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
• M.Ed. in Special Education 

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
• Reading Specialist Certification

Programs

The Department of Curriculum and Instruction currently offers the Master of Education in Teaching (M.Ed.T.),the M.Ed. in Special Education, and the Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction (M.Ed.) degrees. Certification and supplemental certifications are offered for: Reading Specialist, 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 for M.Ed.T. and M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction, and LIST 5317 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.) degree provides 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 degree 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.The M.Ed. in Special Education is uniquely focused on the needs of students with disabilities. This graduate program includes a heavy emphasis on teaching and learning with assistive technology, evidence-based behavioral strategies, and research.

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.

Criminal History Acknowledgement

As required by Texas HB1508, applicants need to be aware of the following.

1.       In order to receive educator certification in Texas, you must pass a criminal history background check.

2.       If you have been convicted of an offense that is considered not appropriate for an educator, you could be ineligible to earn this certification from the state of Texas.

3.       You have a right to request a preliminary criminal history evaluation letter from the Texas Education Agency prior to admission into this program. The Texas Education Agency currently charges a non-refundable $50 fee for this criminal history evaluation.

For more information on Preliminary Criminal History Evaluation:

https://tea.texas.gov/Texas_Educators/Investigations/Preliminary_Criminal_History_Evaluation-FAQs/

Information for Out-of-State Students Who Complete COEd Programs

Admissions Requirements

Department of Curriculum and Instruction M.Ed. and M.Ed.T. Programs

Admission to Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Curriculum and Instruction Programs is competitive and some qualified students may not be admitted if demand exceeds the program’s capacity to serve all applicants. All students must meet university, college, department, and Texas Administrative Code qualifications in order to participate in educator preparation programs. Out-of-state students will not qualify for Texas educator certification. Therefore, students should review their state's requirements to determine if completion of a program at UTA will lead to certification in their state.

Unconditional Admission Criteria

1. Two or more years of relevant work experience
2. Undergraduate transcripts with at least a  3.0 GPA during the last 60 hours or at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA. The higher  of these GPA's will be used for admission purposes. A 3.0 GPA on the last 9 hours of graduate coursework may be considered in place of the  undergraduate GPA.
3.   Two professional letters of reference. Letters from supervisors are strongly encouraged. Applicants for the M.Ed. in Special Education who seek certification submit a personal statement of interest and two professional letters of reference. M.Ed. in Special Education applicants who do not seek certification need only submit a personal statement of interest

In addition, program-areas have additional requirements including documents for TEA reporting, including: 1) a written response to the given prompt (fulfills “other screening instrument” as required by The Texas Education Agency) and 2) completion of Attestation and FERPA forms. The overall grade point average (GPA) of each incoming class admitted between September 1 and August 31 of each year by an educator preparation program (EPP) may not be less than 3.00 on a four-point scale or the equivalent.

Probationary Admission Criteria

1. Applicants who have less than 2 years of relevant work experience, AND have a GPA of at least 3.0 and two letters of reference, may be granted probationary admission. The faculty admissions committee may require additional documents (e.g., GRE scores) for consideration.  M.Ed. in Special Education program applicants may also be admitted on a probationary status with less than 2 years of relevant work experience, and a personal statement of interest.
2. Students granted probationary admission must maintain a 3.0 (B or better) GPA in the first 9 credit hours of graduate coursework in the College of Education program to be converted from probationary to unconditional admission.

In addition, program-areas have additional requirements including documents for TEA reporting, including: 1) a written response to the given prompt (fulfills “other screening instrument” as required by The Texas Education Agency) and 2) completion of Attestation and FERPA forms. The overall grade point average (GPA) of each incoming class admitted between September 1 and August 31 of each year by an educator preparation program (EPP) may not be less than 3.00 on a four-point scale or the equivalent.

