University Catalog

Degrees / Certificates

Master’s Degrees

• M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction - Literacy Studies
• M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction - Mathematics Education
• M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction - Science Education
• M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction - Open Option
• M.Ed. in Mind, Brain, and Education
• M.Ed.T., Master of Education in Teaching, with Teacher Certification

Certificates

• Initial Teacher Certification, ESL EC6 Generalist
• Initial Teacher Certification, Bilingual EC6 Generalist
• Initial Teacher Certification, 4-8
• Initial Teacher Certification, 7-12
• Initial Teacher Certification EC-12
• English as a Second Language Certification
• Master Reading Teacher Certification
• Reading Specialist Certification

Programs

The Department of Curriculum and Instruction currently offers the Master of Education in Teaching (M.Ed.T.) and the Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction (M.Ed.) degrees. Certification and supplemental certifications are offered for: Reading Specialist, Master Reading Teacher, Bilingual Education (BEEP), and English as a Second Language (ESL). Distance learning opportunities in some degree programs are available for those interested (see section on Distance Learning Options). Students pursuing a master’s degree are required, with the assistance of the Graduate Advisor and graduate faculty, to complete a tentative program of work. This program of work is filed in the College of Education Graduate Advising Office and may be modified as needed. All master’s degrees in Curriculum and Instruction comprise a minimum of 30 semester hours and are non-thesis. Candidates for master’s degrees are required to submit a final program of work and complete a designated capstone course for their program: EDUC 5397 IMPLEMENTING AND DISSEMINATING CLASSROOM RESEARCH for M.Ed.T. and M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction, and LIST 5317 LITERACY PRACTICUM III for M.Ed. with emphasis in Literacy Studies.

Objective

The Master of Education in Teaching (M.Ed.T.) degree is designed for those wishing to pursue initial teacher certification at the graduate level. The Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction (M.Ed.) degrees provide opportunities for those interested in developing effective teaching, research, and leadership skills that are congruent with an ever-expanding theoretical knowledge base in the field. The M.Ed. enables teachers to specialize in advanced coursework in their teaching fields and other professional certification areas designed to meet a variety of professional goals. Both degrees help prepare graduates to reflect upon their own teaching as well as on the state of education as a whole and to better understand the linkage between the theory and practice of teaching. Each student’s program of study is planned individually and provides academic and/or pedagogical specialization within the context of the general field of education. Graduate faculty in the College of Education as well as those in departments and in the colleges throughout the University work closely with students in formulating study plans that meet the students’ objectives and individual goals for professional growth. Each program of work includes both professional and academic components.

Certification Testing

Appropriate state exams and application to the State Board for Educator Certification for a standard certificate must be made within six months of completion of residency/practicum/program. If a candidate allows the six-month period to go by without passing all state exams and applying for certification, additional preparation will be required for recommendation for approval to test. If four or more years have passed, the individual must reapply for admission and, upon acceptance, retake the entire certification program. 

Admissions Requirements

Unconditional Admission

• Current GRE score of 140 on quantitative section and 153 on verbal section.
• 3.0 GPA during the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework and a 3.0 average on all graduate work
• 3 letters of reference on file

Probationary Admission

Applicants who score less than 140 on the quantitative and 153 on the verbal sections of the GRE will be considered for probationary admission on the basis of the following:

• 3.0 GPA during the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework AND a 3.0 average on all graduate work
• Professionally relevant experience
• Writing sample evaluated by the COEHP Graduate Studies Committee. When available, the GRE writing sample will be required for probationary admission.

Terms of Probation upon Acceptance: All students admitted under probation status will be required to earn a 3.0 GPA during the first 12 hours of graduate coursework in the program, with no grade lower than a "B."

Provisional Admission

An applicant unable to supply all required documentation prior to the admissions deadline, but who otherwise appear to meet admission requirements, may be granted provisional admission.

Deferred Admission

An applicant’s admission may be deferred when a file is not complete or when denying admission is not appropriate.

