Online Master of Education

Program Description

VCSU's online Master of Education (M. Ed.) degree is a practitioner-oriented degree, designed specifically for practicing teachers in the elementary or secondary school, though some higher education teachers in community and technical colleges would find it appropriate as well. The program requires five core courses that provide students with the foundation for educational research and graduate study in education. Three concentrations are currently available: Library and Information Technologies, Teaching and Technology, and Technology Education.

Valley City State University (VCSU) has designed this concentration for teachers at either primary or secondary levels wishing to pursue a master's degree. The curriculum is designed to meet both the AASL/NCATE (American Association of School Librarians/ National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education) School Library Media Specialist Preparation Standards and the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction standards for the preparation of library media specialists at the highest credential level-LM01.

Concentration Requirements
The Master of Education in Library & Information Technologies requires the successful completion of an introductory library course at the graduate or undergraduate level, 38 hours of coursework, the passing of a written examination and an oral presentation of a comprehensive portfolio. The curriculum is structured around a set of core requirements that provide a broad foundation in education, research and technology. All students are required to complete 15 hours of core courses:

In addition to the core courses and introductory work, students will complete 23 hours of required coursework to meet the outlined program standards selected from the following:

** Students MUST consult with their advisor when selecting courses to assure that all program requirements are met.

These courses are designed to prepare an educator to administer a standards-based school library program, to conduct research, and to share knowledge with the profession.

In addition to the core courses, students will complete the following 15 hours of required courses plus three hours of electives.

VCSU has designed this concentration for teachers at either primary or secondary levels wishing to pursue a master's degree. The curriculum focuses on preparing the next generation of Technology Education teachers to better meet the demand for this shortage area. Curriculum in this concentration provides students with an understanding of the International Technology Education Association (ITEA) and the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) and meets the North Dakota Education Standards and Practices Board (ESPB) state standards.

Concentration Requirements
The Master of Education in Technology Education requires a minimum of 36 hours of coursework and the passing of a written examination and presentation of a comprehensive portfolio. The curriculum is structured around a set of core requirements that provide a broad foundation in education, research, and technology. All students are required to complete 15 hours of core courses:

VCSU has designed this concentration for teachers at either primary or secondary levels wishing to pursue a master's degree and focus on using technologies in their teaching and learning environment. The curriculum focuses on the use of technologies to enrich teaching and learning. As technology changes impact the global society, teachers must become effective users of technology and develop strategies for successfully integrating technology into the classroom to enhance the learning experience.

This concentration is an excellent program of study for teachers at all levels.

Curriculum in this concentration provides students with an understanding of the National Educational Technology Standards (NETS) as defined by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) and the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) and meets the North Dakota Education Standards and Practices Board (ESPB) state standards.

Concentration Requirements
The Master of Education in Teaching and Technology requires 32 hours of coursework and the passing of an oral presentation of a comprehensive capstone portfolio and major research project. The curriculum is structured around a set of core values that provide a broad foundation in education, research and technology. All students are required to complete 15 hours of core courses:

In addition to the core courses, students will complete the following 12 hours of required courses plus five hours of electives.