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Master of Arts in Education
Benefit from opportunities to advance your career with your Master of Arts in Education degree through Ashford University. Make an impact on our nation's schools with the expertise that derives from an advanced degree.
The online courses in this graduate curriculum are taught by advance-degree faculty with real-world experience in the subjects they teach. Your degree program consists of 8 core courses, worth 24 credits, plus an additional specialization worth 12-15 credits.
- Required Major Course Requirements
- Specializations
Required Major Course Requirements
(24 credit hours. All courses are worth 3 credits unless otherwise noted. Courses are listed in their recommended sequence.)
EDU 623 Introduction to Teaching & Learning
This course is designed to introduce the student to the Master of Arts in Education Program. Students will engage in self-assessment and reflection focused on the philosophy of serving the needs of all students within the context of the community.
EDU 618 Assessment of Learning Outcomes with Technology
Learner-centered principles are used in this course to present a multidimensional approach to assessing learner outcomes. Technology is utilized to integrate fundamental statistics, learning systems designs, and learner characteristics into the assessment of outcomes.
EDU 620 Meeting Individual Student Needs with Technology
This course fosters awareness of individual learner characteristics which impede successful achievement. Milder forms of learning disabilities, emotional disorders, and dysfunctional social conditions that are prevalent in typical instructional situations will be discussed. Alternative pedagogies utilizing computer technology applications and online instruction to alleviate such barriers will be explored.
EDU 626 Research Design & Methodology
In this course the student accesses sources of educational information, evaluates research evidence, studies various types of educational resources, and applies research to the instructional setting. The focus of this course is research on issues in educational technology and the use of technology tools for making data-driven decisions using both quantitative and qualitative methods.
EDU 639 Human Relationships & Learning in the Multicultural Environment
Students will explore and experience the impact of interpersonal communication concepts and skills upon the creation and maintenance of positive human relationships. The student will develop a knowledge base of selected cultural groups to acquire the competency to identify basic cultural modalities that have an effect upon the teaching and learning processes. Students will demonstrate the integration of the course content to their own personal values and teaching styles. The student will also demonstrate application of human relationship skills to the educational setting and the community.
EDU 673 Instructional Strategies for Differentiated Teaching & Learning
Students focus on learning about current methods of differentiated teaching at the level in their chosen content area. The course is organized around four components of the teaching cycle: (1) Assessing student learning needs, (2) Planning for instruction, (3) Implementing strategies, aids, media and resources for effective differentiated instruction, and (4) Conducting assessment and continuing professional development.
EDU 675 Change Leadership for the Differentiated Educational Environment
This course focuses on leadership in the educational environment to bring about change needed to meet learning needs of all students. Students will evaluate and reflect on their personal leadership in their educational environment. Leadership tools to provide increased learning opportunities will be used to design learning experiences and evaluate results.
EDU 695 Master of Arts in Education Capstone
Capstone is a course in which students will demonstrate their attainment of the program outcomes through oral and written application of an applied research topic related to an educational setting need or interest. This capstone experience is designed to extensively explore a topic within the student's area of specialization and will be taken upon successful completion of all specialization courses. The product of the capstone experience is an oral presentation and a written paper of sufficient quality to be submitted to a scholarly journal for review.
Specializations
You must choose one of the following specializations to add to your degree program (12-15 credits):
Assessment & Measurement (12 credits)
EDU 660 Tests & Measurements
This course will explore the selection and use of tests and measurements for individuals planning career in school and non-school settings. Technical skills will be examined for selecting and properly employing tests and measurements (reliability, validity, norming, test scores) and major types of tests such as ability, intelligence, achievement, personality, family, and behavioral.
EDU 661 Data Analyses & Decision-Making
This course is designed to focus on technology for the administration and scoring of assessment. The strengths and limitations of technology applications to assessment will be examined.
EDU 663 Assessment & Public Policy
This course provides the foundations and history of program assessment, accountability, and quality assurance to the governance, funding, and purposes of assessment and measurements. Implementation and reporting of assessment data to multiple audiences will be explored. The course will examine the roles of program evaluators in improving performance and achievement.
EDU 665 Performance Assessments
This course is designed to examine the design, development, and implementation of performance-based assessment. Task analysis and design, scoring schema, and assessment delivery are covered through critique and practice.
