Master of Business Administration - Accounting
The MBA program at the University of the Potomac typically consists of 12 courses, tota...
M.S. in Education
Washington, D.C., Virginia
INTAKE: Jan, Mar, Apr, Jun, Sep & Oct
Program Overview
The M.S. in Education program at the University of the Potomac is typically a 36-credit-hour program. It is structured around a core set of foundational education courses (24 credits) followed by specialized concentration courses (12 credits). This structure allows students to gain a broad understanding of educational principles before delving into a specific area of interest. Concentrations available include Elementary Teaching, Secondary Teaching, English as a Second Language (ESL), Learning Design Innovation, and STEM Education. The program is designed for completion within approximately two years, preparing graduates for career advancement and leadership roles within the educational landscape.
Curriculum: The 36-semester-hour curriculum for the M.S. in Education program at the University of the Potomac includes eight core courses and four courses specific to the chosen concentration. The core courses provide a foundational understanding of education, covering topics such as "Social Contexts in Education," "Child and Adolescent Development," "Research and Analysis in Teaching and Learning," "Educating Exceptional Children," "Problems in the Philosophy of Education," and "Assessment and Evaluation." Depending on the chosen concentration, specialized courses delve into specific pedagogical methods, content areas, or administrative practices. For instance, the Elementary Teaching concentration includes courses like "Elementary Science Methods and Content," "Elementary Social Studies Methods and Content," and "Elementary Literacy Methods and Content." Each concentration culminates in a "Capstone Integration Experience."
Research Focus: The M.S. in Education program at the University of the Potomac emphasizes the application of educational theory and research to practical settings. While it doesn't typically culminate in a traditional academic thesis, the curriculum includes a core course, "Research and Analysis in Teaching and Learning," which equips students with the skills to engage with and understand educational research. The program focuses on enabling students to "use multiple methods of assessment to engage learners in their own growth, monitor learner progress, and guide the teacher's and learner's decision-making." This applied approach prepares graduates to critically evaluate educational practices, adapt their methods based on evidence, and contribute to data-driven decision-making within their schools or organizations. The "Capstone Integration Experience" also provides an opportunity to apply learned concepts and problem-solving skills to real-world educational challenges.
Industry Engagement: The University of the Potomac's M.S. in Education program demonstrates strong industry engagement by directly addressing the needs of current and aspiring educators and administrators. The program is designed to provide "theoretical training and practical experience, a combination which results in better educators and leaders who continue to excel within and beyond the field of education." Its curriculum is structured around relevant topics such as education reform, personnel administration, school economics, and curriculum design, which are highly pertinent to the day-to-day operations and strategic challenges faced by educational institutions. While specific formal partnerships with school districts are not explicitly detailed, the program's focus on preparing professionals for career advancement in roles like school administration, curriculum development, and specialized education programs underscores its alignment with the demands of the education industry.
Global Perspective: The University of the Potomac's M.S. in Education program implicitly incorporates a global perspective by acknowledging the interconnectedness of education in today's world. While there isn't a specific dedicated course on "International Education" within the core curriculum, the course "Social Contexts in Education" may touch upon diverse educational systems and societal influences on learning. Furthermore, concentrations like "English as a Second Language (ESL)" inherently deal with diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds, preparing educators to work with students from various international origins. The University of the Potomac itself boasts a diverse student body and faculty, which fosters a learning environment enriched by global perspectives on education, teaching methodologies, and learning challenges.
Location
Washington, D.C., Virginia
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 22250
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 60% 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 59 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 100.
The University of the Potomac is dedicated to making education affordable and accessible for international students by offering a variety of scholarship opportunities. These scholarships aim to recognize academic excellence, leadership potential, and financial need, helping reduce the overall cost of education for deserving students from around the world.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students demonstrating strong academic performance may qualify for merit-based scholarships. These awards reward high GPA, outstanding achievements, and exceptional contributions in previous educational settings. Merit scholarships can significantly lower tuition fees and encourage students to maintain high academic standards throughout their studies.
Need-Based Scholarships: The university also offers need-based scholarships designed to assist international students facing financial challenges. Applicants are encouraged to submit detailed financial information during the admissions process to be considered for these scholarships, which aim to bridge the gap between the cost of education and the student’s financial resources.
Special Program Scholarships: Certain academic programs at the University of the Potomac provide dedicated scholarships for international students, especially in fields such as business administration, information technology, and cybersecurity. These program-specific awards support students pursuing careers in high-demand industries.
Graduates of the University of the Potomac's M.S. in Education program are equipped with advanced pedagogical knowledge, administrative acumen, and the ability to critically analyze and improve educational practices. Their specialized training in areas such as curriculum design, educational technology, or special education, combined with a strong foundation in educational leadership, prepares them for diverse and impactful roles within K-12, higher education, and even corporate or non-profit sectors.
Instructional Coordinator / Curriculum Developer: These professionals design, develop, and evaluate educational curricula and instructional materials, ensuring alignment with learning objectives and standards for schools, districts, or educational organizations.
Educational Administrator (e.g., Assistant Principal, Dean of Students): Graduates can pursue leadership roles in schools or universities, managing academic programs, student services, faculty development, and overall institutional operations.
Special Education Teacher/Specialist: For those with relevant concentration or interest, this role involves working with students with diverse learning needs, developing individualized education programs (IEPs), and ensuring inclusive learning environments.
Learning Design Innovation Specialist: With a focus on technology in education, graduates can design engaging and effective learning experiences, particularly in online or blended learning environments, leveraging new technologies and pedagogical approaches.
ESL (English as a Second Language) Teacher/Coordinator: Graduates specializing in ESL can teach English to non-native speakers, develop language acquisition programs, and support culturally and linguistically diverse student populations.
Corporate Trainer/Instructional Designer: These professionals apply educational principles to the business world, designing and delivering training programs for employees, developing professional development modules, and enhancing organizational learning.
Education Policy Analyst: Graduates can work for government agencies, educational non-profits, or advocacy groups to research, analyze, and contribute to the development and evaluation of education policies.
STEM Education Specialist: For those with a STEM Education concentration, this role involves promoting and improving teaching and learning in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics subjects, often developing specialized curricula or programs.
Academic Advisor/Counselor (Postsecondary): While specific licensure might be required for counseling, the M.S. in Education provides a strong foundation for advising university students on academic pathways, career planning, and personal development.
Educational Consultant: Graduates can offer their expertise to schools, districts, or educational technology companies, providing guidance on areas such as curriculum development, classroom management, assessment strategies, or technology integration.
