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School of Education

2024-2025 GRADUATE STUDIES DRAFT CATALOG

Effective 1 June 2024 through 31 May 2025

Please see the Graduate Catalog Archives for PDF versions of past catalogs.

Departments

Graduate Department of Education, Yin Lam Lee-Johnson, chair
Department of Teacher Education, Basiyr Rodney, chair

Stephanie Mahfood, interim dean

School of Education website (external to catalog)

Please refer to the Accreditations section of this catalog for specialized accreditations that may apply to programs in the School of Education.

Mission/Vision
Assessment Policy of the School of Education
Programs
Program Description
General Requirements
Initial Teacher Certification Content Areas
Requirements for Missouri Initial Teacher Certification
Sequential Master's Degree
Independent Study
School of Education Graduate Alumni Discount
Credit by Examination
The Beatrice and David Kornblum Institute for Teaching Excellence

Mission Statement

The School of Education is a supportive and inclusive community of educator-scholars who are committed to providing our students with transformative experiences that impact life-long learning.

Vision

We empower students to become effective, innovative, and empathetic educators and practitioners.

Assessment Policy of School of Education

MA, MET, EdS and EdD

Programs in the School of Education use key assessments in specific courses to evaluate and promote student achievement of specific learning outcomes. In all courses that use key assessment assignments, the syllabus will list the standards that are used for assessing student academic performance. Students may contact their advisors, if they have further questions.

Demonstration of Missouri Teacher Standards Through Quality Indicators

MAT

The Department of Teacher Education (DTE) Passport is an integral element in the assessment system for initial teacher certification programs. The system is designed to foster the development of knowledge, skills, and dispositions for pre-service teacher candidates in the digital age and is aligned with the Missouri Teacher Standards, which "convey the expectations of performance for professional teachers in Missouri."

In order to complete the digital passports, candidates are enrolled in an online learning portal. Using a self-directed approach, pre-service teachers upload artifacts and reflections in the digital passports. Each passport is assessed by a team of faculty who assign a passing or failing grade to the passport based on the successful submission of artifacts and appropriate supplementary activities. Where appropriate, candidates may be asked to revise and resubmit artifacts or reflections. Successful completion of each part of the passport allows the candidate to move through the phases of the program.

Programs

Graduate Degree Programs

Post-Master's Programs

Certificates

NOTE: These Webster certificates in education are not Missouri Teaching Certification Programs.

Program Description

MA, MAT and MET

Webster's School of Education master's programs provide teachers with subject matter knowledge, educational understanding, technical skills, and opportunities for professional development. Webster reinforces an educator's commitment to the classroom by increasing command of subject matter fortified with new teaching methods and strategies.

The programs emphasize an inductive approach to learning. Hence, discovery and inquiry play an important part in the program. Faculty members teach as they would have graduates teach--in an open, flexible, considerate manner, in which experimentation and evaluation are encouraged. In such a program, a high level of student participation is encouraged and expected.

EdS

The educational specialist (EdS) degree is designed for individuals who seek knowledge and skills beyond the master's level. Coursework, action research, and internship experiences enable students to develop and demonstrate competencies required to move from a specific focus in teaching, curriculum, or support services in schools to the broader view of the educational leader in the community.

Educational Leadership

EdD

The doctor of education (EdD) program at Webster University is a terminal degree for students who aspire to become leaders, researchers and scholars in educational settings. It is designed for preparing well-rounded scholar-practitioners who have the passion and competence to make a difference in this world. Through coursework, research, service learning, doctoral apprenticeship and socialization with faculty mentor and peers, students develop a comprehensive network and supportive system for completing the milestones in the program. Students also build and share their expertise as a cohort to become visionary leaders in today's world.

Emphasis Areas:

Educational Leadership
Special Education
Transformative Learning in the Global Community

General Requirements

School of Education graduate degrees require the satisfactory completion of 33-44 (depending on whether certification is included) credit hours of appropriate graduate-level courses with a B average or the equivalent and completion of requirements for a major. Credits may also be gained through credit by examination, directed study, independent study, and transfer of credit.

Acceptance

A completed admission file includes information on professional experience and the academic transcripts of the applicant's undergraduate degree work. This material is reviewed and the academic record, essay, and letters of recommendation (if requested), are evaluated to determine if the applicant will be accepted. New applicants have one term (8 weeks) to complete the acceptance process.

A final degree conferred grade point average of 2.5 or higher is required for acceptance into an MA program. Special consideration may be given to students with extraordinary professional accomplishments or to those whose grades show marked improvement in the later years of college or in graduate or professional studies since college.

