The department offers both a Master of Arts (M.A.) and a Master of Science (M.S.) degree. The M.A. requires a foreign language; otherwise the degree requirements are identical. Both the M.A. and M.S. allow for a greater degree of individualized program design; there are fewer required courses and fewer pre-specified specialty areas. The M.A. and M.S. programs have a more academic focus and are geared towards developing research skills; correspondingly, they culminate in a thesis. If you are planning eventually to pursue a Ph.D., these programs would provide a good introductory foundation for that degree.
1.) Core (3 credit hours). The graduate core for the M.A./M.S. degrees is:
ECS 6600 -Introduction to Critical, Cultural & Curriculum Studies in Education.
In addition, if your previous education has not included course work in multicultural education you should plan on taking a multicultural course (e.g., ECS 6631, 6632, 6633, 6634) as part of your master's program.
2.) Major Study Area (18 credit hours). The normal pattern is 12 credit hours (minimum) in your specialty area and 6 credit hours in an allied area (outside the department). These courses should be planned in consultation with your advisor.
3.) Research Methods Courses (6 credit hours minimum). At least two courses must be taken in the area of research methods. These courses may focus on either qualitative or quantitative research methodologies. Some of the courses that would satisfy this requirement are ELP 7060 & 7062, Spec Ed 5510, ECS 7670,7671, or 7672.
4.) Thesis and Thesis Design ( 9 credit hours). Students must complete a minimum of 9 credit hours of ECS 6970, “Thesis Research: Masters.” This is an independent study course intended to help you select a thesis topic, design an appropriate thesis proposal, and conduct your thesis research. Prior to registering for this course, you should form a thesis committee to sponsor your thesis project.
5.) Total (36 credit hours).
(revised 02/17/04)