Academic Departments
 Adolescent, Career and Special Education 
 Early Childhood and Elementary Education 
 Educational Studies, Leadership and Counseling
 

Early Childhood and Elementary Education. The strong field-based orientation of this department and the diverse professional preparation and expertise of the faculty combine to provide students with professional preparation in the areas of early elementary grades, gifted education, interdisciplinary early childhood  and reading education. These programs reflect high standards of quality and relevance.

Educational Studies, Leadership and Counseling. Graduate programs in administration, supervision, guidance and counseling and school psychology are designed to train students to work in preschool through high school educational environments. In addition, there is a human development and leadership degree that trains students to work in administrative positions and take leadership roles in a wide variety of settings. A 60-hour program in non-school community counseling is also available. Students study with professionally active faculty in learning settings that are large enough to maximize learning yet small enough to provide a close working relationship between students and instructor. The on-campus facilities are designed to reflect recent trends in technology.

Degrees. Degrees offered by the College of Education are master of arts in education, master of arts, master of science, and specialist in education. The college is a participant in a joint doctoral program (doctor of education or doctor of philosophy) with the University of Reading, England. Students who are interested in doctoral programs in education should see their advisors or the coordinator of graduate programs for further information.

Graduate certificates. The College of Education offers numerous programs toward Kentucky teacher certification at the post baccalaureate and post master’s levels. They are described under the appropriate departments.

NOTE:  Requirements for teacher certification are established by the Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board. Murray State University publishes these requirements as a service to students, but certification requirements outlined in this Bulletin may not reflect latest board policy. For up-to-date information, students should check with the chairs of the professional education departments. Students should also check the Kentucky Administrative Regulations (available in the Legal Resources Library and the Kentucky Department of Education website -www.kde.state.ky.us

Specialist in Education Degrees
The primary purpose of the specialist in education degree is to provide a plan of advanced study for educators seeking clearly defined educational positions. The program provides greater depth of specialization than is possible at the master’s level, and each candidate’s plan of study will be tailored to meet individual needs.

Programs leading to the specialist in education degree are offered in guidance and counseling, school administration, elementary education, middle school education, and secondary education.

Admission to graduate study. An individual seeking a specialist degree who is not already a graduate student at Murray State University must apply to Graduate Admissions for admission to graduate study. An individual who has completed requirements for a master’s degree at Murray State University must apply for readmission before the individual can be accepted for the specialist in education degree program. In addition, official records of (1) all graduate work, (2) all undergraduate work, and (3) Graduate Record Examination scores, if applicable, must be sent to Graduate Admissions.

Requirements for Admission
In addition to Murray State University requirements (see Chapter 2), an applicant must have:
• a master’s degree or acceptable alternative from a regionally accredited college or university;
• basic graduate courses in the areas of educational research, educational foundations, and curriculum;
• one year of successful experience in a certified position in an educational setting;
• evidence of satisfactory scholarship;
• selection of an appropriate field of specialization;
• a satisfactory score on the aptitude section of the Graduate Record Examination if required by the department; and
• approval by the graduate faculty in the specialization field.

Total Course Requirements
For all specialist programs in the College of Education, students must complete a minimum of 50 percent of their coursework, excluding thesis and practicum credit, in courses numbered 600 or above. Specific requirements for each degree program are outlined under the department listings.

Other Degree Requirements
In addition to other Murray State University requirements (see Chapter 3), the student must apply for admission to candidacy upon completion of the first nine hours of the graduate program.
Requirements for all post master’s programs include:
• 15 hours in courses open to graduate students only;
• a grade average of B with no course accepted with a grade lower than C.

Committee. The student’s committee will be appointed by the collegiate coordinator of graduate programs during the first semester of work on the specialist in education degree. Until the committee is appointed, the chair of the department or division concerned, or a designated representative, will act as the student’s program advisor. This committee, in consultation with the student, will develop a plan of study and will guide the student’s specialty study.

Specialty study. Specialty study (3-6 hours of credit) must embody results of a study directly related to the candidate’s area of specialization. The original and three unbound copies of the specialty study including an abstract (1200-1500 words), suitable for publication, must be presented to the appropriate department or division in final approved form at least two weeks before the close of the term in which the student is to be certified for graduation. The form and style of the specialty study shall follow Guidelines for the Preparation of Master’s Theses, available in Graduate Admissions of Murray State University.

