Mar 29, 2024  
Fitchburg State University 2020-2021 Graduate Catalog 
    
Fitchburg State University 2020-2021 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Curriculum and Teaching, Non-Licensure, Online/Accelerated Program


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Graduate Program Chair


Michael Hanna

Graduate Curriculum Committee


Lyndsey Benharris, PhD
Danette Day, EdD
Robert Shapiro, PhD, BCBA-D
Annette Sullivan, EdD

Program Objectives


The Online/Accelerated MEd in Curriculum and Teaching is a non-licensure degree program designed for individuals who wish to pursue advanced levels of reflection, knowledge, skill and professionalism in the field of education. The specially-selected content courses are offered 100% online, in a 7-week accelerated format.

Program Description


It is intended that the individual will continue to develop as a reflective, student-centered individual who is able to effectively articulate and apply educational theory and research in the field of education. Many courses in this program involve participation in embedded experiential/field experiences in fulfilling course requirements. This program seeks to enhance knowledge and skills of practitioners in an accessible format, leading to an advanced degree. To this end, graduate students will:

  • Reflect on current educational issues and practices
  • Examine research and engage in the research  process
  • Acquire and apply advanced knowledge, educational theory and research in the design and implementation of appropriate educational curricula, practices and environments
  • Apply knowledge of how students develop as thinkers and learners
  • Acquire and apply advanced knowledge of emerging, research-based, educational principles in the planning, implementation and evaluation of the educational environment and instructional programs
  • Demonstrate awareness of the impact of societal issues on the curriculum as they relate to meeting the diverse needs of individuals
  • Demonstrate an understanding of educational partnership models which effectively focus on family strengths, circumstances and cultural experiences
  • Demonstrate effective strategies and techniques for working with diverse individuals in inclusive learning environments
  • Examine the shared values, ethics, purposes and commitments that bond the educational community (e.g. teachers, families, administrators, specialists, etc.)
  • Demonstrate a disposition  of collegiality, respect and support that fosters future improvement of education through research and reflection
  • Be prepared to pursue further graduate studies

Admissions Standards and Criteria


To apply for enrollment in the Online/Accelerated Master of Education in Curriculum and Teaching, Non-Licensure Program, students must submit documents as outlined in the graduate admission section of the Catalog, in addition to:

•    Official transcript of an undergraduate transcript from a regionally accredited institution, with evidence of a GPA of 2.8 or above (requirement waived if an applicant has a relevant graduate degree from an accredited institution)
•    One professional reference is required for applicants whose previous GPA falls below a 2.8 on a 4.0 scale
•    A professional resume

Please note that enrollment in courses in the Online/Accelerated M.Ed. in Curriculum and Teaching is restricted to admitted students. There are six admit terms each year, so if you are unable to complete the application process and submit the Intent to Enroll form online to confirm attendance by the deadline, you only have to wait about 7 weeks to get started.

Select two of the following in consultation with advisor, (total 6 credits)


  • A Course in Educational Technology
  • A Course in Special Education
  • A Course on Literacy Development Relevant to the License Under Which the Student is Teaching

Focus Area Courses, 18 credits: (*Note)


  • Content strand, 9 Credits
  • Pedagogy strand, 9 Credits

*Note: C​andidates who have completed an undergraduate education licensure program at Fitchburg State, and been endorsed for an initial teaching license in Early Childhood, Elementary Education, or Special Education will complete 30 credits.  (Focus Area Courses - Content strand, 6 credits and Pedagogy strand, 6 credits)

Focus Areas


Working with the program advisor, individual students will select a focus area, with a focus of 9 credits in the content strand and 9 credits in the pedagogy strand. Nine credits of coursework will be completed in each strand area. These courses will be selected in order to meet the needs and interests of each individual student. Focus areas may include technology, assessment, special education, diversity, literacy, curriculum and instruction, secondary and elementary education, among others.

No courses below the 7000 level will be accepted toward the program without written approval of the program chairperson.

Total for Degree: 36 credits


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