Education

Return to: Colleges, Schools and Departments

The Carroll University Graduate Program in Education supports students seeking to develop expertise through professional development, the acquisition of a Master of Arts in Teaching Degree (MAT), a Master of Education Degree (M.Ed.), or a Master of Science Degree in Educational Leadership (M.S.).

The M.Ed. program currently offers three emphases: Adult, Community, and Professional Education (ACPE), Literacy, and Teaching and Learning. Within these emphases, candidates choose areas of concentration to develop their professional knowledge, skills, and dispositions.

Educators may extend licensure or certification by completing areas of concentration. Extended licensure or certification programs may be completed independently or as part of a Master of Education degree. Courses are offered in a variety of delivery models to enhance learning opportunities and provide flexible scheduling.

Goals for the Graduate Program in Education

The following goals extend Carroll University’s mission of providing excellence in teaching and learning:

1. Develop students’ personal sense of competency as excellent educators in a variety of contexts;
2. Promote ideals of lifelong learning and professional development
3. Develop reflective skills in educators that enable them to connect new knowledge from the coursework they select with the educational settings in which they work; and,
4. Encourage research and practice that empowers educators to be forces of transformation in their educational setting.

Learning Outcomes in the Graduate Program in Education

All students in the Graduate Program in Education are expected to demonstrate:

1. An increased understanding of classic and contemporary learning theories and instructional strategies appropriate to the discipline
2. The ability to develop, assess, and evaluate programs and/or curriculum based on the needs of learners and implement appropriate instruction strategies in a variety of teaching/learning settings
3. Higher order thinking skills to consider multiple perspectives, demonstrate collaborative teamwork and the ability to build partnerships with colleagues, schools, agencies, and organizations
4. The ability to read critically, interpret and evaluate research as well as the skills for systematic inquiry through which they engage in research, collect and analyze data, and communicate the results
5. An increased ability to reflect critically on theories and practice that result in the integration of knowledge into practice

Admission

Applicants begin the admission process by completing a Carroll University Graduate Studies Application and submitting a professional resume. The application, resume, and official transcripts of all previous post-secondary coursework are submitted to the Carroll University Graduate Admission Office.

A Carroll undergraduate student with senior status may enroll in a graduate course with the permission of the Director of the Graduate Program in Education.

See specific degree listings for additional specific admission information.

Master of Arts in Teaching (Click here)     

The 36-credit Master of Arts in Teaching program is an 18-month hybrid, weekend model. Students complete online coursework weekly and complete a practicum placement during semesters 1-3. In the fourth and final semester, candidates student teach for one full K-12 semester in addition to five weekend face-to-face meetings and online coursework.

Student who complete a Master of Arts in Teaching choose between two dual certification tracks:

1. Elementary Education (#2088) and Cross Categorical Special Education (#2801)
2. Secondary Education and English as a Second Language Education (#1395)

a. Secondary Education licenses offered:

1. Art (#1550)
2. English and Language Arts (#1300)
3. Mathematics (#1400)
4. Physical Education (#1530)
5. Science (#2600)
6. Social Studies (#2700)
7. Spanish (1365)

Admission

Students must have an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution of higher education prior to matriculation.

Required Application Materials:

1. Carroll University Graduate Application
2. Official transcripts from each institution attended
3. Résumé 
4. Writing Sample:
   1. Elementary - In 1,000 words or less, please explain your views on the role of education in society and your reasons for wanting to enter the teaching profession. Indicate how your strengths, skills and experiences demonstrate an ability to be successful in the accelerated MAT program.
   2. Secondary - In 1,000 words or less, describe your background with your chosen content area and how you feel your experiences have prepared you to share this content area with students. Your response can draw on previous coursework, work and/or personal experiences. 
5. Two letters of recommendation to include:
   1. In what context and for how long you have known the applicant.
   2. Why you would recommend this applicant for the Masters of Arts in Teaching program
   3. Other areas authors may choose to address:
   4. Characteristics, work habits and dispositions    
   5. Strengths and interests
   6. Communication abilities
   7. Experiences related to future goals
   8. Anything else we should consider about the candidate in our admission decision

Recent undergraduates are encouraged to submit at least one of the two letters from sources familiar with their academic work, such as an advisor or professor. A second letter from a supervisor, character reference or coach is suggested. Applicants with discipline-related experiences and who graduated more than three years ago are welcome to submit two letters from sources familiar with their professional work.