The specialty study topic must be approved by the student’s committee. After the topic has been approved, the student may enroll for ADM/EDU/GUI 798 and/or 799.

The completed specialty study must be approved by the student’s committee and the department chair before the student is eligible to take comprehensive examinations.

Final examinations. Each candidate will be required to pass a comprehensive examination, administered by the student’s committee some time during the graduate program, based on specific department requirements.

Master’s Degree Programs
These requirements are in addition to the general requirements for all graduate students listed in Chapter 2.

Requirements for Admission
All students applying for admission to a master’s degree program offered by the College of Education and/or leading to certification must have completed a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Some program areas require a score on the general test (V + Q) of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE); consult departmental sections of this bulletin.

Unconditional
To qualify for unconditional admission, an applicant must have:
• an appropriate undergraduate major;
• a GPA of 3.0;
• some programs in the college require a Kentucky letter of eligibility for the beginning teacher internship program or a Kentucky provisional certificate or comparable documentation from another state department of education. Contact departmental chair for information;
• international students must meet TOEFL score requirements listed on page 24.

Conditional
Conditional admission may be granted to students who meet one of the following guidelines:
• an undergraduate GPA of at least 2.5 but less than 3.0;
• all unconditional admission requirements specified above except coursework to meet requirements for appropriate majors or certification.
Students who do not meet admissions criteria specified above may be reviewed by the appropriate departmental graduate committee. Following a full review of all student records, that committee will:
A. recommend conditional admission (permissible only when the student meets university graduate admission requirements), carefully specifying conditions; or
B. recommend remediation and reschedule that student for departmental graduate committee admission review once remediation is complete; or
C. deny admission.
Students admitted conditionally who complete nine hours of graduate work will be reassigned to unconditional status. A student admitted conditionally who has a GPA of less than 3.00 will be dropped from the graduate program. A graduate student dropped for academic reasons may reapply after remaining out of the graduate program for one semester.

Candidacy for the Master’s Degree
At the completion of nine semester hours of graduate work at Murray State University or one semester in residence the student must apply for candidacy for the degree. In addition to general university requirements for candidacy specified in Chapter 3, candidates for the master’s degree in the College of Education must (1) submit appropriate Graduate Record Examination scores if required, and (2) be admitted unconditionally to the master’s program or have satisfied all conditions specified by the department for conditional admission.

Additional Requirements
For thesis and non-thesis track options in all College of Education graduate degree programs, see descriptions under appropriate departments.

For all master’s programs in the College of Education, students must complete a minimum of 50 percent of their coursework, excluding thesis and practicum credit, in courses numbered 600 or above.

Students may transfer up to 12 semester hours of credit from a regionally accredited institution, providing such credit is acceptable to the student’s major department and approved by the student’s advisor. The grade in a transfer course must be B or better.

A student may be admitted to graduate work in education but must complete teacher certification requirements before the master’s degree is conferred. Some graduate programs in education have prerequisites that include teacher certification. Students who desire admission to these programs but do not hold teacher certification may seek a waiver. Please contact the appropriate department chair.

All candidates for the master of arts in education degree must take a minimum of 12 hours in courses to strengthen the area of specialization and a minimum of 12 hours in professional education. Any student who does not hold a valid teacher’s certificate upon entering this program must complete the requirements for certification before the degree can be granted.

Requirements for all post master’s programs include:
• 15 hours in courses open to graduate students only;
• a grade average of B with no course accepted with a grade lower than C.
Candidates may be required to pass a comprehensive examination developed and administered by the appropriate academic department and/or develop a professional portfolio.

Non Degree Post Master’s Certification Programs (Rank I)
Requirements for Admission
In addition to Murray State University requirements (see Chapter 2), an applicant must have:
• a master’s degree or completed fifth year program from a regionally accredited institution;
• an application to the appropriate department of the College of Education, submitted to Graduate Admissions of Murray State University;
• an official transcript of all graduate work, sent to Graduate Admissions, if the degree was not earned at Murray State University;
• completion of all required examinations for admission to the graduate program; and
• a valid teaching certificate.

