Marshall University enables many teachers in the region to expand their skillset in the field of education. Marshall offers the Master of Arts (MA) in Education, a graduate degree program that is primarily designed for licensed teachers seeking an advanced degree or added endorsement. Available in a range of specialized areas, endorsements qualify teachers to be classroom-ready in additional subject areas, which adds value to their portfolio as educators.
Since most students in Marshall’s Education master’s degree program are working teachers, all MA coursework is fully online with asynchronous learning experiences. This enables Marshall students to continue teaching full-time while completing their master’s degree.
The College of Education and Professional Development (COEPD), accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) since 1954, is the oldest academic unit within Marshall University, dating back to 1867. COEPD offers 16 bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs, and 32 educational certifications ranging from early childhood and elementary education to secondary education and administration. The College is adept at meeting the needs of adult learners who are primarily fully employed students.
The Master of Arts in Education consists of a set of core course requirements, area of emphasis requirements, and a capstone experience.
All Education master’s degree students must complete 15 hours of coursework in research, human growth and development, technology, instructional methods, and assessment (the MA core).
Each student must also select an area of emphasis consisting of 18-21 hours of required coursework, depending on the area of emphasis.
Students will meet the comprehensive assessment requirement through the framework of a 3-hour capstone experience.
Endorsement programs are available to teachers who hold a valid West Virginia professional license in any area other than the one for which endorsement is desired. Students in the Education master’s degree program from other states should verify eligibility for added endorsements through their state’s Department of Education.
Added endorsements for MA in Education students include:
Early Childhood Education (PK-K): Combines theory, research and practical applications to child development and early childhood education. Options are available for ECE Option 1 (PreK-K Licensed) and ECE Option 2 (K-6/K-8 Licensed).
Elementary Math Specialist (K-6): Strengthens mathematical content knowledge and mathematical teaching methods of elementary teachers, Grades K-6.
Library Media Specialist (K-Adult): Prepares K-12 teachers to manage school library media centers, collaborate with faculty to support the school curriculum and facilitate information literacy.
Math through Algebra I (5-9): Provides mathematical content knowledge and mathematical teaching methods to prepare middle school mathematics teachers.
Teaching English as a Second Language (K-Adult): Prepares teachers who work with learners who enter schools with a language other than English.