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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.

 

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

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
Course numberCourse titleTotal credits
StrandStrand creditsTotal credits
Advanced teaching and learning1832 to 36
English as a second language / English language learner1832 to 36
Principal/program administrator2135 to 41
Reading and literacy1832 to 36
Special Education1836

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

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

OptionCreditsBrief description
OptionCreditsBrief description
Thesis or Project3 credit hoursWritten thesis or project with oral defense.
Non-thesis3 to 6 credit hoursCapstone 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 Assistantships

Saint Martin’s University offers a limited number of Graduate Assistantships to graduate students. Contact the Office of the Provost 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.

  • Complete an application for admission to Saint Martin's University College of Education at least six weeks before classes begin.
  • After acceptance into the College of Education, complete the application for the special tuition and mail to: the College of Education, Saint Martin's University, 5000 Abbey Way SE, Lacey, WA 98503

Application for this special tuition must be submitted at least two weeks before the academic session in which a course in being offered.

FAQ's

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.

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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