Additional Requirements
Upon admission to the program, an advisor will be assigned to guide the student’s work. 

Prior to enrolling in the first course of the post master’s study, the student must submit a program of study that has been planned with the assigned advisor. The program of studies must be approved by the student’s advisor and the collegiate coordinator of graduate programs and filed in Graduate Admissions during the first semester of study.

Requirements for all post master’s programs include:
•  15 hours in courses open to graduate students only;
•  a grade average of B with no course accepted with a grade lower than C;
•  a minimum of 15 hours earned at Murray State University.

Non Degree Post Baccalaureate Certification Programs
The College of Education offers fifth year programs for the renewal of provisional teaching certificates and Rank II classification.

Requirements for Admission
In addition to Murray State University requirements (see Chapter 2), the applicant must have a Kentucky teaching certification or its equivalent.

Additional Requirements
The fifth year program will be planned individually with each applicant by the assigned advisor. After the fifth-year program has been planned with the individual it is subject to the approval of the collegiate coordinator of graduate programs.

Requirements for all post baccalaureate programs include:
• 32 hours with a grade point average of no less than that required for teacher education graduates and for the total program;
•  at least 12 hours in 500-600 level coursework;
•  at least 12 hours in professional education;
• at least 12 hours from the area of the teacher’s specialization;
• a maximum of 12 hours of work transferred from another senior college.
Note: Credit earned at a junior college or earned by correspondence or challenge examinations cannot be applied toward the fifth-year program. Courses previously taken for credit may not be repeated for credit.

Fifth-Year Program
State regulations regarding fifth-year programs provide that a portion of the college coursework may be replaced with prior approved staff development activities. This provision is not acceptable in every discipline and in all instances is only applicable when approved in advance by the student’s advisor and included in a planned fifth-year program. Contact the department chair for information related to fifth-year programs.

Initial Teaching Certification for Graduate Students
Graduate students who currently hold no teaching certificate may become eligible for certification if they enroll in an initial certification program, meet the criteria for admission to teacher education and student teaching outlined below and fulfill the requirements for certification.

Requirements for Admission to Teacher Education and Student Teaching
Teacher education. In order to be admitted to teacher education, a student must:
• demonstrate general academic proficiency;
• have an overall undergraduate GPA of 2.45;
• be recommended by a Murray State University academic advisor;
• demonstrate basic skills in the areas of written communication, oral communication, mathematics, spelling, reading, and English mechanics;
• complete an introduction to education course; and
• be successfully reviewed by the Admission to Teacher Education Committee of the appropriate college.
Student teaching. In order to be eligible for student teaching, a student must:
• be admitted to teacher education;
• have completed all required major, minor and professional teacher education courses with a minimum GPA of 2.45;
• have an overall undergraduate GPA of at least 2.45;
• have demonstrated computer literacy and competence with education-related computer applications;
• have demonstrated teaching ability in field and practicum situations;
• be successfully reviewed by the Admission to Teacher Education Committee of the appropriate college; and
• have supplied the Teacher Education Services office with any other required information.

General Requirements for Certification in Kentucky
Any person who wishes initial certification in the Commonwealth of Kentucky must have:
• completed a teacher education program (including student teaching);
• earned a passing score on the Praxis II Specialty Exam(s) and the Principles of Learning and Teaching exam;
• applied for a statement of eligibility; and
• successfully completed a one-year Kentucky teacher internship.
Records and information on all the above standards and requirements are maintained in the Teacher Education Services Office, 2101 Alexander Hall, (270) 762-2054.

Education Services
Environmental Education Center. The Environmental Education Center, 320 Alexander Hall, offers services to pre-service and in-service teachers and other interested persons in the Murray State University service region. Materials and consulting services are available through the center. For additional information, contact the Environmental Education Center, (270) 762-2537.
Teacher Education Services. The College of Education provides students enrolled in teacher education programs with a wide variety of clinical and field experiences, including opportunities to observe and participate in regular public school classrooms.
Teacher Education Services, 2101 Alexander Hall, is responsible for the coordination of admission to teacher education, recommendations for certification and rank changes, field participation activities, student teaching, teacher education records, the alternative route for certification, and the Kentucky Teacher Internship Program for first-year teachers in the Murray State University service region.
Center for Education Finance and Law. The Center for Education Finance and Law serves as a current resource, clearinghouse and research facility for information relative to public school funding equity and adequacy litigation that has occurred in a majority of states. For additional information, contact The 
Center for Education Finance and Law, (270) 762-6471.
Center for Gifted Studies. The Center for Gifted Studies serves as a resource to support excellence in Gifted Education. The Center, located at 3205 Alexander Hall, collaborates with pre-service and graduate education students, the school psychology program, and educators to provide services to parents and gifted children in the region. Special professional development programs for teachers and enrichment opportunities for gifted students are available during the academic year and the summer. The William O. Price Gifted Resource Collection contains books and other educational materials that are available on loan. For additional information, contact the Center for Gifted Education, (270) 762-2539.
 
