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M.A. in Secondary Education
Vermillion, South Dakota
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.A. in Secondary Education at USD is tailored for individuals with a baccalaureate degree in a subject area taught in middle or high school (such as English language arts, math, sciences, or social sciences) or K-12 subjects like art, music, physical education, or world languages. The program offers distinct pathways: one for those already holding secondary education certification who wish to expand their knowledge of best teaching practices, and another, the "Plus Certification" option, for those seeking initial South Dakota teaching certification alongside their master's degree. This latter option is unique as it requires specific undergraduate coursework and a semester of student teaching in addition to graduate requirements. USD's School of Education has a strong reputation, being recognized among the best Education Graduate Schools by U.S. News & World Report.
Curriculum: The curriculum is designed to deepen pedagogical understanding and content literacy for secondary educators. Core courses typically include topics like "Graduate Research & Design," "Classroom Management," "7-12 Reading And Content Literacy," "Student Teaching," "History, Innovations, And Technology In Middle School And High School," "7-12 Curriculum & Instruction," "Practicum In Secondary Education," "Human Relations," and "Child/Adolescent Learning And Development." The program allows for individualization, enabling students to craft a plan of study that aligns with their specific interests and career goals, potentially emphasizing administrative contexts or specialized areas like STEM education or literacy leadership. The "Plus Certification" track includes a year-long teacher residency, providing extensive hands-on experience.
Research Focus: While the M.A. in Secondary Education is a practitioner-focused degree, it is deeply rooted in research and scholarly inquiry. The program aims to train reflective educators whose decisions are informed by the best available theory and research. Faculty members are engaged in various areas of educational research, ensuring the curriculum incorporates current trends and evidence-based practices. Students in the program will take a "Graduate Research & Design" course, providing them with foundational skills in educational research. Opportunities exist for students to engage in projects that apply research methodologies to solve real-world educational challenges, fostering a data-driven approach to teaching and leadership.
Industry Engagement: The University of South Dakota's School of Education places a high priority on practical experience and strong connections with K-12 school districts. USD was the first institution in South Dakota to implement a year-long student teaching residency model, providing invaluable, immersive real-world experience. The School of Education partners with over 40 school districts across South Dakota, Iowa, and Nebraska, offering students extensive clinical experiences. Professors often bring real-world experience and industry connections to the classroom, enriching the learning environment. Graduate assistantships and fellowships are also available, providing paid employment and discounted tuition rates, which further enhance professional experience.
Global Perspective: The M.A. in Secondary Education at USD implicitly fosters a global perspective by preparing educators who can meet the diverse needs of all students in today's classrooms, which increasingly include students from various cultural and linguistic backgrounds. The curriculum often incorporates themes of cultural responsiveness and understanding diverse learners. While specific international study opportunities for this particular MA are not prominently detailed, the foundational principles of effective education are universal, and the program's emphasis on critical thinking and adaptable teaching practices prepares graduates to teach and lead in an increasingly interconnected world. The focus on technology integration also acknowledges the global nature of educational tools and resources.
Location
Vermillion, South Dakota
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 12800
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $38
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% 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.
- PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
The University of South Dakota (USD) offers a variety of scholarship opportunities specifically designed to support international students in achieving their academic goals. These scholarships help reduce the financial burden of studying abroad and make quality education at USD more accessible to talented students from around the world.
Merit-Based Scholarships: USD awards merit-based scholarships to international students based on their academic achievements, leadership potential, and extracurricular involvement. These scholarships recognize outstanding high school or previous college performance and are renewable for multiple years, provided students maintain satisfactory academic progress.
International Student Academic Scholarships: These scholarships are specifically tailored for international undergraduate students and can cover a significant portion of tuition fees. Eligibility is typically based on a combination of academic excellence and the completion of the admission process by specified deadlines. Many of these scholarships are automatically considered upon application, so no separate application is required.
Graduate Assistantships and Fellowships: For international graduate students, USD provides graduate assistantships and fellowships that offer financial support alongside valuable professional experience. These opportunities often include tuition waivers and a stipend in exchange for research, teaching, or administrative work within the university.
Departmental Scholarships: Certain USD academic departments and colleges offer specialized scholarships for international students pursuing specific fields of study, such as business, health sciences, or fine arts. These scholarships often reward exceptional talent and dedication within those disciplines.
A Master of Arts (M.A.) in Secondary Education from the University of South Dakota (USD) offers graduates a significant advantage in the competitive education landscape. This advanced degree not only deepens pedagogical expertise but also opens doors to leadership, specialized roles, and even careers beyond the traditional classroom. The demand for qualified educators remains consistent, particularly for those with advanced degrees and specialized skills.
Secondary School Teacher (Advanced/Specialized): While a direct continuation, an M.A. allows teachers to become highly effective practitioners, often leading to roles as department chairs, lead teachers, mentor teachers, or specialists in areas like literacy or math support. This advanced training can lead to higher earning potential and greater influence within the school.
Instructional Coordinator/Curriculum Specialist: These professionals work at the school or district level to develop, implement, and evaluate curricula and teaching standards. They collaborate with teachers and administrators to ensure educational programs are effective and meet learning objectives.
School Administrator (Assistant Principal/Principal): An M.A. in Secondary Education often serves as a foundational step toward school leadership. Assistant Principals and Principals oversee school operations, manage staff, develop school policies, and work to improve student achievement. Many states require a master's degree for these roles.
Educational Consultant: Graduates can work independently or for consulting firms, advising schools, districts, or educational organizations on improving teaching methodologies, curriculum design, classroom management, and overall educational outcomes.
Instructional Designer: With a strong understanding of learning theories and pedagogical practices, M.A. graduates can create effective learning experiences for various settings. This role involves designing and developing educational content for e-learning platforms, corporate training programs, or educational technology companies.
School Counselor: An M.A. in Secondary Education can provide a strong foundation for pursuing a Master's in School Counseling, which is typically required for licensure. School counselors provide academic, social, and emotional support to students and guide them through college and career planning.
Corporate Trainer/Learning & Development Specialist: The skills in curriculum development, instructional delivery, and assessing learning outcomes are highly valuable in the corporate world. Graduates can design and facilitate training programs for employees in various industries to enhance skills and productivity.
Educational Technology Specialist: As schools increasingly integrate technology, specialists with an M.A. in education can help develop and implement educational technology plans, support teachers in using new tools, and ensure effective technology integration for learning.
Education Policy Analyst: For those interested in broader systemic change, an M.A. can lead to roles researching, analyzing, and influencing educational laws and policies for government agencies, think tanks, or advocacy groups, aiming to improve educational systems.
Non-profit Program Coordinator (Education-focused): Many non-profit organizations focus on youth development, literacy, or specific educational initiatives. Graduates can design, manage, and evaluate programs that extend learning opportunities beyond the traditional classroom setting.
