Welcome to the College of Education Graduate Programs:
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Interested in a career in education?
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Looking for a teacher preparation program that combines coursework AND field experiences?
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Not certified to teach in the State of Florida, but interested in a leadership role in a non-public/charter school or other educational institution?
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Or already working in the field of education and want to add to your knowledge base with a graduate degree or graduate certificate?
Then you have come to the right place! You have just discovered the College of Education at USF Sarasota-Manatee; the College that offers all of the above and much more!
The College of Education at the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee is home to 7 graduate degree programs as well as a graduate certificate program, all of which prepare those to enter the field of education as teachers and administrators as well as professionals who can assume roles in business, industry, and the non-profit sector related to education. In addition, through the Bay-to-Bay Consortium with USF St. Petersburg, we are also able to offer the option of a Master of Arts in Teaching Exceptional Student Education (ESE) or a Master of Arts in ESE for those who may already be teaching. Graduates of our programs are in demand throughout the state and region for their excellent preparation to impact learning. In addition, USFS-M is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the USF College of Education has been continuously accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). To receive national accreditation, a college must meet the six NCATE standards. More about NCATE.
What Exactly is
Graduate Study?
Graduate study is not the same as
undergraduate study. Perhaps the primary difference is the
level of contribution expected of students at the graduate
level. Graduate students are expected to engage in the
process of adding to the existing base of human knowledge
through research and scholarship. For most students, this
will be a modest contribution. However, the preparation
for classes in graduate school, participation in the class
discussion, and the amount of work and the level of
sophistication required in graduate assignments is decidedly
more than that of an undergraduate. You are expected to
see many sides and nuances of an issue and to contribute
meaningfully to the ongoing discussions and assignments in
class. It is not merely about trying hard, showing up, and
turning in assignments-those days are gone with the
undergraduate years. You are part of a community of
scholars and researchers and the demands will be greater, as
will the rewards. In a nutshell, graduate work might be
considered an educational journey of reading, writing and
research. Your professors and advisors are
standing by to help you be successful. Contact them if you
struggle...after all, they have been there, too.
What graduate programs do you offer and how can I learn more? USFSM offers a number of graduate degree programs to choose from. The programs are listed below. If you click on the program name below, you will be directed to the program webpage where you will find admission requirements, course requirements, and a printable facts sheet which provides an overview of the program. For any questions about specific programs, you may also contact Diane Lewis, M.A., College of Education Communications Officer/Graduate Program Advisor at dlewis@sar.usf.edu or at (941) 359-4217.
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Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Educational Leadership with Curriculum Leadership concentration
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Master of Arts (M. A.T.) in Teaching Elementary Education K-6/ESOL Note: New in Spring '13: Now this program allows you to finish 39 credits and be eligible for your Florida teaching certificate in only 4 terms!
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Master of Arts (MA) in Exceptional Student Education (ESE) (in collaboration with USF St. Petersburg through the Bay to Bay Consortium) Note: New in Fall 2012!
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Master of Arts (MA) in Secondary English Education Note: New for Fall 2012!
I already have a degree and am looking for something else-what do you offer? We currently offer 1 non-degree program.
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If you are currently a Florida state certified teacher and already hold a Master's degree, check out our Post-master's Program in Educational Leadership. Upon completion, you will be eligible to apply to the FLDOE to add this endorsement to your Florida Professional Educator's certificate. Some of your prior graduate level work may be applicable to this program with departmental approval. Contact Diane Lewis at dlewis@sar.usf.edu for application information and admissions requirements.
How much will all this cost me? To access the financial aid page for tuition and fees, click here.
How long will it take me to get my degree? Most of our degree programs are set up to take 2 courses a term in fall, spring and summer terms. Although you have 5 years to complete a graduate degree, most students finish in 5 or 6 terms. If you take more than 2 courses a term, you may finish more quickly.
I work full time (or part time). Can I still go to graduate school? The majority of our graduate students work. Our coursework is offered primarily in the evenings in the spring and fall and often during the day as well in the summer when many of our students who are teachers are available. Some courses are offered on an alternative calendar schedule which covers 5 or 10-week course terms. Some classes are offered online, but the majority of coursework is offered in the face to face classroom format. The College of Education feels strongly that the classroom format allows for the most effective networking and learning experiences for students in the field. Most programs incorporate a field work/practical experience in the curriculum to afford students the opportunities to put their theoretical knowledge into practice. Although not all courses are offered every term, they are offered in such a sequence to allow you to graduate in a timely manner. You and the graduate program advisor, Diane Lewis, will work together to develop a plan of study that will help guide you through the coursework. We currently offer select coursework at three locations: our main campus at 8350 N. Tamiami Trail, at our North Port instructional site and at Out-of-Door Academy in Lakewood Ranch.
Who can I contact for academic advising or questions about the application? Diane Lewis, the COE Communications Officer/Graduate Academic Advisor, will be your program advisor. She can reached at (941) 359-4217 or dlewis@sar.usf.edu .
Live in North Port or south of there? You can contact Michele Groves at (941) 426-7785 or migroves@sar.usf.edu
If you have questions about the application process, you will need to contact Jo Lynn Raudebaugh in the Office of Student Services. She can be reached at (941) 359-4587 or jraudeba@sar.usf.edu
How do I apply? Will I have to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE)? The application is available online. You will find all application information and the application by clicking here. If your upper level (approximately your last 60 hours of coursework) GPA as an undergraduate student is showing a 3.0 GPA or above, or if you have a 3.5 in another graduate degree, you will not be required to take the GRE. Your GPA, previous coursework, letters of reference and a number of other supportive documents may also be considered in the faculty review to deny or admit. Each application is reviewed by a faculty committee and the Dean of the College of Education. If you have specific questions, please contact Ms. Raudebaugh at jraudeba@sar.usf.edu
