General Science, 5-8, Initial, M.Ed.

Note:

This program is not accepting any new applicants as of spring 2016

M.Ed. Initial Licensure Programs

Westfield State University has a history and abiding commitment of preparing educators who serve the educational needs of prekindergarten through secondary school students in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The shared vision of Westfield’s education programs is articulated as “Educators as Leaders Building Learning Communities.” Themes that support this vision are community building, reflective practice, diversity, and social justice.

Westfield is fully accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), and all licensure programs are approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Master in Education (M.Ed.) Initial licensure programs are designed for individuals who wish to pursue a master’s degree leading to an initial teaching license. M.Ed. initial licensure programs are offered in:

Biology, 8-12, Initial, M.Ed.

Chemistry, 8-12, Initial, M.Ed. *
Early Childhood PreK-2, Initial, M.Ed.
Elementary 1-6, Initial, M.Ed.

General Science, 5-8, Initial, M.Ed. *

History, 5-8, 8-12, Initial, M.Ed.

Mathematics, 5-8, 8-12, Initial, M.Ed.

Moderate Disabilities, Pre-K-8, Initial, M.Ed.

Moderate Disabilities, 5-12, Initial, M.Ed.

*Programs marked with an asterisk are not accepting new candidates as of spring 2016.

A English, with Initial Teaching Licensure, M.A. leading to initial licensure to teach middle or secondary English is also offered.

Applicants for the M.Ed. initial licensure programs may be required to take additional courses and/or document professional experiences in the cognate area of the license, in addition to the courses required for the master’s degree.

Students who satisfactorily complete program requirements leading to a teaching license are recommended for licensure to the Massachusetts Department of Education. Program requirements include completion of all coursework and other requirements for a master’s degree, passage of Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTELs), and successful completion of a practicum experience.

Advising for graduate students seeking an M.Ed. leading to an initial teaching license facilitates student progress in degree programs and offers an opportunity to design and to amend programs of study, acquire career advice and address topics of particular interest to students involved in graduate study for career advancement or professional development. Registration advising is offered in advance of the semester to assist with course choices appropriate for graduate programs. Programs of study constructed during the first semester of matriculation allow students to remain active participants in their course selection.

Program Description

The M.Ed. in General Science 5-8, Initial, leads to a master’s degree with initial licensure to teach high school General Science. The program requires extensive school-based fieldwork in addition to a practicum.

Applicants to this 33-34 credit hour program must

also pass the MTEL test in Communication and Literacy Skills as a requirement for admission to this program.

Program of Study

A. Prerequisite coursewok or experience

Content knowledge in the following areas must be documented in the student’s previous academic record or professional experience. Any gaps in coverage must be fulfilled as determined by the student’s graduate advisor.

Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 31 credits in biology and the physical sciences, including the equivalents of the Westfield State University courses: ASTR 0101, BIOL 0128, CHEM 0109, CHEM 0111, GEOL 0101, PHSC 0115, and PHSC 0117 with a minimum GPA of 2.5 in those courses. Students will be required to complete any of the above courses that they have not taken.
Introductory course in Adolescent Development
Introductory course in Foundations of Education

B.Required courses (21-24 credits)

EDUC 0540 - Introduction to Students with Exceptional Learning Needs Credits: 3
EDUC 0554 - Educational Planning and Evaluation: Middle and Secondary Schools Credits: 3
GNSC 0571 - Methods of Science Education for the Middle School Credits: 3
EDUC 0580 - Multicultural Education Credits: 3
* EDUC 0631 - Sheltered English Immersion Credits: 3
EDUC 0632 - Research in Education Credits: 3 (research project required)
** EDUC 0564 - Practicum: Middle School Credits: 6
*Students who have already received the state SEI endorsement will substitute another 3-credit, 600 level pedagogical course.

**Seminar hours will be required during practicum.

C. A total of 12-15 additional credits to include:

3-6 credits of pedagogical coursework at the 600 level; and
ASTR 0549 - Integrated Physical Science: Astronomy Credits: 3
GEOL 0547 - Integrated Physical Science: Geology Credits: 3

Additional Guidelines

Students must pass the required MTEL subject matter test (General Science) and have a GPA of 2.8 or greater before beginning the student teaching practicum. Although students may be allowed to apply for the practicum with a 2.8 GPA, a 3.0 GPA must be maintained to remain in the graduate program.

Practicum placements are generally within a 30-mile radius of the university unless otherwise specified and approved.

Practicum placement also requires completion of the following courses: EDUC 0540, EDUC 0554, GNSC 0571, EDUC 0580; as well as the recommendation of the student’s advisor, program director and Department Chair or designee.

A 30-hour diversity experience is required before or during practicum.

Students are required to successfully complete a written comprehensive examination to demonstrate mastery of knowledge gained in coursework and to relate concepts across the curriculum. The comprehensive exam may be taken after completing a minimum of nine non-practicum courses within the Master’s program.