 

Department of Adolescent, Career and Special Education Chair - Martin Jacobs 3200D Alexander Hall 270-762-2538

The Department of Adolescent, Career and Special Education prepares graduate level educators to use current theory and the research process to develop and implement effective diagnostic and remedial strategies. The specialist degree is offered at the middle school and secondary school settings. A student may complete a master of arts in education degree in middle school education, secondary education, and special education. A master of science degree is offered in career and technical education. In addition to the master’s programs, fifth-year, and Rank I programs are available in middle, secondary, and special education. The department’s programs are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). 

Requirements for Admission
Applicants must meet Murray State University requirements (see Chapter 2) and the College of Education requirements given at the beginning of this chapter.

Requirements for Candidacy for a Master’s Degree
See Murray State requirements in Chapter 3 and College of Education requirements at the beginning of this chapter.

Total Course Requirements 30 hours
EDP 675 Advanced Educational Psychology
EDU 622 Philosophy of Education -or-
EDU 623 Educational Sociology
EDU 798 Specialty Study
MID 640 Middle School Curriculum
Courses approved by specialist committee (15 hrs)

Other Degree Requirements
Defense of specialty study. See MSU/COE requirements.

Total Course Requirements 30 hours
EDP 675 Advanced Educational Psychology
EDU 622 Philosophy of Education -or-
EDU 623 Educational Sociology
EDU 798 Specialty Study
SEC 641 Building the Curriculum of the Secondary School
Courses approved by specialist committee (15 hrs)

Other Degree Requirements
Defense of specialty study. See MSU/COE requirements.

ACCREDITED BY:
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)

This non-thesis master of science degree in career and technical education is appropriate for teachers concentrating in agriculture, business and marketing, family and consumer sciences, technology education, industrial education, and adult education and industrial training. See your advisor for specific course recommendations as this degree may be used with appropriate emphasis to:
a) achieve Rank II classification for certified teachers in the career and technical education disciplines, 
b) complete the coursework required to become eligible to pursue vocational administration positions in supervision, coordination, and principalship, 
c) become eligible for initial certification in career and technical education (grades 5-12) when combined with an appropriate technical bachelor’s degree and /or other needed technical courses, and 
d) prepare members of business/industry in the development and operation of training programs.

Other degree requirements
· An approved program must include at least 15 semester hours at the 600 level or its equivalent.
· Students pursuing Rank II classification for certified CTE teachers may develop an individual program in consultation with their advisor.
· Students pursuing certification in the supervision and coordination of career and technical education may complete the requirements of the certificate as approved departmental electives. Contact a program advisor to identify certification prerequisites and to develop an approved program.
· Students pursuing initial teacher certification in CTE disciplines may complete the requirements of the certificate as approved departmental electives. Contact a program advisor to identify certification prerequisites and to develop an approved program.

Assessment
· All candidates must maintain a portfolio which demonstrates mastery of the knowledge and skills identified in the Kentucky Experienced Teacher Standards. This portfolio will be begun as a course requirement of CTE 675 and will be presented and defended to a faculty committee in lieu of a comprehensive examination.¹ Continuous assessment of student progress in demonstrating compliance with both the New Teacher Standards and the Experienced Teacher Standards will be assured as each student reviews progress in development of the portfolio each semester through meeting with the program advisor.
· Students must maintain a minimum graduate GPA of 3.0 as detailed in the current MSU graduate program standards.

 1See initial certification track for portfolio/assessment requirements.

