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Lee University Catalog 2018-2019 
    
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Lee University Catalog 2018-2019 [Archived Catalog]

Graduate Studies in Education

Helen DeVos College of Education Graduate Studies

William E. Estes, Dean

Graduate Studies in Education

William A. Kamm, Graduate Program Director

Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction, Special Education, or Educational Leadership (M.Ed.)

The purpose of this program is to provide post-baccalaureate study for persons preparing for careers in professional education and for those teachers and school administrators who want to refine their professional skills. Specifically, the degree will:

  1. Provide advanced preparation, theory, integration of faith and learning, and practical application.
  2. Encourage candidates to solve professional problems by independent investigation through study and research.
  3. Further develop the professional competencies attained in undergraduate programs.

For those school personnel who have a need for further professional training but who may not be interested in pursuing a graduate degree, this program of study may provide in-service educational opportunities.

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

The purpose of this program in Elementary, Secondary, or Special Education is to provide a route to initial teacher licensure with graduate work leading to a master’s degree. Students who successfully complete the degree program and meet all standardized test requirements will be eligible for licensure by the Tennessee Department of Education.

Master of Science in Higher Education Administration (MSHEA.MS)

The purpose of this program is to prepare individuals for careers in the college and university setting. With attention given to student development, assessment, learning communities, financial and legal issues, students are exposed to most sectors of a modern higher education institution. This degree culminates with an internship.

Educational Specialist (Ed.S.)

The Lee University Educational Specialist Degree with a concentration in either Curriculum and Instruction or Educational Leadership is a post master’s degree level program of study. The purpose of the program is to equip successful educators with the tools, knowledge and understanding necessary to provide innovative classroom instruction to the schools and school systems of the twenty-first century. This program is intended to serve three related purposes:

  1. To provide professional educators with an opportunity to develop specialized expertise and best practice skills in the area of classroom teaching or educational leadership.
  2. To provide those professional educators who desire it, a bridge from their master’s level work to doctoral level study in the areas of educational administration or curriculum and instruction.
  3. To provide a career path for classroom teachers to pursue the highest professional ranking in the profession: National Board Certification. Consequently, the Educational Specialist in Curriculum and Instruction will be organized around the five core propositions of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. These standards are intended to produce professional educators who:

        Are committed to students and their learning.

        Know the subjects they teach and how to teach those subjects to students.

        Are responsible for managing and monitoring student learning.

        Think systematically about their practice and learn from experience.

        Are members of professional learning communities.

General Description of the Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) Programs

Curriculum and Instruction: The Educational Specialist degree with a concentration in Curriculum and Instruction is a 30 semester hour (10 courses) undertaking. Of those, 18 hours are required courses and the 12 additional hours will be selected from the graduate course electives.

Educational Leadership: The Educational Specialist degree with a concentration in Educational Leadership is a 33 semester hour (11 courses) undertaking. Of the 33 hours, 18 hours (6 courses) consist of required courses and 15 hours (5 courses) will be selected from a specified list of electives.

The Conceptual Framework

The following brief outline is an abridged version of the extended Conceptual Framework that guides the Graduate Education Program or Unit’s work.  This abstraction delineates the linkage between the Unit’s Vision, Mission, Philosophy, and Goals and is the basic rationale for all its activities.

Vision

The vision of the Graduate Education Program at Lee University is to be an institution of international significance in professional education.  That vision is expressed in the following mission statement summarizing and organizing this Unit’s efforts toward that end.

Mission

This Unit’s mission is to produce candidates who are…

     Lifelong Learners

     Effective Educators

     Ethical Practitioners

Each of the three statements in the mission is an organizing principle that shapes and informs this Unit’s activities and is the summation of the following fundamental philosophical assumptions undergirding these lofty ideals.

Philosophy

Competent, caring, and qualified educational professionals are essential in securing the future of this country and the world.  These men and women must be prepared to discern wisely, think creatively, teach effectively, and lead courageously.  Toward that end, the Lee University Graduate Education programs are designed to encourage problem finding, problem solving and reflective practice within the framework of Biblical truth and commitment of service in the kingdom of God.  The program should enhance the candidates’ present teaching and leadership skills, help develop new talents, and improve educational research abilities.  Expected outcomes include scholarly contribution to the profession, significantly improved classroom teaching, and modeling of able and compassionate leadership.  This philosophical ideal is best achieved if our candidates are Lifelong learners, Effective Educators, and Ethical Practitioners.

Goals

Specifically, the goals that follow are the expected pragmatic outcomes of the Unit’s vision, mission and philosophy.  Along the way, the assessment of these benchmarks helps ensure adequate progress toward the realization of the Unit’s philosophy, its mission and ultimately its vision.

