Master of Arts in Education

College of Education and Human Performance

Dr. Sherri Theaker, Interim Dean

Dr. Richard Whitehead, Chair of the Department of Graduate Teaching and Learningrichard.whitehead@westliberty.edu

West Liberty University offers a 30-36 credit-hour course of study leading to a Master of Arts in Education degree (M.A.Ed.). The M.A.Ed. program is open to graduate-level students and is designed to provide masters-level work in an accelerated format for individuals who wish to advance their professional knowledge, skills, and dispositions in the areas of Reading Specialist, Multi-categorical (SLD, BD, ID)  including Autism K-6, 5-Adult; Gifted 1-12, Innovative Instruction, Leadership in Disability Services, Leadership Studies, Community Education Research and Leadership, Leadership in Education Administration, Visual Art Education, Instructional Design for Learning, and Sports Leadership and Coaching.

Coursework to prepare licensed teachers for endorsements through the West Virginia Department of Education are also offered in the areas of: Autism and Gifted.

Coursework includes 12 credit-hours of required Education Common Core courses and 18 credit-hours of area of emphasis courses. Courses are scheduled in two eight-week terms during the fall and spring semesters, and two six-week terms during the summer. Courses are either in an online format or at the WLU Highlands Campus once a week typically at 5:00 p.m. However, students at a distance can join the Highlands courses via Zoom, which is a video conferencing system accessible by personal computer. During the last semester of coursework, all M.A.Ed. students will complete a semester-long capstone experience of an approved topic, which incorporates the Education Core courses and relates to the selected area of emphasis.

 

Accreditation

The teacher education programs at West Liberty are nationally accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and the Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC) merged into CAEP and as of 2016 CAEP has replaced NCATE as the national accrediting body for teacher education. In 2019, continuing full accreditation was awarded by CAEP. West Liberty was one of the first institutions accredited by NCATE in 1954 and celebrated 66 years of continuous national accreditation in 2020. In addition, all teacher education programs at WLU have been approved by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and by the West Virginia Board of Education.

Admissions Requirements

For admission to WLU’s Master of Arts in Education Program, the following requirements must be met:

  1. Completed admissions application.
  2. Official transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate coursework to verify a bachelor’s degree, in any field, from a regionally accredited institution. For Community Education, Innovative Instruction, Instructional Design for Learning, and Sport Leadership and Coaching, applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree with a minimum 2.50 G.P.A. from a regionally accredited institution. For all other areas of emphasis, applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree with a minimum 3.00 G.P.A. from a regionally accredited institution or earn a score in at least the 50th percentile on the Miller Analogy Test (MAT) or Graduate Record Exam (GRE).

Additional Requirements for Leadership in Education Administration track and Post-master's students

  • (Post-master’s Only) Official transcripts of master’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university, with a 3.0 GPA.
  • Teaching Certificate
  • Resume indicating applicants must have at least 3 years work experience in teaching or leadership

International Student Requirements

In addition to the requirements listed above, please submit:

  1. Proof of English Proficiency: Please submit one of the following test results that has been completed within the past three years: Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Minimum acceptable scores 595 (paper test), 195 (computer based test) or 70 (internet test) for graduate study or Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB) – The minimum acceptable score is 82% for graduate study or a minimum score of 6.5 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) for graduate study.
  2. Credit Certification: Have all your coursework and credits from institutions outside of the United States evaluated by a credential evaluation service provider [e.g., World Education Services (WES), Global Credential Evaluators (GCE), Association of International Credentials Evaluators (AICE), American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO), etc.]
  3. Proof of Financial Support: Submit adequate documentation of financial support for one academic year (nine months). [e.g., official bank statement, sponsorship award letters, scholarship awards, Affidavit of Support (DHS Form I-134), etc.]
  4. Copy of your ID page in your passport
  5. Immunization shot records

Graduation Requirements:

The 30-credit hour Master of Arts in Education requires:

  • 12 credit hours in the Education core
  • 18 credit hours in a concentration area
  • Complete coursework with at least a B in each course

Required Education Core Courses (12 hours):

EDUC 502Professional Writing

3

EDUC 507Research Methods

3

EDUC 512Assessment & Data Literacy

3

EDUC 581Capstone

3

Choose One Concentration (18-21 hours)

Required

The Leadership in Education Administration program from West Liberty University will prepare students for employment as school principals, supervisors of instruction, and superintendent licensure, at a time when turnover in these areas is increasing in WV.