ADM 663 School Law
ADM 664 School Principal
 and
One course from each of the following curriculum areas:

Organization and Administration of Vocational Education
CTE 560 Seminar in Career and Technical Education
CTE 671 Philosophy of Career and Technical Education
CTE 676 Organization and Administration of Career and Technical Education

Administration and Supervision of Education Personnel
ADM 650 Clinical Supervision
CTE 673 Supervision of Career and Technical Education

Program Planning, Research, and Evaluation in Vocational Education
CTE 561 Planning Technical Education Facilities
CTE 565 Program Planning and Evaluation
CTE 566 Special Problems in Career and Technical Education

Vocational Guidance/Industrial Psychology and Human Relations
ADM 624 School and Community Relations
CTE 562 School and Community Relations for the Technical Instructor
CTE 672 Vocational Guidance
GUI 678 Theories of Vocational Development
GUI 686 Education and Vocational Guidance
PSY 584 Industrial and Organizational Psychology

Note: Teacher certification requires a bachelors degree with major or area in approved technical discipline; additional prerequisite courses may be required; students must successfully complete all required assessments as identified in 704 KAR 20:305; additional requirements for admission to teacher education and student teaching must be met. See advisor for details. To become certified students must successfully complete the internship program identified in 704 KAR 10:690.

Additional Requirements
Contact Teacher Education Services for details on admission to student teaching.
Minimum Praxis II specialty examination and Principles of Learning and Teaching scores required for certification. See advisor for current cut-off scores.

ACCREDITED BY:
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).

Other Course Requirements
PSY 681 Advanced Adolescent Psychology
Courses supporting the teaching field or an educational
 endorsement specialization approved in advance by
 the student’s education advisor (12 hrs)

Other Degree Requirements
Defense of thesis. See MSU/COE requirements.

NON-THESIS TRACK
Total Course Requirements 33 hours
Same as above with the following substitution for thesis:

EDU 6491 Research in Education

Other Course Requirements
Elective (3 hrs)

Other Degree Requirements
Comprehensive examination. See MSU/COE requirements.

¹Should be taken immediately following ADM 630.

CIP 13.1205

ACCREDITED BY:
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).

THESIS TRACK
Total Course Requirements 33 hours
ADM 630 Methods of Educational Research
EDU 631 Motivation and Learning Theory
EDU 633 Curriculum Development
EDU 645 History of Education in the United States
EDU 698 Thesis

Other Course Requirements
EDU 621 Advanced Methods of Teaching
Courses supporting the teaching field or an educational
 endorsement specialization approved in advance by
 the student’s education advisor (12 hrs)

Other Degree Requirements
Defense of thesis. See MSU/COE requirements.

NON-THESIS TRACK
Total Course Requirements 33 hours
Same as above with the following substitution for thesis:

EDU 6491 Research in Education

Other Course Requirements
Elective (3 hrs)

Other Degree Requirements
Comprehensive examination. 

¹Should be taken immediately following ADM 630.

Students seeking the M.A.Ed. in secondary education may complete a business and marketing specialization with 12 hours of 500 or 600 level courses. Courses must be planned and approved by a business education advisor. BED 610 is required as one of the courses.

ACCREDITED BY:
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).

Students seeking the M.A.Ed. in secondary education may complete a specialization in health with 12-15 semester hours of health courses.

Students seeking the M.A.Ed. in secondary education may complete an industrial education specialization (including Family and Consumer Studies) with 12 hours of 500 or 600 level industrial education courses.

Students seeking the M.A.Ed. in secondary education may complete a specialization in physical education with 12-15 semester hours of physical education courses.

ACCREDITED BY:
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).

This program is designed for individuals certified in regular education who want certification in learning and behavior disorders. This program is also for individuals who hold a categorical special education certificate in one or more areas such as LD, BD, EMH, PH, etc., and want learning and behavior disorders certification. Individuals participating in the alternative route to learning and behavior disorders certification program may also apply for admission to this program once they have received their temporary provisional certificate. Admission to the Teacher Education Program must be obtained.

Other Degree Requirements
Defense of thesis.

