Master of Arts in Education

The Master of Arts in Education (M.A.Ed.) program at Baldwin Wallace University is designed to stimulate and guide Early Childhood, Middle Childhood, and Adolescent/Young Adult teachers toward professional competency and intellectual maturity. The non-thesis program for teachers requires 34–42 semester hours of study.

M.A.Ed. specializations include Literacy, Mild/Moderate Educational Needs, Educational Technology, School Leadership and Teaching & Learning. M.A.Ed. specialization for College and University leadership preparation is Leadership in Higher Education. Literacy and Educational Technology can lead to endorsements. Mild/Moderate Educational Needs and School Leadership can lead to licensure. Successful completion of Praxis II exams is required for licensure and endorsement eligibility with the exception of Educational Technology.

The M.A.Ed. program is offered in three formats: traditional, on-campus study; School Partnership Program cohorts in school settings; and in combination with undergraduate courses leading to post-bachelor’s licensure—the License+Master’s program. Three master’s level license or endorsement programs are offered online: Mild/Moderate Educational Needs, Literacy, and School Leadership.

The Master’s degree program is designed to meet the needs of today’s classroom teachers—those who are experienced as well as those entering the profession.

Attributes

The teacher education curriculum is arranged conceptually around six teacher/educator attributes: content knowledge, professional knowledge, pedagogical knowledge, diversity, educational technology, and professional dispositions. These six attributes comprise a conceptual framework for guiding the academic experiences of all students.

Academic Policies and Information

Academic Calendar

Courses are offered fall and spring semesters and during two consecutive summer sessions. Classes are scheduled in the late afternoon or early evening during fall, spring, summer I. Classes meet during the day in the summer II session.

Accreditation

The teacher preparation programs at Baldwin Wallace University are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). This accreditation includes both undergraduate and graduate programs leading to initial or advanced teacher licensure or endorsement in the state of Ohio. The accreditation does not include individual education courses that the institution offers to P-12 educators for professional development, re-licensure, or other purposes. Baldwin Wallace University is also approved by the American Chemical Association and has been approved by the Association of American Universities since 1931.The University is a member of the Association of American Colleges, the American Council on Education, and the American Association of Colleges of Teacher Education. The graduate program in education was approved by the Ohio Board of Regents in May 1974 and was initiated in January 1975.

Admission Requirements

Although each applicant for admission to the graduate program in education will be judged on individual merit, requirements include the following:

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
A valid teaching certificate/license*
An undergraduate cumulative grade point average of 2.6 (on a four point scale) in the last two years (60 semester hours) of study.
Two letters of recommendation from former professors, principals, supervisors, or other persons qualified to estimate the applicant’s ability to successfully complete graduate study in education.

Applicants with less than a 2.75 GPA, but not lower than 2.6 may be considered for admission based on the basis of an acceptable score on the Miller’s Analogies Test (MAT).

Conditional admission may be extended to an applicant who does not meet these requirements but demonstrates exceptional potential as a graduate student. Conditional admission includes the stipulation to maintain a 3.0 cumulative grade point average for the 12 hour core in order to continue as a degree candidate in the program.

Applicants who do not successfully pass the (MAT) may petition to resubmit test scores after a lapse of one year.

Faculty members of the Division of Education and/or others associated with the admissions procedure reserve the right to require an applicant, regardless of grade point average, to take the Miller’s Analogies Test.

An applicant who already holds a master’s degree—in education or in a teaching field—from an accredited college or university will have his/her application reviewed based on the graduate degree work only.

All admissions will be made through the Admission Office with guidance on specific programs from the Director of Admissions and the Director of K-12 Master’s Programs.

*Not required of License+Master’s and Leadership in Higher Education applicants.

Admission as a Non-Degree (Special) Student

An applicant may be accepted for certain designated courses with evidence of a bachelor’s degree. This non-degree (special) classification may be retained provided the student’s work meets the standards of the regular graduate program. The non-degree student desiring to become a degree seeking student must meet admission requirements.