Requirements List
EDUC 582MAEd Orientation for Online Learners

0

EDL 521Strategic Educational Planning

3

EDL 533Education Law, Ethics and Budgets

3

EDL 543Creating a Culture of Innovation

3

EDL 565Superintendent General Instruction Practicum

3

EDL 566Superintendent Practicum

3

EDL 588Research, Evaluation, and Assessment

3

EDL 589Community Collaboration

3

Multi-categorical (SLD, BD, ID) including Autism K-6, 5-Adult; Gifted 1-12:

This area is designed for individuals desiring a comprehensive overview of special education. Incorporating practical, classroom-based experiences and assignments, coursework prepares educators with the knowledge and skills to educate students with learning disabilities, attention deficit disorders, intellectual disabilities, emotional behavior disorders, autism spectrum disorders, and gifted education. 

Required:
SPED 501Autism I: Character of Autism

3

SPED 502Autism II: Assessment & Intervention

3

SPED 548 Advanced Assessment & Instruction for Students with Emotional Behavioral Disorders

3

SPED 551Policies, Procedures and Current Issues of Special Education

3

SPED 552Advanced Assessment & Instruction for Students with Intellectual Disabilities

3

SPED 553Introduction to a Student Who is Gifted

3

SPED 555Advanced Assessment & Instruction for Students with Learning Disabilities

3

SPED 564Practicum

3

Instructional Design for Learning:

This concentration enables students to pursue a career in a growing field across industries, not just in education. Graduate work in instructional design can lead to teachers becoming instructional coordinators in schools, those with business backgrounds taking on additional training and development responsibilities, health science workers taking on training roles within clinical settings, and more. Instructional designers are especially needed in higher education as distance learning departments nationwide continue to scale their course development operations. The instructional designer's role is crucial in providing consistent, engaging, and aligned courses for students of all types.

Required:
IDL 501Foundations of Instructional Design

3

IDL 502Instructional Design Across Industry

3

IDL 510Instructional Design for Learner Engagement

3

IDL 511Authoring Tools and Teaching Technology

3

IDL 520Assessment and Evaluation

3

IDL 521Instructional Design Project Management

3

Reading Specialist:

This area is designed for educators or others wishing to expand upon their knowledge of literacy with a special emphasis on multi-sensory based instructional practices. Incorporating field-based experiences, coursework includes early and emergent literacy, word structure knowledge, delivery of reading assessments with resulting targeted interventions, advanced literacy instruction in comprehension, fluency, and vocabulary acquisition, developmental writing, and spelling. West Virginia certification as a Reading Specialist requires completion of the six reading courses, a master’s degree, and passing the WV state licensure test. This program is accredited by the International Dyslexia Association.

Required:
READ 512Advanced Literacy Assessment

3

READ 562Structured Literacy & Phonics

3

READ 563Methods & Practices of Multisensory Instruction

3

READ 564Structured Literacy Practicum

3

READ 565Advanced Methods of Multi-sensory Instruction

3

READ 575Advanced Literacy Instruction

3

Community and Organizational Leadership

This track prepares professionals for leadership positions within their chosen profession in educational, nonprofit, and/ or public organizations and the understanding of why and how great leaders flourish in society and their fields. Coursework includes leadership, motivation and creativity theories, human relations of leadership, instructional design practices, social justice reform, understanding community characteristics and relations, and application to practical, real-life leadership opportunities.

EDL 530Social Justice and Change

3

IDL 502Instructional Design Across Industry

3

EDUC 506Motivation & Develop Creativity

3

EDUC 517Non-Formal Educational Models

3

Required:
EDL 500Leadership Theory & Motivation

3

EDL 520Human Resource & Personnel Issues

3

Sports Leadership and Coaching:

This area is an online format and is designed for individuals working or desiring to work in school, university, and community sports programs. Coursework includes the understanding of key issues involved in educational athletics and further developing leadership and coaching skills.

Required:
SLC 500Foundations of Coaching

3

SLC 520Athletic Administration

3

SLC 530Psychosociology of Sport

3

SLC 540Conditioning Principles

3

SLC 550Injury Prevention & Safety

3

SLC 570Sports Law

3

Community Education Research and Leadership:

This area prepares individuals in becoming professional educators, researchers, and leaders in non-formal environments and non-profit organizations. Coursework includes fundraising and development, non-profit management, non-formal education models, and prepares individuals to improve community relationships and involvement in non-formal and/or non-profit organizations.

Required:
EDUC 506Motivation & Develop Creativity

3

EDUC 517Non-Formal Educational Models

3

EDUC 528Non-Profit Management

3

EDUC 543Flexible & Creative Learning Environments

3

EDUC 558Fundraising and Development

3

EDUC 572Community Education Internship

3

Leadership in Disability Services:

This area is designed for anyone who seeks a leadership role or additional preparation for working with individuals with disabilities. Incorporating practical experiences and assignments, coursework prepares candidates to identify the needs, evaluate the programs, develop future goals, advocate for improved outcomes, and serve in leadership roles to support individuals with disabilities.

