ME-PD Professional Development Track
The Master of Education - Professional Development Non-Certification option is designed for graduate students who want to develop education-related competencies to meet career and personal goals.
The ME-PD non-certification option has the flexibility to meet the individual needs, intellectual objectives, and professional goals of a wide range of students and professionals who already hold baccalaureate degrees. Certified teachers seeking to meet desired professional advancement goals or students wishing to pursue a master's degree for other career goals may, with the assistance of an advisor, plan individualized programs of study in coordination with a prescribed set of core courses totaling 12 graduate credits.
Students typically choose two to three areas of concentration and have the freedom to create an interdisciplinary program of study. Each program must meet the requirements of one of two options:
a) 30 graduate semester hours, including at least 15 credits at the 700-level and completion of a seminar paper or thesis; or
b) 36 graduate semester hours, including at least 18 credits at the 700-level and completion of an individualized comprehensive examination.
In addition to the required coursework, each student must take at least an additional 15-18 graduate semester hours based on an individualized course of study.
A formal program proposal must be developed before the student obtains 12 graduate credits, and must be presented in person and in writing to the ME-PD Board of Review for final approval.
Each student’s proposal must contain the following components:
- A written statement of professional goals and objectives;
- A list of courses to be completed that address the students’ goals and objectives;
- Selection of seminar paper/thesis or comprehensive examination option; and
- Student's graduate faculty advisor's signature indicating approval.
