x
  
  

2015-2016 University Catalog


Home >> Graduate Degrees >>

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
GRADUATE DEGREES

Master of Arts in Teaching (MA)
Master of Science in Bilingual Education (MS) (Thesis and Non-Thesis)
Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction (MS) (Thesis and Non-Thesis)
Master of Science in Education Interventions for Autism (MS) (Thesis)*
Master of Science in Educational Administration (MS) (Thesis and Non-Thesis)
Master of Science in Reading (MS) (Thesis and Non-Thesis)
Master of Science in School Counseling (MS)
Master of Science in Special Education (MS) (Thesis and Non-Thesis)

*Currently not accepting new applicants.

PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATES
Educational Diagnostics (Code-153)
Principal (Code-68)
Reading Specialist (Code-151)
School Counselor (Code-152)
Superintendent (Code-195)

CERTIFICATE
Master Reading Teacher Certificate

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATE DEGREES
See Academic Regulations for Graduate Degrees for specific TAMIU regulations.

GRADING POLICIES
The College of Education has adopted the following grading scale:

A 93-100
B 84-92
C 75-83
F Below 75
S/CR/P Satisfactory/credit/pass
U/NC Unsatisfactory (no credit)
IP In Progress
W Dropped or withdrawn
I Incomplete

BILINGUAL GRADUATE PROGRAM ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
To be considered for admission to the Master of Science in Bilingual Education, the student must complete the following requirements:
1. Submit an application for graduate studies by the due dates provided by the Office of Graduate Studies & Research. Deadlines may be found at: www.tamiu.edu/gradschool/. In addition, please complete the following:
        a. Pay the application fee.
        b. Submit official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended.
        c. Submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS), if your academic studies are from a country where English is not the native language.
2. Resumé reflecting relevant work experience.
3. Prepare 2 essays (minimum of 300 words each) explaining your desire to pursue a graduate degree in Bilingual Education: one essay in English; one essay in Spanish.
4. Two (2) letters of recommendation: 1 from a supervisor school administrator and 1 from a faculty member.
5. The application must be approved by at least 2 Bilingual Education faculty members.

CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION PROGRAM ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
To be considered for admission to the Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction, you must complete the following:
1. Submit an application for graduate studies by the due dates provided by the Office of Graduate Studies & Research. Deadlines may be found at: www.tamiu.edu/gradschool/. In addition, please complete the following:
        a. Pay the application fee.
        b. Submit official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended.
        c. Submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS), if your academic studies are from a country where English is not the native language.
2. Submit a resumé.
3. Submit a personal statement describing your research interests and indicating how your research interests and academic/professional background characteristics will assist you in successfully completing the degree program.
4. Submit two (2) letters of recommendation to the Office of Graduate Studies & Research. You may include one academic and one professional recommendation. Letters of recommendation should indicate:
        a. Applicant’s academic performance (or job performance that is relevant to show competency to be successful in graduate education).
        b. Applicant’s ability to succeed in a graduate program where a good deal of motivation, dedication, and self-direction are necessary.
        c. Applicant’s strengths and weaknesses.

EDUCATIONAL ADMINISTRATION PROGRAM ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
1. Submit an application for graduate studies by the due dates provided by the Office of Graduate Studies & Research. Deadlines may be found at: www.tamiu.edu/gradschool/. In addition, please complete the         following:
        a. Pay the application fee.
        b. Submit official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended.
        c. Submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS), if your academic studies are from a country where English is not the native language.
2. A minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75.
3. A resumé which provides evidence of relevant work experience.
4. A one to two page statement detailing applicant’s 1) experiences and goals related to educational administration and 2) reasons for pursuing a master’s degree in educational administration.
5. Two (2) professional letters of recommendation (supervisors/faculty members).

In the event that an applicant does not meet the minimum admissions criteria, the applicant may appeal to the program’s admission committee and may be asked to submit additional information.

MASTER OF ARTS IN TEACHING ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree is an initial teacher preparation and certification program. The degree is not designed for persons who already hold a teaching certificate. Coursework in the 30-credit hour degree program includes a 15-credit hour alternate certification (ACP) pathway and a 6-credit hour post-degree clinical teaching pathway (EDCI 5693). Consequently, admission to the program includes both Office of Graduate Studies and Research requirements and teacher certification requirements.