For each of the levels in the Unit - the Masters and Specialists - the seven fundamental goals are the same.  In each of the levels, these goals are further refined to reflect program specifics and are linked to additional external measures that help clarify and differentiate the expected outcome by program.  Further, each of the fundamental goals will be related to one or more of the mission outcomes, Lifelong Learner, Effective Educator, Ethical Practitioner.  As indicated above, the subsections for each level of these fundamental goals will be identified and cited from a variety of organizations including outcome goals established by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, Tennessee State Board of Education for the Administrator License (TSBEAL), and those identified by this Unit (12 Unit Goals).

Graduate Goals

Masters Level Curriculum and Instruction Teaching Candidates will demonstrate evidence of intellectual and personal growth defined by the prescriptive activities in the 12 undergraduate Unit Goals (initial license) linked to each of the following goals for the Master Level candidate.

Masters Level Educational Leadership Candidates will demonstrate evidence of intellectual and personal growth in standards implicit in the seven areas described in the Tennessee State Board of Education for the Administrator License (TSBEAL -A-G) as they are linked to the following fundamental goals for the Master Level candidate.

Educational Specialist Level Curriculum and Instruction Teaching Candidates:  The graduate education goals are extended for the Educational Specialist candidates in Curriculum and Instruction Teaching to include outcomes identified by the Unit (U1-12), the EDS candidates in Curriculum and Instruction will satisfy the objectives inherent in the five (5) Core Propositions (P1-5) of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS).

Educational Specialist Level Educational Leadership Candidates: The fundamental graduate education goals are extended for the Educational Specialist candidates in Educational Leadership.  In addition to the general outcomes identified by the NBPTS Five (5) Core Propositions (P1-5: please note that in the NBPTS sections, the word “Teachers” has been replaced by the word “Educator”), these candidates will satisfy the outcomes mandated by the Tennessee State Board of Education for the Administrator License (TSBEAL).

All MAT, M.Ed. and Ed.S. candidates will demonstrate competencies in an (a):

1. Extend Knowledge and experience in the area of learning and instruction, including conceptual and practical applications of practices that support the process.

2. Understanding and utilization of research methods that improve practices in schools and classrooms.

3. Ability to apply knowledge of multi-media technology to school and classroom practices.

4. Understanding and application of practice of inclusive educational opportunities for learners from diverse backgrounds and disabilities.

5. Enhancement and extension of knowledge of current trends and issues in education.

6. *Demonstration of professional contributions, such as leadership in professional organizations, provision of in-service education for peers and mentorship of beginning teachers.

7. Articulation of a Christian worldview of teaching.

*NOT REQUIRED for Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) candidates

All MSHEA candidates will demonstrate the following program outcome goals:

1.  Students will analyze, evaluate, and apply concepts and theories in College Student Development, organizational theory, and practical administration.

2.  Students will use both qualitative and quantitative assessment tools in researching and engaging problems in higher education environments.

3.  Students will use the critical thinking skills of selection, organization, and evaluation of information when preparing solutions to higher education issues.

4.  Students will identify and properly use higher education resources in maintaining personal data, financial budgeting, and human resources.

5.  Students will see the university as a social system, being able to identify diverse human needs and expectations.

6.  Students will initiate their own leadership skill set and have the opportunity to use these skills in a variety of settings.

7.  Students will begin to demonstrate proficiency in the professional competency areas for student affairs practitioners.

8.  Students will see the unique and changing mission of a university in serving the students academically, socially, and morally.

9.  Students will integrate their personal faith with practice in the field as evidenced by their ability to articulate their perspective on how faith influences their practice and impacts their approach to faith development and spirituality in students they serve.

Admission Requirements

The Graduate Education Committee will make individual admission decisions after considering weighted criteria from the candidate’s completed application file.

Master of Education (M.Ed.)

Candidates for admission to the Master of Education program must submit the following materials to be considered for admission:

  1. Completed Lee University Application to Graduate Studies including all supporting materials.  Online application at www.applytolee.com. 
  2. Two original transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions.
  3. Completion of an approved Teacher Education Program.
  4. MMR Immunization Verification (if born after January 1, 1957). The Certificate of Immunization form (leeuniversity.edu/uploadedFiles/Content/health-clinic/ImmunizationForms.pdf) must be completed and signed by a licensed health care provider and returned to the Lee University Health Clinic prior to registration.
  5. Proof of Chicken Pox Immunity (Required for all full-time students born after 1979).

The Graduate Education Committee will consider the following weighted criteria in the final admission decisions:

  1. Official Grade Point Average (GPA) from all undergraduate and graduate programs.
  2. Scores within the last ten years on a nationally normed test (e.g. Graduate Record Exam (GRE Institutional Code: 1401); Miller’s Analogy Test (MAT Institutional Code: 2540); Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT Institutional Code: 8QV-QG-11), Law School Admissions Test, (LSAT), etc.).
  3. Interview with the Graduate Education Committee or its representatives.
  4. A 500 word writing sample based on questions included in the application.
  5. Three recommendations from professionals acquainted with the candidate’s work.
Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.)