Child Development (12 credits)
ECE 630 Language, Physical & Social Development in Young Children
This course provides an introduction to the developmental stages of language acquisition, physical and social development in young children from birth to age six. The focus of the course is on the specific developmental milestones in young children.
ECE 653 Cognitive Development of Infants & Young Children
This course deals with theories regarding cognitive development in children from birth to eight years of age including knowledge resulting from brain research. The relationship between the rate of cognitive development and overall development will be explored throughout the course. Students will apply this knowledge to design programs to meet the needs of children with varying needs and abilities.
ECE 654 Assessment & Intervention in Early Childhood
This course explores the issues around early assessment and intervention with young children. Specific developmental concerns will be identified and intervention programs will be examined.
ECE 605 Children & Families in a Diverse Society
This course will provide a clear and practical introduction to multicultural and anti-bias issues and will aid students in developing culturally relevant methods in working with children and families in early childhood settings.
Culturally Responsive Education (12 credits)
EDU 627 Culturally Responsive Learning Environments
This course will explore how cultural influences affect learning. Research-based teaching strategies for diverse populations will be examined. The challenges impacting the teaching and learning within diverse environments will be explored. A learning plan will be developed reflective of considerations to diverse cultural needs.
EDU 647 Families, Communities & Diversity
This course will focus on establishing relationships and partnerships within families and community of diverse cultures. Specific strategies in developing programs promoting cultural competence within families and communities will be explored. Students will analyze available family and community resources within their community in promoting and supporting cultural diversity.
EDU 637 Planning, Implementing & Assessing Instruction for Diverse Learners
This course is designed to develop and assess appropriate instruction and programs for diverse learners. Students will explore the relationships between first and second language proficiency in identifying the cultural influences on learning. Effective instruction and program development will be explored in assessing culturally responsive education.
EDU 638 Intercultural Communications & Global Learning
This course explores communication styles within a culturally diverse environment. Students will examine the effects of oral and nonverbal communication styles. Personal and social barriers within diverse settings will be explored. Students will develop and evaluate a plan to lead efforts in promoting cultural awareness within a work setting. An optional international visit will be offered based upon availability.
Curriculum & Instruction (15 credits)
EDU 674 Foundations & Trends in Curriculum & Instruction
The course will provide an overview of the foundational pieces necessary for effective design and delivery of curriculum and instruction. Current trends will be compared and contrasted with brain-based research from the field. Emphasis will be placed on processes and procedures for developing both an engaging curriculum and a caring and responsive learning environment.
EDU 615 Leading the Change Process in Curriculum & Instruction
The course will explore the role of the change agent in the identification, planning, implementation, and assessment of change initiatives for improved achievement. The impact of change on the individual, course, program, and system level will be studied. Research-based standards for successful leadership will be identified and applied as students examine the impact of administration and management on teaching and learning.
EDU 676 Curriculum & Instruction Design for Increased Achievement
The course will teach a backward design model for curriculum and instruction that emphasizes clear targets and goals for increased achievement. Curriculum integration and mapping techniques will be examined and implemented as students model the power of collaborative planning and individual reflection. A variety of delivery models will be explored.
EDU 677 Monitoring & Evaluating Curriculum & Instruction through Systems Thinking
The course will define and apply the concepts of differentiated instruction and systems thinking in the development of curriculum and instruction. Processes and procedures for monitoring and evaluating programs will lead to an understanding of the complexity of an effective change process for increased achievement.
EDU 678 Seminar in Curriculum & Instruction for Diverse Needs
The course will simulate the real-world role of the change agent in successful implementation of curriculum and instruction for improved teaching and learning. Students will identify a need, develop an action plan, implement the steps of the plan, and evaluate both individual and organizational achievement that results. Prerequisite: completion of the previous four Curriculum & Instruction courses or instructor approval.
Distance Learning (12 credits)
EDU 648 Introduction to Teaching & Learning with Technology
This first course is an overview of the field of educational technology including instructional design, influence of learning theory on technology application as well as the various technologies available and their application to learning.
EDU 652 Instructional Design & Delivery
This course covers various elements of the instructional design process including needs assessment, instructional problems, learner characteristics, instructional objectives, content sequencing, instructional strategies, and evaluation instruments. Students are expected to learn how to plan, develop, evaluate, and manage the design of effective instructional materials.
EDU 655 Trends & Issues in Instructional Design & Technology for Online Learning
Students gain the necessary skills and knowledge to design effective instructional materials for use in an on-line learning environment. Powerful innovations that may redefine teaching and learning practices will be explored throughout the course.
