A GUIDE TO GRADUATE EDUCATION AT PURDUE NORTH CENTRAL
Master of Science Degree in Elementary Education
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Handbook
OVERVIEW
The Graduate School of Purdue University offers a
30-credit non-thesis, program of study leading to a Master of Science Degree in
Elementary Education at Purdue North Central.
ELIGIBILITY FOR ADMISSION
Admission to the program is open to individuals who have
received a baccalaureate in Elementary Education as well as those with a
baccalaureate in another discipline and who have completed the additional
coursework necessary to receive their elementary teaching license.
TAKING
COURSEWORK PRIOR TO ADMISSION
Prior to formal admission to
With the approval of the Chairperson of the student’s
Advisory Committee, the student may apply up to 12 semester hours of credit taken
prior to admission to
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE GRADUATE EDUCATION AT
NORTH CENTRAL
Prior to formal admission to
TAKING COURSEWORK AT OTHER COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES
PURDUE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENT
Students must
take a minimum of 15 hours of coursework from their Plan of Study while
registered at
REGISTERING FOR COURSES PRIOR TO ADMISSION
Prior to formal admission to Graduate school, students
should pre-register and register for courses with the Graduate Advisor. After
admission to
COURSES TAKEN AT OTHER PURDUE CAMPUSES
Students are free to take courses from their Plan of
Study at the main campus in
COURSES TAKEN AT OTHER COLLEGES AND
UNIVERSITIES
Courses taken for graduate credit at other accredited
colleges or universities may be applied to the student’s Plan of Study with the
approval of the Chairperson of the student’s Advisory Committee or, in some
cases, the Graduate Committee of the
The University will not apply more that 15 hours of
credit taken at another college or university to the student’s Plan of
Study. This is known as The 15 Hour Rule.
Please submit
transcripts to:
Education
Department
1401
LONG DISTANCE LEARNING - TIME-INTENSIVE WORKSHOPS
– PASS / FAIL COURSES
In recent years with the advent of technology, a number
of colleges and universities across the country have begun to offer courses on
a wide variety of topics through the use of closed circuit television and the
Internet. Others have begun to offer graduate credit for mini workshops,
workshops, and seminars. Some are compressed into no more than a weekend of
instruction.
Most are very valuable to a teacher’s professional
growth and do, without question, enhance the instructional and managerial
skills of those who take them. However, Purdue believes that the workshop
format, while ideal for in-service education, is usually inappropriate for a
degree program. Therefore, such courses are rarely approved for application to
a student’s Plan of Study unless they meet Purdue guidelines for contact hours,
theoretical content, and proper evaluation of the skills that have been
learned.
Finally, courses that utilize a Pass/ Fail format may
not be applied to a Plan of Study.
APPLYING FOR ADMISSION TO GRADUATE SCHOOL
Students are encouraged to apply for admission to the
Application
Materials Required for Degree Seeking Applicants:
1.
Graduate School Application (less than 1 year
old)
2.
$55.00 Application Fee (for ALL New applications and
Re-Entry applications)
3.
Two Official Transcripts of grades from all
universities attended
4. Statement of Purpose - A statement of purpose is required for all degree-seeking applicants.
Please submit a statement of approximately 300-500 words concerning your
purpose for undertaking or continuing graduate study, your reasons for wanting
to study at Purdue, and your professional plans, career goals, and research
interests. You also may explain any irregularities or special circumstances
applicable to your background and elaborate on your special abilities, awards,
achievements, scholarly publications, and/or professional history. Graduate School
- Statement of Purpose
Information
on writing a Statement of Purpose: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/pw/p_perstate.html
5.
Three Letters of Recommendation - Recommendation for Admission to
6.
Official
GRE Graduate Record Examination is required
for all master’s applicants with less than 3.0/4.0 undergraduate CUM GPA. A
combined GRE verbal and quantitative score of 1000 (or more) is expected.
Applicants should note that the Graduate Committee, which reviews waivers for
Admission to
ALL APPLICATION
MATERIALS SHOULD BE SENT TO:
Purdue North Central
Education Department
1401
ADMISSION DEADLINES
As soon as your application folder is complete, it will
be submitted for review. There is no
longer a semi-annual review. Please
remember that you should take no more than 12 credit hours before you are
admitted to the
OTHER IMPORTANT
SELECTING A MAJOR PROFESSOR
During the semester following admission to the
If the student has not selected a Chairperson of their
Advising Committee within a year following admission, the Graduate Advisor will
then appoint one.
