Master in Teaching

Application requirements

The number of credit hours required for the Master in Teaching degree varies with each emphasis and the exit option chosen:

Elementary education:  55-61 credits
Secondary education:  43-51 credits
Special education:  67-73 credits

In addition to these total required hours, the student may need to complete additional pre-professional requirements and/or endorsement courses. For more information, please see the academic catalog.

These courses are required for both elementary and secondary pathways.

• ENG 101:  College writing I
• ENG 102:  College writing II
• COM 106  -OR-  THR 211:  Public speaking, acting or any communications
• PSY 101:  Introduction to psychology
• ED/PSY 205:  Child and adolescent development  
  This course may be waived by the graduate core requirements for this degree; please speak with an advisor for more information.
• ED 204:  Introduction to education
• MTH 101:  College level math or above
• ED 202  -OR-  SOC 396:  Diversity in education systems or intercultural communications
  This course may be waived by the graduate core requirements for this degree; please speak with an advisor for more information.
• HIS XXX:  United States history
• HIS XXX:  World history
• HIS 326:  Pacific Northwest history
• Natural science course:  Natural science with lab

Master's Core courses

Must be taken at the graduate level. For elementary, secondary, and special education programs (11 credit hours):

• MED 559:  Introduction to exceptionality (2)
• MED 601:  Educational Research Methods 1 (3)
• MED 605:  Diversity and Social Context (3)
• MED 607:  Foundations for Educational Practice (3)

Basic certification core courses

Must be taken at the graduate level. For elementary, secondary, and special education programs (23 credit hours):

• MED 504:  Practicum Level I (1)
• MED 506:  Curriculum and Instruction (2)
• MED 512:  Technology for the Classroom (2)
• MED 526:  Methods of Teaching Language Acquisition (3)
• MED 559:  Introduction to Exceptionality (2)
• MED 560:  Classroom Management (2)
• MED 570:  Classroom Assessment (2)
• MED 571:  Educational Law (1)
• MED 583:  Issues of Abuse / Teacher as Counselor (1)
• MED 594:  Internship (5)
• MED 598:  Internship seminar (2)

Elementary Methods Courses - for students pursuing an Elementary Education endorsement

• MED 508:  Practicum Level II (1)
• MED 511:  Methods of Teaching Math (2) 
• MED 515:  Methods of Teaching Science (2)
• MED 518:  Methods of Teaching Social Studies (2)
• MED 519:  Method of Teaching Language Arts (2)
• MED 529:  Arts and Movement (2)
• MED 538:  Literature for Children and Young Adults (2)
• MED 574:  Primary Reading/Writing (1)
• MED 576:  Content Area Reading for Elementary Teachers (1)
• MED 592/579:  Elementary Education or Reading Practicum (2)

Secondary Methods Courses - for students pursuing a secondary-level or middle-level endorsement

• MED 508:  Practicum Level II (1)
• MED 568:  Secondary Literacy (2)
• MED 584:  Secondary Methods (2)
• MED 587:  Secondary Methods Practicum/Seminar (2)

Special Education Methods Courses - for students pursuing a Special Education endorsement

• MED 524:  Issues and Trends in ECE (3)  -OR-  MED 526: Methods of Teaching Language Acquisition (3) (for pre-K - 3rd grade) 
• MED 545:  School Drug Prevention and Counseling (for 4th Grade+) (3)
• MED 561:  Instructional Methods of Exceptional Learners (2)
• MED 563:  Management Strategies for Exceptional Learners (3)
• MED 565:  Transitions to Adulthood for Special Populations (3)
• MED 566:  Assessment in Special Education (3)
• MED 567:  Legal Issues and the IEP (3)
• MED 577:  Reading Diagnosis (4)
• MED 569:  Practicum in Special Education (3)

Coursework for additional endorsements required for the program are not included on this list. Please email education@stmartin.edu for more information or to speak with an advisor about your interest in an education program. 

The MIT program offers a thesis or non-thesis option for the completion of the degree.

Thesis or Project

3 credit hours
Written thesis or project with oral defense.

Non-thesis

3 to 6 credit hours

• Capstone Course - MED 698:  Integrating Theory and Practice in Education (3 credit hours)
• One additional graduate-level elective course in education for a minimum of 36 allowable credits

What are the differences between the MED and the MIT program?
The MED program is designed for educators who already have a teaching credential and are looking for a master's degree to further develop their skills and knowledge. The MIT is designed for those looking to become certified as teachers who would also like to earn a master's degree.

Can credits from another university be transferred to the MIT program?
Nine semester hours of graduate work may be taken at another institution and transferred, provided the work fits the program plan, is recommended by the program advisor and is approved by the director of master's programs in education. Students applying for admission to the program may request to have prior graduate study considered for transfer into the program.

I have a job that required me to have a fingerprint clearance, do I still need to obtain my fingerprints?
If you work in a school district and you think the OSPI already has a fingerprint clearance in their database for you (they must not be older than 2 years) we would be happy to check. Just let us know.

Once my application is complete, about how long does it take for an admission decision?
For the MIT program, once your application is complete, it goes to a faculty committee for review. We advise applicants that admission decisions can take up to one month.

When are classes offered?
Classes for the MIT program are typically offered in the late afternoon or evenings.