Academic Catalog 2024–2025

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Master of Arts in Education

Overview

The Master of Arts (MA) program in Education equips aspiring professionals with the skills and knowledge needed for impactful educational research and development. The program offers three specialized emphases:

  1. Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL): Focused on preparing educators to teach English effectively in diverse linguistic and cultural contexts.
  2. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education: Dedicated to advancing innovative teaching methods and practices in STEM disciplines.
  3. Educational Leadership and Policy Studies: Designed to develop leaders and policymakers capable of driving educational reform and shaping institutional practices.

The program caters to the needs and expectations of students with diverse inclinations and outlooks on immediate career opportunities or future plans to pursue different emphasis areas in the field of education. In addition, students are exposed to research methodologies commonly used in educational research through their course work, as well as through engagement in research work under the supervision of their respective advisors/professors, who are always available to work closely with the students during independent research.

The program takes pride in seeing current students inspired from their teaching experience, to devise a research project for their thesis, the results of which are reported back to their classroom, through making the necessary changes, allowing their students to thrive. The program is looking forward to having you with us and hearing your thoughts aimed at the growth of the profession and serving students. 

Mission

The mission of the MA in Education at LAU is to engage aspiring professionals in educational research and professional development.

Program Educational Objectives

Students who complete the MA in Education Program will:

  1. Develop critical understandings of educational trends and issues, particularly in relation to their areas of expertise
  2. Develop knowledge, skills and dispositions needed to become effective leaders and to engage in continuous professional development
  3. Engage in independent educational inquiry and research

Student Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

  1. Evaluate literature in one’s area of expertise
  2. Evaluate curriculum and resources for instructional effectiveness
  3. Implement evidence-based instructional strategies
  4. Implement data-driven decision making
  5. Demonstrate compliance with ethical educational standards
  6. Conduct educational research
  7. Evaluate educational research
  8. Engage in critical data-based reflection on educational theories and practices

Curriculum

A total of 30 credits are required to graduate. Students choose one of two tracks — the Cross Track or Specialist Area. Credits are distributed as follows:

  • Education Core Courses (5 courses, 12 credits)
  • Elective (3 credits)
  • Cross Track (9 credits) or Specialist Area (9 credits)
  • Capstone (6 credits)

Education Core Courses (12 credits)

  • EDU730 Curriculum Design (3 cr.)
  • EDU731 Research Methods (3 cr.)
  • EDU732 Educational Technology (3 cr.)
  • EDU733 Advanced Educational Psychology (3 cr.)
  • EDU700 Graduate Workshop (0 cr.)

Elective (3 credits)

Students may choose one from the following:

  • EDU740 Trends & Issues in Early & Middle Childhood Education (3 cr.)
  • EDU741 Special Education for All Educators (3 cr.)
  • EDU742 Behavior Modification Techniques (3 cr.)
  • EDU743 Trends and Issues in Teaching, Learning, & Assessment (3 cr.)
  • EDU745 Educational Policies & Social Impact (3 cr.)
  • EDU748 Topics in Education (3 cr.)
  • Any Education course from other specialist areas

Track/Area

Students choose one of the two options below.

  • Cross Track (9 credits)
    Choose any three EDU courses at the graduate level.
  • Specialist Area (9 credits)
    Choose one emphasis from the following areas below.

Specialist Area 1: Management & Leadership (9 credits)

  • EDU751 Leading & Managing Schools/Educational Institutions (3 cr.)
  • EDU752 Trends & Issues in Educational Management (3 cr.)
  • EDU753 School Effectiveness & Improvement (3 cr.)

Specialist Area 2: Teaching of English for Speakers of Other Languages (9 credits)

  • EDU761 Trends & Issues in TESOL (3 cr.)
  • EDU762 Sociolinguistics & Social Context of Language (3 cr.)
  • EDU763 Discourse & Materials Development (3 cr.)

Specialist Area 3: Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM) Education (9 credits)

  • EDU771 Pedagogical & Cognitive Foundations of STEM Education (3 cr.)
  • EDU772 Trends & Issues in STEM Education (3 cr.)
  • EDU773 Research in STEM Education (3 cr.)

Capstone (6 credits)

Students may choose one of the following two options:

  • EDU798 Project in Education (3 credits) + one Education elective course (3 credits)
  • EDU799 Thesis in Education (6 credits)