Interdisciplinary focus
Master of education/professional studies
Program
The master of education (M.Ed.)/professional studies program with interdisciplinary focus is designed for experienced teachers, particularly those who are teaching interdisciplinary curriculum involving instruction in a number of different subjects, ranging from art to mathematics.
This graduate-level, practitioner-based program allows teachers to select education and subject matter courses for two or more areas. Coursework required for additional licensure can often be applied toward this M.Ed. degree.
The program is flexible and can be tailored to accommodate individual needs. With guidance from faculty advisers, students complete at least 30 semester credits of work in three areas: a core academic program in education, courses specific to the subject area of interest, and elective courses. Requirements also include a school-based project examining a problem, issue, or topic identified by the student.
Courses at the University of Minnesota are offered at a variety of times, including late afternoons. Students may also enroll courses offered during the summer and at off-campus school sites.
Admission
Admission requirements to this program include the following criteria:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
- A 2.80 minimum grade point average (GPA)
- A one-page goal statement
- A résumé
- A completed CEHD Application for Admission to M.Ed./Professional Studies Programs, available at the college’s office of Student Services, 150 Williamson Hall, 231 Pillsbury Dr. S.E., Minneapolis, MN 55455; 612-625-6501; e-mail: cehdgrad@umn.edu; or on the Web.
The college reviews applications on an ongoing basis. Application reviews for specific academic terms begin by the following dates. Students are encouraged to submit application materials to Student Services by the following dates:
- November 1—spring semester admission
- March 1—summer session admission
- July 1—fall semester admission
Applicants are typically notified of admission decisions four to six weeks after application deadlines.
Transfer credits
A maximum of 12 graduate semester transfer credits may be applied to the M.Ed. program. Credits may include any combination of the following coursework:
- Up to six graduate semester credits from fully accredited institutions other than the University of Minnesota for students enrolled at the University’s Twin Cities campus; up to nine graduate semester credits for students enrolled at the University’s Rochester campus
- Credits completed at the University of Minnesota before admission to the M.Ed. program
Transfer courses must be completed at the graduate level and approved by a faculty adviser and the college. Workshop credits are usually not accepted for transfer to C&I programs. Contact the program’s faculty adviser for more information.
Curriculum
Students must complete at least 30 semester credits in the following areas:
Core requirements (12 cr)
- CI 5155—Contemporary Approaches to Curriculum: Instruction and Assessment (3 cr)
- CI 5177—Practical Research (3 cr) To be taken toward end of M.Ed. program; consult with faculty adviser.
- CI 5186—School-Related Projects (3 cr) To be taken after CI 5177; consult with faculty adviser.
- CI 5351—Technology Tools for Educators (3 cr) or alternate course approved by adviser
Interdisciplinary focus requirements (12 cr)
In order to complete this program, students must present an interdisciplinary theme to the faculty adviser for approval during their first semester of enrollment. This theme will guide course selection and the school-related project.
Students can select both general and specific CI-designated methods courses from two or more subject matter areas (art, elementary, English, instructional systems and technology, math, science, second languages and cultures, and social studies). Examples include:
- CI 5069—Curriculum Innovations in Art Education (3 cr)
- CI 5133—Curriculum Planning and Design (3 cr)
- CI 5147—Language, Culture, and Education (3 cr)
- CI 5149—Issues of Diversity in Schools and Classrooms (3-4 cr)
- CI 5416—Literacy Development in the Intermediate Grades (3 cr)
- CI 5442—Literature for Adolescents (3 cr)
- CI 5533—Current Developments in Science Teaching (3 cr)
- CI 5656—Reading and Writing in a Second Language (3 cr)
- CI 5747—Global and Environmental Education: Content and Practice (3 cr)
- CI 5761—Social Studies Education for the Inservice Middle/Secondary Teacher (3 cr)
- MTHE 5313—Teaching and Learning Mathematics in the Middle School (3 cr)
Electives (6 cr)
Electives may be selected from graduate-level courses (5xxx and above) at the University of Minnesota, as approved by student and advisers. Courses from outside CEHD are recommended.
Note: For course descriptions and schedules, refer to the University of Minnesota’s Class Schedule.
Registration
Currently admitted degree-seeking or non-degree seeking students may register online for coursework.
Students who want to begin M.Ed. coursework before admission to the M.Ed. program must complete a CEHD First-Time Registration for non-degree seeking Students packet [.pdf]. Packets are also available at the college’s office of Student Services, 360 Education Sciences Building, 56 East River Road, Minneapolis, MN 55455; 612-625-3339; e-mail: cehdgrad@umn.edu.
For questions about registration, contact Student Services at 612-625-5815.
Core faculty
For more program information, visit the C&I Web site or contact faculty members listed below:
Art education
Faith Clover
Ph.D., University of Arizona
612-625-6098; e-mail:
clove002@umn.edu
English education
Richard W. Beach
Ph.D., University of Illinois
612-625-3893;
e-mail: rbeach@umn.edu
Mathematics education
Thomas Post
Ph.D., Indiana University
612-625-0069; e-mail:
postx001@umn.edu
Science education
Fred Finley
Ph.D., Michigan State University
612-625-1362; e-mail:
finle001@umn.edu
Second languages and cultures education
Diane J. Tedick
Ph.D., The Ohio State University
612-625-1081; e-mail:
djtedick@umn.edu
Social studies education
Patricia Avery
Ph.D., Emory University
612-625-5802; e-mail:
avery001@umn.edu
Updated October 2008