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 or probationary admission are not met. In addition, if a student was suspended or expelled from the University of Texas at Arlington or any other university or program for reasons other than academic, that student may be denied admission or readmission to an educator preparation program in the UTA 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

In order to graduate from UTA and the College of Education, all candidates must have at least a 3.0 GPA.

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 https://www.uta.edu/coed/ 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 Accelerated Online program. For more information on the online program please visit: http://academicpartnerships.uta.edu/

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, eligible students may pursue professional certificates including the following.

• Reading Specialist. Literacy coaches generally work with teachers to help them with best literacy practices. Reading Specialist is an advanced certificate that eligible 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.
• English as a Second Language. In Texas, ESL is an add-on certificate that eligible individuals with an initial teaching certificate can add to their existing credential with only 12 hours of graduate coursework.
• 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, eligible students will also have the Reading Specialist 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. Kathryn Pole at kpole@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. Dan Robinson at daniel.robinson@uta.edu.

M.Ed. in Special Education

The M.Ed. in Special Education includes a heavy emphasis on teaching and learning with assistive technology, evidence-based behavioral strategies, and research. This graduate program has multiple emphasis areas such as options for initial teacher certification preparation, high incidence disabilities, and low incidence disabilities. Students who successfully complete the certificate coursework, state and program requirements, and required exams will be eligible to apply for Texas EC-12 (early childhood-12th grade) Special Education certification. This program is uniquely focused on the needs of students with disabilities. For additional information, contact Dr. Bree Jimenez bree.jimenez@uta.edu.

See https://www.uta.edu/coed/curricandinstruct/graduate/index.php for plan of work information/links.

Coursework and Completion Requirements

• Master’s degree and university graduate-level certificate programs must be completed within six years (time in military service excluded) from initial registration in the Office of Graduate Studies. Coursework that is more than six years old at the time of graduation or program completion cannot be used toward meeting the requirements for a master’s degree or university graduate-level certificate. Coursework that is more than five years old cannot be used toward state certification requirements for licensure.
• Each student/candidate in the College of Education of UT Arlington will be evaluated on Professional Dispositions by the faculty and staff in each professional education course per semester. These dispositions are identified as essential for a highly-qualified professional. Instructors and program directors will work with students/candidates rated as “unacceptable” in one or more stated criteria. The student/candidate will have an opportunity to develop a plan to remediate any digressions. If digression(s) are not, or cannot be successfully remediated as in the case of an egregious digression, a determination will be made by Committee on continuation or dismissal from the College of Education.

Criminal History Acknowledgement

As required by Texas HB1508, applicants need to be aware of the following.

1. In order to receive educator certification in Texas, you must pass a criminal history background check.

2. If you have been convicted of an offense that is considered not appropriate for an educator, you could be ineligible to earn this certification from the state of Texas.

3. You have a right to request a preliminary criminal history evaluation letter from the Texas Education Agency prior to admission into this program. The Texas Education Agency currently charges a non-refundable $50 fee for this criminal history evaluation.

For more information on Preliminary Criminal History Evaluation:

https://tea.texas.gov/Texas_Educators/Investigations/Preliminary_Criminal_History_Evaluation-FAQs/

Information for Out-of-State Students Who Complete COEd Programs

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 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.

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 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 in a TEA-approved school, and pass the Reading Specialist TExES. 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.

Criminal History Acknowledgement

As required by Texas HB1508, applicants need to be aware of the following.

1.       In order to receive educator certification in Texas, you must pass a criminal history background check.

2.       If you have been convicted of an offense that is considered not appropriate for an educator, you could be ineligible to earn this certification from the state of Texas.

3.       You have a right to request a preliminary criminal history evaluation letter from the Texas Education Agency prior to admission into this program. The Texas Education Agency currently charges a non-refundable $50 fee for this criminal history evaluation.

For more information on Preliminary Criminal History Evaluation:

https://tea.texas.gov/Texas_Educators/Investigations/Preliminary_Criminal_History_Evaluation-FAQs/

Information for Out-of-State Students Who Complete COEd Programs