Code of Ethical and Professional Behavior

Baldwin Wallace University candidates in education are active, enthusiastic, and engaged members of the learning community.
Baldwin Wallace University candidates in education are reflective learners who engage in self-reflection and are open to and thoughtful about feedback from others.
Baldwin Wallace University candidates in education are respectful to other students, BW faculty and staff, school personnel, and parents and children in schools.
Baldwin Wallace University candidates in education demonstrate a level of responsibility appropriate for a professional.
Baldwin Wallace University candidates in education exhibit academic honesty.
Baldwin Wallace University candidates in education are dedicated to the profession and committed to continuous learning and professional development.
Baldwin Wallace University candidates in education value and respect people from diverse groups and with varied talents and perspectives.

Comprehensive Exams

All candidates will be required to successfully complete a four hour written, comprehensive exam covering the four core areas: Educational Studies, Educational Research, Psychological Foundations and Instructional Technology. To qualify for the comprehensive exam, candidates should have completed all four of the educational core courses. An application for the exam may be submitted at the beginning of the fourth core class.

The Division of Education will employ the following procedure when a candidate does not pass one or more questions of the comprehensive exam:

Re-write of the failed question(s) one time.
Repeat the specific course upon which the failed question(s) was based and retake that portion of the comprehensive exam.

The Degree

Degree Completion

The program can be completed in as little as two years of part-time study. All degree work must be completed within six years of initial enrollment in graduate, degree-eligible courses at BW.

Degree Requirements

The M.A.Ed. program is a non-thesis program for teachers requiring 34–42 semester hours to complete. See the M.A.Ed. Program of Studies information for requirements in each specific specialization.

Email Account

All students should activate their Baldwin Wallace email account and regularly review email messages. This is the main source of communication between students and the Division of Education. Newsletters, comprehensive examination information, and other important program information will be sent via BW email. Questions regarding set-up or use of your email account may be forwarded to the Information Technology Help Desk at 440-826-7000.

Grading System

At the conclusion of each course, letter grades are assigned to the student for the course work. Grades assigned are: A, B, C, F, I, T and W. Each grade has the following value in quality points: A, four; B, three; C, two; and F, zero. The “I” or incomplete grade is used when a student has been unavoidably delayed in finishing course work. This work must then be completed prior to the end of the 6th week of the subsequent semester. The “T” or temporary non-credit grade indicates that work in the course is continuing and is thus far satisfactory. The “W” is a withdrawal which earns no quality points.

A candidate who ceases to attend classes, but who does not officially withdraw, will receive a grade of “F” at the end of the semester. Withdrawal after the 9th week may be authorized by the Director of Advanced Programs and the Registrar only in cases of prolonged illness, change in employment, or other circumstances beyond the student’s control. In such a case, a written petition must be sent to the Director or the Registrar within one week after the last day of class attendance.

Continuation in the M.A.Ed. Program

Standards for Continuation and Completion of All Advanced Programs
All candidates enrolled in advanced programs must meet the following standards for continuation and completion of programs.

Transition points
Point one: Admission to the M.A.Ed. program. See catalog for admission requirements.

Point two: All candidates in advanced programs must earn a cumulative GPA of 3.0 upon completion of 12 hours of graduate study.

Point three: Candidates must have earned a cumulative GPA of 3.0 to sit for comprehensive examinations.

Point four: Candidates must have earned a cumulative GPA of 3.0 to qualify for graduation. They must also have a 3.0 cumulative GPA to meet eligibility requirements for State of Ohio endorsement or licensure. Note: Field experiences, practica, and internships may have additional eligibility requirements. See catalogue for these prerequisites.

Dismissal Based on Academic Performance: A candidate will be dismissed from the program for either of the following:

Failure to meet the above standards for any transition point or
Earning a grade of “F” in a graduate course.

