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Student & Professional Services Collge of Education & Human Development Student Services

M.A. or M.Ed./professional studies?

Deciding on the appropriate degree program and subsequent course of study typically includes a discussion with a Student Services adviser (612-625-6501), faculty adviser, or the director of graduate studies (DGS) in the department in which you are interested. Here is information that can help you choose the program that's right for you.

M.A. programs

M.Ed./professional studies programs

M.Ed./initial licensure programs

Preferred performance levels for admission

Master of arts (M.A.) Master of education (M.Ed.)/
professional studies
Students admitted typically have interests in improving their professional practice, studying theory, developing research skills, and possibly pursuing a doctoral degree.

The preferred performance levels of the applicants vary by individual program but are typically:

  • A preferred minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher.
  • GRE scores of 450-500 or higher on the verbal and quantitative components and 5.0 for analytical writing.
  • Some programs will accept the Miller Analogies Test with a preferred score of 50.
  • An English proficiency test score (if a non-native English speaker) of 550 (213 on the computer-based test) or higher for the TOEFL, 80 or higher for the MELAB, or 6.5 or higher for the IELTS; individual programs may have higher TOEFL, MELAB or IELTS requirements.

Individual programs might also require:

  • A goal statement or statement of purpose (goals and interests)
  • A resume
  • Letters of recommendation
  • A writing sample
 The M.Ed. is a professional, graduate-level degree that emphasizes applied coursework and usually requires completion of a field-based experience.

Students seeking additional licensure, also called an endorsement, are admitted to the college as professional studies students.

Students admitted typically have interests in improving their current professional practice and applying their education to their present work responsibilities.

The preferred performance levels of the applicants we seek include:

  • A preferred minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.8 or higher (on a 4.0 scale).
  • No GRE test required.
  • An English proficiency test score (if a non-native English speaker) of 550 (213 on the computer-based test) or higher for TOEFL, 80 or higher for the MELAB, or 6.5 or higher for the IELTS.

Individual programs might also require:

  • A goal statement or statement of purpose (goals and interests)
  • A résumé
  • Letter(s) of recommendation
  • Copy of current teaching license(s)

Application

Master of arts (M.A.) Master of education (M.Ed.)/
professional studies
All M.A. programs are administered by the University of Minnesota Graduate School.

Applying to the Graduate School

A separate application and additional materials must be sent to the academic department.

 All M.Ed. programs are administered by the college of Education and Human Development.

Application for admission—M.Ed./professional studies

Application deadlines vary by program area.

Program requirements

Master of arts (M.A.) Master of education (M.Ed.)/
professional studies
Final project, paper, or examination
The master’s degree is offered under two plans: Plan A, requiring a thesis, and Plan B, which substitutes additional coursework and special projects for the thesis.

Registration requirement
Students must complete a minimum of 30 credits; some programs may require more than 30 credits. At least 60 percent of the coursework (excluding thesis credits) must be taken as registered a University of Minnesota Graduate School student; individual major fields may require a higher percentage.

Master’s Plan A students must enroll for a minimum of 10 thesis credits (8777) before receiving the degree.

Transfer credits
With approval of the adviser, director of graduate studies in the major, and Graduate School, the transfer of up to 40 percent of the degree program coursework may be permitted. (See the Graduate School Catalog.)

GPA requirement
A minimum GPA of 2.80 is required for coursework included on any official master’s degree program form; individual programs may have higher minimums.

More about the master of arts degree.

 Final project, paper, or examination
Each M.Ed. program involves a culminating experience in the form of a project, paper, or examination.

M.Ed. credit requirements
All M.Ed. students must complete at least 30 graduate-level semester credits to qualify for the degree; some programs may require more than 30 credits.

Transfer credits
With adviser approval, students may apply graduate-level coursework taken at an accredited institution other than the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities toward their M.Ed. program. Transfer credits from other institutions must have been taken after the completion of the undergraduate degree. Coursework completed during an undergraduate degree program may not be applied toward the M.Ed. program.

Transfer credit policies vary from program to program.

GPA requirement
Students must maintain a 2.80 grade point average (GPA) throughout their program; individual programs may have higher minimums. All GPA requirements for student teaching, internships, and graduation are computed using University of Minnesota-Twin Cities coursework only.

More about the master of education degree.

Tuition

Master of arts (M.A.) Master of education (M.Ed.)/
professional studies
Graduate tuition and fees

A limited number of assistantships may be offered by a department or program. These provide a waiver of some or all tuition. Contact individual program areas and see Scholarships and awards available through the college.

 Tuition and fees

Scholarships and awards available through the college

September 2004