Undergraduate Certification Deficiencies
The following course (or an approved reading course for deficiency in reading) must be taken to satisfy undergraduate deficiencies:
REA 612 Foundations of Literacy

Undergraduate Certification Deficiencies
The following course (or an approved reading course for deficiency in reading) must be taken to satisfy undergraduate deficiencies:
REA 612 Foundations of Literacy

Other Certificate Requirement
 Student must pass the eligibility portfolio presented in SED 690.

CIP 13.1001

ACCREDITED BY:
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).

This program is for individuals with elementary, middle school, secondary, or special education certification (any area) who wish to obtain a P-12 certificate in moderate to severe disabilities.

Other Degree Requirements
Defense of thesis.

Undergraduate Certification Deficiencies
Students who have not taken the following undergraduate certification courses or their equivalent must also complete:
ART 343 Art Materials and Techniques for the Classroom Teacher (or MUS 200 and MUS 300)
MAT 115 Mathematics for Middle and Elementary Teachers I
MAT 215 Mathematics for Middle and Elementary Teachers II
REA 306 Teaching Reading in Early Elementary (K-4) (or REA 638)
REA 412 Practicum in Reading Instruction (or REA 612)
SED 526 Introduction to Early Education of Children with Disabilities
SED 530 Education of Exceptional Children
  (SED 300 may be substituted for SED 530)

Note: Those students who already hold a special education certificate may have a course or courses waived from this program. See program advisor for details.

Total Course Requirements 30 hours
CDI 550 Neuromuscular Disorders
CDI 582 Communication Programming for Individuals with Severe Disabilities
CDI 635 Graduate Seminar in Communication Disorders
SED 531 Nature and Needs of Individuals with Moderate to Severe Disabilities
SED 551 Transdisciplinary Assessment of Individuals with Moderate to Severe Disabilities
SED 552 Applied Behavior Analysis
SED 554 Classroom Management of Individuals with Moderate to Severe Disabilities
SED 602 Family-Professional Partnerships (or  equivalent)
SED 640 Practicum

Undergraduate Certification Deficiencies
Students who have not taken the following undergraduate certification courses or their equivalent must also complete:
ART 343 Art Materials and Techniques for the Classroom Teacher (or MUS 200 and MUS 300)
MAT 115 Mathematics for Middle and Elementary Teachers I
MAT 215 Mathematics for Middle and Elementary Teachers II
REA 306 Teaching Reading in Early Elementary (K-4) (or REA 638)
REA 412 Practicum in Reading Instruction (or REA 612)
SED 526 Introduction to Early Education of Children with Disabilities
SED 530 Education of Exceptional Children
  (SED 300 may be substituted for SED 530)

CIP 13.1001

ACCREDITED BY:
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).

This program is designed for individuals certified in learning and behavior disorders. The program can also be used as a basis for developing a Rank I program.

Additional Courses (from the following)  15 hrs
EDU 645 History of Education in the United States
EDU 664 Techniques of Teaching Environmental Education
EDU 665 Field Experiences in Environmental Education
PSY 581 Abnormal Psychology
SED 540 Procedures for Classroom Management and Discipline
SED 602 Family-Professional Partnerships 
SED 613 Advanced Behavior Support
SED 614 Advanced Instructional Technology
SED 615 Collaboration Skills for Educators
SED 636 Issues and Trends in Special Education
SED 650 Administration of Special Education Programs
SED 651 Social competence for Safe Environments
SED 655 Special Education Transition 

Other Degree Requirements
Defense of thesis.

SED 613 Advanced Behavior Support
SED 655 Special Education Transition 

Other Degree Requirements
 Portfolio and oral presentation.

CIP 13.1001

ACCREDITED BY:
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).

This program leads to eligibility for certification in interdisciplinary early childhood education (birth to primary). Appropriate undergraduate majors for program entry are child development, early childhood education, special education, communication disorders, or other human service fields.

