Degrees, Minors and Certificates
Students should direct questions regarding specific course requirements to the dean, director, chairperson, or graduate adviser in their academic units. The Graduate School will assist in answering other questions. Only 5000-level courses and other graduate-level courses apply toward graduate degrees or CAS programs. At least half of the credit for the master’s degree must be earned in courses for graduates only, numbering 6000 or above. Additional requirements applicable to all graduate students are explained in Section 4, Academic Regulations. The university does not award degrees solely because a student successfully completed the required courses. Violations of the student Code of Conduct, including both academic and nonacademic violations, may result in a degree not being awarded. For example, when the student has disciplinary charges pending, the degree may be withheld or the awarding of the degree may be delayed.
The goal of the MA and MS degree programs is to provide the student with a well-rounded and in-depth understanding of the subject matter. While there are not inflexible rules that govern course requirements in any part of the program, it is expected that the course work will be planned for the student to achieve career goals. In some programs students may take courses in a minor field or in several fields related to their major interest. The detailed course requirement for each program is left to the discretion of the departments and schools; the decision on these matters is to be made by the student’s graduate committee in consultation with the student involved. When required by a particular program, the thesis represents extended research in some area of the major field. Three to six semester hours of credit are allowed for the thesis, which may be a part of the semester hours from the major field. The writing of the thesis and distribution of copies must conform to the general requirements of the Graduate School. For more information, view Thesis/Dissertation: Research, Examination, Preparation, and Delivery found at www.ecu.edu/cs-acad/grcat1011/regulations.cfm#thesis.
The consolidated MAEd offered in the College of Education comprises teaching areas as follows: business education, English education, elementary education, health education, history education (social studies licensure), instructional technology education, middle grades education, physical education, science education, and special education. The college also offers MAEds in adult education, and mathematics education. The MAEd in art education is offered through the College of Fine Arts and Communication and the MAEd in family and consumer sciences through the College of Human Ecology. The master of music in music education is offered through the College of Fine Arts and Communication. For most programs, a thesis is optional for the master of arts in education degree. However, a school or department may require theses in certain programs. If a thesis is written, it will count as 3 or 6 s.h. of credit and must meet the thesis requirements of the Graduate School. For more information, view Thesis/Dissertation: Research, Examination, Preparation, and Delivery found at www.ecu.edu/cs-acad/grcat1011/regulations.cfm#thesis.
Candidates for the MSA program should have entry-level school license and a minimum of three years teaching/public school experience. For additional information concerning admission, contact the Department of Educational Leadership or view the departmental Web site at www.ecu.edu/cs-acad/grcat1011/programLEED.cfm.
The doctor of education in educational leadership (EdD) degree is designed to develop skills and abilities for individuals to resolve educational issues and problems. Program studies include leadership theory, human resource development, organizational theory, policy analysis, planning studies, curriculum and instructional leadership, and political systems analysis. The degree prepares senior level administrators for leadership positions in public schools or in higher education. A minimum of 60-semester hours beyond a master’s degree is required. Requirements include a research-based dissertation completed under the direction of an appropriate faculty member, as well as a supervised internship experience. Candidates seeking the EdD with a focus on public school administration must hold Level I licensure in administration or supervision. Upon completion of the program, individuals are eligible to upgrade previously held licenses. Individuals holding administration license (012, class M or class AP) and/or (011, class AS) are eligible for (012, class DP) and superintendent license (011, class DS). Individuals holding supervision license (113, class S) are eligible for curriculum-instructional specialist (113, class D). Candidates seeking the EdD with a concentration in higher education administration are not required to hold a previous license and are not eligible for North Carolina license in administration or supervision upon completion of the program. In addition, it is desirable for all candidates for the EdD program to have three years of successful leadership experience. For additional information concerning admission, contact the Department of Educational Leadership or view the departmental Web site at www.ecu.edu/cs-acad/grcat1011/programLEED.cfm.
In order to be recommended for North Carolina licensure, initial and advanced teaching candidates must successfully complete an electronic evidence portfolio demonstrating proficiency on the NC Professional Teaching Standards. |
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