THE PLAN OF STUDY
Each graduate student admitted to
a degree program must file a Plan of Study (POS). A formal Plan of Study should
be created as early as feasible in the student's career because it guides a
student's academic degree progress. A plan of study is an academic contract
between a student and the faculty members of the advisory committee. All
departmental and Graduate School policies related to the filing of a Plan of
Study must be adhered to explicitly.
Students filing their plan of
study may print out and use the electronic form. Plan of Study (Fill the form out on-line, save to disk and
print)
When you have completed your plan
of study and feel it is ready for review by your advisory committee, submit
your plan as a Draft. While your plan is in Draft status, review the
information with your Chairperson to ensure that it satisfies department and
|
MSEd student Graduating
in May or August? |
Submit POS no later than
the preceding Nov. 1st |
|
MSEd student Graduating
in December? |
Submit POS no later than
the preceding May 1st |
For many reasons too numerous to mention, students
should never procrastinate in
creating the Plan of Study as it could delay their graduation timetable. One
very important reason for never procrastinating in the creation of the Plan is
the Five Year Rule (Part I). The
Five Year Rule (Part I) stipulates that no course that is older than five years
from the semester in which the Plan of Study is filed may be included on the
Plan of Study.
Example: Courses
on the Plan
Plan
filed: Can’t Be Older Than:
Spring
Semester - 2005 Spring
Semester - 2000
The Plan of Study can only be filed during a semester
in which the student is enrolled and taking one or more courses on a Purdue
Campus. The
Graduate School of Education requires that the Plan of Study be filed no later
than the semester prior to graduation.
MAINTAINING A VALID PLAN OF STUDY
The student’s Plan of Study and all courses on the Plan
of Study can remain valid for an almost unlimited period of time provided the
student takes at least one course on the Plan of Study within a five year
period from when the last course on the Plan of Study was taken. This is known
as the Five Year Rule - Part II.
Example: Last
Course On The Next
Course On The Plan Of Study Must Be
Plan
of Study Was Taken: Taken
To Keep The Plan of Study Valid:
If the student allows the Plan of Study to lapse, he
/she would then need to re-file another Plan of Study. The student would then
fall under any new Program of Study that may have gone into effect since their
old Plan had been filed.
CHANGES TO THE PLAN OF STUDY
Once the
Plan of Study has been filed and approved, a student may still change his/her
mind and opt to take a different course in order to meet the requirement in a
particular block or category other than the one that was submitted on their
Plan of Study. However, before doing so, the student should always consult with their Chairperson.
The Chairperson will then file a Change to the Plan of Study Form with the
Coordinator of Graduate Studies. You will find an electronic form at Change to Plan of Study (Fill the
form out on-line, save to disk and print)
SUBSTITUTING COURSES TO THE PLAN OF STUDY
A student may only substitute a course in the Foundations
Block with the written approval of the Graduate Committee,
INTERRUPTING THE STUDENT’S EDUCATION
Purdue recognizes that some students, for very valid
personal and professional reasons, find it virtually impossible to take courses
every semester until all requirements for the degree have been met. However,
Purdue believes that when a student repeatedly interrupts their education for
three or more semesters in a row over a long period of time that it is a clear
sign that the student is not committed to graduate education and the pursuit of
an advanced degree. As a result, when a student does not enroll in at least one
course that is on their Plan of Study for three consecutive semesters (the
entire Summer Term is considered to be one semester), the student is
automatically placed in inactive status. In order to reactivate Graduate School
status, the student must re-apply to the Graduate School and re-submit a
Statement of Purpose that addresses the reason(s) for the hiatus. Fulfilling
the other requirements for initial admission is not necessary.
WAIVER TO THE FIVE YEAR RULE
From time to time, for very compelling and extraordinary
reasons, the Graduate Committee waives the Five Year Rule in a particular
situation that seems to warrant it. However, students should be aware that such
waivers are very rare. Advisory Committee Chairpersons will not file a request
for a frivolous reason. The request must be justified by an extraordinary
personal or professional situation.
AS YOU APPROACH GRADUATION
It is the student’s responsibility to make him/herself aware of
the many regulations that govern graduation as well as requirements that must
be satisfied in order for the student to meet his/her own graduation timeline.
Failure to satisfy a University requirement or comply with a regulation could
result in the postponement of graduation for a semester.