Denied Admission

An applicant may be denied admission if the conditions for unconditional and probationary admission have not been met.

In addition, if a student has been suspended or expelled from the University of Texas at Arlington or any other university or program for reasons other than academic reasons, that student may be denied admission or readmission to an educator preparation program in the College of Education.

Eligibility for Scholarships/Fellowships

To be eligible, candidates must be new students coming to UT Arlington in the fall semester, must have a GPA of 3.0 in their last 60 undergraduate credit hours plus any graduate credit hours as calculated by the Office of Graduate Studies, and must be enrolled in a minimum of six (6) hours of coursework in both long semesters to retain their fellowships.

Distance Learning Options

Many graduate courses in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction are offered on campus as well as over the Internet. For the distance learning option, students enroll in the Internet course and complete all course requirements from the convenience of their home or school computers. Basic computer competence is necessary (logging on to a Web site, sending and receiving e-mail). Students need a reliable Internet connection and a consistent e-mail address. All assignments are submitted electronically according to an established calendar of deadlines. Students proceed at their own pace in a highly interactive learning environment.

Degree Requirements

Master of Education in Teaching (M.Ed.T.) with Teacher Certification

The Master of Education in Teaching (M.Ed.T.), a 30-hour non-thesis degree, is a unique and specialized degree that enables a student holding a baccalaureate degree to pursue initial teacher certification and use those hours toward requirements of a master’s degree. In addition to being accepted by the Office of Graduate Studies, students must also be admitted into the Teacher Certification program (consult a teacher certification advisor for current admittance requirements). For teacher certification, students must meet state requirements for their teaching field(s) or specialization and complete the graduate-level coursework for early childhood - grade 6 ESL, middle level, secondary, or early childhood - grade 6 bilingual certification. They must also fulfill the student teaching requirements and pass the appropriate certification exams (consult a teacher certification advisor for current certification information). Up to 18 hours of teacher certification coursework may be applied to the total 30 hours required for completion of the M.Ed.T; however, students must complete teacher certification courses and pass the appropriate certification exams before proceeding to courses that apply to the master’s degree. Students may earn teacher certification without completing a master’s degree. See the College of Education Web site at www.uta.edu/coehp for more details on all programs.

Master of Education (M.Ed.)

The Master of Education degree in Curriculum and Instruction (M.Ed.), a 30-hour non-thesis degree, is a broad-based degree that enables students to pursue academic and professional goals within an individualized program. Following are possible master’s degree options.

M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction

This particular master’s degree option is ideal for students desiring a pedagogical foundation in education in addition to an 18-hour concentration of a particular resource area or academic discipline. A common core of 12 hours of graduate education coursework in instructional strategies, curriculum design, and research are required. Students also choose from a variety of certifications available through the College of Education and Health Professions to incorporate into their master’s degree plan (see the section on Professional Certifications), or they may choose to incorporate up to 18 hours of graduate coursework from disciplines outside of Education. For example, a degree plan for a student who desires TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certification would include the required 12 hours of coursework in Education along with the 18 hours of Linguistics coursework from the Program in Linguistics. The Graduate Advisor works with students in creating a degree plan that meets their professional needs and goals. (Note: The Graduate Advisor and graduate faculty must approve all coursework included in a degree plan.) This degree does not require a student to hold a teacher certificate. See the College of Education Web site at www.uta.edu/coed for more details on the program.

M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction - Science Education

M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction - Mathematics Education

The M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction - Science Education and M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction - Mathematics Education offer opportunity for students to pursue graduate studies by taking a Core component of 4 courses (12 credit hours) in the College of Education focusing on topics such as inquiry-based, problem-based teaching and learning, diversity, and classroom research, and a Concentration area component of 6 courses (18 credit hours). The six concentration area courses may be taken either in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction for a science and mathematics content-curriculum integration emphasis and/or in the College of Science for deeper subject matter emphasis in the various science and mathematics disciplines. These programs offer flexibility in course selection, yet are focused on science and mathematics teaching and learning in K-16 educational settings.