6. Secondary content students only - Subject area expertise will be reviewed for relevant undergraduate degree at the time of application. Coursework representing necessary content and a cumulative 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale OR a passing score on the approved subject assessment* https://www.ets.org/praxis/

• English and Language Arts - Praxis 5038: English Language Arts: Content Knowledge; Score 167
• Mathematics - Praxis 5161: Mathematics: Content Knowledge; Score 160
• Science - Praxis 5435: General Science: Content Knowledge; Score 154
• Social Studies - Praxis 5081: Social Studies: Content Knowledge; Score 153
• Physical Education - Praxis 5091: Physical Education: Content Knowledge; Score 150
• Art - Praxis 5134: Art: Content Knowledge; Score 158
• Spanish - ACTFL (oral and written proficiency assessment); score Intermediate High on both written and oral tests

Students must maintain eligibility throughout the program, successfully completing all requirements. Students who do not maintain continuous registration in the MAT program or are refused admission must reapply for admission and will be subject to the requirements in existence at the time of the new application. Reapplication is necessary if students fail to register for two consecutive academic semesters. The Education Department reserves the right to counsel students out of the program when appropriate. Many decisions of the Education faculty are governed by state statutes and are not reversible by this institution.

Admission Procedure

A file is maintained for each student applying for admission. The MAT Program Director reviews initial applications on a rolling basis each semester. Candidates who meet all requirements are admitted to the MAT and are notified by Carroll University. Candidates receive a MAT contract from Carroll University, outlining the agreements between students and the university.

Admission to the Teacher Education Program

All MAT candidates are reviewed for Teacher Education Program admittance after the completion of their first semester. Candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Successful completion of the first semester of the MAT program with a grade point average of 2.75 or above.
• Satisfactory cooperating teacher evaluation from Field Placement I

Admission to Student Teaching

All MAT candidates are reviewed for eligibility to student teach after the completion of their third semester. Candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Content Knowledge Assessment: A 3.0 or higher in all MAT coursework demonstrating content area competency. If candidates fall between a 2.75and 3.0 they must complete the  Praxis II Middle School Content Knowledge Exam (Test code: 5146) and receive a score of 146 or higher. (Elementary Education track candidates only)[MES1]

• Completion of at least 90 hours of field experience

• Satisfactory cooperating teacher evaluation from Field Placement II & II

• Satisfactory progress on programmatic benchmark assessments

Students must maintain eligibility throughout the program, successfully completing all requirements. Students who do not maintain continuous registration in the MAT program or are refused admission must reapply for admission and will be subject to the requirements in existence at the time of the new application. Reapplication is necessary if students fail to register for two consecutive academic semesters. The Education Department reserves the right to counsel students out of the program when appropriate. Many decisions of the Education faculty are governed by state statutes and are not reversible by this institution.

Progression Standards

This program is designed to reflect the Wisconsin Teacher Standards. Throughout their teacher preparation program, students are also expected to demonstrate proficiency in the knowledge and skills for effective teaching, as outlined in the InTASC standards.

Master of Education (Click here)  

Students choose one the following emphases in their M.Ed. degree:

Option 1: Adult, Community, and Professional Education Emphasis

The Carroll University Graduate Program in Adult, Community, and Professional Education (ACPE) develops knowledge, skills and dispositions to facilitate lifelong learning for adults, as a means to build capacity for community development and civic engagement. Completion of this program prepares individuals with the qualifications and credentials to facilitate lifelong learning for adults, communities, and professionals within a diverse society.

   Students in this emphasis have the option to:

1. Obtain a certificate in Adult Learning (15 credits)
2. Obtain a certificate in Community and Civic Engagement (15 credits)
3. Complete both certificates which results in an M.Ed in Adult, Community and Professional Education (30 credits)

Option 2: Literacy Emphasis

The Carroll University Graduate Program in Literacy allows graduates to broaden their understanding and skills related to research-based reading assessment, evaluation and instruction.

   Students in this emphasis have the option to:

1. Reaching Teacher License (#1316) (15 credits)
2. Reading Specialist License (#5017) (9-15 credits)
3. Complete both licenses, including the additional 6-credit research requirement for #5017, which results in an M.Ed in Literacy (30 credits)

Option 3: Teaching and Learning Emphasis

The Carroll University Graduate Program in Teaching and Learning prepares graduates to perform a number of specialized tasks, including creating new curriculum material and modules; researching new teaching methods; evaluating how students learn; planning teacher training programs; and much more in a variety of educational settings.

   Students can complete any of the following concentrations for a certificate/additional license or complete two concentrations
   for an M.Ed:

1. English as a Second Language License (#1395) (15 credits)
2. Instructional Coaching and Teacher Leadership Certificate (12-15 credits)
3. Mathematics K-8 Certificate (12-15 credits)
4. Reaching Teacher License (#1316) (15 credits)
5. Reading Specialist License (#5017) (9-15 credits)

Admission

Applicants for the M.Ed. program must have an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.

