Michael G. Jacobson, Chair and Professor
JacobsnMG@appstate.edu

Susan A. Colby, Graduate Program Director and Associate Professor
ColbySA@appstate.edu

Kathleen Lynch-Davis, Graduate Program Director and Associate Professor
LynchRK@appstate.edu

The Department of Curriculum and Instruction offers the Master of Arts in Elementary Education (Major Code: 422A/13.1202)[T].

This program leads to North Carolina master-level (M) licensure in elementary school teaching. Students in the program will demonstrate their ability to:

• Explain the theoretical and philosophical bases for educational practices as they relate to the elementary school curriculum, and the interrelationships of subjects.
• Understand the nature of the elementary school-age learner in relation to the learning and evaluation process.     
• Utilize research techniques in the design and implementation of curricula and activities in classroom settings.     
• Concentrate in one or more of the instructional areas of the elementary school curriculum.     
• Make critical decisions by synthesizing information relative to the development of appropriate living/learning environments for children enrolled in elementary education.
• Identify major movements, issues and trends impacting elementary education, including multicultural education, technology, students with special needs, and parent involvement.

Location of Program: This program is offered on campus in Boone in the format described in this Bulletin. Off-campus cohorts are started periodically, and follow a part-time extended program format. For information on upcoming off-campus cohorts, please contact the Office of Extension and Distance Education: http://www.distance.appstate.edu.

Peace Corps Master's International Program: The Elementary Education program is recognized by the Peace Corps as an MI program. Students who are admitted to the Elementary Education program as MI students will apply to the Peace Corps during the graduate admission process or immediately following admission. These students will complete a customized program of study designed to allow for one year of coursework at Appalachian followed immediately by Peace Corps service as a teacher. Some additional academic coursework related to the Peace Corps teaching assignment will be completed during the 27 month Peace Corps rotation, and the student will typically return to Appalachian for one semester to complete the master’s degree.

PROGRAM OF STUDY FOR THE MASTER OF ARTS IN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION+

+Advanced Licensure: Requirements for this degree were designed, and have been approved by the appropriate bodies at the state level, to meet the advanced competencies as mandated in the North Carolina Excellent Schools Act for Master-level teacher education programs.

Admission Requirements: Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university; complete application to the Graduate School; official general GRE or MAT exam scores; North Carolina “A” license or the equivalent from another state*.

* Applicants who do not have an A level license in the area of Elementary Education will need to take Praxis II to receive M licensure in that area.

To be considered for admission, applicants must meet the criteria for admission to the Graduate School. Meeting this condition does not guarantee admission.

Location: On Campus and Off Campus; Off-Campus cohorts begin periodically, and follow a part-time extended format.

Other Requirements for the MA in Elementary Education:

• Thesis: Not required
• Proficiency: Not required
• Candidacy: Not required
• Comprehensive: Not required
• Product of Learning: Required

**Students without grades K-6 student teaching or teaching experience in grades K-6 must take CI 5900 Internship/Practicum (3 s.h.). This may result in the total number of hours exceeding 39 s.h.