A version of this program is offered online through the Academic Partnership program. For more information on the online program please visit: http://academicpartnerships.uta.edu/ For information on the on-campus science and mathematics education program and scholarships available for teachers, contact: Dr. Ann Cavallo, cavallo@uta.edu or Jamie Williams, robin@uta.edu, 817.272.2832.

M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction - Literacy Studies (available online)

One of the most popular M.Ed. degree plans is the M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction - Literacy Studies. In this program, students specialize in advanced coursework designed to meet a variety of professional goals related to literacy. For instance, students may pursue professional certificates including the following.

• Reading Specialist is a national certification available in all states. Literacy coaches generally work with teachers to help them with best literacy practices. Reading Specialist is an advanced certificate that certified teachers may add to their existing credential upon completion of two year’s teaching experience and a master’s degree with at least 27 hours of graduate coursework in literacy. Once recommended for the Reading Specialist from UTA, students may also apply for the Master Reading Teacher (MRT) certificate without the additional MRT exam.
• English as a Second Language is a national certification available in all states. All states have some type of English as a Second Language (ESL) designation. In Texas, ESL is an add-on certificate that individuals with an initial teaching certificate can add to their existing credential with only 12 hours of graduate coursework.
• Master Reading Teacher (MRT) is a Texas only certificate. MRTs work in designated schools to tutor struggling readers and may also serve as literacy coaches. The MRT sequence includes 12 graduate hours of coursework. Students who hold the Reading Specialist Certificate can apply for the MRT without additional coursework or the MRT test.
• Triple Literacy is a degree option that leads to Reading Specialist, ESL, and Master Reading Teacher certification.
• Writing Focus is a 30-hour, non-certificate, degree focus area providing extra coursework in writing instruction and assessment.

Out of state students seeking certification should go to http://www.uta.edu/coed/distanceducation/ for information about their certification options.

In addition to these professional certificates, students may choose focused coursework in areas including:

• Writing
• Working with culturally and linguistically diverse students

This program requires 30 credit hours (10 courses). Once students have successfully completed all coursework, they will graduate with a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction. In addition, on passing the appropriate TExES tests, students will also have the Reading Specialist Certification, Master Reading Teacher Certification, and/or supplemental certification in English as a Second Language. The ESL is a 12-hour, four-course program that can be taken as part of this master’s degree plan or separately in preparation for the TExES test for supplemental certification in ESL. For additional information, contact Dr. Kathleen Tice at KTice@uta.edu.

M.Ed. in Mind, Brain, and Education

The master’s degree in Mind, Brain, and Education integrates research in the cognitive and neurosciences and education along with classroom practice to develop more effective teaching methods as well as a deeper understanding of how to support life-long learning. The degree is a 30-hour non-thesis, non-certification program, focused on integrating cognitive science, neuroscience, and education to challenge and information pedagogy. The program focuses on the potential and limits of cognitive neuroscience in education and the central role educators can play in shaping research agendas in MBE. Graduates are expected to serve their community and the field by completing a project defined and carried out during the two-year program. Applicants must be accepted by the Office of Graduate Studies and admitted to the program as part of a cohort. Students complete nine required courses (27 credits) and choose one additional courses from a list of approved electives (3 credits). For additional information, contact Dr. Marc Schwartz at schwarma@uta.edu.

Coursework and Completion Requirements

• Coursework that is more than six years old at the time of graduation or teacher/administrator certification program completion cannot be used toward meeting the requirements for a master’s degree or graduate-level certification.
• Master’s degree and graduate level certification programs must be completed within six years (time in military service excluded) from initial registration in the Graduate School.
• Appropriate state exams and application to the State Board for Educator Certification for a standard certificate must be made within six months of completion of student teaching. If a candidate allows the six month period to go by without passing all state exams and applying for certification, additional coursework and/or state exams will be required.
• Each candidate in the College of Education of UT Arlington will be evaluated on professional dispositions by faculty and staff. These dispositions have been identified as essential for a highly-qualified professional. Instructors and program directors will work with candidates rated as "unacceptable" in one or more stated criteria. The candidate will have an opportunity to develop a plan to remediate any digressions.

