Additional MEd Information

RIO SALADO COLLEGE POST-BACCALAUREATE TRANSFER STUDENTS

The Northcentral University Post-Baccalaureate Master of Education (36 credit) program of study is part of an articulation agreement designed for Rio Salado College (RSC) teacher preparation post-baccalaureate transfer students. This collaborative educational partnership is designed to serve as a master’s degree completion program specifically for RSC students. The Master’s Degree in Education allows for up to 18 credits to be transferred to NCU embracing the principle that transfer students should not be required to repeat competencies already achieved.

The credits may apply to the following specializations:

• Curriculum and Teaching

• Early Childhood Education

• Special Education

• English as Second Language

• General Education

Rio Salado students pursuing this program of study should work closely with an enrollment advisor specifically assigned to work with this unique partnership. The enrollment advisor will work with Rio Salado students to request a complete evaluation of credits toward this Post-Baccalaureate Master of Education Degree.

CERTIFICATION AND LICENSING

The School of Education serves educational leaders by providing online graduate studies in education to reach worldwide populations. The MEd program is designed to reach national and international markets and does not purport to provide licensure or certification in any particular state or country. Certification requirements vary by state. Students are advised to contact their state department of education or local school district for guidance in obtaining certification or licensure, or for approval in fulfilling district level incentive programs. Prospective candidates are responsible for learning and following any requirements for licensure, recertification, etc. in the state(s) where they wish to apply the degree.

There are several reasons why an educator would want to pursue a graduate degree in education that does not lead to state licensing or certification.

Reasons may include:

• “Move up” steps on the salary schedule
• Improve skills and professionalism in general or to pursue a “leadership” position inside or outside the classroom (school-based or district level, or non PK-12)
• Advance as a “teacher leader” through a graduate degree (already has a bachelor’s degree and certification)
• Meet the needs of increasingly diverse students
• Work outside of a traditional PK-12 classroom environment (i.e. trainer, educational consultant)

SCHOOL OF EDUCATION CURRICULUM

The School of Education curriculum emphasizes a combination of learning theory, instructional strategies, and technology integration for educators working with any grade level, and within professional associations, organizations or as a consultant. The emphasis is on students transforming theory immediately into practice and faculty tailoring instruction to enhance student understanding and achievement. The program aims to produce graduates who understand the scope, pace, and magnitude of the transformation of education within the world that is taking place; and to assist students to meet the challenges of state and national standards (if desired), while meeting the learning needs of educators who work beyond the classroom.

STATE OF THE ART CONTENT

The School of Education sequence of courses undergoes constant review to ensure that while maintaining depth of focus, the program continually includes latest educational innovations and provides participants the tools to incorporate them into pedagogy. The curriculum content and related URL links are current and pertinent. All School of Education courses are continually updated to reflect the latest developments in instructional technology to support instruction.

MEd students may select a specialization track from the list of courses offered via the School of Education. All MEd students are required to take either ED-6002  or ED-6003  as the Capstone Course for their program.