M.Ed. In Montessori Education
The M.Ed. in Montessori Education at Xavier University offers both on-campus and online...
M.Ed. in Secondary Education
Cincinnati, Ohio
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
Xavier's M.Ed. in Secondary Education is structured to accommodate various student backgrounds and professional goals. It offers both licensure-seeking options for aspiring teachers (Adolescent to Young Adult, Grades 7-12, or Multi-Age, PreK-12) and a non-licensure option for practicing educators who wish to enhance their instructional skills and advance their careers. The program combines rigorous academic coursework with significant in-depth field experiences, ensuring students gain practical classroom experience. Flexible pathways, including a program for career changers (X-Alt), allow individuals with diverse undergraduate backgrounds to pursue their teaching aspirations.
Curriculum: The M.Ed. curriculum typically consists of 30 credit hours, comprising a core set of foundational courses and a concentration of approved elective courses. Core courses provide a broad overview of the American educational system, its philosophies, history, and organization, alongside an exploration of educational research methodologies. Students delve into advanced human development and learning, special education identification and issues, and content area literacy. The remaining credit hours allow students to specialize in their chosen licensure content area (e.g., Integrated Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Chemistry, Life Science, Physics for 7-12; or French, German, Music, Spanish, Theater, Visual Art for PreK-12). All students are typically required to complete an extensive written comprehensive examination.
Research Focus: Xavier's M.Ed. in Secondary Education integrates an applied research focus, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based practices in the classroom. The curriculum includes dedicated coursework in "Educational Research," where students investigate various educational research methodologies and statistics. This foundational knowledge empowers graduates to critically analyze educational practices, assess their effectiveness, and make informed, data-driven instructional decisions. While the program is professional rather than research-intensive in the traditional sense, it prepares educators to be discerning consumers of educational research and to engage in practitioner inquiry to improve their own teaching and student outcomes.
Industry Engagement: The program places a strong emphasis on practical, hands-on experience, fostering robust industry engagement. Through extensive student teaching placements and clinical experiences, students gain in-depth exposure to diverse secondary school settings under the guidance of experienced, practicing teachers. This real-world immersion is critical for developing essential classroom management skills, instructional strategies, and an understanding of the administrative functions of teachers. Xavier University's strong connections with regional school districts facilitate these vital field experiences, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to meet the demands of contemporary secondary education environments and contribute effectively from day one.
Global Perspective: While primarily focused on the American educational system and Ohio licensure, Xavier University's M.Ed. in Secondary Education indirectly fosters a global perspective by emphasizing the diverse and multicultural implications within the educational landscape. Discussions often extend to understanding students from various backgrounds and incorporating culturally responsive pedagogical approaches. The program's core values, rooted in Jesuit traditions of social justice and holistic development, encourage educators to be mindful of global citizenship and the broader societal context of education. Graduates are prepared to teach in increasingly diverse classrooms, where understanding different cultural perspectives and learning styles is paramount.
Location
Cincinnati, Ohio
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 10782
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
Xavier University in the United States offers a variety of scholarships designed to support and encourage international students in their academic pursuits. Understanding the financial challenges that come with studying abroad, Xavier is making education accessible by providing merit-based and need-based scholarship opportunities specifically tailored to international applicants.
Merit-Based Scholarships: Xavier University awards merit scholarships to international students based on academic excellence, leadership qualities, and extracurricular achievements. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are typically renewable for multiple years, provided students maintain the required academic standards. Examples include the International Achievement Scholarship and various departmental awards.
Need-Based Financial Aid: While federal financial aid is generally not available to international students, Xavier offers institutional need-based aid to those who demonstrate financial need. Applicants must provide documentation of their financial situation as part of the scholarship application process. This aid helps bridge the gap for students requiring additional assistance beyond merit scholarships.
Specialized Scholarships: Some scholarships at Xavier target students pursuing specific fields of study, such as business, health sciences, or education. These scholarships recognize academic promise and career potential in key disciplines. Additionally, Xavier occasionally offers scholarships connected to cultural or community engagement, aligning with its Jesuit values.
A Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Secondary Education from Xavier University provides a specialized and advanced credential for aspiring and current educators. Rooted in Jesuit values, the program focuses on developing highly effective teachers and educational leaders for middle and high school settings. Graduates emerge with enhanced pedagogical skills, a deeper understanding of adolescent development, and the ability to contribute to the complex needs of modern classrooms and school systems.
Secondary School Teacher (Advanced/Lead Teacher): While a bachelor's degree qualifies one to teach, an M.Ed. elevates a teacher's expertise and earning potential. Graduates can take on advanced roles like department head, lead teacher, literacy specialist, or math support specialist within a secondary school.
Curriculum Developer/Instructional Coordinator: These professionals design, implement, and oversee curriculum programs within a school or district. They ensure that instructional materials align with standards, develop teaching strategies, and train other educators, often working for school boards or educational publishing companies.
School Administrator (Assistant Principal/Principal): An M.Ed. is often a prerequisite for school leadership positions. Graduates can advance to roles like assistant principal or principal, overseeing school operations, managing staff, developing school policies, and monitoring student achievement.
Special Education Teacher (Secondary Level): With appropriate licensure, graduates can specialize in working with middle and high school students with disabilities or unique learning needs. They develop individualized education programs (IEPs) and provide tailored instruction and support.
Educational Consultant: Graduates can leverage their expertise to advise schools, districts, or educational organizations on various matters such as curriculum development, strategic planning, classroom management, and professional development for teachers.
Corporate Trainer/Instructional Designer: The skills in curriculum development, instructional design, and pedagogy acquired in an M.Ed. are highly transferable. Graduates can work for businesses to design and deliver training programs for employees, developing engaging learning experiences.
School Counselor (often with additional certification): While some school counseling programs are separate, an M.Ed. in Secondary Education can provide a strong foundation for those wishing to pursue school counseling. This role involves helping students with academic, social, emotional, and college/career planning.
Educational Policy Analyst: Graduates interested in systemic change can work for government agencies, educational non-profits, or think tanks to research, analyze, and influence educational policies at local, state, or national levels.
Postsecondary Education Instructor (Community College/Adjunct): While a doctorate is often required for tenure-track university positions, an M.Ed. can qualify graduates to teach education courses at community colleges or serve as adjunct faculty at universities, particularly in teacher preparation programs.
Academic Coach/Tutor: Graduates can provide specialized academic support to secondary students, either privately or through tutoring centers, helping them improve their understanding of specific subjects, study skills, and test preparation.
