Master of Education

Channon N. Washington, Ph.D., Program Director

The Master of Education degree at The University of Olivet allows students to complete coursework for an alternative route to teacher certification. Students choose a concentration that leads to an initial certification pathway or a concentration in special education.

To enhance the relationship-focused aspects of this program, the courses utilize blended distance learning technology (synchronous and asynchronous) that allows students to see and speak with faculty and other students online while completing much of their coursework at their own pace and on their own schedule via the university’s Canvas software program. Faculty will provide regular opportunities for synchronous activities and discussions. 

Courses are scheduled in five eight-week terms each academic year (Fall 1, Fall 2, Spring 1, Spring 2, and Summer). An annual course schedule including all required courses in regular rotation is developed and provided to students prior to each academic year. Students work with academic staff to develop an academic plan that accommodates their work and family demands and to schedule courses to facilitate progression through the academic program. Although no on-campus course attendance is required, graduates are invited to participate in the spring commencement ceremony held on campus each May.  

Admission Requirements

The Master of Education degree at The University of Olivet is a rigorous program of graduate-level study. To be eligible for admission consideration, applicants must meet the following requirements.  

A. Undergraduate Degree Requirement

Undergraduate Degree Requirement: Except for students participating in the accelerated master’s program, students seeking to enroll in graduate studies in education must hold a bachelor’s degree from an approved college or university accredited by a regional accrediting organization. 

B. GPA Requirement

Students seeking to enroll in graduate studies must have a cumulative grade point average (GPA), including all prior college level coursework, of 2.95 or higher (on a 4.0 scale). 

Application Requirements

Prospective graduate students are required to submit the following documents as part of their application package:

• An application through the university’s online application system.  
• An official transcript indicating completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited undergraduate institution with a cumulative grade point average of 2.95 or higher on a 4.0 scale. 
• A personal essay discussing the applicant’s interest and experience in the field of education. 

Graduate Provisional Admission Status

Provisional admission status may be granted to applicants who have strong potential for academic success but do not have higher than a 2.95 GPA for their bachelor’s degree. Students are admitted under this status for one academic term. If they earn a GPA of 3.0 or higher, students will be officially admitted into the graduate program.  

Technology Requirements

The University of Olivet M.Ed. program is offered online, and every class has optional synchronous sessions. In order to enroll in the program, students must have:  

• Access to adequate internet connectivity to participate in the program. 
• Computer equipped sufficiently for technology and software used within the program.  
• Video teleconference technology (e.g., webcam) for synchronous components of classroom courses.
• Ability to pass criminal background check to be allowed to do in-school field experiences.

Graduation Requirements

The following are requirements for graduation with a Master of Education degree at The University of Olivet:  

• The completion of a minimum number of required credits: 33 credits for the initial pathway and 36 for the special education pathway, with no more than 12 credits of graduate transfer. 
• The completion of all required courses for the degree program, including a chosen concentration (if applicable). 
• The successful completion of the capstone course with the individualized action research project. This capstone course will distinguish the comprehensive learning of the student that has been developed in the program and through prerequisite experience.
• Maintaining a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher.  
• All requirements for graduation must be completed within seven years of matriculation into the program.

Teaching Certification Pathway

As part of the coursework for the M.Ed., students will complete learning modules from #T.E.A.C.H., an approved Alternate Route Certification Provider in MI. #T.E.A.C.H. is also approved in AL, AZ, IN, and NC.

Students interested in certification will work with #T.E.A.C.H. to complete requirements in their state. For Michigan candidates, this includes passing the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification, successfully completing all modules for #T.E.A.C.H., and passing a criminal background check. After three years of successful teaching in the area of certification (including time spent teaching while in the M.Ed. program), students may convert their license to a Standard Teaching Certificate

Master of Education Program Learning Outcomes

With the completion of the Master of Education program, the following student learning outcomes are expected:

• Demonstrate effective instructional delivery, including lesson planning, instructional strategies, and assessment of students and self.  
• Build collaborative professional relationships within the classroom and community that are attentive to the individual learners as well as the school and community environment. 
• Utilize content knowledge to develop engaging instructional strategies adapted for diverse learners. 
• Use reflection and research, including their own action research, to strengthen their understanding of effective teaching and enhance their own practice. 
• Incorporate principles of social justice into their professional practice.