Required:
EDL 557Creative Leaders & Innovative Thinkers

3

EDUC 558Fundraising and Development

3

EDUC 559Advocacy, Communication & Public Policy

3

Select 1 from:
SPED 520Collaborative Teaching

3

EDUC 528Non-Profit Management

3

Select 2 from:
SPED 501Autism I: Character of Autism

3

SPED 502Autism II: Assessment & Intervention

3

SPED 541Characteristics of Students with High Incidence Disabilities

3

SPED 548 Advanced Assessment & Instruction for Students with Emotional Behavioral Disorders

3

SPED 551Policies, Procedures and Current Issues of Special Education

3

SPED 552Advanced Assessment & Instruction for Students with Intellectual Disabilities

3

SPED 553Introduction to a Student Who is Gifted

3

SPED 554Education & Curriculum for Gifted

3

SPED 555Advanced Assessment & Instruction for Students with Learning Disabilities

3

Innovative Instruction:

This area is designed for educators who desire to learn innovative, research-based instructional methods and create classrooms that prepare PK-12 students for their future. Incorporating practical, classroom-based experiences and assignments, coursework includes authentic assessment, data-driven decision-making, learner-centered activities, digital literacy, instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners, and opportunities to empower creative and collaborative problem solving in the PK-12 classroom.

Required:
EDUC 534Contemporary Applications of Educational Technology

3

EDL 544Disruption and Innovation in Education

3

EDL 553Advanced Instructional Models

3

EDL 557Creative Leaders & Innovative Thinkers

3

Graduate Electives in EDUC or SPED

6

Visual Art Education:

This area is designed for students who already have an approved visual art teacher certification. The goal of the program is to improve the student’s knowledge and skills of visual art education teaching and learning practice. This program is the only fully online Graduate Art Education Program in the state of West Virginia.

Required:
ART 510Art Education History

3

ART 511Current Issues Art Education

3

ART 512Arts Leadership, Advocacy, & Policy

3

ART 513Visual Culture, Criticism & the Art Museum

3

ART 543Non-Western Art History

3

Or

ART 544Art in Context

3

Graduate Elective (3)

3

Endorsements

Autism Endorsement

The West Virginia Department of Education offers an Autism Endorsement to applicants holding a Professional Teaching Certificate endorsed in Emotional/Behavior Disorders; Multi Categorical Special Education; Mental Impairments (Mild/Moderate); Severe Disabilities; or Preschool Special Needs. The Autism Endorsement requires six credit-hours in Autism courses, which include face-to-face classes held during the summer at the WLU Highlands Center, participation in online components, and field experience in an approved setting with individuals diagnosed with autism.

Required:

SPED 501Autism I: Character of Autism

3

SPED 502Autism II: Assessment & Intervention

3

Gifted Education Endorsement

The West Virginia Department of Education offers a Gifted Education Endorsement to applicants holding an initial Professional Teaching Certificate in elementary education or secondary English, Math, Science, or Social Studies by passing the WV state licensure test. The six credit-hours of gifted courses are online and support educators in preparing for the licensure test.

Required:

SPED 553Introduction to a Student Who is Gifted

3

SPED 554Education & Curriculum for Gifted

3

Post-Master Certifications

Principal

This track is designed for individuals who have previously earned a masters degree and want to pursue the Principalship. The curriculum consists of 18 credit hours and is designed for completion within three semesters. Candidates in this track are eligible for West Virginia administrative certification for Principal PK-Adult. This coursework requires extensive field hours with a practicing school administrator.

EDUC 582MAEd Orientation for Online Learners

0

EDL 521Strategic Educational Planning

3

EDL 533Education Law, Ethics and Budgets

3

EDL 543Creating a Culture of Innovation

3

EDL 588Research, Evaluation, and Assessment

3

EDL 589Community Collaboration

3

EDL 565Superintendent General Instruction Practicum

3

Principal, Supervision General Instruction, and Superintendent

This track is designed for individuals who have previously earned a masters degree and want to pursue the Principalship. The curriculum consists of 21 credit hours and is designed for completion within three semesters. Candidates in this track are eligible for West Virginia administrative certification for Principal PK-Adult. This coursework requires extensive field hours with a practicing school administrator.

EDUC 582MAEd Orientation for Online Learners

0

EDL 521Strategic Educational Planning

3

EDL 533Education Law, Ethics and Budgets

3

EDL 543Creating a Culture of Innovation

3

EDL 588Research, Evaluation, and Assessment

3

EDL 565Superintendent General Instruction Practicum

3

EDL 566Superintendent Practicum

3

Notes

Changes in state or national requirements or in accreditation requirements sometimes result in program changes that occur after the WLU Catalog has been printed. Students are advised to monitor the MAEd program web site and to maintain a close working relationship with their assigned academic advisor to ensure that any programmatic changes do not delay graduation.