MAT

A final degree conferred grade point average of 2.5 or higher is required for acceptance into the MAT program. Additional admission criteria for the MAT program are as follows:

Receipt of all official transcripts
Grade of B- or better in college-level composition
Grade of B- or better in college-level mathematics

EdS

A completed admission file includes information on professional experience and the academic transcripts of the applicant's graduate degree work. The applicant's academic record, admission essay, and letter(s) of recommendation which attest to the applicant's ability to complete the program are evaluated to determine if the applicant will be accepted.

An overall minimum cumulative graduate grade point average of 3.0 to 3.25 (depending on the degree) is required for admission into an EdS program. Special consideration may be given to students with extraordinary professional accomplishments or to those whose grades show marked improvement in the later years of college or in graduate or professional studies since college. Students who have not met all admission requirements yet show potential for excellence in the program may be accepted on a conditional basis and later re-evaluated. For the full list of admission requirements for an EdS degree, please refer to the program's section in this catalog.

EdD

A completed admission file includes information on professional experience and the academic transcripts of the applicant’s undergraduate and graduate degree work. The applicant's academic record (evidence of a bachelor’s and a master’s degree) and letter(s) of recommendation which attest to the applicant's ability to complete the program are evaluated to determine if the applicant will be accepted.

An overall minimum cumulative graduate grade point average of 3.0 is required for admission into an EdD program. Applicants to the EdD program will also be interviewed as part of the admission requirements.

For the full list of admission requirements for an EdD degree, please refer to the program's section in this catalog.

Send all admissions materials to:
Office of Admission
Webster University
470 East Lockwood Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63119

Advancement to Doctoral Candidacy

Doctoral students who completed all coursework requirements before taking EDOC 8000 or the EDOC 8001-8002 sequence will take the comprehensive examination in the course EDOC 7902. Students who have passed the comprehensive examination will earn the status of doctoral candidacy. Students not advanced to doctoral candidacy are not eligible to continue in their programs. Advancement to candidacy indicates that a student shows the requisite capacity and dedication to complete the program.

Continuous Enrollment

Students must complete their degree program within seven years of entry into a graduate program. Students who are unable to finish their program within seven years must meet with their academic advisor to request an exception to the policy. All requests must be approved by the Dean, School of Education.

EdD students are required to be continuously enrolled in the program. If a student does not register for any credit in a particular term or semester, he or she needs approval from the EdD director in writing. Only special circumstances with a strong rationale will be approved. Students who do not register for any credit in a term or semester will be prohibited from continuing in the program if an official approval from the EdD director is not in place.

Transfer of Credit

MA and MAT

Students may request transfer credit for graduate courses earned with grades of B- or better from another institution to fulfill their degree requirements. Requests are subject to evaluation and approval depending on the requirements of the specific degree program. Transfer credit is limited to a maximum of 12 credit hours for MAT programs, and 9 credit hours for an MA program. For more information, refer to the Transfer of Credit policy in the Academic Policies section of this catalog.

Initial Teacher Certification Content Areas

The MAT program is designed for students who are pursuing Missouri initial teacher certification in one of the following areas:

Art (Grades K-12)
Elementary (Grades 1-6)
Middle School (Grades 5-9) with a focus in Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, or Social Science)
Secondary Biology (Grades 9-12)
Secondary Chemistry (Grades 9-12)
Secondary English (Grades 9-12)
Secondary Mathematics (Grades 9-12)
Secondary Social Science (Grades 9-12)
Special Education (Mild/Moderate/Cross-Categorical) (Grades K-12)
World Languages (French, German, or Spanish) (Grades K-12)

Candidates seeking certification in secondary education (Grades 9-12) are encouraged to choose a second major in their content area. Advisors from the content area work closely with the School of Education to assure candidates meet the requirements of both their majors and initial teacher certification.

Additional Content Areas

A student who holds a Missouri initial teaching certificate and is interested in an add-on certification in English Language Learners K-12, Reading Specialist K-12, or School Leader K-12 may pursue one of these add-on certifications with the corresponding MA degree. Contact the School of Education Office at soe@webster.edu for information regarding these degrees.

Requirements for Missouri Initial Teacher Certification

Prior to or upon Admission, students must make available official academic transcripts to the Coordinator of Educator Certification in the School of Education to complete an evaluation of coursework. Based on this transcript evaluation, the Coordinator of Educator Certification will identify the exact number of credit hours that an MAT candidate will require to complete initial teacher certification with respect to Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) requirements. Prior coursework, such as transfer courses and content area courses, will be identified from the students' transcripts. Using this evaluation, an academic advisor, in conjunction with the Coordinator of Educator Certification, will prepare a personalized program of study for the student. Students may be required to take more than the required coursework listed for the emphasis area. Students should talk to their advisor and the teacher certification professionals at Webster University throughout their program to understand how any changes to DESE requirements are accommodated in their personalized program of study.

Admission to Teacher Certification

Admission to teacher certification is a significant milestone in a candidate's academic career. This means that a candidate is formally accepted in the initial teacher certification program and on track to meet the requirements of both the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and Webster University.

