Apr 18, 2024  
Graduate Catalog | 2015-2016 
    
Graduate Catalog | 2015-2016 Previous Edition

English Education, M.A.


The Master of Arts in English Education has been developed specifically for teachers of the English language arts in middle and secondary schools who desire advanced study in English content and pedagogy, and seek an opportunity to integrate advanced study with their teaching experiences. In addition, candidates will acquire the skills, knowledge and abilities required to assume a leadership roles as department chairs, interdisciplinary team leaders, or staff development specialists. Candidates in the program serve as resources for one another and become active members in a community of professionals who are knowledgeable, effective, and committed practitioners. At the conclusion of the program, graduates will be teacher leaders who understand and establish respectful educational environments, demonstrate content and curriculum expertise, effectively support student learning through evidence-based research, and exhibit systematic, critical analysis of learning through purposeful and meaningful reflection.

Program Goals


Successful graduates will possess a comprehensive pedagogical, conceptual, and reflective knowledge base that can be applied to their classrooms through effective instruction, responsiveness, and collaboration. Program graduates will be able to:

  1. Self-direct their personal and professional growth
  2. Respond effectively to adolescent differences, equity and diversity, and global learning communities
  3. Demonstrate advanced pedagogical content knowledge of the curriculum, as well as apply 21st knowledge, skills, and technical expertise
  4. Improve educational practice through critical self-reflection, self-assessment, and applied research
  5. Work collaboratively with colleagues, professionals, parents, guardians, families and individuals charged with the well being of learners
  6. Assume a leadership role at the local, district, regional, state, or national level

Additional Admission Requirements


In addition to the general requirements for admission to the Graduate School, applicants must:

  1. Hold the “A” license in Secondary English or Middle Grades Language Arts from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (or its equivalent from another state)
  2. Have an undergraduate GPA of 2.75 overall and 3.0 in the Junior/Senior years and thirty hours of undergraduate coursework in English beyond the Freshman level, or evidence of equivalent academic preparation
  3. Submit a satisfactory essay that provides a statement of purpose for Master’s degree study

Degree Requirements


The M.A. in English Education Program requires completion of at least 33 hours of graduate credit with grades of A or B in approved courses including:

English Specialization Requirements (12 credit hours)


Select 12 credit hours of graduate-level English courses selected in consultation with the Graduate Program Director.  The program’s 12 credit hours of content specialization courses are not free electives, but a planned program of study identified upon the student’s enrollment in the program as part of the student’s overall professional and program plan.  At least 18 credit hours of coursework in the program must be in English or Education courses at the 6000 level.

Note:


An additional 3 credit hours of graduate-level Education courses selected in consultation with the Graduate Program Director are also required.  The program’s professional courses are not free electives, but a planned program of study identified upon the student’s enrollment in the program as part of the student’s overall professional and program plan.

Or:


  • ENGL 6974 - Project in the Teaching of English (3) or EDUC 6974 - Project in the Teaching of English (3)
  • and an additional course either in ENGL or in MDSK/EDUC (3)

Note:


The Master’s Thesis or Project is a formal piece of scholarship that investigates a particular problem in English education and attempts to provide either data-based practical solutions to the problem or a philosophical/theoretical exploration of the problem and its implications for the classroom. Following the approval from the student’s thesis committee or project director, the candidate must present the findings in a professional manner at a level expected of a master teacher.

Assistantships


Assistants are awarded on a competitive basis through the Department of English and the Department of Middle Grades, Secondary, and K-12 Education.

Licensure


The M.A. in English Education qualifies graduates for the Master’s/Advanced Competencies “M” license in English Education.

Program Certifications/Accreditation


Both programs are accredited by both NCATE and NCDPI.