(MAT) admission requirements include the following:
A.      A completed on-line application to the T AMID Office of Graduate Studies and Research with "Master of Arts in Teaching" selected and designation of a concentration in either Elementary (EC-6)           or 4-8/7-12/All Level;
B.      A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher education;
C.      A minimum 2.75 overall GPA on the latest baccalaureate degree or a 2.75 overall GPA on the last 60-hours of credit earned;
D.      An admissions interview (confirmed by the MAT Program Director via a passing score on an oral English language proficiency interview); and,
E.      A 300-word written essay (confirmed by the MAT Program Director via a passing score on the Accuplacer (WritePlacer) examination).

Teacher certification (ACP) requirements include the following:
A.    Transcript analysis ($15 fee) to determine:
          a.       Verification of an earned baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher education;
          b.       a minimum 2.75 overall GPA on the last baccalaureate degree awarded or a 2.75 GPA on the last 60 credit hours completed;
          c.       a grade of C or better in all concentration (discipline) courses and in all EC-6 and 4-8 core courses; and,
          d.       A concentration in a discipline related to the teaching certificate pursued, as follows:
                    i.      Single subject field, 24 credit hours with a minimum 2.75 GPA, or
                    ii.     Composite field (Grades 4-8 or 7-12), 36 credit hours (Science and Social Studies) with a minimum 2.75 GPA, or
                    iii.    A passing score on the Pre-Admission Certification Test (PACT) content exam for the teaching certificate pursued, and a minimum 2.75 GPA.
B.    Verification of eligibility to work in the United States.
C.    Written acknowledgement of the Code of Ethics for Texas professional educators.
D.    Written acknowledgement ofFERPA requirements.
E.    Verification of a clear criminal background investigation.
F.     A minimum score of6 on theAccuplacer(WritePlacer) written proficiency examination ($10 test fee).
G.    A minimum score of 26 is required on each component (listening, speaking, reading and writing) of the TOEFL IBT for all prospective teachers whose degree is from an international institution for which English is not the language of instruction.

Good Standing Requirements
Once admitted, teacher candidates in the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program must remain in "good standing" in the College of Education. Requirements for maintaining good standing status include the following:
     A.    Maintain an overall 3 .00 grade point average in MAT coursework, with no more than one course grade below B;
     B.    Maintain continuous enrollment in at least one MAT program course each fall and spring semester;
     C.    Complete successfully at least six credit hours of program coursework annually;
     D.    Demonstrate adequate professional dispositions via annual assessments by program faculty, TAMIU field supervisors, and/or collaborating school personnel; and,
     E.    Demonstrate adequate progress toward successful completion of required certification examinations for the teaching certificate sought. Adequate progress is established, at minimum, by preparing              for and taking at least one yet-to-be-passed TExES certification examination annually. Approval for taking TExES examinations requires evidence of adequate preparation.

Additional Information
A probationary teaching license may be renewed only twice. Renewal of employment on a probationary license requires maintenance of "good standing," as shown in items 1 - 5 above. Renewal of employment on a probationary license also requires favorable performance evaluations by the school administrator and the TAMIU field supervisor.

Enrollment in non-MAT program courses while completing program coursework is strongly discouraged and requires prior approval by the MAT Director. Enrollment in non-MAT coursework while teaching on probationary license and paid internship is not allowed.

Participants admitted to the T AMIU Alternative Certification Program (ACP) prior to September I, 2015 may enroll in the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program and pursue completion of the MAT degree. Once admitted to the MAT program they must maintain good standing in the College of Education and complete program coursework. Substitute coursework, if any, must be program-related and pre-approved by the MAT Director. However, since the MAT is an initial licensure program, former ACP participants with three or more years of teaching experience should pursue TAMIU degree programs other than the MAT. Successfully completed ACP/MAT coursework will be considered as substitute courses in other College of Education degree programs.

Candidates who fail to maintain good standing may be granted one probationary semester or summer term on an action plan to re-establish good standing.

READING PROGRAM ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
1. Submit an application for graduate studies by the due dates provided by the Office of Graduate Studies & Research. Deadlines may be found at: www.tamiu.edu/gradschool/. In addition, please complete the following:
        a. Pay the application fee.
        b. Submit official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended.
        c. Submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS), if your academic studies are from a country where English is not the native language.
2. A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.00 (students with a 2.5-2.9 GPA may be considered based on a required interview).
3. Two (2) Professional Letters & 1 Academic Letter.
4. Required to complete an Essay on the Literacy Topic provided.

