This purpose of this course is to develop a theoretical and research-based understanding of 21st Century learning that will provide the foundational underpinnings for utilizing instructional practices that foster empowered citizenship within the elementary classroom.
Prerequisites:
none
Examines research and theory in education. Explores major research and theoretical thinking in education.
Prerequisites:
none
Research/Methods Course(s)
This course focuses on developing skills related to academic writing.
Prerequisites:
none
Restricted Electives
Tracks - Choose one track to complete the program.
STEM Track
Through hands-on experiences students learn the basics of engineering needed to teach this content at the elementary school level. Topics include the engineering design process, reverse engineering, engineering fields/professions, and experience with instructional strategies. The course focuses on the engineering strand of the K-6 Minnesota State Science Standards.
Prerequisites:
none
Students will develop competency using the specific technology skills needed to become effective Elementary Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) teachers.
Prerequisites:
none
Students will learn to integrate the four disciplines of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) into their instruction in the elementary classroom.
Prerequisites:
none
Develop skills, knowledge, and dispositions related to technology use for literacy learning in the elementary classroom.
Prerequisites:
none
Math Track
This course is designed to help educators develop an in-depth understanding of research-based practices that center equity to develop competency for engaging students in mathematical learning experiences. Emphasis on the NCTM's effective mathematics teaching practices.
Prerequisites:
none
This course aims to enhance educators' skills in using formative assessment techniques that elicit evidence of students' mathematics learning. Explore research-based practices that empower students as active learners. Emphasis on planning, implementing, and evaluating formative assessments, with a focus on valuing diversity in thinking, positive identity development, and providing empowering feedback.
Prerequisites:
none
This course aims to empower educators to cultivate inclusive mathematics classroom environments through a strengths-based lens. Participants will critically examine challenges in differentiation practices that can marginalize students, with an emphasis on fostering positive mathematical identities, diverse thinking, and exploring strengths-based differentiation strategies. The goal is to accommodate a variety of learners while fostering student agency.
Prerequisites:
none
Unrestricted Electives
A total of 12 credits is required. Select credits in consultation with your advisor. Credits cannot be double counted.
Capstone Course
Choose 1 - 4 Credit(s). Select one option in consultation with your advisor.
For students completing a Master's degree with the alternate plan paper option.
Prerequisites:
none
For students completing a Master's degree with the creative project option.
Prerequisites:
none
For students completing the Master's or Specialist degree using the thesis option.
Prerequisites:
none
Degree Plan
The Degree Plan is a model for completing your degree in a timely manner. Your individual degree plan may change based on a number of variables including transfer courses and the semester/year you start your major. Carefully work with your academic advisors to devise your own unique plan. * Please meet with your advisor on appropriate course selection to meet your educational and degree goals.
First Year
Fall - 6 Credits
This course focuses on the development of emergent and beginning readers. Students will become familiar with the evidence-based components of literacy instruction for children at this level, including oral language, phonemic awareness, phonics, and word recognition skills.
Prerequisites:
none
This course aims to enhance educators' skills in using formative assessment techniques that elicit evidence of students' mathematics learning. Explore research-based practices that empower students as active learners. Emphasis on planning, implementing, and evaluating formative assessments, with a focus on valuing diversity in thinking, positive identity development, and providing empowering feedback.
Prerequisites:
none
Spring - 5 Credits
Students will learn to integrate the four disciplines of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) into their instruction in the elementary classroom.
Prerequisites:
none
This graduate course presents a variety of research-based strategies for content literacy instruction.
Prerequisites:
none
Summer - 6 Credits
This course focuses on implementing high quality, research based literacy instruction for all children in preschool through second grade. Emphasis is placed on the use of varied instructional approaches and materials for young learners. Students will develop the ability to: understand major theories and research describing literacy development, implement a balanced curriculum, design an environment to optimize student learning that includes choice and motivation, and differentiate instruction.
Prerequisites:
none
Examines research and theory in education. Explores major research and theoretical thinking in education.
Prerequisites:
none
Second Year
Fall - 6 Credits
This course focuses on developing skills related to academic writing.
Prerequisites:
none
Students will develop expertise in working with culturally and linguistically diverse students in literacy learning. The course focuses on culturally responsive instructional strategies for literacy learning in reading, writing, and oral language to meet the cognitive, linguistic, cultural, and dispositional needs of English learners and culturally diverse learners. English language development, linguistics, academic language, assessment, family engagement, strengthening students' cultural connections, vocabulary development, comprehension strategies, writing instruction, and differentiation are major topics.
Prerequisites:
none
Spring - 6 Credits
Presents information about elementary learners' writing development, genres for the elementary curriculum, and assessment of elementary students' writing. Research-validated practices for teaching diverse learners will be the focus of the course.
Prerequisites:
none
This course aims to empower educators to cultivate inclusive mathematics classroom environments through a strengths-based lens. Participants will critically examine challenges in differentiation practices that can marginalize students, with an emphasis on fostering positive mathematical identities, diverse thinking, and exploring strengths-based differentiation strategies. The goal is to accommodate a variety of learners while fostering student agency.
Prerequisites:
none
Summer - 2 Credits
For students completing a Master's degree with the alternate plan paper option.
Prerequisites:
none
Policies
Admission
A bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. institution, or a comparable degree from a recognized college or university in another country, is required.
2.75 GPA or above is required for immediate consideration of your application. If your GPA is less than 2.75, your application will require special review. In this situation, an Extenuating Circumstances statement may be appropriate.
Transcripts: Official transcripts from all previous institutions.
Resume
Letters of recommendation. Two letters of recommendation from those who can speak to your experience working with children or youth, or who can vouch for your commitment to educational equity.
Extenuating circumstances statement (optional). While this is not required, if there is something on your transcript that does not accurately reflect who you are as a student, please write no more than 500 words documenting unusual circumstances or hardships you have faced and the ways in which you have overcome or responded to them.
P/NC Standards: Courses may not be taken as P/NC.
Retention Standards: Continuance throughout the program is not automatic. Students will be monitored for a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Degree Master of Science
Major Credits 31
Total Credits 31
Locations Online
Career Cluster Education and Training
Accreditation
CAEP
Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
