Education - Master's

Program Description

The School of Education offers graduate study leading to the Master of Education (M.Ed.) and Master of Science (M.S.) degrees. Graduate majors are offered in the following areas: Curriculum and Instruction, Agricultural Education, English Education, Family and Consumer Sciences Education, History Education, Mathematics Education, Music Education, Science Education, Social Science Education and Teacher Licensure.

The graduate program in Teacher Education is committed to the further development of educational leaders who are dedicated to educational equity for all persons. The Teacher Education graduate program is aligned with the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) and Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC) to reflect the importance of applied research and content development of educators. Programs offered in Teacher Education are designed for the practitioner. Students pursuing the M.Ed. will engage in action research as a component of the program. Students are encouraged to work closely with an academic adviser to ensure that personal and professional goals are clear and achievable.

Curriculum and Instruction

The program focuses on further development of teacher leaders. The curriculum includes areas of human development, learning, foundations of education, school curriculum, assessment, and further study in areas of interest. Candidates choosing this option for an M.S. degree must also complete a thesis.

Agricultural Education

Agricultural Education offers graduate study leading to the M.Ed. and M.S. degrees. Advanced work may involve specialized training in vocational education, extension education, international extension, and agricultural education.

Degree programs are planned cooperatively to meet the needs of individual students. Candidates are encouraged to include supporting work relevant to subject matter areas of interest. Some courses focus on problems related to various phases of Agricultural Education, including secondary, post-secondary, adult, and extension programs. Others emphasize issues common to all service areas in agricultural and extension education. Provision may be made for candidates to include internships in agribusiness, natural resources education, or other aspects of agricultural and extension education in their programs. Candidates should work closely with an adviser.

English Education

Content-focused master’s degree program in Teacher Education focus on increasing both pedagogical skills and content expertise. Candidates in these programs complete the four core pedagogical courses listed on the program of study and at least nine credits of master’s-level content coursework; the total program of study is typically 33-36 credits. Candidates work with their graduate committee and adviser to identify an appropriate plan of study. This degree plan does not lead to teacher licensure, and candidates are encouraged to work with their advisers if licensure is desired.

Family and Consumer Sciences Education

Students have the option of pursuing a Master of Education (M.Ed.) or Master of Sciences (M.S.) degree in Family and Consumer Sciences Education. Advanced work may be taken in FCSE, Career and Technical Education, Extension, and curriculum design and development.

History Education

Content-focused master’s degree program in Teacher Education focus on increasing both pedagogical skills and content expertise. Candidates in these programs complete the four core pedagogical courses listed on the program of study and at least nine credits of master’s-level content coursework; the total program of study is typically 33-36 credits. Candidates work with their graduate committee and adviser to identify an appropriate plan of study. This degree plan does not lead to teacher licensure, and candidates are encouraged to work with their advisers if licensure is desired.

Mathematics Education

Content-focused master’s degree program in Teacher Education focus on increasing both pedagogical skills and content expertise. Candidates in these programs complete the four core pedagogical courses listed on the program of study and at least nine credits of master’s-level content coursework; the total program of study is typically 33-36 credits. Candidates work with their graduate committee and adviser to identify an appropriate plan of study. This degree plan does not lead to teacher licensure, and candidates are encouraged to work their advisers if licensure is desired.

Music Education

The Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree with a Music Education option is a dual program offered collaboratively by the School of Education and the Department of Music. The program is designed to facilitate the needs of currently working music teachers as well as students who wish to continue their education to the master's level after having completed the baccalaureate degree. It is possible to complete the M.Ed. degree in Music Education by attending three consecutive summer sessions, two years in residence during the academic year, or a combination of both. Most courses in the degree program are offered in the late afternoon or evening. Applied study may be in the areas of vocal, instrumental, or conducting. Students electing the choral emphasis will take vocal pedagogy and survey of choral literature. Students electing the instrumental emphasis will take instrumental pedagogy (woodwind, brass, or percussion) and survey of band literature. No thesis is required; rather, students will complete 2 three-credit hour practicum experiences: one in education and one in music. The practica will be agreed upon and planned jointly by the student and his/her adviser(s).

Science Education

This content-focused master’s degree program in Teacher Education focuses on increasing both pedagogical skills and content expertise. Candidates in these programs complete the four core pedagogical courses listed on the program of study and at least nine credits of master’s-level content coursework; the total program of study is typically 33-36 credits. Candidates work with their graduate committee and adviser to identify an appropriate plan of study. This degree plan does not lead to teacher licensure, and candidates are encouraged to work with their advisers if licensure is desired.

Social Science Education

This content-focused master’s degree program in Teacher Education focus on increasing both pedagogical skills and content expertise. Candidates in these programs complete the four core pedagogical courses listed on the program of study and at least nine credits of master’s-level content coursework; the total program of study is typically 33-36 credits. Candidates work with their graduate committee and adviser to identify an appropriate plan of study. This degree plan does not lead to teacher licensure, and candidates are encouraged to work with their advisers if licensure is desired.