SCHOOL COUNSELING PROGRAM ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
A. For Full Admission:
1. Submit an application for graduate studies by the due dates provided by the Office of Graduate Studies & Research. Deadlines may be found at: www.tamiu.edu/gradschool/. In addition, please complete the following:
        a. Pay the application fee.
        b. Submit official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended.
        c. Submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS), if your academic studies are from a country where English is not the native language.
2. GPA 3.0 (last 60 credit hours)
3. Interview
4. Statement of Purpose: 700 word maximum
5. Three (3) letters of reference/nomination: 1 personal reference, 1 professional reference, and 1nomination letter from a current professional school counselor.

Semester deadlines:
Fall: July 1st
Spring/Wintermester: November 1st
Summer: March 1st

B. For Provisional Admission:
1. Submit an application for graduate studies by the due dates provided by the Office of Graduate Studies & Research. Deadlines may be found at: www.tamiu.edu/gradschool/. In addition, please complete the following:
        a. Pay the application fee.
        b. Submit official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended.
        c. Submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS), if your academic studies are from a country where English is not the native language.
2. Interview
3. Statement of Purpose: 700 word maximum
4. Two (2) letters of reference/nomination: 1 professional reference and 1 nomination letter from a current professional school counselor.
5. 12 credit hours completed in program for consideration of full admission.

SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAM ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
1. Submit an application for graduate studies by the due dates provided by the Office of Graduate Studies & Research. Deadlines can be found at: www.tamiu.edu/gradschool/1. In addition, please complete the following:
        a. Pay the application fee.
        b. Submit official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended.
        c. Submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS), if your academic studies are from a country where English is not the native language.
2. An essay stating reasons for choosing the special education master’s program and career goals (500-750 words).
3. A current resumé.
4. Two (2) letters of professional recommendation.

1All applicants will be fully reviewed by the Special Education Graduate Admissions Committee. Admission is based on a holistic review of all required application materials.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

  1. Major-Minor Requirements: Eighteen (18) to twenty-one (21) hours in a major subject and twelve (12) to fifteen (15) hours in a minor or specialized area. Electives are taken to complete the thirty-six (36) hours for the degree. Minors not currently included as options for the degree will require department and dean approval.
  2. Prerequisites (Stemwork): Eighteen (18) hours of education course work, including twelve (12) advanced hours. For each minor: twelve (12) hours of undergraduate work, including six (6) advanced hours. The College of Education, however, retains the right to examine the applicant’s prerequisites and to accept certain equivalent hours or to require additional work.
  3. Thesis: The graduate student is expected to complete a thesis related to the major field of study. Graduate students in the College of Education may choose from a thesis or non-thesis track where available. Non-thesis track students will be required to write a major paper as prescribed by the department. Both thesis and non-thesis track students will be required to enroll in a Research Design course. Thesis track students will be expected to complete and successfully defend a thesis related to the major field of study and enroll in a thesis writing course offered by the College of Education.
  4. Comprehensive Examination: A comprehensive examination shall be passed by the candidate covering the major field. The passing score will be valid for one year. Students majoring in Bilingual Education and admitted Fall 2007 or after will be required to pass both a written and oral comprehensive exam in the major and minor fields of study to satisfy degree requirements. All other master's degrees in the College of Education will require an oral comprehensive examination that may or may not be based on a written comprehensive examination.
  5. A Second Master’s Degree: Students shall not be permitted to apply the same course credit to more than one master’s degree. To be admitted, students must satisfy all admission requirements including satisfying the GRE.
  6. Undergraduate Courses for Graduate Credit: With the permission of the faculty advisor, up to six (6) credit hours of 4000-level courses, as indicated in the course descriptions, may be taken for graduate credit hours in the entire degree plan. These courses must include extra work over and above regular undergraduate syllabus requirements. Such work shall be prearranged with the course instructor.
  7. Leave of Absence: Under unusual circumstances, a student may petition for a leave of absence. The student’s Advisory Committee Chairperson and the Chair of the Department must approve the petition. If the petition is granted, the registration requirement will be set aside during the period of the leave and will not count towards the requirement that the student complete a master’s degree within a period of five years or within the time specified for the particular program. Leaves will be granted only under conditions that require the suspension of all activities associated with the thesis.

POST-BACCALAUREATE TEACHER CERTIFICATION CANDIDATES
Candidates pursuing initial teacher certification may enroll in graduate level courses only if they have been accepted to Graduate Study in the College of Education.

PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE APPLICATION PROCESS
        A.  When a student chooses a degree that has a professional certificate attached to it:
1. The applicant must inform the Office of Graduate Studies during the initial application process of the intent to pursue the certificate after completing the Master’s program (selection is made in the Apply Texas application). E.g. MSED-Educational Administration + Principal Certificate.