EDU 656 Technology Solutions for Just in Time Training & Learning
This course will allow students to develop an understanding of the planning for and application of technology for training that meets institutional and organizational needs. Students will utilize technology to effectively develop a request for proposal plan for training utilizing technology to inform, motivate, and prepare learners.
Early Childhood Education (12 credits)
ECE 601 Introduction to Early Childhood Education
This course provides an overview of the field of early childhood education including history, philosophy, advocacy, public policy, issues, trends, and careers.
ECE 611 Early Childhood Curriculum & Methods
This course focuses on curriculum development in early childhood and teaching strategies with a developmentally appropriate approach. Students will prepare curriculum and practice teaching strategies which illustrate the characteristics of play and creativity. The guidance of young children to include behavior management and creating positive learning environments will also be emphasized.
ECE 612 Administration of Early Childhood Education Programs
This course focuses on the development and implementation of early childhood programs for a variety of age groups and purposes. Specifically, curriculum development, materials, teaching strategies, evaluation, budgets, hiring procedures and state guidelines/regulations are addressed as are the skills and competencies to implement the above.
ECE 623 Collaboration with Parents & Community
Factors that promote effective communication and collaboration with parents of babies and preschool-aged children, families and community resources are considered in this course.
Education & Public Policy (12 credits)
EDU 633 Educational Policy Formation
This course is designed to focus on theories and models of policy-making process, including pluralism, elitism, systems analysis, structuralism, and state autonomy models. The course examines how different theories view the roles of political leadership, institutions, interest groups, academics experts, and external influences in the policy-making process. The course examines how different factors influence policy outcomes and processes at various stages of the development process. The course provides students with analytical tools to understand variations in the policy-making process and the opportunity to develop their own applications.
EDU 631 Politics, Policy-Making, & Political Action in Education
This course is designed to use political knowledge to analyze and act in educational institutions. The course focuses on contemporary and historical cases to develop students' understanding, analytical skills, and capacity for effective action in the political sphere. Special attention will be directed toward student application of policy-making in understanding and analyzing a special topic of interest.
EDU 663 Assessment & Public Policy
This course provides the foundations and history of program assessment, accountability, and quality assurance to the governance, funding, and purposes of assessment and measurements. Implementation and reporting of assessment data to multiple audiences will be explored. The course will examine the roles of program evaluators in improving performance and achievement.
OMM 625 Learning Organizations & Effectiveness
This course presents the principles and elements of the learning organization and uses key principles as a framework for defining the organization's management practices and measuring its effectiveness.
Educational Technology Leadership (12 credits)
EDU 649 Technologies for Teaching & Learning
This course focuses on indentifying appropriate technologies for teaching and learning. Special attention will be directed in analyzing teaching and learning styles. Identifying and evaluating technologies to meet individual needs will be explored in both educational and corporate environments.
EDU 652 Instructional Design & Delivery
This course covers various elements of the instructional design process including needs assessment, instructional problems, learner characteristics, instructional objectives, content sequencing, instructional strategies, and evaluation instruments. Students are expected to learn how to plan, develop, evaluate, and manage the design of effective instructional materials.
EDU 658 Instructional Leadership
This course focuses on leadership in the educational or corporate environment to bring about change required to meet learning and training needs. Students will evaluate their personal leadership in their professional environment. Leadership tools to provide increased learning opportunities will be used to design learning experiences and evaluate results.
EDU 677 Monitoring & Evaluating Curriculum & Instruction through Systems Thinking
The course will define and apply the concepts of differentiated instruction and systems thinking in the development of curriculum and instruction. Processes and procedures for monitoring and evaluating programs will lead to an understanding of the complexity of an effective change process for increased achievement.
English Language Learner (12 credits)
EDU 629 Linguistically & Culturally Diverse Learners
This course explores strategies and techniques to support the success of language and culturally diverse students. The values, customs, and communication styles of cultural groups and their implication for teaching are considered. Research-based instructional approaches to developing English learner literacy will be examined.
EDU 642 Understanding & Teaching English Language
In this course students will study the structure of the English language in order to better understand the difficulties that arise in learning a second language. English phonology, syntax, analysis, and application of linguistic theory will be studied.
EDU 643 Methods, Materials & Technology for Learning a Second Language
Strategies for English Language Learners in the content areas while maintaining a language development focus will be illustrated. Specific strategies, materials, technology, and learning activities will be examined to support learning.
