Successful completion of the Master of Arts in Education degree program by itself does not lead to certification or licensure in any state. It is the student's responsibility to determine individual state requirements for teacher certification or licensure. Please refer to Education Resource Organizations Directory (EROD) for individual state requirements for teacher certification or licensure. Please be advised that states change their policies from time to time and students are advised to check regularly with their state regulatory agencies' policies and procedures relating to licensure. Further, a criminal record may prevent an applicant from obtaining licensure, certification, or employment in this field of study.

Specializations

Sharpen the focus of your online education when you select your specialization for your Master of Arts in Education degree. Set your course to reach the pinnacle of your education career. Choose from the following specializations:

• Assessment & Measurement
• Child Development
• Culturally Responsive Education
• Curriculum & Instruction
• Distance Learning
• Early Childhood Education
• Education & Public Policy
• Educational Technology Leadership
• English Language Learners
• Family & Community Services
• Higher Education
• Library & Media
• Mathematics Instruction
• Reading Literacy
• Special Education
• Teacher Leader

Assessment & Measurement (12 credits)

Tailor your education degree for success. Choose the Assessment and Measurement specialization for your Master of Arts in Education degree to build your competence in making decisions based on research data. The Assessment and Measurement specialization prepares you to design, develop, and implement performance-based assessments. You will learn task analysis and design, scoring schema, and assessment delivery.

Child Development (12 credits)

Tailor your teaching to children at all levels. Choose the Child Development specialization for your Master of Arts in Education degree to build awareness and understanding of the natural milestones in child development. The Child Development specialization allows you to examine developmentally appropriate methods for teaching young children. You will learn to establish partnerships with families and communities, customize instruction for specific learners, and identify developmental levels in education.

Culturally Responsive Education (12 credits)

Support learning for all students. Select the Culturally Responsive Education specialization for your Master of Arts in Education degree to become aware and respectful of the impact of culture on interactions with others. The Culturally Responsive Education specialization allows you to respond to students' and families' fundamental cultural differences as you provide equitable learning. You will learn to establish partnerships with families and communities, plan instruction for diverse learners, and identify cultural impacts on education.

Curriculum & Instruction (15 credits)

Be an agent for change. Focus your Master of Arts in Education degree with a specialization in Curriculum and Instruction to build the skills to develop both an engaging curriculum and a caring and responsive learning environment. The Curriculum and Instruction specialization covers such diverse topics as systems thinking, metacognition, and differentiated instruction. You will learn to introduce change in education by designing instructional models for increased achievement.

Distance Learning (12 credits)

Place yourself at the cutting edge of the 21st century classroom. Choose the Distance Learning specialization for your Master of Arts in Education degree to gain the skills you need to use technology to deliver effective instruction. The Distance Learning specialization explores powerful innovations that redefine teaching and learning. You will learn needs assessment, content sequencing, and how to write requests for proposals for technology training — all so that you can inform, motivate, and prepare learners.

Early Childhood Education (12 credits)

Launch your career as an expert in child development when you select the Early Childhood Education specialization for your Master of Arts in Education degree. Strengthen your skills as an educator for young people. The Early Childhood Education specialization covers language acquisition, classroom management, and the impact of families and communities on schools. You will learn to design primary-school curricula, deliver differentiated instruction to children, and collaborate with parents and communities.

Education & Public Policy (12 credits)

Take action on behalf of our schools. Choose the Education and Public Policy specialization to develop the knowledge you need to participate and lead policy initiatives. The Education and Public Policy specialization prepares you for challenging positions in government, non-profits, and schools. You will learn the politics of policy development and implementation so as to make a difference in education.

Educational Technology Leadership (12 credits)

Be a leader in teaching with technology. Focus your Master of Arts in Education degree with a specialization in Educational Technology Leadership to build the knowledge you need to be a change agent in both educational and corporate environments. The Educational Technology Leadership specialization focuses on supporting teachers in embracing technology to support student learning. You will take courses in educational technology, instructional design and delivery, systems thinking, and leadership.

English Language Learner (12 credits)

Teach the whole world when you choose the English Language Learner specialization in conjunction with your Master of Arts in Education degree. Gain an understanding of the implications of diverse languages for student learning and achievement, as well as techniques for teaching English. The English Language Learner specialization focuses on addressing the needs of those for whom English is not the first language. You will study integrative strategies and methods, in addition to English syntax, grammar, and pronunciation.

Family & Community Services (12 credits)

Take a stand for families. Choose the Family & Community Services specialization for your Master of Arts in Education degree to build parent and community involvement. The Family & Community Services specialization trains you to work in community service positions, including: child welfare, social work, mental health, family counseling, and community outreach.

Higher Education (12 credits)

If you aspire to teach in a college or university, these courses are for you. Choose the Higher Education specialization for your Master of Arts in Education degree to understand the relationships between planning and adult learning at the course, program, and institutional levels. The Higher Education specialization explores factors that affect adult learning, and the organizational cultures that promote or inhibit learning. You will examine curriculum, assessment, and student development in the post-secondary environment.

Library & Media (12 credits)

Discover your passion. Choose the Library & Media specialization for your Master of Arts in Education degree to understand the role of school librarians and media specialists. The Library & Media specialization trains you to use information technology and other library resources. You will learn about information literacy, young adult literature, and instructional leadership.

Mathematics Instruction (12 credits)

Augment your education. Add the Mathematics Instruction specialization to your Master of Arts in Education degree to teach math and algebra. The Mathematics Instruction specialization enhances your instructional skills as a teacher at multiple grade levels, from pre-kindergarten through middle school.

Reading Literacy (12 credits)

Open new worlds when you choose the Reading Literacy specialization in conjunction with your Master of Arts in Education degree. Gain an understanding of the necessary skills for instruction in reading and writing. The Reading Literacy specialization includes intervention strategies for struggling readers. You will study reading comprehension, young adult literature, and reading skills assessment.

Special Education (12 credits)

Open up education to all students. Select the Special Education specialization for your Master of Arts in Education degree to support the needs of exceptional students in school programs. The Special Education specialization allows you to respond to students' diverse abilities and styles as you provide equitable learning. You will learn classroom management, as well as how to identify disabilities and special abilities.

Teacher Leader (12 credits)

Be a leader in education! With your specialization in Teacher Leader added to your Master of Arts in Education degree from Ashford University, you will develop the skills you need to bring about change and meet the needs of all students. The Teacher Leader specialization looks at educational institutions in their socio-political contexts, from a systems-thinking perspective. You will learn to monitor and evaluate curriculum and instruction, and to lead the change process for improved achievement.

The online courses in this graduate curriculum are taught by advanced-degree faculty with real-world experience in the subjects they teach.

If an education degree fits your personal goals, contact Ashford University at 866.711.1700 to learn more, or request additional information.