Candidates for admission to the Master of Arts in Teaching program must submit the following materials to be considered for admission:

  1. Completed Lee University Application to Graduate Studies including all supporting materials.  Online application at www.applytolee.com.
  2. Two original transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions.
  3. MMR Immunization Verification (if born after January 1, 1957). The Certificate of Immunization form (leeuniversity.edu/uploadedFiles/Content/health-clinic/ImmunizationForms.pdf) must be completed and signed by a licensed health care provider and returned to the Lee University Health Clinic prior to registration.
  4. Proof of Chicken Pox Immunity (Required for all full-time students born after 1979).

The Graduate Education Committee will consider the following weighted criteria in final admission decisions:

  1. Official Grade Point Average (GPA) from all undergraduate and graduate programs.
  2. Scores within the last ten years on a nationally normed test (e.g. Graduate Record Exam (GRE Institutional Code: 1401); Miller’s Analogy Test (MAT Institutional Code: 2540); Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT Institutional Code: 8QV-QG-11), Law School Admissions Test, (LSAT), etc.).
  3. Interview with the Graduate Education Committee or its representatives.
  4. A 500-word writing sample based on questions included in the application.
  5. Three recommendations from professionals acquainted with the candidate’s work.
Master of Science in Higher Education Administration (MSHEA.MS)

Candidates for admission to the Master of Science in Higher Education Administration program must submit the following materials to be considered for admission:

  1. Completed Lee University Application to Graduate Studies including all supporting materials.  Online application at www.applytolee.com.
  2. Two original transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions.
  3. MMR Immunization Verification (if born after January 1, 1957). The Certificate of Immunization form (leeuniversity.edu/uploadedFiles/Content/health-clinic/ImmunizationForms.pdf) must be completed and signed by a licensed health care provider and returned to the Lee University Health Clinic prior to registration.
  4. Proof of Chicken Pox Immunity (Required for all full-time students born after 1979).

The Graduate Education Committee will consider the following weighted criteria in final admission decisions:

  1. Official Grade Point Average (GPA) from all undergraduate and graduate programs.
  2. Scores within the last ten years on a nationally normed test (e.g. Graduate Record Exam (GRE Institutional Code: 1401); Miller’s Analogy Test (MAT Institutional Code: 2540); Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT Institutional Code: 8QV-QG-11), Law School Admissions Test, (LSAT), etc.).
  3. Interview with the Graduate Education Committee or its representatives.
  4. A 500-word writing sample.
  5. Three recommendations from professionals (one must be from a higher education professional) acquainted with the candidate’s work.
Educational Specialist (Ed.S.)

Candidates for admission to the Educational Leadership program must submit the following materials to be considered for admission:

  1. Completed Lee University Application to Graduate Studies including all supporting materials.  Online application at www.applytolee.com.
  2. Two original transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions.
  3. Completion of a Master’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale.
  4. MMR Immunization Verification (if born after January 1, 1957). The Certificate of Immunization form (leeuniversity.edu/uploadedFiles/Content/health-clinic/ImmunizationForms.pdf) must be completed and signed by a licensed health care provider and returned to the Lee University Health Clinic prior to registration.
  5. Proof of Chicken Pox Immunity (Required for all full-time students born after 1979).

The Graduate Education Committee will consider the following weighted criteria in the final admission decisions:

  1. Official Grade Point Average (GPA) from all undergraduate and graduate programs.
  2. Scores within the last ten years on a nationally normed test (e.g. Graduate Record Exam (GRE Institutional Code: 1401); Miller’s Analogy Test (MAT Institutional Code: 2540); Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT Institutional Code: 8QV-QG-11), Law School Admissions Test, (LSAT), etc.).
  3. Interview with the Graduate Education Committee or its representatives.
  4. A writing sample to be assessed by the Graduate Education Committee.
  5. Three recommendations from professionals acquainted with the candidate’s work.

International Students

The university is authorized under federal law to enroll non-immigrant alien students on an F-1 visa. International applicants are expected to apply well in advance of their projected beginning date. All academic records and other credentials must be accompanied by an official English translation. If transfer credit from an institution outside the United States is desired, an evaluation from World Education Services (WES) must be submitted. [Refer to the “Transfer Credit” section under Graduate Academic Policies for additional information.]