Appeal of Dismissal
If a dismissed candidate wishes to be considered for continuation in the program, he/she must appeal to the Chair of the Division of Education. An appeal consists of a formal letter addressed to the Chair indicating the reason(s) for consideration of a return to the program. Appeal letters must be submitted within 12 months following dismissal from the program. The appeal is reviewed by a Graduate Faculty Appeals Committee. No further coursework may be taken until the appeal has been processed and a decision regarding re-entry to the program has been made. If the appeal is granted, the candidate has one (1) semester to achieve a 3.0 GPA, or satisfy the conditions specified by the Appeals Committee, in which case the dismissal status is removed and the candidate returns to candidacy status.

General Appeal Process

Any candidate has the right to request a review of a decision made regarding his/her academic program. In the event that the concern is with a faculty member, the candidate must first contact said individual. If the candidate does not feel that the problem has been resolved, he/she may appeal to the Chairperson of the Division of Education. Following this action, should the candidate still feel that the matter is unresolved, he or she may appeal to the Office of the Dean. Candidates are strongly encouraged to contact their academic advisors for guidance and support in these matters.

Attendance

Each instructor is asked to have a clearly stated attendance policy included in each course syllabus. However, in the absence of this policy, the University policy will prevail. Instructors are not required to excuse absences in excess of ten percent of class meetings.

Graduate Student/Alumni Association

The purpose of the Association is to promote a continuing and growing fellowship among the alumni and current students of the Graduate Education program at Baldwin Wallace University; encourages continuing professional growth and social interaction; and, provides input into the various programs.

For more information, please contact:
The Alumni and Parent Relations Office
(440) 826-2104

Graduation Requirements

The candidate for the Master of Arts in Education degree (M.A.Ed.) is expected to meet the following degree requirements for graduation:

Successful completion of the program coursework as outlined with a minimum of 34-42 credit hours
A 3.0 cumulative grade point average in total work attempted while registered in the Master of Arts in Education program
Completion of all degree requirements within a six-year period from the date of initial enrollment in Division of Education graduate courses
Successful completion of a comprehensive examination.

School Partnership Program

Baldwin Wallace University has a partnership agreement with over 40 school districts which provides significant benefits to teachers in those districts including lower tuition costs, small class sizes both onsite or on campus and a simplified application process.
Current Partnership Schools are:

Amherst Exempted Village
Avon Lake
Avon Local
Bay Village
Bedford
Berea
Black River Local
Brecksville/Broadview Hts.
Brooklyn
Brunswick
Buckeye Local
Clearview Local
Cleveland Metropolitan
Cloverleaf Local
Constellation Schools
Cuyahoga County Educational Service Center
Cuyahoga Valley Career Center
Elyria
Fairview Park
Garfield Hts.
Highland Local
Independence
Lakewood
Lorain
Lutheran Schools
Medina
Medina County Educational Service Ctr.
Medina County Career Center
Medina County MRDD
Midview Local
Nordonia Hills
North Ridgeville
North Royalton
Olmsted Falls
Parma
Polaris Career Center
Revere Local
Rocky River
STEP Center for Excellence in Autism
South-Euclid Lyndhurst
Strongsville
Twinsburg
Wadsworth
Walsh Jesuit
Westlake

Information is available about how a school district may join the School Partnership Program by contacting the Director of K-12 Master’s Programs at 440-826-8582.

Time Limits

Candidates must complete degree requirements within the six-year maximum limit. Extensions of the six-year limit will be considered upon petition to the Director of K-12 Master’s Programs. The petition should include reasons for needing additional time and indicate a proposed completion date—not to exceed one year extension.

Transfer Policy

Credits transferred for application toward the Master of Arts in Education degree are subject to the following conditions:

No more than nine semester hours of course work may be transferred as equivalents to the M.A.Ed. requirements. (Approved by Division Faculty, 2010)
Credits to be transferred may not have been used to fulfill requirements for another degree.
Credits to be transferred must have been recorded as graduate credit, applicable toward degree eligibility at the granting institution; the granting institution must be fully accredited for graduate studies.
Credits to be transferred must have been earned within a six-year period immediately preceding the student’s initial graduate course work at Baldwin Wallace University.
Grades must be a “B” or better for courses to transfer to the M.A.Ed. program. Candidates must complete a Request for Transfer form and submit it to the Director of Advanced Programs along with original transcripts, course descriptions, and course syllabi or outlines.