THE SEMESTER PRIOR TO GRADUATION
The student must have a valid Plan of Study filed with,
and accepted by, the Graduate School prior to the end of the semester preceding
graduation. If the student has had any irregularity in their pursuit of the
degree, such as a violation of the Three Semester Rule or the Five Year Rule
that makes them suspect that there is a chance that their Plan of Study could
be invalid, they are urged to ask the Chairperson of their Advisory Committee
to verify with the Graduate Coordinator in West Lafayette that their Plan of
Study is on file in the Graduate School and is valid.
The student should also inform the Education
Department Secretary at Purdue North Central of his/her intent to graduate the
following semester. This insures that the necessary paperwork will be submitted
on time.
PREREGISTERING
FOR THE LAST COURSE WHEN TAKEN AT THE NORTH CENTRAL CAMPUS
The student must
pre-register (or register) for their last class with the Chairperson of their
Advisory Committee. This affords the Chairperson the opportunity to review the
Plan of Study, advise the student of requirements that must be satisfied prior
to graduation, and answer any questions that the student may have. When the
student registers for the last class, the Chairperson will inform the North
Central Registrar of the student’s intent to graduate at the end of the
semester.
WHEN THE LAST
COURSE IS TAKEN AT ANOTHER PURDUE CAMPUS
If the student’s last course is taken at another Purdue
Campus, the student, when registering for the course at the other campus,
should fill out a Form 380: Request To
Graduate At Another Campus. The Form can be obtained in the Registrar’s
Office. After filling out the form, the student should return it to personnel
in the Registrar’s Office. It will then be sent to the Registrar at the North
Central Campus alerting North Central that the student will be graduating.
WHEN THE LAST
COURSE IS TAKEN AT A UNIVERSITY OTHER THAN PURDUE
If the last course is taken at a college or university
other than Purdue, the student must
still register at Purdue North Central. The student should register
through the Chairperson of their Advisory Committee as a “Degree Only” student.
There is a fee for this registration.
WHEN THE STUDENT
DOES NOT TAKE ANY COURSES DURING THE SEMESTER OF GRADUATION
If, for some reason, the student does not need to take
any courses during the semester of graduation, he/she must still register at North Central. The student should register
through the Chairperson of their Advisory Committee as a “Degree Only” student.
There is a fee for this registration.
PROGRAM OF STUDY
GENERAL MASTERS OF SCIENCE IN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION
MASTER SCHEDULE OF COURSE
OFFERINGS
A. Humanistic Education (One
course)
EDPS
530 Advanced Educational
Psychology
EDPS
535 Personal-Social Dynamics in
the Classroom
PSYCH
502 Survey of Human Development
B. Diversity
EDCI
585 Multi-Cultural Education
C. Research
EDPS
533 Introduction to Educational
Research I: Methodology
*Students must also
create a professional portfolio to demonstrate attainment of the Graduate
Competencies.
Curriculum Theory (3 Hours)
EDCI
580 Foundations of Curriculum
EDCI
608 Individualizing Instruction
in the Elementary and
Secondary Schools
Methods (12 Hours)
A.
Literacy and Language (3 hrs.)
EDCI 500 Foundations of Literacy
B.
Science (3 hrs.)
EDCI 506 Environmental Education
EDCI 605 Teaching Science in the Elementary School
EDCI 609 Earth Science Teaching
C.
Social Studies (3 hrs.)
EDCI 604 Teaching Social Studies in the Elementary School
D.
Math (3 hrs.)
EDCI 511 Teaching Mathematics in the Elementary School
Electives (6 Hours)
Consult with advisor
Total
Hours = 30
Effective for students admitted Fall 2001 and after
ELEMENTARY EDUCATION GRADUATE COMPETENCIES
In order to complete the
requirements for the Master of Science Degree in Elementary Education, students
must demonstrate that they have met the following competencies:
1.
Synthesize
knowledge and think critically and reflectively
2.
Create knowledge
3.
Communicate
knowledge
4.
Participate in
professional activities and development
Students
will demonstrate their attainment of the competencies by completing certain
required courses and through the development of a program portfolio.
You will
have demonstrated that you have attained the competencies by completing the
following:
1.
