Overview of the MEd Program

The Master’s Degree in Education program comprises four major elements:

1. The Core Competency Areas: research, assessment, pedagogy, diversity, foundations, and leadership.
2. Field-Based Practica and Follow-Up: includes professional portfolio production, reflective dialogue training, and an advanced curriculum work sample.
3. Individualized Professional Development Plan: technology, specializations, authorizations, subject area endorsements, or areas of special interest.
4. Opportunities for students to explore special programs and offerings.

General Outline of the MEd Program

Requirements for Admission to the MEd Program

1. Possess a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university.
2. Complete and submit the SOU application for graduate admission and application fee to the Admissions Office. Transcripts of undergraduate and previous graduate work must accompany the application.
3. Possess a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 for the last 90 quarter hours (60 semester hours) of undergraduate work.
4. Pass one of the following tests for entry into the master’s program:
   1. Praxis II Multiple Subject Assessment for Teachers (MSAT) Content Knowledge and Content Area Exercises with a total score of at least 310 and no score less than 147 on each section of the test.
   2. Graduate Record Exam (GRE) with a minimum score of 1200 on combined verbal, quantitative, and analytical sections and a minimum score of 400 on the verbal section.
   3. Former NTE Core Battery Tests: Test of Communication Skills with a score of at least 667 and the Test of General Knowledge with a score of at least 666.
   4. Praxis II Specialty Area Exam(s) in endorsed subject.
   5. Oregon Educator Licensure Assessments (ORELA) with a score of at least 240 on each of the appropriate subtests.
5. Complete the Character Question form provided with admission materials.
6. Submit two favorable recommendations from immediate supervisors employed by educational or social agencies attesting to the applicant’s competence to work with school-aged children.
7. For candidates to the licensure options, submit a copy of your Oregon Basic or Initial Teaching Lcense.
8. Apply for admission to the education program within the first 12 credits of graduate work. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in delayed completion of the degree program.

Exit Exam Requirements for the Master’s in Education Degree

Candidates for the master’s in elementary education must obtain passing scores on the Multiple Subjects Assessment for Teachers (MSAT) Exam, Oregon Educator Licensure Assessments (ORELA), or the former NTE Core Battery Tests in Communication Skills and General Knowledge to complete the master’s degree program.

Candidates for the master’s in secondary education must obtain a passing score on one or more Praxis Specialty Area tests in the endorsement (subject) area of the degree to complete the master’s degree program. Candidates for the postsecondary and educational services option must complete an approved project or thesis to qualify for completion of the master’s degree program.

Continuing Teaching License Program

The purpose of the Continuing Teaching License (CTL) program is to provide teachers with the opportunity to meet the requirements stipulated by Oregon’s Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC) for a Continuing Teaching License. The School of Education offers two configurations of programs for Continuing Teaching Licensure. The first option is a 45-credit Master in Education program for teachers who do not already hold a master’s degree. The second option is a plan of study for the purpose of CTL alone for teachers who already have a master’s degree. This program is specifically designed to meet the needs of working professionals by offering courses via distance learning and online during the academic year and on the Ashland campus during Summer Session. The fundamental piece of this program is its emphasis on the individual professional development plan, incorporating the needs of the teacher and the trends of the profession as a whole.

The CTL program (for those who already hold a master’s degree) consists of 12 credits of graduate work as follows: 1. Advanced professional studies courses are formally approved on an SOU program plan for CTL for a minimum of 9 credits. 2. When the approved 9 credits have been completed, candidates then enroll in the 3-credit course ED 520 - Professional Portfolio . This course guides the student through a professional portfolio and includes assembling evidence of meeting TSPC’s Advanced Proficiencies. In addition to completing the program requirements, CTL candidates must have five years of contract teaching experience, at least half-time in Oregon public schools or other approved teaching experiences.

Master of Arts or Science in Education/Standard Licensure Program

Graduates of a basic licensure program who wish to obtain a standard license and master’s degree should complete the Master of Arts or Science in Education/Continuing Teaching License Program.