements.

Exit Requirements

Other exit requirements include the following:

Arkansas Standard Teaching License or documentation of having completed all required parts of the Praxis Series: Praxis I, Praxis II-Content Specialty, and Praxis II-Principles of Learning and Teaching (for those seeking licensure),
the completion of any undergraduate (including student teaching) courses,
the completion of the School of Education Professional Portfolio (for those seeking licensure),
the completion of a minimum of 36 graduate-level hours with a cumulative grade point average of 3.00 on an advisor approved degree plan. (No grades below a “C” or an “Incomplete” are acceptable.), and
Pass the School of Education Graduate Comprehensive Examination.