Graduate Studies in Education (MED)

Director: Louise Moulding
Location: Swenson Building, Room 402
Telephone Contact: Ellyn Raynor, 801-626-6278
Website: https://weber.edu/med

Areas of Emphasis

Select one of the following areas of emphasis:

Curriculum and Instruction: The Master of Education with an emphasis in Curriculum and Instruction is designed for candidates seeking more in-depth knowledge and skill for classroom instruction. In addition to foundation courses, students may select from a variety of electives including courses leading to license endorsements. Candidates will complete a classroom or school-based project as a culminating experience.

Educational Leadership: The Master of Education with an emphasis in Educational Leadership is designed for candidates seeking administrative positions in P-12 schools and is focused on the Utah Educational Leadership Standards. After completion of an intensive administrative internship, candidates will be eligible to be recommended to the Utah State Board of Education for a School Leadership license.

Educational Technology: The Master of Education with an emphasis in Educational Technology is designed for candidates seeking in-depth knowledge and skill in the use of educational technology for enhancing instruction and student engagement. Candidates will complete a project or thesis as a culminating experience.

Family Life Education: This Master of Education with an emphasis on Family Life Education is designed for candidates seeking careers in family life and community education, and those seeking a more in-depth study of the historical foundations, policies, and psychology of education and the theory, research, and structure of family life education and family systems in general. Candidates will also integrate the best practices for theory-based program delivery, management, evaluation, and research.

Higher Education Leadership: The Master of Education with an emphasis in Higher Education Leadership is designed for candidates seeking to work in a higher education environment to gain a deep understanding of the roles, mechanisms, and policies that impact higher education. Candidates can select an intensive internship or a site-based research project as a culminating experience.

The Master of Education with an emphasis in Inclusive Early Childhood Education and Care is designed for all early childhood professionals to acquire knowledge and skills for working with diverse children, families, and communities. There is a focus on the change in systemic inequities by using emotionally responsive practices and creating learning communities in a relationship-based approach. Candidates will complete a thesis as a culminating experience.

The Master of Education with an emphasis in Sport Coaching Leadership is designed for sport coaches to acquire content knowledge, sport coaching methodologies, and enhance their individual coaching in the area of sport. Upon completion of the program, students may pursue jobs as an athletic coach, athlete development specialist, athletic director, or operations manager. Candidates will complete a project or thesis as a culminating experience.

Admission Requirements

The MEd program is selective with a limited number of openings available for qualified students. Admission deadline is March 15 for Fall semester. For additional information contact the Master of Education office, (801) 626-6278.

The following items are required:

Admission to Weber State University and application for the MEd Program.
Payment of the MEd program application fee.
Verification of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
Official transcripts from all institutions attended.
Recommendation forms (3).
Minimum GPA of 3.00 either cumulative or on the last 60 semester hours (90 quarter hours) of approved undergraduate/graduate course work.
Writing proficiency assessment with a minimum score of 4 out of 6.
Interview with Graduate Studies in Education faculty members with a score of 4 out of 6.

Additional Requirements for Educational Leadership Emphasis/Graduate Certificate:

In addition to the above, those seeking admission to the Educational Leadership emphasis must also

Clear a USBE fingerprint background check;
Hold a Professional Educator License;
Be deemed effective or higher by: an evaluation system meeting the standards of R277-531; or the LEA’s equivalent on the applicant’s most recent evaluation;
Have a recommendation from: the individual’s immediate administrative supervisor; or an LEA-level administrator with knowledge regarding the individual’s potential as an education leader.

Additional Requirements for International Students

Please seek advisement/assistance from WSU’s International Student and Scholar Center at 801-626-6853 or sis@weber.edu

TOEFL score of 223 (computer-based) or 85 (internet-based) or IELTS 6.5 or Duolingo 120.
Oral language proficiency assessment.
Weber State University-accepted bachelor’s degree.
Courses evaluated into the equivalent of American credits and letter grades.
Contact WSU International Student Services Office and submission of a WSU International Student Application and a Graduate Financial Guarantee form.

GPA Requirements for all GSE Students

Following admission to the Graduate Studies in Education program, students must maintain a 3.0 cumulative grade point average. Students must earn at least a B- in all foundation classes. Coursework in which Ds, Es, or UWs are earned is unacceptable and could result in removal from the program if the problem persists.

Program Code: 5056MED with Emphasis in 5057 (Curriculum and Instruction) or 5058 (Educational Leadership) or 50XX (Educational Technology) or 5059 (Family Life Education) or 5060 (Higher Education Leadership) or 50XX (Inclusive Early Childhood Education and Care) or 50XX (Sport Coaching Leadership).
CIPC: 130101

Program Learning Outcomes

Critical Analysis – Critically analyze key theories, issues, trends, and/or concepts affecting the education/family system. Issues, theories, and/or concerns are critically considered, clearly stated, and comprehensively described. Information is incorporated with interpretation and/or evaluation to develop a comprehensive analysis or synthesis. Viewpoints of experts are thoroughly questioned and/or analyzed. Complex issues are analyzed in-depth. Limits of the analysis, perspective, and/or thesis are acknowledged.
Research – Design and/or implement research or evaluation related to current issues. Specific research/evaluation question(s) and/or aims of the study are clearly stated and described in the context of previous studies relevant to education. Research/evaluation design and methods for data collection and analysis are clearly explained and analyzed for their strengths and weaknesses in relation to the research question. Results/outcomes/products are clearly and accurately discussed in the context of the research/evaluation question, and limits of the study’s findings are identified and discussed in relation to the question and methods.
Writing – Model professional-level writing skills in academic and non-academic settings. The written work includes an introduction and conclusion that clearly state and explain the thesis, position, or purpose of the work. Information is organized in a logical and easy to understand format that makes effective use of transitional statements between ideas. The writing is mostly free of errors relative to effectively communicating ideas.The tone and style of writing is appropriate to a professional/academic and/or non-academic audience.
Evaluation – Create and/or defend an evidence-based argument regarding effective models within education contexts. Evaluation of arguments contains thorough and insightful explanation, reviews logic/reason, examines feasibility of solution(s), and weighs impacts of solution(s). Proposes one or more solutions/hypotheses that indicates a deep comprehension of the problem/issue. Solution/hypotheses are sensitive to contextual factors as well as ethical, logical, and cultural dimensions of the problem/issue. Studies/reports used are appropriate to the topic and are from current and professional sources.