The University of Vermont

The Curriculum & Instruction Program

faq

Program Description: Some Questions and Answers

What is the M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction?

The M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction is a 30 semester hour graduate degree program designed to advance the professional development aspirations of licensed educators both from Vermont and around the country/world. It is not intended to provide initial licensure.

How can I learn more about this program?

The Program Coordinator for the M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction is Dr. Maureen Neumann.  She can be reached at 802.656.3356.

Where can I find more information about the Graduate College and other M.Ed. programs?

Yes. The Graduate College Catalog is no longer published in hard copy but appears at: http://www.uvm.edu/~gradcoll/

What is the application process for this degree?

Applications for the program can be submitted at any time during the academic year or summer and will be processed as received. All applications are done electronically and an application can be downloaded at: http://www.uvm.edu/~gradcoll/

No GRE examination is required. Key components of the application are:

  • a record of all undergraduate work as identified on original transcripts
  • letters of reference from 3 individuals in a position to evaluate your work in education
  • a personal statement of purpose in which you indicate why you believe that the M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction is an appropriate program for you to enter.

What are the steps that lead to my acceptance to the program?

Your completed application first goes to The Graduate College, 322 Waterman, where it is entered in the record keeping system. It is then given to The Department of Education where Cheryl Schneck works with a faculty admissions committee to make a decision on action to be taken. This process typically can be completed in less than a month if all documentation is present in the initial application folder. An interview with a faculty person in The Department or Education, either in person or by telephone/internet exchange is suggested.

Why might my application for admission be denied?

Grounds for our inability to accept one to the program may be due to our inability to offer the range of courses or program of study desired and/or a faculty person cannot be identified to mentor the applicant. It is possible that in the future that circumstance might change and thus an applicant may be deferred. It is possible that conditional acceptance be granted and B work or better in the first two courses in the program could be grounds to convert the status to full candidacy.

How will I be notified of my acceptance into the program?

Once the Program determines that you are qualified for admission and an advisor has been identified The Graduate College Admissions Officer is notified. If our decision is supported at that level you receive formal notification of acceptance to The Graduate College and The M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction. Shortly after that you will receive another letter of welcome from Russell Agne in which you are urged to follow a series of steps to initiate your work with us. Those steps include making sure you signal your intent to accept the admission, and meet and plan your program of study with an advisor. We cannot stress too highly your need to meet with an advisor to purposefully plan the courses you will include in the degree program.

I already have graduate courses IÕd like to transfer into the program. ThatÕs OK, isnÕt it?

Yes and no. There is a limit to the number of courses that can be applied to the degree before matriculation. That number is 9 credits. Additionally one should be aware that the Graduate College has a time limit to courses put forward for the degree from beginning to end of the program. That information can be found in the Graduate Catalog.

Are graduate teaching fellowships available?

Yes, a limited number of assistantships are available from time to time. They are quite selectively awarded and carry a stipend and an obligation to provide 20 hrs/week teaching/service for the Department of Instruction. One of the criteria for selection to GTF support is an applicantÕs promise to advance the academic mission of the Department and College of Education and Social Services. Most of the GTFÕs are awarded to applicants to our Ed.D. Program.

What are the exit requirements for the M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction?

There is no written examination required. However, an oral examination must be taken near the end of the program. It consists of a formal meeting with your advisor and two other faculty in a position to know of your work in the program. The EDSS 397 Project in Education (3 credits) has provided many students with the vehicle for sharing at the time of the examination. A presentation of scholarship you have done will be the largest part of the meeting. A detailed description of the Oral Examination Policy is found at: http://www.uvm.edu/academics/catalogue

Is a M.Ed. Thesis required?

A thesis is not required but is a recommended option for students who are interested. It carries 6 credits and would thus ÒcountÓ as two of the courses in the program. Sample theses done by students are available to look at. Check with Cheryl Schneck to review them.

Last modified October 08 2009 09:47 AM

Contact UVM © 2009 The University of Vermont - Burlington, VT 05405 - (802) 656-3131