EDU 659 Testing & Assessment for English Language Learners
Various tools and methodologies for assessing English proficiency in speaking, listening, reading and writing for both ELL children and adults will be critiqued. Formative and summative assessments will be explored with an emphasis on the application and appropriateness of their use for instructional design.
Higher Education (12 credits)
EDU 657 History & Philosophy of American Higher Education
The course will provide and overview of the historical development and cultural backgrounds of higher education in America. Emphasis will be placed on the major themes and developments in American higher education including the ideologies, people, cultures, and movements that have particularly influenced those developments. Current issues and trends in higher education will be explored.
EDU 662 Curriculum & Assessment in Higher Education
The course will study the relationships between planning and student learning at course, program, and institutional levels. Modes of curriculum design, development and change in higher education will be presented. Emphasis will be placed on examining curricular leadership and assessment strategies.
EDU 653 Teaching in Higher Education
The course will examine education theories, methods, and strategies for the improvement of instruction in higher education. Emphasis will be placed on the unique challenges of teaching in a changing environment in higher education. Students will explore factors that affect adult learning and the organizational cultures that promote or inhibit learning.
EDU 654 Student Development in Higher Education
The course will examine student development theories from a socio-cultural and psychological developmental perspective. Factors affecting the teaching and learning related to the college environment will be analyzed. Theories of student development and their applications in student affair programs, services, and activities will be reviewed.
Special Education (12 credits)
ESE 631 Survey of the Exceptional Child
This course provides an introduction to the education of students with diverse learning abilities and styles, including children with mental retardation, physical disabilities, learning disabilities, those identified as gifted and talented, and those diagnosed as having attention deficit disorder. These and other disabilities and special abilities are explored with a focus on the identification of individual differences in development and learning, and risk factors associated with exceptionalities. Developmental variations and patterns of these exceptionalities are examined along with the educational support strategies, the effects on the family and the rights of children.
ESE 695 Characteristics of Students with Mild & Moderate Disabilities
This course provides a theoretical frame of reference within which to view challenges faced by students with mild/moderate disabilities. A functional definition of mild/moderate disabilities, possible causes, characteristics of students, typical academic deficits experienced by students and methods that have been effective in addressing the needs of students will be examined.
ESE 691 Behavior Management in the Classroom
This course provides strategies for changing inappropriate behaviors and prompting the acquisition of adaptive behaviors through positive management procedures. Designed to provide the teacher practical "how to" skills in classroom management, modification of behavior, and other management skills directed toward establishing an environment of learning.
ESE 633 Collaborative Relationships & Transition
This course emphasizes developing effective communication techniques to use with personnel in educational settings and transitions, including parents of individuals with disabilities and ancillary personnel. Emphasis will be placed on interaction with students, parents, paraprofessionals, professionals, and volunteers.
Teacher Leader (12 credits)
EDU 686 Educational Policy & Administration
This course focuses on the societal and political contexts in educational settings. Students will examine various issues that are likely to have an impact on teaching and learning in a diverse educational setting. Education policy areas considered include governance, curriculum, accountability, personnel development, and school finance.
ESE 633 Collaborative Relationships & Transition
This course emphasizes developing effective communication techniques to use with personnel in educational settings, including parents of individuals with disabilities and ancillary personnel. The development of skills necessary to serve in a consulting capacity to the regular classroom teacher working with individuals with disabilities will be covered. The special educator will take on many roles thus another purpose of this course is to examine the different roles and functions of the special educator and how this person will work with others. Emphasis will be placed on interaction with students, parents, paraprofessionals, professionals, and volunteers.
EDU 615 Leading the Change Process in Curriculum & Instruction
The course will explore the role of the change agent in the identification, planning, implementation, and assessment of change initiatives for improved achievement. The impact of change on the individual, course, program, and system level will be studied. Research-based standards for successful leadership will be identified and applied as students examine the impact of administration and management on teaching and learning.
EDU 677 Monitoring & Evaluating Curriculum & Instruction through Systems Thinking
The course will define and apply the concepts of differentiated instruction and systems thinking in the development of curriculum and instruction. Processes and procedures for monitoring and evaluating programs will lead to an understanding of the complexity of an effective change process for increased achievement.
If this program sounds like it will fit your personal and professional goals, contact us at 866-711-1700 to learn more, or click here to request additional information.