Accepted students in the Reading Specialist (license #5017) program will be required to complete a background check prior to matriculation. Accepted students will receive an email from the Coordinator of Education Programs about this process. Indications of any criminal history on the background check are not considered in the application review process but may require a meeting with the Dean. Additionally, the program cannot guarantee any graduate an educational license nor job opportunities. Some licensing agencies and some school districts may choose not to consider applicants with criminal histories.

Cross-Categorical Special Education Additional License

Applicants for this additional license program must hold a valid Wisconsin Teaching license. In addition, applicants must have either: Lifetime Educator License (Tier III) OR a passing Foundations of Reading Test (FoRT) score of 240 or higher prior to Licensure endorsement.

Master of Science in Educational Leadership (#5051, #5010, and #5080 Licenses) (Click here)   

The Master of Science in Educational Leadership is designed to reflect the Wisconsin Administrator Standards, as well as the Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (PSEL). The program contains project-based and performance-based learning opportunities to support candidate knowledge, skills and dispositions for Educational Leadership. Accepted students in the Educational Leadership program will be required to complete a background check prior to matriculation.

The Educational Leadership Program provides candidates with the following program options for degree and/or licensure:

1. Master of Science in Educational Leadership (30 credits) includes the requirements for Director of Instruction (#5010) and Principal (#5051). This degree program requires the completion of research related to the course of study. This experience allows students to study an issue in greater depth that is important to their professional interest and to improve practice. Candidates have the option to obtain a DSEPS license (#5080) by completing an additional 2 credit hour practicum.
2. Licensure Only (24 credits) for Director of Instruction (#5010) and Principal (#5051) for candidates who currently hold a master’s degree or the equivalent. Candidates have the option to obtain a DSEPS license (#5080) by completing an additional 2 credit hour practicum.
3. Add-On Licenses (8 credits each) for Director of Instruction (#5010) or DSEPS (#5080) for candiates who currently hold a Principal (#5051) license. 

Admission

Applicants for the M.S. program must have a grade point average of 2.75 from their most recently completed program. Applicants must hold or be eligible to hold any Lifetime Educator License to teach at the early childhood through adolescence level or have completed an approved program leading to a license to teach, or hold or be eligible to hold a Lifetime Educator License as a school counselor, a school psychologist, or a school social worker, or have completed an approved program leading to one of these licenses.

Applicants must have completed three years of successful full-time teaching experience at any of the grades at the K-12 level or have completed three years of successful experience as a school counselor, a school psychologist, or a school social worker, which includes evidence of at least 540 hours of successful classroom teaching experience.

A criminal background check is not required as part of the application but will be required for all accepted students prior to matriculation. Accepted students will receive an email from the Coordinator of Education Programs about this process. Indications of any criminal history on the background check are not considered in the application review process but may require a meeting with the Dean. Additionally, the program cannot guarantee any graduate an educational license nor job opportunities. Some licensing agencies and some school districts may choose not to consider applicants with criminal histories.

Director of Special Education and Pupil Services Additional License

Applicants for this additional license program must have a master’s degree from an accredited college or university with a grade point average of at least 2.75 and hold a Wisconsin Administrator license- Principal and/or Director of Instruction.

Academic Planning

Students collaborate with the Academic Advisor for Education to determine course selection. Classes are offered in a variety of formats and locations: evening, daytime, weekends, online, and hybrid options. Part-time students enroll in up to 5 credits per semester while full-time students enroll in at least 6 credits per semester (financial aid is available for degree seeking students taking 3 or more credits per semester).

Once students begin the graduate education program, they are given seven years to complete the program. Students who interrupt their studies for one full academic year must reapply and must follow any new requirements upon re-entering.

Dismissed Graduate Students’ Participation in Commencement

A student may be dismissed from a Carroll University graduate program if he/she does not fulfill the academic progression requirements outlined by each program. If a student is dismissed from a graduate program, they will not be able to participate in the Commencement ceremony. The student may choose to appeal this dismissal by completing an Academic Petition form which is reviewed by the Academic Steering Committee. Depending on the outcome of the committee’s decision, the student may be eligible to participate in the Commencement ceremony the following academic year.

Tuition

Course fees and tuition are published in the Tuition, Fees, Payments, and Refund Policies   section of the Graduate Catalog.

Financial Assistance

Course fees and tuition are published in the Tuition, Fees, Payments, and Refund Policies   section of the Graduate Catalog.

For further information, call the Office of Financial Aid at 262-524-7296.

Transfer Credits

Up to nine semester hours of graduate coursework in education, with a grade of B or better and taken within the past seven years, may be transferred from other accredited colleges or universities. Transfer courses are evaluated by the Director of Graduate Programs in Education on an individual basis; students must provide a course syllabus for specific course content review.

Return to: Colleges, Schools and Departments