2. The Office of Graduate Studies (OGS) will then code the student in 2 programs (degree + certificate). When the student completes the degree and wants to begin the certificate, there is no need to apply again as the certificate program will be active. The Banner record will reflect this to allow registration and financial aid (if applicable).
        B.  If, however, the student does not indicate the certificate option during the initial application process, then the student will need to apply with OGS after finishing the Master’s program but before registering for certificate coursework. The student will follow the standard application process of submitting an application and fee.
        C.    For a student who finishes the Master’s degree and then wants to pursue a certificate different from the completed degree, the student will need to follow the standard application process of submitting an application and fee. The student will also need to be reviewed and admitted into the new program.

GRADUATE ADMISSION
The College of Education (COE) may grant provisional admission for a maximum of six graduate hours to students who have not submitted all relevant documentation and who hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Provisional status must be removed at the end of the six semester credit hours and before any other coursework can be taken.

ELIGIBILTY TO TAKE TExES EXAMS

Approval to take TExES Exams is based on the procedure and criteria listed below.

  1. Eligibility to Test. To be approved and eligible to sit for a TExES exam, graduate students, including Post-baccalaureate and Alternative Certification Program (ACP) students must complete required coursework and be in good standing with the College of Education.
  2. Test Preparation Sessions and Practice Tests.
    1. Post-baccalaureate, ACP, and graduate students pursuing an initial teaching certificate must complete six clock hours of Test Preparation and pass the appropriate Practice Test(s) before receiving approval to take any TExES exam/s. Test Preparation Sessions will be scheduled and conducted by University faculty.
    2. All students (ACP, post-baccalaureate, and graduate students) must complete the appropriate Practice Tests to be given approval to take a TExES exam. Approval for Practice Tests will be through the Certification Office in the College of Education with the Advisor’s consent. Practice Tests are administered through the Texas A&M International University Testing Center, by appointment only.
    3. Post-baccalaureate and graduate students must obtain a successful passing score on the Practice Test to be approved to take the corresponding State test.
    4. Alternative Certification Program students must complete six hours of test preparation and successfully complete a Practice Test to be approved to take the PPR exam.
  3. Exam sequence. Students seeking certification must take the required TExES in a prescribed sequence, noted below:
    1. Post-baccalaureate students must take the TExES exams in the following sequence:
      1. The Generalist/Content Exam in the specialization/major area. This test may not be taken until all coursework in the specialization/major area has been completed.
      2. Bilingual Target Language Proficiency Test (BTLPT) (Bilingual EC-6 and 408). Students must have successfully completed all required Spanish courses, as applicable, prior to taking the BTLPT. Student must pass the BTLPT to be eligible to take the Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities Exam (PPR).
      3. Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities Exam (PPR). To be eligible to take this test, students must have passed the Generalist/Content Area Exam and must be the teacher of record or enrolled in an internship in the area of specialization/major and grade level in which certification is being sought.
    2. ACP students must take required TExES exams in the following sequence:
      1. The Generalist/Content Exam in the specialization/major area. This exam is taken after the students has been admitted into the Alternative Certification Program, and must be passed before obtaining a teaching position in a public school.
      2. The Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities Exam (PPR). Students must have completed six hours of test preparation sessions, a Practice Test, EDCI 5300, be in good standing with the College of Education, and be in their first year of teaching to be eligible to take the PPR.
      3. Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities Exam (PPR). To be eligible to take this test, students must have passed the Generalist/Content Area Exam and must be the teacher of record or enrolled in an internship in the area of specialization/major and grade level in which certification is being sought.
  4. Taking a Second TExES Exam. Post-baccalaureate and ACP students must pass the TExES Exam they have been approved to take before attempting a second exam.
  5. Students pursuing Bilingual Certification. Students pursuing certification in Bilingual Education, EC-6, must take the Generalist Exam for EC-6 and the Bilingual Supplemental Exam (EC-12).
  6. Intervention. Post-baccalaureate, ACP, and graduate students who fail a TExES exam must complete an intervention designed to address domains/competencies on the exam which the student failed. Interventions will be carried out by faculty at Texas A&M International University. Students must successfully complete the intervention to be eligible to retake the TExES exam they failed.

Home - General Information - Student Services -
Academic Undergraduate Regulations -
Undergraduate Degrees - Academic Graduate Regulations -
Graduate Degrees - Course Descriptions - Faculty -
Appendix A - Appendix B - Appendix C - Appendix D