Elective Requirements (from the following)  6 hrs
(Approved by advisor based on undergraduate preparation.)
CDI 550 Neuromuscular Disorders 
CDI 582 Communication Programming for Individuals with Severe Disabilities 
EDU 625 Theory and Practice in Classroom Management 
ELE 604 Advanced Studies in Kindergarten
FCS 527 Parenting 
SED 505 Special Education Procedures and Strategies for IECE
SED 552 Applied Behavior Analysis 
SED 602 Family-Professional Partnerships
SED 652 Assessment and Program Planning for Infants, Toddlers and Preschoolers
SED 653 Methods and Materials for Infants, Toddlers and Preschoolers 
SED 660 Problems in Special Education 

Electives, from above list increase to 12 hrs

¹A minimum of 50 percent of coursework, excluding thesis and practicum credit, must be in course numbered 600 or above.
²Students seeking initial certification in education (not currently certified in any educational area) must meet all requirements for admission to Teacher Education and Student Teaching. In order to meet these requirements, students may be required to complete additional undergraduate coursework. Students seeking initial certification in education should consult with their advisor and the Director of Teacher Education for requirements.
³Or three hours of graduate level research approved by advisor.

Other Degree Requirements
Students must receive a “pass” on the graduate portfolio. IECE candidates must take the Kentucky Interdisciplinary Early Childhood exam and make a score of 150 or above. Students electing the thesis track must successfully pass the oral defense.
Students seeking initial certification must meet all requirements for admission to Teacher Education and Student Teaching.

Total Course Requirements 30 hours
ELE 605  Introduction to Graduate Studies for Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education
ELE 607 Early Childhood Education 
FCS 525  Advanced Child Development Programs 
SED 526 Introduction to Early Education of Children with Disabilities 
SED 640 Practicum (6)

Additional Requirements3 (from the following)  12 hrs
CDI 550 Neuromuscular Disorders 
CDI 582 Communication Programming for Individuals with Severe Disabilities 
ELE 504 Introduction to Kindergarten and the Primary School 
FCS 527 Parenting 
SED 505 Special Education Procedures and Strategies for IECE
SED 552 Applied Behavior Analysis 
SED 602 Family-Professional Partnerships
SED 652 Assessment and Program Planning for Infants, Toddlers and Preschoolers
SED 653 Methods and Materials for Infants, Toddlers and Preschoolers 
SED 660 Problems in Special Education 

Other Requirements
Students must receive a “pass” on the graduate portfolio. IECE candidates must take the Kentucky Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Exam and make a score of 150 or above.
 
 
 

Department of Early Childhood and Elementary Education Chair - Yancey Watkins 3201 Alexander Hall 270-762-2500

 The Department of Early Childhood and Elementary Education offers graduate programs in early elementary, interdisciplinary early childhood, library media, and reading. Graduate degrees offered by the department include the specialist in education degree, the master of arts in education degree and the master of science degree in interdisciplinary early childhood education. The Ed.S. programs provide for Rank I classification. The department encourages students seeking Rank I classification to earn the Ed.S. degree. However, non-degree programs for Rank I classification (30-Hour Program Beyond Master’s/Rank II) are offered by the department in early elementary grades, library media, and reading education.
 Each of the master’s programs provides for the renewal of the provisional teaching certificate and advancement to Rank II classification. IECE program candidates may seek initial certification at the graduate level by meeting all teacher education admission requirements. The department encourages students seeking Rank II classification to earn a master’s degree. As an alternative, fifth-year non-degree programs are offered in the areas of early elementary grades and reading education. The fifth-year non-degree programs provide for advancement to Rank II classification. All requirements for fifth-year programs must be completed within a ten-year period, beginning with the date the student enrolls in the first class for graduate credit.
 Students pursuing graduate studies in the Department of Early Childhood and Elementary Education must meet the standards for admission to graduate study in the College of Education (COE).

Requirements for Admission
Applicants must meet the Murray State University requirements (see Chapter 2) and the College of Education requirements given earlier in this chapter.

CIP 13.1202

Total Course Requirements 30 hours
EDP 675 Advanced Educational Psychology
EDU 622 Philosophy of Education -or-
EDU 623 Educational Sociology
EDU 798 Specialty Study
ELE 647 Curriculum in the Elementary School

Additional Requirements (from the following)  6 hrs
ELE 600 Teaching Modern Mathematics
ELE 601 Social Studies in the Elementary School
ELE 602 Language Arts:  Current Issues and Research 
ELE 608 Science in the Elementary School

Electives 9 hrs
(Approved in advance by the student’s specialist committee.)

Other Degree Requirements
Defense of specialty study. See MSU/COE requirements.
 

CIP 13.1202

ACCREDITED BY:
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).