Professional-Level Certifications

The Department of Curriculum and Instruction offers graduate-level programs leading to professional certificates. Certifications include Initial Teacher Certification (Early Childhood - Grade 6, Middle Level, Secondary, and EC-12) and the Reading Specialist and Master Reading Teacher Certification. Supplemental certification is available for English as a Second Language (ESL), Bilingual (BIL) and Gifted and Talented. The graduate-level coursework required for these programs may be applied toward a master’s degree (M.Ed.T.). The Graduate Advisor works with the student to build an individual degree plan that incorporates one or more of these certification areas. See the College of Education Web site at www.uta.edu/coed for more details on these programs.

Initial Teacher Certification

Students holding a baccalaureate degree may pursue initial teacher certification at the graduate level. Students must be admitted to the Graduate School as master’s-degree-seeking students (students may elect to complete certification only) and be admitted to Teacher Certification in the College of Education (see a Teacher Certification advisor for current requirements). Up to 18 hours of graduate-level teacher certification hours may be applied toward an M.Ed.T. Students must also complete the student teaching requirements and pass the appropriate TExES exams. Candidates for Teacher Certification must also meet all state requirements for coursework in their teaching field/academic specialization. Note, certification students must be advised and cleared to take teacher certification courses through Teacher Certification Advising. See the College of Education Web site at www.uta.edu/coed for more details on the program.

Master Reading Teacher Certificate (available online)

This certification focuses on the needs of the multicultural and multilinguistic classrooms of today. To qualify for the Master Reading Teacher (MRT) Certificate, students must complete nine semester credit hours and pass the Master Reading Teacher TExES. Students who complete the requirements for the Reading Specialist certificate and are recommended for that certificate may apply for the MRT as well without taking the MRT exam. See the College of Education Web site at www.uta.edu/coed for more details on the program.

Reading Specialist Certification (available online)

Teachers interested in focusing on the important area of reading may pursue the Reading Specialist Certificate, an all-level (K-12) certificate. This unique program focuses on the needs of the multicultural and multi-linguistic classrooms of today with the possibility of integrating the requirements for the Master Reading Teacher and the supplemental certification for ESL into the total program if desired. To qualify for the Reading Specialist Certificate, students must complete a master’s degree, hold a valid Texas teacher certificate, document two years of acceptable classroom teaching experience, and pass the Reading Specialist TExES. Those who already hold a master’s degree and who are seeking only the Reading Specialist Certificate are required to complete 27 semester credit hours. See the College of Education Web site at www.uta.edu/coed for more details on the program.

English as a Second Language (ESL) (available online)

The English as a Second Language (ESL) certification prepares candidates to teach children from all cultural and language backgrounds (speakers of Spanish, Vietnamese, etc.), and is required for those teachers working with students in grades PK-12 whose first language is not English. (No foreign language background is required for the ESL certificate.) The ESL endorsement may be added to any valid Texas teacher certificate. Students are required to take four required courses in any sequence, complete a practicum in an ESL classroom or one year of successful teaching experience in an ESL or Bilingual Education program approved by the Texas Education Agency, and pass the ESL TExES. (The four courses may be applied toward a master’s degree and to the Reading Specialist Certificate.) See the College of Education Web site at www.uta.edu/coed for more details on the program.

Bilingual Education (BIL)

Teachers who are fluent in Spanish and wish to specialize in bilingual education will want to add the Bilingual Education to their initial certification. The required 12 hours of coursework may be incorporated into a master’s degree program developed in consultation with the Graduate Advisor and graduate faculty. Students are required to take four courses and provide documentation of one year of successful teaching experience in a bilingual setting approved by the Texas Education Agency. Candidates must also pass the EC-6 Bilingual Generalist, and the Bilingual Target Language Proficiency Test--Spanish. See the College of Education Web site at www.uta.edu/coed for more details on the program.