LAKERS TOGETHER: Grand Valley is preparing for successful learning experiences when classes resume on Aug. 31. Learn more about the plan for fall in this handbook.
Education, Instruction and Curriculum, M.Ed. - Elementary Education emphasis
The Masters of Education (M.Ed) program in Instruction and Curriculum with an emphasis in Elementary Education allows educators to gain master's level understanding and content specialization in elementary education. This prepares educators to be leaders in elementary schools in kindergarten through 8th grade.
Visit the program website for more information.
Listen to Podcast
Source: EMSI, 2020
Program Overview
This program helps teachers continue their professional growth and advance in competence in their work in elementary school classrooms. The program may be used to develop an academic specialization of work with elementary school children or to explore a field of specialization for present or future professional goals.
Aside from the M.Ed. degree, other education programs are available. Visit gvsu.edu/coe/grad for details.
Why Study Instruction and Curriculum at Grand Valley?
- Career-oriented. The program opens up a number of career opportunities for professional renewal and development of educators.
- Service. The College of Education Student Information and Services Center provides centralized services for advising, field placement, and certification.
- Flexible. Evening, weekend, and summer classes make it easier for teachers and administrators to plan their schedules. Some classes are offered online.
Accreditation
Grand Valley State University's College of Education is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association (NCA). The faculty are leaders in their fields, melding together the philosophy of education and your needs as a practitioner.
Location & Format
Classes for graduate students in this major meet in a combination of online and in-seat at the downtown Robert C. Pew Grand Rapids Campus.
Format:Coursework
All Master of Education (M.Ed.) programs require a minimum of 33 semester hours.
Career Options
- P-12 teaching
- School administration
- College level professional and administrative positions
Skills Employers Want
Elementary education graduates leave with the following skills:
- Educational policy and practice
- Social/cultural foundations of education
- Research
- Inquiry and evaluation
- Assessment: K-12 models and practices
- Facilitating school environments
- Curriculum development
- Teaching K-8
- Developmental literacy for children
Application Deadline
Deadline for fall semester is May 15; winter deadline is September 15; spring/summer deadline is February 15. Early application is strongly encouraged, those received after the deadline will be considered for the next cycle. The $30 nonrefundable application fee is waived if the applicant has previously applied to Grand Valley State University. Please visit gvsu.edu/gradapply/.
Admission Requirements
All students seeking degree, endorsement, approval, license or certificate change must be formally admitted to graduate study.
A maximum of six graduate credits earned prior to graduate admission may apply to degree requirements.
In addition to university admissions requirements in the GVSU Catalog, students must meet the Master of Education (M.Ed.) Admission Criteria.
- Application Materials: Graduate application, application fee, official transcripts from all previous colleges or universities attended, and copies of teaching/administrative certificates if required for program admission or approved waiver;
- Recommendations: Three professional or academic recommendations on COE recommendation forms, addressing the candidate’s potential for graduate study;
- Grade Point Average: Grade point average of 3.0 or better for the last 60 credits of undergraduate work taken from a regionally accredited institution; or
- Previous Master’s Degree: A prior master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution will be accepted in lieu of the minimum grade point average.
Candidates should submit materials to GVSU Admissions, Allendale, MI 49401. When all application materials have been received, Admissions will forward the complete portfolio for consideration to the College of Education - Student Information and Services Center. Candidates should allow 4-6 weeks for written notification of their admission status.
Visit the College of Education page for alternate criteria and policies.
Helpful Links
For More Information
College of Education
gvsu.edu/grad/elemed
401
W. Fulton St, Building C
coeserve@gvsu.edu
(616) 331-6650
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