M.A. in Secondary Education
The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Secondary Education at Roosevelt University is an intensiv...
M.A. in Secondary Education
Chicago, Illinois
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Secondary Education at Roosevelt University is an intensive, field-based program designed to prepare individuals for teaching adolescents in grades 9-12 in Illinois. This program is particularly suitable for career changers or those who did not pursue an undergraduate degree in education but aspire to teach. It leads to Illinois teaching credentials and focuses on developing educators who can democratically engage with diverse students and families. The program typically spans two years and incorporates a blend of in-person and online classes, culminating in an in-person student teaching placement.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the M.A. in Secondary Education is meticulously structured to provide comprehensive teacher preparation. Core courses include "Child & Adolescent Development, Learning, and Motivation," "Foundations of Bilingual and ESL Education," "Teaching Language and Literacy in the Content Areas," "Foundations & Communities in Adolescent Education," "Instructional Coaching," "Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment in Secondary Education," and "Exceptional Children & Youth." Students choose a specific content area for certification, such as Biology, Business, Chemistry, English, History, or Mathematics, and take a methods course relevant to their chosen specialization. The program culminates with a "Student Teaching Seminar: Secondary Education," which is a significant component of the degree. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in graduate courses and a 3.0 GPA in the academic content area (2.7 for Math and Science) are required for graduation.
Research Focus: While the M.A. in Secondary Education is highly practical and field-based, Roosevelt University generally emphasizes research across its disciplines, often integrating it with real-world application. In the broader context of the university, students, including those in education, are encouraged to engage in research that informs practice and addresses societal needs, particularly within the framework of social justice. This might manifest as action research within school settings, analysis of educational policies, or studies on effective pedagogical approaches for diverse learners.
Industry Engagement: Roosevelt University places a strong emphasis on industry engagement, particularly within its education programs. The College of Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences actively partners with schools and professional organizations to provide high-quality field and clinical experiences. These partnerships include collaborations with Chicago Public Schools, the Chicago Teachers Union Foundation, and various other educational institutions. This engagement ensures that teacher candidates gain hands-on experience in diverse urban and suburban settings, working with various student populations. The program also integrates practical assignments and field experiences that directly prepare students for the demands of the teaching profession, fostering strong connections between academic learning and real-world teaching contexts.
Global Perspective: Roosevelt University fosters a global perspective by welcoming a diverse international student body and promoting cross-cultural understanding. While the M.A. in Secondary Education specifically prepares teachers for the Illinois context, the university's overarching commitment to diversity and inclusion enriches the learning environment with global viewpoints. International students are eligible to enroll in on-campus degree programs, and the university provides support services for their integration. Furthermore, Roosevelt encourages students across various programs to explore study abroad opportunities, though this is less directly integrated into the intensive, licensure-focused secondary education program. However, the exposure to diverse perspectives within the university inherently broadens students' understanding of global educational challenges and approaches.
Location
Chicago, Illinois
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 16992
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $42
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 80 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 55 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
Roosevelt University in the United States offers a variety of scholarship opportunities specifically designed for international students to support their academic journey and make higher education more affordable. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, leadership potential, and contributions to campus diversity.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students applying to Roosevelt University are eligible for merit-based scholarships awarded based on academic achievements, standardized test scores, and overall potential. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are automatically considered during the admissions process.
International Student Scholarship Program: Roosevelt University provides special scholarships targeted at international students, aiming to encourage a diverse and global student body. These awards vary in amount and criteria but typically recognize outstanding academic performance and community involvement.
Departmental Scholarships: Certain colleges and departments within Roosevelt University, such as the Chicago College of Performing Arts and the Walter E. Heller College of Business, offer additional scholarships for international students enrolled in specific programs. These awards may be based on talent, portfolio, or academic excellence in the field of study.
An M.A. in Secondary Education from Roosevelt University equips graduates with the pedagogical knowledge, subject matter expertise, and practical experience necessary for a wide array of career paths within and beyond the traditional classroom setting. The program's focus on social justice and diverse learners also prepares graduates for impactful roles in an evolving educational landscape.
High School Teacher: This is the most direct career path, enabling graduates to teach their specialized subject (e.g., Biology, Business, Chemistry, English, History, Mathematics) in public or private high schools (grades 9-12). Roosevelt's program leads to Illinois teaching credentials, making graduates highly prepared for this role.
Instructional Coordinator/Curriculum Specialist: Graduates can work with schools, school districts, or even educational publishing companies to design, develop, and evaluate curricula and instructional materials. This role often involves collaborating with teachers and administrators to improve learning outcomes.
High School Principal/Assistant Principal: With additional experience in the classroom, an M.A. in Secondary Education serves as a strong foundation for leadership roles within high schools. Principals oversee school operations, manage staff, develop policies, and ensure a positive learning environment.
Special Education Teacher: While the M.A. in Secondary Education focuses on general secondary education, graduates can often pursue additional endorsements or specialized training to work with students with diverse learning needs and disabilities, a field with high demand.
Educational Consultant: Leveraging their expertise in teaching and learning, graduates can become independent consultants or work for educational consulting firms, advising schools, districts, or even educational technology companies on best practices, curriculum development, and professional development for educators.
Corporate Trainer/Learning & Development Specialist: The skills honed in an M.A. in Secondary Education, such as instructional design, curriculum development, and effective communication, are highly transferable to corporate settings. Graduates can design and deliver training programs for employees in various industries.
Private Tutor: For those seeking flexibility and direct student interaction, an M.A. in Secondary Education provides the advanced subject matter knowledge and pedagogical skills to excel as a private tutor, working with students one-on-one or in small groups across various subjects.
Educational Policy Analyst: Graduates interested in shaping the future of education at a broader level can work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or research institutions to analyze educational policies, recommend changes, and advocate for student needs.
Adjunct Professor (Community College/Undergraduate Level): With a master's degree, graduates can often teach introductory courses in their content area at community colleges or as adjunct faculty at four-year universities, particularly in education departments.
Youth Program Coordinator/Non-profit Educator: The M.A. in Secondary Education, with its emphasis on adolescent development and diverse learners, prepares graduates for roles in non-profit organizations or community centers that offer educational programs, mentorship, or support services for youth. This could involve developing and leading educational workshops, after-school programs, or community outreach initiatives.
