The Master of Arts in Elementary Education
About the Program: Please note that this program is not currently accepting applications for the 2013-2014 academic year.
The M.A. in Elementary Education with a Curriculum and
Instruction emphasis, is designed for professionals who possess
a bachelor's degree in elementary education. A professional
teacher certificate in Elementary Education or eligibility for
Elementary certification (a degree in the field from a
state-approved program) is required for admission to this
program. Students who do not hold any teaching certification
should consider the Master of Arts in Teaching in Elementary
Education program.
The interdisciplinary sequence of courses explores curriculum
design and assessment, the social/emotional domain in learning,
and new technologies for the classroom. Research skills and
strategies to improve instruction are included. This program
builds teachers' writing and action research skills, and is
especially helpful for those teachers pursuing National Board
Certification.
This program is designed as a cohort program which allows
students to take courses together in a planned sequence. Cohorts
facilitate optimum learning and timely completion of the
program. Such structure also allows students to form a strong
network with fellow students.
Students are encouraged to begin the program in the fall. Entry
in spring or summer terms may be available but completion of the
program in 6 semesters is not guaranteed.
To
access a printable MA in Elementary Education program guide for
students, please click here.
How to Apply
1. Meet the Prerequisites
Students seeking admission to the MA in Elementary Education (K-6) must:
- Have a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education or international equivalent from a regionally accredited university and one of the following:
- Have a 'B' GPA (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) average or higher in all work attempted while registered as an upper division student,
- GRE score of 1000 with a 2.5 GPA based on upper-level bachelor's degree coursework, or
- Earned graduate degree from a regionally accredited university.
- Applicants must also hold a valid Florida Professional Educator certificate or be eligible for Florida professional certification through the completion of a bachelor's degree (state-approved program) in Elementary Education, if applicable.
- Exceptions to minimum requirements will be considered for applicants who have earned National Board Certification and who have maintained an outstanding professional record.
2. Complete the USF Admission Application online.
3. Submit the following items to USF Sarasota-Manatee Admissions Advisor:
- A copy of Florida Professional Educator certificate clearly showing all 4 borders and state seal;
- Official transcript(s) of all undergraduate degree coursework (and graduate coursework, if applicable);
- GRE scores taken within the last 5 years, if required.
4. Observe the Application Deadlines
March 1 for Summer
| March 15 for Fall
| Spring
admissions will be considered on an individual basis
Missed the deadline? Apply for non-degree study to get started
this semester. A maximum of 12 credits from non-degree study may
be transferable to a master's program.
The Planned Program of Study is a contract between the
student and the University stating all courses and requirements
for earning a MA degree. Students must meet with Diane
Lewis, graduate program specialist, early in the first semester
of study to complete the planned program.
Failure to submit a planned program may result in registration
holds and inability to complete key program requirements, such
as the practicum, master's seminar and comprehensive exam.
The total program is ordinarily 34 credits. All courses below
are 3 credits unless noted. Degree and certification
requirements are subject to change in accordance with state and
university mandates.
Required Courses:
- EDF 6215 Learning Principles Applied to Instruction or EDF 6125(6120) Child Development (4)
- LAE 6316 Literature in a Diverse Society or LAE 6415 Literature and the Learner
- EDF 6481 Foundations of Educational Research
- EDG 6935 Seminar in Curriculum Research
Recommended Electives (Electives are individually planned with approval of your academic advisor):
- LAE 6315 Writing and Writers
- EDF 6736 Education, Communication and Change
- RED 6449 Literacy and Technology
- RED 6545 Issues in Vocabulary and Word Study*
- EEC 6265 EC Advanced Curriculum Development
- EDG 6931 Moral Development and Character Education
- EEC 6204 Curriculum and Authentic Assessment
Additional Electives:
EDG 6127 Foundations of Curriculum
EDG 6285 School Curriculum Improvement
LAE 6315 Teaching Writing in the Elementary Classroom
RED 6540 Assessment in Literacy *
RED 6544 Cognition, Comprehension, and Content*
LIN 6932 Classroom Discourse
RED 6749 History and Models of Reading*
RED 6846 Practicum in Reading*
MAE 6115 Current Trends in Elementary Math
SCE 6616 Trends in Science Instruction
SSE 6617 Trends in Social Studies Instruction
* = Courses that may lead to Florida State Reading Endorsement
Transition Point Projects
Contact the graduate advisor concerning the Transition Point
projects that are required for completion of the Master's
degree.
To find an information sheet, application and rubrics for TPP
2-4, please click here.
1. You must complete all courses as listed on your planned program of study with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
2. You must earn a grade of C or better in all graduate level coursework both in and out of program requirements. A grade of C- or below will remain on your transcripts and be calculated into your GPA, but the course will not be applied toward your program requirements and will have to be repeated if required.
3. You must pass all Transition Point Projects.
4. You must apply for graduation by deadline of term you wish to graduate.
Campus Contacts
Graduate Admissions Advisor
Aaron Reecher
USF Sarasota-Manatee
Student Services
8350 N. Tamiami Trail, SMC C107
Sarasota, FL 34243
941-359-4330
areecher@sar.usf.edu
College Communications Officer/Graduate Academic Advisor
Diane Lewis, M.A.
USF Sarasota-Manatee
College of Education, B323
8350 N. Tamiami Trail, SMC B322
Sarasota, FL 34243
941-359-4217
