Teaching, Learning and Advocacy

Master of Education

(36 Credit Hours)

Teaching, Learning, and Advocacy

The School of Education, Health and Human Performance offers an M.Ed. in Teaching, Learning and Advocacy (MTLA) to provide advanced study for anyone who is interested in becoming an educational leader and advocate for students, public schools and the teaching profession. The program focuses primarily on improving educational practices, policies and learning environments for students, especially those living in poverty. All students complete a set of six (18 credits) core courses that develop the following skills: research, advocacy, policy analysis, self-reflection and the application of theory to practice.

Students deepen their knowledge and skills in one of four concentrations: Curriculum and Instruction, Diverse Learners, New Literacies or Science and Math. Each concentration involves 18 credit hours.

Concentrations

Curriculum and Instruction Concentration

This concentration allows students to gain and deepen knowledge of theories and practices that inform the development and implementation of P-12 curriculum and instruction. They increase their skills in curriculum development, implementation, and evaluation that drive curricula and instructional strategies. Depending on the students’ interests, they may pursue an endorsement in Project-Based Learning or fulfill Read to Succeed requirements.

New Literacies

This concentration allows students to deepen and gain knowledge and skills in foundational and new literacies that align with the state standards. They deepen their content and pedagogical knowledge of the foundational literacies of reading and writing while connecting these to the new literacies such as digital technologies, non-print texts and multimodal texts. These courses fulfill the South Carolina Read to Succeed requirements.

Science and Mathematics

This concentration allows students to deepen existing knowledge and skills to better teach the STEM subjects. They increase their knowledge of science and math content, learn new, reform-based teaching strategies and develop expertise in inquiry while advocating for equity and excellence through high quality science and math instruction.

Admissions Criteria

Institutional Requirements

  • A completed application form with a nonrefundable application fee of $50.
  • Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate coursework. An earned bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university is required.
  • International applicants should refer to the international students area within the "Admissions Section" of the graduate school catalog for information on providing the appropriate documentation with the application.

Program Requirements
       To be admitted to the degree program, the applicant is required to have:

  • Either a minimum GPA of 2.500 for the bachelor's degree, or teacher certification or official GRE scores.
  • Three letters of recommendation which indicate potential for success in graduate work.
  • A 750-word essay describing 1.) the applicants personal and professional background, 2.) interest in the program, 3.) contributions to the program, 4.) evidence of experience in teaching, advocacy and/or policy, and 5.) desired personal and professional outcomes.

Tuition

For the most up-to-date information, visit Treasurer's Office Tuition and Fees.

Application Deadlines

Fall
Priority: January 15
Final: July 1

Summer
Priority: January 15
Final: April 1

Spring
Priority: November 1
Final: December 1

Contact Information

Will McCorkle
program director
843.953.0831

Additional Information