Teacher Licensure

The Teacher Licensure option allows candidates with a degree in teachable major to complete professional education coursework to earn teacher licensure. The program is aligned with ND teacher licensure options but transfers well to other states. Additional content coursework may be needed to meet licensure requirements and will be evaluated upon entry to the program. The Praxis Core Academic Skills exam is required for full admission to the program. Contact the Teacher Education program for a transcript evaluation to determine a plan of study. 

The NDSU programs in education are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and are approved by the ND Education Standards and Practices Board. Changes in national and state legislation, standards, or rules can affect academic program requirements.

Qualified students may apply for admission to graduate programs in the School of Education leading to Master of Education (M.Ed.) or Master of Science (M.S.) degrees.

In addition to the Graduate School’s required application materials, the program requires submission of a statement of career goals consistent with the five propositions of the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS), as well as reasons for applying to the program. The School of Education reserves the right to obtain additional information about the student's professional competence from qualified professionals.

In addition to meeting the requirements stated above, applicants must meet two additional requirements for the Teacher Licensure option:

1. Hold a bachelor’s degree in a content area related to a teaching major offered at NDSU, including the following: biology, chemistry, earth science, English, French, health, history, mathematics, music, physics, or Spanish. If you hold a different major, consult with program faculty for additional information. 
2. Pass the Praxis Core Academic Skills exam, meeting ND cut scores in reading, writing and math.
3. Complete 20 hours working with youth.  Verification forms are provided in the application system. 

Admission is considered only after all required application materials have been received and reviewed. Where appropriate, all international student requirements must be met.

Admission decisions are based upon the predicted success of the applicant as a student and professional in the chosen field and are made only after considering all available data. A student must meet all requirements for full admission.

Financial Assistance

Graduate assistantships are available in the School of Education. Applications are considered on the basis of scholarship, potential to undertake advanced study and research, and financial need. Students must be accepted into the Graduate School before they are eligible for an assistantship.

All enrollments in Education courses before the student files a graduate plan of study must be approved by the adviser. The School of Education will evaluate graduate courses taken prior to filing the graduate plan of study when the student's plan of study is being considered. Only those courses approved by the School of Education may be included on the final plan of study leading to the degree.

Master's programs within the School of Education require a minimum of 30 semester credits (minimums vary by academic program). In addition to the four core courses, a candidate's plan of study will include 18 credits of elective courses. These courses are selected by the student and approved by the committee. Depending on the degree, candidates may choose either subject-area or education courses. Course selections may be content-specific or additional education coursework. If deemed appropriate, a committee may accept other courses.

The Master of Science (M.S.) degree requires a disquisition. The Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree is a non-disquisition, practitioner-oriented degree. Programs vary on requiring a written comprehensive exam or a portfolio/oral.

Teacher Education Required Courses 

Teacher Licensure Option 

Mari Borr, Ph.D. 
University of North Dakota, 2005
Research Interests: Qualitative Research, Family and Consumer Science Education, Adolescent Development, Experiential Learning, and Professional Development Evaluation

Stacy Duffield, Ph.D. 
University of North Dakota, 2003
Research Interests: Middle School, Literacy, Learning Theory, and Instructional Practices

Jeanette Hoffman, Ph.D.
University of St. Thomas, 2006
Research Interests: Multicultural education, Social justice education, Assessing student learning

Adam A. Marx, Ph.D.
University of Missouri, 2014
Research Interests: Adolescent Career Decision-Making, Student Engagement, Teacher Development

Larry Napoleon, Ph.D.
The Pennsylvania State University-University Park, 2009
Research Interests: Student Options and Retention, Career and Technical Education, Historically Disenfranchised Learners, African-American History

James M. Nyachwaya, Ph.D.
University of Minnesota, 2012
Research Interests: High School And College Students’ Conceptual Understanding of the Particulate Nature of Matter, Pre-Service And In-Service Teachers’ Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK) of Chemistry/Science

Florin Salajan, Ed.D.
Columbia University, 2007
Research Interests: Areas Of Expertise: Interactive Learning Technologies; Educational Technology Effectiveness For Teaching And Learning; Generational Attitudes Toward Learning Technologies; Comparative E-Learning; European Higher Education Policies; International Education

Teresa Shume, Ph.D.
University of North Dakota, 2013
Research Interests: Place-based Environmental Education, Socio-Scientific Issues, Ecojustice Theory and Practice, Systems Thinking, Content-Area Language Instruction

Justin J. Wageman, Ph.D. 
University of North Dakota, 1999
Research Interests: Standards, Curriculum, Instruction, Assessment, Professional Development and Evaluation

Associate Faculty

Abraham Ayebo, Mathematics Education

Ashley Baggett, History Education

Warren Christensen, Physics/STEM Education

Mila Kryjevskaia, Physics/STEM Education

Jenny Linker, Physical Education

William Martin, Mathematics/STEM Education

Lisa Montplaisir, Biology/STEM Education

Warren Olfert, Music Education

Kelly Sassi, English Education

Michael Weber, Music Education