In addition to general admissions requirements, international students must supply the following:

  1. All applicants who are not native speakers of English and who will be attending the university on a student visa, and who are not graduates of an American college or university, are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Information on this test can be attained by writing to TOEFL Educational Testing Service; Princeton, New Jersey, 08540, U.S.A. (or go to www.toefl.org). All test scores should be sent directly from the testing agency to Lee University (Lee University Code: 1401). To be admitted to Lee University graduate studies without English remediation, a minimum TOEFL score of 61(iBT) is required. Remediation requirements are determined by the individual graduate programs.
  2. Financial Statement: An applicant on an F-1 student visa must supply, on the form provided by the university, sufficient evidence of financial support for the applicant and all members of his/her family who will accompany the applicant to Lee. This requires that the applicant certify that his/her intent is to attend full time and that no employment will be required.

All of the above credentials must be received and approved before a SEVIS Form I-20 can be issued to the applicant.  More information can be found in the Graduate International Student Booklet.

Admission Status

The Graduate Education Committee may admit candidates in one of the following categories:

  1. Full Admission: Applicant meets all admission requirements.
  2. Provisional Admission: May be granted if the candidate does not meet minimum standards in one or more of the weighted criteria above. However, the candidate may not take more than nine (9) hours, which may be prescribed as a condition of acceptance, as a Provisionally Admitted candidate. To continue beyond the nine (9) hours, the candidate must be considered for Full Admission by the Graduate Education Committee.
  3. Non-Degree Admission: A candidate may be granted Non-Degree Admission status to take up to nine (9) hours of coursework.  Non-Degree status may be granted if the following minimum criteria are met:
    1. Completion of a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university.
    2. Presentation of official transcripts of all completed coursework.
    3. Completion of demographic information on the application.

A Non-Degree candidate may take a maximum of nine (9) hours in this status. To continue, the candidate must complete the requirements for consideration for Full Admission by the Graduate Education Committee.

Completion Requirements

  1. A maximum of six (6) hours of transfer work from an accredited institution and approved by the Dean of the Helen DeVos College of Education may be counted toward the graduate degree.
  2. Candidates must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA.
  3. Grades below a “C” are unacceptable and may be grounds for dismissal from the program.
  4. No more than two “C’s” are acceptable. The candidate will be dismissed from the program with a third “C” or below.
  5. Candidates must apply for graduation in accordance with the university’s published policy.
  6. Candidates must complete application for Admission to Candidacy by mid-point in their program.
  7. Students must complete the program within six (6) calendar years from the completion of the first course.
  8. Candidates electing the thesis option will present the results of their Graduate Research Exercise in an open forum as a culmination of the Thesis Seminar class. This constitutes the candidate’s oral examination.  (For MAT/MED students only.)
  9. The candidate’s Portfolio must be submitted to the Graduate Education Office ten (10) days prior to graduation.
  10. For the Master’s level candidates, there will be an option to complete a formal thesis or take an approved graduate class elective.  This choice will be made subsequent to the candidate’s completion of EDUC-501 and prior to Admission to Candidacy.  In addition, the candidate contemplating the thesis will attach a Thesis Application to the documents for Admission to Candidacy.  The Thesis Application will require the signature of at least one Graduate Education Faculty member indicating approval of the candidate’s choice.  Candidates approved for the thesis will enroll in EDUC-595 at least one semester prior to graduation.  The completed theses, including faculty signatures indicating full acceptance, will be due in the Graduate Education Office at least ten (10) days prior to graduation. After all coursework for the degree is completed with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, students will be allowed one semester to complete the thesis or final project. If the thesis or project is not completed during that semester, students will enroll in GRAD-599 and will be charged regular registration fees for each fall and/or spring semester in which a continuation is required. (Enrollment in this course will not be required over a summer semester unless collaborative work between the supervising professor and student is planned).

Professional Certification/Licensure

Completing the degree requirements does not constitute Professional Certification/Licensure as an educator. The candidate must complete all of the state mandated undergraduate certification courses and pass the appropriate national exams (i.e., Praxis II series) to be recommended for licensure by the Certification Officer.  All required Praxis II exams must be completed before students enroll in Internship II.

The candidate is advised to have official transcripts evaluated early in the program by the Certification Officer to determine the required undergraduate certification courses.

The Graduate Education Committee

The Graduate Education Committee’s responsibility is to provide administrative oversight to the graduate program. The committee considers and recommends curricular changes to the Graduate Council, approves all program policies, assesses effectiveness of the graduate program, serves as the Admissions Committee, reviews candidacy, and approves applicants for graduation. The Graduate Education Committee consists of the Dean of the Helen DeVos College of Education; the Director of Graduate Studies in Education; the Chairs of the Departments of Early Childhood, Elementary, and Special Education and Health, Exercise Science, and Secondary Education; the Director of Teacher Education and Field Experiences; three faculty members; and one candidate representative.

Programs

Educational Specialist

Master of Arts in Teaching

Master of Education

Master of Science

Courses

Special Education

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