Mar 29, 2024  
2023-2024 Graduate Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Graduate Catalog

Secondary Education (M.A.)


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Program Overview


A master’s in secondary education provides the opportunity to study STEM or literacy education in greater depth. Specifically designed for the practicing educator, specializing in Science, Technology and Math (STEM) is ideal for teachers interested in enhancing their knowledge and skills necessary for designing, implementing, and evaluating integrated STEM lessons in their classrooms. The Reading Specialist/Literacy Coach specialization prepares current teachers to use research-proven literacy practices and programs to effectively teach students and adults. Graduates can expect to become leaders in their schools related to effective STEM or literacy instruction. Learn more at usd.edu/tre or usd.edu/online-seed.

DELIVERY: Online 

Master of Arts, Secondary Education Non-Thesis option


-Thesis is also available. Four credit hours of thesis are required in lieu of an elective.

Science, Technology and Math Education (STM) Specialization


Elective courses (12 credit hours)

Accelerated Master’s Program: B.S.Ed., B.A. or B.S./M.A. with STEM Education specialization


Approved to start Summer 2024.

Up to 12 credits applied toward the B.S.Ed., B.A., or B.S. program may be used to satisfy graduate credit in the STEM Education specializations of the M.A. ELED or SEED programs. This accelerated option is available only to those currently enrolled in a USD B.S.Ed., B.A. ,or B.S. program.

The following restrictions apply:

  1. Dual-listed courses taken at the 500-level can be applied to both the B.A. or B.S. and M.A. degrees. Dual-listed courses must be taken at the 500-level.
  2. The student must apply to, and be admitted to, the accelerated program prior to taking courses to be credited toward the accelerated program.
  3. No courses taken prior to admission to the accelerated program may be counted toward an accelerated graduate degree.
  4. Courses that are “double counted” must be approved by the program coordinator for inclusion in the program of study prior to registration for the course or the credits will not be applied toward the accelerated graduate degree.
  5. Only courses taken at the student’s home institution are eligible for accelerated program credit. No transferred courses from other institutions will be allowed to count toward the accelerated master’s degree.
  6. Students admitted to the accelerated M.A. Program may be allowed to register for all courses included in his/her program of study and these credit hours may apply to both undergraduate and graduate degree requirements.

Master of Arts Secondary Education, Reading Specialist/Literacy Coach Non-thesis option: Total 30 credit hours


Students in this program are required to take the Praxis Exam for Reading Specialists as an additional graduation requirement.

Note: Thesis is also available. Four credit hours of thesis are required in lieu of an elective.

Major Area Coursework


Supporting Area Coursework


Note:


* Students who have not completed middle level reading methods (MLED 460) or secondary reading and content literacy (SEED 450) course or equivalent secondary reading methods courses, will be required to complete one of the courses at the 500-level. Students who have completed this content, will enroll in an elective approved by the advisor.
 

General Application Requirements


  1. Completed application
  2. $35 application fee
  3. Official transcripts*
  4. Letters of recommendation*
  5. Statement of purpose
  6. Resume/CV*

*Requirements for admission vary by program and may require different documentation and have different deadlines. This list is not all-inclusive, to view specific program requirements and submission deadlines, follow the  “Admissions Information” hyperlink at the top of this page OR visit the specific program/dept. page found here: link.usd.edu/grad-catalog

Courses or Programs Leading to Professional Licensure or Certification


The educational curriculum for your academic program may or may not meet educational prerequisites for professional licensure or certification in states other than South Dakota. If you are planning to apply for licensure/certification in a state other than South Dakota after completion of your program, please review that state and your program on USD’s Licensure-Track Programs webpage. Licensure-Track Programs

If your learning placement course (internship, externship, clinical, rotation, practicum, independent study, study away, etc.) or your online course will be taken outside South Dakota, please reference USD’s State Authorization webpage.

State Authorization

Questions?


Division of Teacher Residency and Education
605-658-6639 | tre@usd.edu | usd.edu/tre

Graduate Admissions 
605-658-6140 | gradadmissions@usd.edu  | usd.edu/grad

 

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