Fitchburg State College & Merrimack Education Center
Program Description for Elementary Education
The Merrimack Education Center offers a M.Ed. in Elementary Education uniquely designed to meet
the needs of teachers. Students in the Masters Program are required to acquire thirty-six credits
in a suggested sequence within six years. The program is flexible enough to serve a variety of
student interests and life situations. A program advisor will assist each student in program
planning, course scheduling, and selection of electives. Five common core courses are required
for each thirty-six credit program. The Masters in Elementary Education may be a part of a
program leading to licensure.
Program Description for Secondary Education
The Merrimack Education Center offers a 36-credit hour generic Masters degree for teachers at the
Secondary level that does not lead to licensure in any area. However, it may be part of a program
leading to licensure. This program provides teachers with the opportunity to update their knowledge
and skills and to participate in courses specific to their professional goals. The M.Ed. program
addresses the education reform issues and curriculum/development models to meet the needs of today’s
school systems. It provides teachers with the latest researched-based practices and technologies
to enhance classroom instruction. In addition to the required core courses the remainder of the
curriculum will be individually planned with an advisor.
The M.Ed. program addresses the education reform issues and curriculum/development models to
meet the needs of today's school systems.
It provides teachers with the latest research based practices and technologies to enhance
classroom instruction. In addition to the required core courses the remainder of the curriculum
will be individually planned with, an advisor.
Guidelines for Program
- Masters must be completed within six years
- No more than nine credits may be taken during a semester
- Up to six credits may be transferred if the courses meet the particular
course content
- Transferred courses are only valid if taken within six years of expected
graduation date
- Two courses (6 credits) may be taken prior to matriculation
- No more than two 6000 level courses may be taken
There may be a charge for books and materials, which should not exceed $100 per course.
Tuition costs may change over the length of the program.
Program of Study
Required Core Courses:
The common core courses to be shared by each participant:
| SEED 7015 |
Introduction to Strategies for Effective Teaching in the Academic Discipline |
| EDUC 8300 |
Research in Education |
| SPED 7709 |
The High School Environment: Challenges in Educating Students with Special Needs |
| SEED 8000 |
Advanced Methods of Teaching at the Secondary Level |
| SEED 8260 |
Curriculum Design and Development |
| SEED 8250 |
Curriculum and Technology |
| ENGL 8076 |
Process Writing Across the Curriculum |
| SEED 9100 |
Thesis With Program Chairperson's approval, students may substitute a 6-credit action/internship in lieu of thesis. |
| Elective Courses: |
12 SH |
| Electives must be 7000 level or higher |
| Program Total: 36-39 SH |
*Students who have matriculated prior to September 2001 may continue with previous plan of
study
50% of course work must be in the content area.
Program Objectives
It is intended that the educator will continue to develop as a reflective, student-centered
practitioner who is able to effectively articulate and apply human development and
educational theory and research.
To this end students will:
- think about historical, philosophical, and theoretical perspectives related
to current educational issues and practice
- examine empirical research and engage in the scientific reasoning process
- acquire and apply advanced knowledge of human development, research, and
design and implementation of developmentally appropriate educational curricula, practices and
environment
- acquire knowledge of how students develop as thinkers and learners
- acquire and apply advanced knowledge of emerging principles in the planning,
implementation, and evaluation of the educational environment and instructional program
- become more aware of societal demands on the curriculum as they relate to
meeting the diverse needs of students
- investigate the educational partnership models, which effectively focus on
family strengths, circumstances, and cultural experiences
- demonstrate effective strategies and techniques for working effectively with
diverse populations of students in integrated learning environments
- examine the shared values, ethics, purposes, and commitments, which bond
the educational community
- acquire a professional orientation of collegiality and support
Application Requirements
Those seeking matriculation into the degree program must forward the following documentation to:
Fitchburg State College
Graduate & Continuing Education Office
160 Pearl Street
Fitchburg, MA 01420-2697