Candidates must meet the following requirements:

Completion of 15 hours of graduate credit, including CMAT 5000 and 5001, with grades of B or better.
Successful completion of Passport Tasks 1- 5.
Minimum professional GPA of 3.0, and Content GPA (if applicable) of 3.0. This must be maintained throughout the program.

After 15 hours of graduate credit, candidates will be restricted from registering in further coursework until advanced to candidacy.

Candidates must be admitted to teacher certification in order to take specified EDUC or CMAT methods courses.

Background Checks

Students are required to obtain various annual background checks prior to field experiences. The state requires current fingerprint clearance prior to issuing the teaching certificate.

State Assessments

To obtain teaching licensure in Missouri, students are required to complete a number of state assessments. State required assessments are administered by designated agencies, and students are required to pay all associated fees. All state assessments are administered in a digital format. Students must pass the state-required content assessment examinations prior to apprentice teaching.

Practicum

Students must complete a 5000-level practicum in a classroom setting appropriate to their intended content area and accompanying practicum seminar with a grade of B or better. Practicum require 45-135 hours involving observation, lesson planning and teaching during daytime hours. To enroll in a practicum, students must submit an application by September 15 for a spring placement and by February 15 for a fall placement. No late applications will be accepted. Candidates must meet with the Coordinator of Field Placement prior to applying for practicum.

Apprentice Teaching

Apprentice teaching and the accompanying apprentice teaching seminar are required for all initial certifications. To enroll in apprentice teaching, students must submit an application by September 15 for a spring placement and by February 15 for a fall placement. No late applications will be accepted.

Prior to apprentice teaching students must have:

met all course and departmental assessment requirements, including formal acceptance to teacher certification status.
successfully completed practicum and practicum seminar with a grade of B or better.
passed the state-required content assessment examination.

Apprentice Teaching placements are made by the Field Experience Office. Placements will be arranged with the St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles County and Jefferson County School Districts along with private and independent schools. All candidates for certification must complete either their practicum or apprentice teaching in a diverse setting.

Sequential Master's Degree in the School of Education

A student who holds an MA, MAT, or MET from Webster's School of Education may earn a sequential MA by completing the required courses (ranging from 21 to 27 credit hours depending on the sequential program) detailed in the declared major curriculum.
A student who holds a master's or doctoral degree in an education related field from another regionally accredited college or university may earn a sequential MA by completing the required core courses (ranging from 21 to 27 credit hours depending on the sequential degree program) detailed in the declared major curriculum.
No transfer of credit may be applied toward the minimum required courses.
If a student has completed any required courses as part of a previous Webster University master's degree, approval for substitute coursework must be requested and approved prior to enrollment.
Any student with a non-education master's degree representing any other discipline outside of the field of education must have the approval of the Dean before beginning or enrolling in any sequential master's program in the School of Education. For more information contact the School of Education at 314-246-8007 or soe@webster.edu.

Independent Study

Degree-seeking students in the School of Education with special interests or needs that are not met by existing curricula may request that a member of the faculty supervise an independent study. Together the student and faculty member decide the content of the independent study and the criteria for evaluation. In no case can an independent study be set up when an existing course already covers the subject.

School of Education Graduate Alumni Discount

Alumni of the School of Education's graduate programs (MA, MAT, and MET) may apply for a special tuition discount toward eligible graduate courses. The discount is subject to application approval and is limited to a lifetime maximum of 12 credit hours. For more information about the discount, contact the School of Education or visit the school's site in Connections 2.0.

Credit by Examination

To achieve initial or advanced teaching certification in the State of Missouri, a clinical component of Practicum and/or Apprentice Teaching is required in Webster University's School of Education Teacher Certification Programs. If a student has acquired significant teaching experience outside of Webster University's network and programs, and that experience can be documented and verified by a certified school leader or superintendent, the student may discuss the possibility of completing a credit by exam, in lieu of a practicum experience. For credit by exam to be granted, the Dean of the School of Education must sign off on the request. All credits by exam are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

NOTE: There is no guarantee by the university or the School of Education that a student will be allowed to waive any aspect of the clinical component of her/his program. Each decision is made carefully with due respect for the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Certification standards.

The Beatrice and David Kornblum Institute for Teaching Excellence

The Beatrice and David Kornblum Institute for Teaching Excellence is an integral part of Webster University's School of Education. The Institute's mission is to support innovative education, program development, community service, and improved teaching and learning with an emphasis on economically disadvantaged minority, immigrant, and/or disabled (at risk) public school children from the urban setting.

Kornblum Scholar Program

The Institute makes scholarships available to candidates working with or aspiring to work with students from low-income districts having diverse populations. Funding is limited so early application is encouraged. For more information about the scholar program, contact the School of Education or visit the school's site in Connections 2.0.

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