Elementary Education

Curriculum, Assessment and Instruction (M.S., M.Ed., Ed.S.)

Master of Science (M.S.): The M.S. is a research-oriented degree which culminates in conducting a master’s thesis, guided by a committee of three faculty from the program or related fields. This is a 30-credit-hour program, including six credits of thesis research. Four courses (12 credits) are the same as for the M.Ed., as follows:

M.S. only requirement:

EHD 510 - Introduction to Educational Research

In addition, students must complete six credits of thesis and three credits of research methods (Educational Research (EHD 575); Statistical Methods in Education (EHD 573); or Qualitative Research: Theory, Design, and Practice (EHD 571), as well as a three-course area of specialization chosen in consultation with the adviser and approved by the thesis committee. Depending on the student’s prior coursework, experience, and the thesis topic, the thesis committee may require a second research methods course in place of one of the specialization courses.

Master’s of Education (M.Ed.): The Master of Education program in Curriculum, Assessment and Instruction is designed for teachers who, while continuing a career in classroom teaching, seek to assume responsibility and leadership roles in enhancing standards in the areas of curriculum, assessment and instruction. The degree requires a minimum of 33 credit hours and is offered either completely online or through a combination of online and on-campus courses. The following six online courses (18 credits) are required of all students:

EHD 521 - Classroom Practice to Improve Learning
EHD 533 - Dynamics of the Curriculum
EHD 519 - Formative Assessments: Research, Practice and Policy
EHD 541 - Prevention and Intervention in School Settings
EHD 586 - Seminar: Action Research in PreK-12 Schools - offered Fall only.
EHD 587 - Practicum: Action Research in PreK-12 Schools - offered Spring only.

The Education Specialist (Ed.S.) provides a cohesive program of professional development beyond the master’s level for educational specialists. A master’s degree in the Ed.S. subject matter or related area is required for admission. The program of study is individually planned by the student and the student’s advisor. For candidates with a master’s degree in the subject matter, a minimum of 30 credit hours of work beyond the master’s level is required to earn the Ed.S. Candidates without a master’s degree in the subject matter will be required to complete additional credits beyond the program’s minimum degree requirements. Candidates must complete a minimum of 12 semester hours in professional education coursework at the 500- and/or 600-level at the University of Maine. All work for the Ed.S. must be completed within six years.