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The MED program offers specialization strands in: Advanced teaching and learning, English language learner (ESL), principal/program administrator, reading and literacy, and special education.

Requirements

A total of 32 to 41 credit hours are required for the degree, depending on the strand and exit option chosen.

The MED program has four components that students must complete in order to earn their degree: core requirements, advancement to candidacy, specialization strands and electives, and exit options.

 

  • Core requirements (11 hours)
    Course number Course title
    MED 559 or MED 561 Intro to Exceptionality (2) or Instructional Strategies for Exceptional Learners (2) Your advisor will guide the selection based on your previous coursework.
    MED 601 Educational Research Methods I (3) 
    MED 605 Diversity and Social Context in the Classroom: Theory & Practice (3) 
    MED 607 Foundations for Educational Practice (3)
  • Advancement to candidacy

    A student working toward a Master of Education degree must apply for and be accepted as a degree candidate.

    To be a degree candidate, the student must meet the minimum requirements below and the student's advisor must recommend him or her for advancement to candidacy. Students must also submit a signed Application for Admission to Candidacy Form to the College of Education and Counseling.

    1. Completion of 15 credit hours of graduate study
    2. Good academic standing
    3. Minimum GPA of 3.0
    4. Completion of MED 601 or enrollment in the class during the semester the application is submitted
    5. Formation of the supervisory committee
  • Specialization strand and electives (18 to 26 hours)
    Course number Course title Total credits
    Strand Strand credits Total credits
    Advanced teaching and learning 18 32 to 36
    English as a second language / English language learner 18 32 to 36
    Principal/program administrator 21 35 to 41
    Reading and literacy 18 32 to 36
    Special Education 18 36

    Detailed course listings for strands and electives can be found in the graduate academic catalog. 

  • Exit options (3 to 6 hours)

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

    Option Credits Brief description
    Option Credits Brief description
    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.

     

Financial aid and scholarships

Federal aid helps students reach their goals

Federal aid

Federal financial aid is available for graduate students who will be enrolled at least half time and are citizens, or eligible non-citizens, of the USA. Most federal aid for graduate students is in the form of direct loans. 

For more details about federal aid eligibility and the different types of aid available for graduate and professional studies visit: studentaid.edu.gov.

Student presenting research

Graduate teaching and research assistantships

Saint Martin’s University offers a limited number of Graduate Teaching and Research Assistantships to graduate students. Contact the Office of Graduate Studies at 360-412-6142 for more information. 

Catholic school special tuition program

The Saint Martin's University Catholic school special tuition program will provide a 50 percent occupational special tuition to full-time religious and lay teachers, and principals and paraprofessionals of Catholic schools which are under the auspices of the Archdiocese of Seattle. This special tuition will apply to students accepted to any College of Education and Counseling educator preparation program. Individuals who are employed on a part-time basis may be eligible for partial funding.

Catholic school special tuition program helps teachers pay for school

To be eligible for the above special tuition, individuals must be fully accepted into the undergraduate teacher education program, the certification-only program, the Master in Teaching Program or the Master of Education Program. Please note that the special tuition for each semester (including summer) is based on the University academic year tuition rate.

Saint Martin's University reserves the right to limit the number of Catholic school special tuition program participants in any particular course or program. It is understood that students will be admitted on a "space available" basis. It is likewise understood that this tuition grant program is not retroactive.

FAQ's

  • 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 program is designed for those looking to become certified as teachers while earning a master's degree.

  • Can credits from another university be transferred to the MED 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.

Mindfulness and middle school

Photo of Lyndsay Morris, M.Ed. '08 with students

Mindfulness and middle school

"I realized that so much of our current education system is teaching from the chin up, but a lot of times we have to start with the body or the heart before we can get to the brain."

Lyndsay Morris Master of Education Class of 2008

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