Master of Science in Education in Educational Studies (Independent Schools option)

The Master of Science (MS) in Education with a concentration in Educational Studies (Independent Schools option) is designed for individuals currently teaching or planning to teach in independent schools. The 33-credit graduate program option leads to a master’s degree, but not certification.

Teacher candidates will be prepared through the practical application of theories learned in class and taught by faculty with expertise and practical day-to-day experience in teaching or supervising teacher candidates in independent schools. The goal of the program is to provide candidates with the foundational pedagogy and knowledge base necessary to become successful teachers in independent schools.

Since the program is designed for educators with a range of experiences, it draws on the InTASC Standards (which now embrace all levels of teaching experience), and will also be informed by the principles and standards of the Association of Independent Maryland & DC Schools (AIMS), the Council on Exceptional Children (CEC), and those of the International Society for Technology Education (ISTE).

Program Objectives

• To provide coursework in pedagogy that meets the unique needs of independent schools.
• To provide each candidate with instructional and classroom/behavioral management skills needed to teach successfully at all levels of independent schools.
• To integrate practical experience in actual classrooms with concepts taught in the university classroom.
• To base all coursework on the InTASC, ISTE, CEC, and AIMS standards and principles.
• To use portfolio assessment to demonstrate the candidate’s understanding of and adherence to the principles employed throughout the program.