State License Examination

The State Board of Education of Ohio requires the Praxis II Examinations for all candidates seeking licensure at any level—early childhood education, middle childhood education, adolescent education, multi-age education, and mild/moderate. License+Master’s candidates will not be recommended for licensure until all of the requirements are completed and the candidate is eligible for the Master of Arts in Education degree.

Candidates currently possessing a license and seeking an endorsement will be tested only in the areas that they intend to add to their license. Thus, candidates adding reading to their license must take the exam in reading. License+Master’s candidates must take all required exams for licensure and endorsements.

A candidate for licensure may take any or all required exams as many times as needed, provided the candidate fulfills registration and fee requirements for each exam.

Tuition and Fees

A non-refundable, non-transferable application fee is required at the time of application. The Master of Arts in Education program is fully approved for veterans’ educational benefits. Please refer to the Baldwin Wallace University posted charges for tuition information.

Payment of tuition must be made prior to the first day of each semester, even if you are receiving tuition benefits from your employer for which you will be reimbursed at a later date. Special payment arrangements must be made with the approval of the Bursar. Transcripts, grades and other official certifications will not be released for students whose accounts are not paid. Financial aid in the form of Guaranteed Student Loans is available to graduate students.

Refund Policy

Candidates who withdraw from a course will receive a refund of their tuition payment in accordance with the standard published refund table.

Students with Disabilities

The Office of Disability Services at Baldwin Wallace University exists to provide support to students with special needs. Please contact them if you anticipate seeking any accommodations related to your disability while you are at Baldwin Wallace.

Baldwin Wallace University endeavors to provide reasonable accommodations for every student who has a documented disability.

Workshop Admission

An applicant may be accepted for graduate workshops with evidence of teaching experience and a bachelor’s degree. An unlimited number of workshops may be taken. However, workshop credit may not be applied towards the master’s degree.

License+Master’s Program

The License+Master’s program is a licensure program for candidates with a degree, but no license. To be admitted to the License+Master’s program candidates must hold a cumulative grade point average of 2.75 in the final 60 hours of their undergraduate degree. Candidates who hold an overall grade point average of less than 2.75 but greater than 2.60 may be asked to take the Miller’s Analogies Test to supplement their application.

As a general rule the bachelor’s degree from an accredited 4-year institution of higher education fulfills the general education requirements. To obtain licensure, the student must complete required undergraduate professional education courses, teaching field courses, student teaching, and additional graduate courses which replace undergraduate professional education courses.

Upon completion of all requirements, the student earns a license in the specialty area, a master’s degree, and applicable endorsement or license in the master’s specialization. The candidate will not be recommended for licensure until all of the requirements are completed and the candidate is eligible for the Master of Arts in Education degree.

Program sheets delineating the requirements for each License+Master’s program may be obtained on the BW website. The following are the License+Master’s programs available at Baldwin Wallace University:

Early Childhood Education License (Pre-K through grade 3) with Reading Endorsement (K-12).
Early Childhood Education License (Pre-K through grade 3) with Mild/Moderate Educational Needs License (K-12).
Early Childhood Education License (Pre-K through grade 3) with Educational Technology Endorsement (K-12).
Option for Early Childhood Generalist Endorsement (grades 4-5)
Middle Childhood Education (grades 4-9) with Reading Endorsement (K-12).
Middle Childhood Education (grades 4-9) with Mild/Moderate Educational Needs License (K-12).
Middle Childhood Education (grades 4-9) with Educational Technology Endorsement (K-12).
Option for Middle Childhood Generalist (grades 4-6)
Adolescent Young Adult Education (grades 7 -12) /Multi-Age License with Reading Endorsement (K-12).
Adolescent Young Adult Education (grades 7 -12) /Multi-Age License with Mild/Moderate Educational Needs License (K-12).
Adolescent Young Adult Education (grades 7 -12) /Multi-Age License with Educational Technology Endorsement (K-12).

Intervention Specialist License - Mild/Moderate Educational Needs License (K-12).