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 educators toward professional competency and intellectual maturity. The non-thesis program requires 31–42 semester hours of study. The K-12 M.A.Ed. specializations include Literacy, Mild/Moderate Educational Needs, Educational Technology, and School Leadership. Literacy and Educational Technology can lead to Ohio endorsements. Mild/Moderate Educational Needs and School Leadership can lead to licensure. We also have a program that leads to the Superintendent license. Successful completion of Ohio Assessments for Educator exams is required for licensure and endorsement eligibility with the exception of Educational Technology.

Depending on the program, the K-12 M.A.Ed. program is offered in two formats: traditional, on-campus study; and online. An option can be available for a cohort in a specific program in K-12 settings.

Programs for the Master of Arts in Education curriculum for teachers include a specialization and an Advanced Practice Minor.  Candidates acquire a deep understanding and advanced skills in their area of specialization.  Degree candidates also earn an Advanced Practice minor that broadens their preparation and allows for an additional teaching focus.  Students who are not completing a master’s degree do not complete a minor.

The M.A.Ed. program also includes a specialization for college and university leadership preparation through the Leadership in Higher Education (LHE) program. The LHE program may be completed in a full-time format and is offered for part-time study to individuals who are employed in college or university settings.

Attributes (K-12)

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 (K-12)

Online and in-person courses are offered fall and spring semesters and during two summer sessions. Campus classes are scheduled in the evening during fall, spring, and summer I. In the summer II session, classes meet during the day.

Accreditation (K-12)

The teacher preparation programs at Baldwin Wallace University are accredited by CAEP, The Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation. 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 has also 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:
 

1. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
2. A valid teaching certificate/license. This is not required of License + Master’s, M.A.Ed. in Science or Math, Leadership in Higher Education or Educational Technology applicants.
3. Two letters of recommendation (one for school partnership candidates) from former professors, principals, supervisors, or other persons qualified to estimate the applicant’s ability to successfully complete graduate study in education. Superintendent candidates need one letter of recognition from a superintendent or designee holding a superintendent’s license.
4. An undergraduate cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (on a four-point scale).

Applicants with less than a 3.0 GPA, but not lower than 2.75 may be considered for admission upon completion of an interview with one or more Department of Education faculty member(s).

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 6 credit hours in order to continue as a degree candidate in the program.

An applicant who already holds a master’s degree—in education or in a teaching field—from an accredited college or university may have his/her application reviewed based on the graduate degree work only if there is at least 60 credit hours of graduate coursework.

All admissions will be made through the Admission Office with guidance on specific programs from the Associate Director of Admissions, Department of Education Program Directors, and/or the Dean of the College of Education and Health Sciences.

Admission as a Non-Degree (Special) Student (K-12)

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

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

The Degree

Degree Completion

The program can be completed in as little as two years of part-time study. Licenses and endorsements may be completed in less time.

Degree Requirements

The M.A.Ed. program is a non-thesis program for teachers requiring 31–44 semester hours to complete. All programs require either a capstone, internship, or practicum. 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 Department of Education. Newsletters 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. An “I” will be changed to an “F” if the work is not completed in that timeframe. 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 K-12 MAEd 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: 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 program sections for these prerequisites.

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

1. Failure to meet the above standards for any transition point or
2. 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 Dean of the College of Education & Health Sciences. An appeal consists of a formal letter addressed to the Dean 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 M.A.Ed. Faculty 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 Dean of the College of Education & Health Sciences. Following this action, should the candidate still feel that the matter is unresolved, he or she may appeal to the Office of the Provost. 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.

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:

1. Successful completion of the program coursework as outlined with a minimum of 31-42 credit hours
2. A 3.0 cumulative grade point average in total work competed while registered in the Master of Arts in Education program
3. Completion of all degree requirements within a six-year period from the date of initial enrollment in Department of Education graduate courses

School Partnership Program (K-12)

Baldwin Wallace University has a partnership agreement with over 200 schools/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.
See the BW website for a current list of partnership school districts.

Information is available about how a school district may join the School Partnership Program by contacting the Associate Dean of K-12 M.A.Ed. Programs.

Time Limits

Candidates must complete degree requirements within the six-year maximum limit.

All degree work in School Leadership, Mild/Moderate Educational Needs, Leadership in Technology, Literacy, and Leadership in Higher Education must be completed within six years of initial enrollment in graduate, degree-eligible courses at BW.

All program coursework in Leadership in Technology must be completed within 3 years of initial enrollment or additional coursework/testing may be required.

Applications for endorsement must be submitted to the Ohio Department of Education within 12 months of your program/degree completion date or additional coursework/testing may be required.

Extensions of the six-year limit will be considered upon petition to the Director of K-12 M.A.Ed. 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:

1. No more than nine semester hours of course work may be transferred as equivalents to the M.A.Ed. requirements.
2. Credits to be transferred may not have been used to fulfill requirements for another degree.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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 K-12 M.A.Ed. Programs along with original transcripts, course descriptions, and course syllabi or outlines.
6. No more than six hours may be transferred toward an Advanced Practice minor.

State License Examination (K-12)

The State Board of Education of Ohio requires the Ohio Assessment for Educators Examinations for all candidates seeking licensure at any level. 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 are strongly encouraged to take exams as soon as possible following completion of the program and apply for license/endorsement within the stated time limits.  Baldwin Wallace has a Licensure Specialist to assist students with questions about licensure application.

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 holds on registration are placed if an account has a balance. 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 professional development 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. Online professional development workshops are available. See BW website for additional information.

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 3.0 in the final 60 hours of their undergraduate degree.

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 may replace graduate courses for some of the undergraduate professional education courses.

Upon completion of all requirements, the student earns an initial license, a master’s degree, and applicable endorsement or license in the master’s specialization. The candidate will not be recommended for initial 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) License with Reading Endorsement (K-12).
• Adolescent Young Adult Education (grades 7 -12) License with Mild/Moderate Educational Needs License (K-12).
• Adolescent Young Adult Education (grades 7 -12) License with Educational Technology Endorsement (K-12).
• Multi-Age License (grades PK-12) with Reading Endorsement (K-12).
• Multi-Age License (grades PK-12) with Mild/Moderate Educational Needs License (K-12).
• Multi-Age License (grades PK-12) with Educational Technology Endorsement (K-12).
• Intervention Specialist License - Mild/Moderate Educational Needs License (K-12).

Master of Arts in Education Programs

Curriculum for Teachers

Programs for the Master of Arts in Education, curriculum for teachers, include a specialization and an Advanced Practice Minor. Candidates acquire a deep understanding and advanced skills in their area of specialization. Degree candidates also earn an Advanced Practice Minor that broadens their preparation and allows for an additional teaching focus. Students who are not completing a master’s degree do not complete a minor.