Program Overview
The Master of Education in Secondary Education program has been offered at WCU for more than 70 years. Today, the program offers three options to train teachers to become leaders and to inspire learning in students. Students explore the history and nature of education and public schools, the historical effects of socioeconomic disparity and racial/cultural bias on the development of public schools, curriculum, and student achievement, as well as adolescent development and the various societal issues that affect development. Courses throughout the program are connected by themes of social justice, culturally relevant pedagogy, and conversations of the social content of education and communities influence on public schools and adolescence.
Tracks
Master’s Education with Certification
This program allows candidates to earn a Master’s degree and teacher certification simultaneously. The program includes graduate courses in educational foundations, special education, literacy, English Language Learners and content specific learning and teaching courses. Candidates participate in field placements and a full semester of student teaching. Accepted candidates will develop a plan of study with their graduate advisor that best suits their needs.
Master’s Education with Certification Residency
The M.Ed. Residency option is a 13-month program that includes an intensive summer program of foundational principles of teaching followed by a one year residency in a public school. Candidates will be paired with a mentor teacher and work alongside them to build their pedagogical skills and pedagogical content knowledge. Candidates who successfully complete the program earn an M.Ed. degree and teacher certification simultaneously.
Secondary Education MEd - Residency for NOYCE
The Secondary Education MEd - Residency for NOYCE at WCU combines graduate courses with intensive classroom experiences followed by four years of mentoring and professional development in the schools where candidates teach. Students who successfully complete this innovative, apprentice-based program earn an M.Ed. and teacher certification simultaneously. Focused specifically on STEM programs in high-need schools, graduates make a four-year commitment to a mentoring program to support their early career trajectory and goals. This program is partially funded by the National Science Foundation NOYCE grant, and provides scholarship funds, an education grant, and supplemental pay for successful candidates.
Program Highlights
- Immersive classroom experiences
- Earn teacher certification simultaneously with master’s degree
- Hands-on advisors and mentors
- Rooted in social justice
- Opportunity for specializations
What can I do with this degree?