Graduate Degree Options and Tips

1. Graduate Degree Options and Tips Dr. Ryan Brown Dr. Craig Blum

2. Graduate Program Options

3. Masters in Teaching and Learning • Focused on helping teachers become master teachers • 30-hour program (10 courses) • 5 Core Courses (Curriculum, Assessment, Diversity, Learning Theory, Research Methods) • 3 Area of Concentration Courses (Typical concentrations include Educational Technology, Literacy, Library Information Specialist) • 2 Action Research Courses (2 Semester sequence at or near the end of your program) • Program: On Campus or 100% Online • Admission Requirements: 3.0/4.0 GPA, Teacher Certification, 1 year of experience

4. Masters in Reading • Leads to K-12 Reading Specialist Certificate (must pass state certification test) • 36-hour program (12 courses) • 9 Core Courses (Literacy theory, content area literacy, literacy assessment, etc…) • 1 Elective course • 2 Action Research Courses (2 Semester sequence at or near the end of your program) • Program: 100% Online (some classes may be synchronous) • Admission Requirements: 3.0/4.0 GPA, Teacher Certification, 2 year of experience

5. Library Information Specialist Certification Program • Leads to PK-12 Library Information Specialist Certificate (must pass state certification test) • 24-hour program (8 courses) • 7 Core Courses (Materials, Reference, Management, Technology, etc...) • 1 Elective course • Program: 100% Online (all classes are synchronous) • Admission Requirements: 3.0/4.0 GPA, Teacher Certification (recommended)

6. SED: MSED • For general educators who want to know about special education • Clinical Component • LBS 1 Endorsement • 39 units • 100% On-line program

7. SED MS Program • For special educators that want to deepen their knowledge about special education • Action Research Project or Thesis • 39 units • 100% on-line

8. SED LBS II • Transition (Hybrid) 100% On-line • Behavior • Curriculum Adaption • Multiple Disabilities

9. Application and Funding

10. Applying to ISU • Application process – Submit, Review, Approval • Apply at https://illinoisstate.edu/apply/ • Determine the needed materials using program webpages: • Transcripts • Goal Statements • Resume • References • Determine the application deadlines using program webpages • Contact graduate coordinator with questions.

11. Paying for Graduate School • Graduate Tuition Rates: https://studentaccounts.illinoisstate.edu/tuition/graduate.php • A 3 credit hour class is just under $1500. • Tuition Waivers • From Lauby Teacher Education Center for clinical/student teachers • From School/Department from Graduate School • Tuition Reimbursement from School District • Scholarships / Financial Aid

12. Tips and Advice

13. Nature of Graduate Classes • The purpose of gradate classes are dive deeper into your understanding. • They are different than undergraduate courses. You should expect: • More readings and discussion • More theory that relates to practice • To be stretched in your teaching practice • To spend time outside of classes reading, researching, and writing

14. Advice • Just because you want a masters degree and you want to finish it in two years, that doesn’t mean it is the best idea for you. • You may need to reevaluate the commitments that you have in your life.