& Student Handbook - Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

124 Master Degree Programs
Master of Arts in Education
The Master of Arts in Education program has been a vital part of Saint
Mary’s University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus since 1989. The
program consists of 33 credits, 27 required and six elective. Delivery of the
program is course-based, engaging the adult learner in a rigorous and
relevant learning experience. The courses focus on providing students with
the attitudes, skills, and knowledge to become better teachers and leaders
in their classrooms, schools, and districts. Students examine educational
theory and research and are guided through the development of
applications to enhance their current educational practices.
Program Delivery
Classes are scheduled at locations in and near the seven county metropolitan
area and in a number of locations outside the metropolitan area. Cohorts of
15-20 people each attend classes at facilities near their workplace. Most class
sessions are held in the late afternoon and early evening weekly with a few
Saturday morning classes scheduled each semester.
Program Outcomes
Upon completion of the Master of Arts in Education program, graduates
are expected to do the following:
1. Apply knowledge of child growth and development to plan an
engaging learning environment.
2. Design and differentiate curriculum, instruction and assessment to
meet diverse learner needs.
3. Communicate and collaborate effectively and respectfully in a variety
of modes in a range of situations.
4. Design effective classroom management strategies based on subject
matter, relevant student information and expectations of the school
community.
5. Design effective assessments and analyze assessment data to
monitor learning and increase achievement.
6. Evaluate studies and design research to evaluate educational practice.
7. Develop understanding of ethics and laws that apply to educational
decision-making.
8. Access current information to develop skills of critical and creative
thinking, self-evaluation and resilience to keep pace with a changing
educational world.
9. Apply knowledge of subject matter and standards to align curriculum,
instruction, and assessment.
Program Structure
The core of the program consists of nine required courses and two
seminars which total 27 semester credits. The remaining six credits may
be earned in a variety of ways. In most cases cohorts select electives
from a large variety of courses designed specifically for the Master of Arts
in Education program. Students are allowed to take electives from several
other graduate programs such as educational leadership, counseling and
psychological services, and human development. Up to six (6) elective
credits taken prior to the start of the program may be transferred into the
program. During the program, students may enroll in elective courses
offered through the M.A. in Education or other Saint Mary’s programs. For
example, students may complete courses and apply the credits to the
Master of Arts in Education program from Saint Mary’s master programs,
such as the Gifted and Talented Instruction Certificate, the K-12 Reading
Teacher Certificate Program, Educational Leadership and/or Graduate
Professional Development for Educator courses.
Degree Requirements
Required Courses .............................................................................27 cr.
Elective Courses .................................................................................6 cr.
Total..................................................................................................33 cr.
Required Courses: 27 cr.
EDMA600 Orientation Session ...........................................................0 cr.
EDMA601 Seminar I: Strategies for Change and Transition................1 cr.
EDMA602 Seminar II: Transforming Learning Into Action ...................1 cr.
EDMA603 Summative Presentation....................................................0 cr.
EDMA610 Child Growth and Development .........................................3 cr.
EDMA612 Engaging Learning Environment .......................................3 cr.
EDMA614 Communication and Collaboration.....................................3 cr.
EDMA620 Curriculum Design .............................................................3 cr.
EDMA622 Assessment and Evaluation .................................................3 cr.
EDMA624 Effective Instruction............................................................3 cr.
EDMA630 Educational Research........................................................2 cr.
EDMA632 Ethics and Law...................................................................3 cr.
EDMA634 Action Research Project ....................................................2 cr.
Elective Courses: 6 cr.
Select from the following:
EDMA633 Child Abuse and Neglect ...................................................1 cr.
EDMA637 Integrating Technology in the Curriculum...........................3 cr.
EDMA638 Program Design for Gifted/Talented...................................3 cr.
EDMA639 Program Design for Special Education ..............................3 cr.
EDMA645 Creativity ............................................................................3 cr.
EDMA655 Media Literacy....................................................................2 cr.
EDMA657 Implications of Culture and Style for
Learning and Teaching ...................................................................3 cr.
EDMA667 Teaching Strategies for the Gifted and
Diverse Classrooms .......................................................................1 cr.