Synthesize
knowledge and think critically and reflectively (Complete all
of the following):
·
Understand the
relationship of your discipline to the broader field of education (foundational
knowledge in Curriculum and Instruction):
Ø
Successfully
complete coursework in Human Development (EDPS 530, EDPS 535 or PSYCH 502)
Ø
Successfully
complete coursework in diversity (EDCI 585)
Ø
Successfully
complete coursework in research methods in education (EDPS 533)
Ø
Successfully
complete coursework in curriculum theory (EDCI 608 or EDCI 580)
2. Create
knowledge (Complete at least two
of the following):
·
Link research,
theory and practice in your discipline (elementary education)
Ø
Write an
effective paper or give an effective class or professional presentation linking
research, theory and practice in an area of interest within elementary
education.
·
Demonstrate
effective observational skills related to elementary education:
Ø
Develop
effective learning objectives and teaching plans based on observation of
elementary school children’s classroom behaviors.
·
Design and deliver
effective teaching/learning activities in your discipline, including
appropriate assessment and use of technology:
Ø
Present and
reflect on an effective lesson to a group of children.
3.
Communicate
knowledge (Complete at least two of
the following):
·
Communicate
effectively with a variety of audiences in a variety of genres, in oral and
written modes.
Ø
Write an
effective literature review.
Ø
Write a critique
of current curriculum practices in relation to their historical and
philosophical background.
Ø
Write an
effective observation report on elementary school classroom instruction.
Ø
Write an
effective case study of an elementary school child.
Ø
Give an
effective oral presentation in a class, to school-based colleagues, at a
conference or professional meeting.
4.
Engage in
professional development and activities
·
Demonstrate a
disposition toward lifelong learning. (Required activity)
Ø
Develop a
well-grounded philosophical framework for teaching and/or research.
·
Participate in communities
of practice within your discipline. (Complete at least one):
Ø
Maintain
membership in professional organizations.
Ø
Participate in
and report on school professional development activities.
Ø
Participate in
and report on professional conferences, workshops, or institutes.
Ø
Participate in
and report on professional committees.
Ø
Work
productively with teachers in developing and implementing effective elementary
school instruction.
Ø
Publish a
teacher-oriented journal.
Ø
Present at a
professional conference.
EVALUATION PROCESS: The
following steps summarize the process of demonstrating attainment of the
competencies:
1.
First semester:
The student meets with the graduate advisor to read and discuss the
competencies and to formulate a plan to constitute a committee.
2.
Second semester:
The student constitutes a committee and formulates a plan for meeting the
competencies. The student’s committee
approves the plan. The student files a
Plan of Study.
3.
Throughout the
program: The student meets with the graduate advisor and other members of the
committee when appropriate to discuss and document progress toward attainment
of the competencies through development of a program portfolio. Ideally this should be done each semester.
4.
Final semester:
The student’s completed portfolio is reviewed and evaluated by the committee
during the final semester of study. The
portfolio must be acceptable before the degree will be awarded.
TENTATIVE
SCHEDULE OF WHEN COURSES WILL BE OFFERED
SPRING
2007 – FALL 2010
|
|
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
|
SPRING |
EDCI 608 EDCI 511 |
EDCI 608 |
EDCI 580 EDCI 511 |
EDCI 608 |
|
SUMMER |
EDCI 585 EDPS 530 |
EDPS 540 EDPS 533 EDCI 604 |
EDCI 585 EDPS 530 |
EDPS 540 EDPS 533 EDCI 604 |
|
FALL |
EDCI 560 EDCI 500 |
EDCI 605 |
EDCI 560 EDCI 500 |
EDCI 605 |
|
Course Number |
Title |
Hours |
|
EDCI
500 EDCI
511 EDCI
560 EDCI
580 EDPS
530 EDPS
533 EDPS
540 EDCI
585 EDCI
604 EDCI
605 EDCI
608 |
Foundations
of Literacy Teaching
Mathematics in the Elementary School Educational
Technology for Teaching & Learning Foundations
of Curriculum Advanced
Educational Psychology Introduction
to Educational Research I: Methodology
Gifted,
Creative, and Talented Children Multi-cultural
Education Teaching
Social Studies in the Elementary School Teaching
Science in the Elementary School Individualized
Instruction in the Elementary School |
3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 |
Important Web Sites
Admission Information -Graduate School -
Apply
IMPORTANT NAMES, OFFICES, AND PHONE #s
PURDUE NORTH
CENTRAL: Purdue University
North Central
1401
South U.S. 421
Westville,
Indiana 46391
Phone:
872-0527 (Michigan City)
462-4197 (Valparaiso)
800-872-1231 (Indiana only)
Education
Department Office
Phone: 219-785-5485
FAX: 219-785-5516
Chairperson and Gra