Program Description: Some Questions and Answers

• What is the M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction?  Does the program offer on-line courses?
  
• I'm interested in obtaining a teaching licensure; am I in the right program?
  
• How can I learn more about this program?
• Where can I find more information about the Graduate College and other M.Ed. programs?
• What is the application process for this degree?
• What are the steps that lead to my acceptance to the program?
• Why might my application for admission be denied?
• How will I be notified of my acceptance into the program?
• I'm a HEC student in Early Childhood how many of my classes will transfer?
  
• I already have graduate courses I'd like to transfer into the program. That's OK, right?
• Are graduate teaching fellowships available?
• Is a M.Ed. Thesis required?

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 educators both from Vermont and around the country and the world. It is not an initial licensure program.

In addition, the C & I program offers two strands on-line:  Educational Technology and Library Media Science. 

I'm interested in obtaining a teaching licensure; am I in the right program?

No, we have two programs within the M.Ed. degree.  The MAT is our licensure program for those who have a Bachelor's degree already.  Please go to the MAT website for further information.

The M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction is for people in the education field who want to continue their education on effective teaching and learning practices.  You do not have to hold a teaching licensure in order to be accepted to the program.

How can I learn more about this program?

You should review the C&I website entirely and develop a personal plan of action.  Once you have identified your academic/career goals and have specific questions, you may contact the C&I Program.   The main number for C&I is 802.656.1410.

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

Information about the Graduate College and other programs can be found at  http://www.uvm.edu/~gradcoll/

What is the application process for this degree?

All applications are done electronically and an application can be downloaded at: http://www.uvm.edu/~gradcoll/

Key components of the application are:

• a record of all undergraduate work as identified on original transcripts.

• letters of reference from three (3) individuals in a position to evaluate your work in education.  Please make sure that the recommendations are complete one-page letters in addition to the on-line reference form.

• a personal statement of purpose in which you indicate why the C&I M.Ed. is an appropriate program for your academic/career goals.

• the GRE examination or Praxis II scores are required for admission to the C&I Program.

Complete applications are reviewed after the application deadline.

NOTE: You will want to have your application, letters of recommendation, and transcripts to the Graduate College at least two (2) weeks prior to the following deadlines.  This will ensure the Department of Education receives your complete application by the following deadlines:

Applicants will be notified of their acceptance status within the week following the end of the review period.

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.  A DOE faculty admissions committee reviews your credentials and then makes a decision whether to accept or deny.

Why might my application for admission be denied?

A potential candidate must meet the following criteria to be accepted into the C&I M.Ed Program.

•    Undergraduate GPA greater than 3.0.

•    Respectable GRE scores.

•    Three full Letters of Recommendation must accompany the application along with the cover sheets attached.                             
  

•    Teaching Experience, including (but not limited to) para-educator, substitute teacher,  higher education instructor, preschool teacher, educational program directors, training specialists.                                  
  

•    The candidate is able to articulate, in writing, their academic/career goals.                    
  

•    Strong desire to teach, educate and improve their instruction.      
  

Failure to meet these criteria will lead to a denied application.

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

Once the faculty review committee determines that you are qualified for admission, the Graduate College Admissions Officer is notified. The Graduate Office will then send you a formal letter of acceptance. You must sign an "intent to accept admission" form sent by the Graduate College. You MUST then meet with Dr. Maureen Neumann, C&I Program Coordinator to discuss your area of concentration, at that time you will be assigned an advisor in your program area.

I am a Higher Education Collaborative (HEC) student in Early Childhood Education, how many of my classes will transfer?

Unfortunately, this is not an answer that HEC students want to hear.  As of Fall 2010, all HEC Early Childhood students accepted must go through a syllabus review with the C&I Program Coordinator.  We can no longer guarantee that courses will transfer on a course-to-course basis.  This is a result of the College of Education and Social Sciences accrediation process.  The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) has required that the program confirm that all C&I classes meet graduate level requirements.  However, some courses may be combined to equal the equivalent of one graduate level course, but the transfer of courses can't be guaranteed.  Each student's transcript will be reviewed individually.

I already have graduate courses I would like to transfer into the program. That is OK, right?

You can transfer up to nine (9) credits of graduate level coursework.  Any Continuing Education courses that can be applied to the program must be approved by your advisor and transferred as early as possible.   Additionally, 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 on the Graduate College website, http://www.uvm.edu/~gradcoll/

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 Education. One of the criteria for selection to GTF support is an applicant's promise to advance the academic mission of the Department and College of Education and Social Services.

Is a M.Ed. Thesis required?

A Master's Thesis (6 credits) is not required but is a recommended option for students who are interested in continuing to the doctoral level of study.  Sample theses done by students are available to review in the Department of Education.

Last modified September 26 2012 11:45 AM