Other Course Requirements
REA 612 Foundations of Literacy
Courses supporting the teaching field approval in advance by the student’s education advisor (12 hrs)

Other Degree Requirements
Defense of thesis. See MSU/COE requirements.

EDU 649¹ Research in Education
Elective (3 hrs)

Other Degree Requirements
Comprehensive examination. See MSU/COE requirements.

¹Should be taken immediately following ADM 630.

ACCREDITED BY:
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).

Reading Specialization
REA 612 Foundations of Literacy
REA 628 Literacy Assessment
REA 638 Assessment and Instruction of Children with Reading Difficulties
REA 648 Research in Reading
REA 698 Thesis

Support Courses
Choose One:
ELE 602 Language Arts:  Current Issues and Research
ENG 603 Teaching English Language Arts in Schools
ENG 604 Purchase Area Writing Project I 
REA 524 Special Problems in Reading
Choose One:
ELE 616 Readings and Research in Children’s Literature
ENG 602 Teaching Literature in Schools
REA 524 Special Problems in Reading
REA 618 Content Area Reading and Writing 3-12

Elective (3 hrs)

Other Degree Requirements
Defense of thesis. See MSU/COE requirements.

Electives increase to 6 hrs

Other Degree Requirements
Successful completion of program portfolio.

Two courses selected from the following:
ELE 600 Teaching Modern Mathematics
ELE 601 Social Studies in the Elementary School
ELE 602 Language Arts:  Current Issues and Research
ELE 608 Science in the Elementary School
Elective approved in advance by the student’s education advisor (3 hrs)
Courses approved in advance by the student’s education advisor (12 hrs)

Other Certificate Requirements
The PRAXIS II Specialty Examination is required by Kentucky for the P-12 Library Media Specialist Certificate.

Reading and Writing
Total Course Requirements 33 hours
EDU 631 Motivation and Learning Theory
EDU 633 Curriculum Development
EDU 645 History of Education in the United States
REA 612 Foundations of Literacy
REA 628 Literacy Assessment 
REA 638 Assessment and Instruction of Children with Reading Difficulties
REA courses or electives in related fields approved in advance by the student’s advisor (15 hrs)

Total Course Requirements 12 hours
EDU 691 Nature and Needs of the Gifted Student
EDU 692 Methods and Materials for Teaching Gifted Students
EDU 694 Supervised Practicum in Gifted in Gifted Education
Choose one of the following:
EDU 655 Creativity in Teaching
EDU 693 Educational Programs for the Gifted
EDU 695 Practicum in Gifted Education

A gifted education endorsement also requires one year of successful teaching experience. The endorsement is valid for grades K-12; however, assignment to a full-time self-contained gifted education class shall be restricted to the level of the base certificate. The endorsement shall have the same duration as the base certificate.

CIP 13.1001

ACCREDITED BY:
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).

This program is a option of the special education degree. Refer to the Department of Adolescent, Career and Special Education for complete degree requirements.

Additional Requirements¹ (from the following)  12 hrs
CDI 550 Neuromuscular Disorders 
CDI 582 Communication Programming for Individuals with Severe Disabilities 
ELE 504 Introduction to Kindergarten and the Primary School 
FCS 527 Parenting
SED 505 Special Education Procedures and Strategies for IECE
SED 552 Applied Behavior Analysis 
SED 602 Family-Professional Partnerships
SED 652 Assessment and Program Planning for Infants, Toddlers and Preschoolers
SED 653 Methods and Materials for Infants, Toddlers and Preschoolers
SED 660 Problems in Special Education

¹In order to meet state requirements for certification, some students may be required to complete additional courses, to be chosen in consultation with advisor based on undergraduate preparation.
 

Department of Educational Studies, Leadership and Counseling Chair - Thomas Holcomb 2332 Alexander Hall 270-762-2791

Graduate specialization is available in the Department of Educational Studies, Leadership and Counseling in two program areas:  (1) school administration, including  school principal, supervisor of instruction, director of special education, director of pupil personnel, and superintendent; (2) guidance and counseling, including elementary school and secondary school counselor, school psychology, endorsement for individual intellectual assessment, community counseling, and a non-counseling degree in human development and leadership.

CIP 31.0505

The college is a participant in joint doctoral programs (doctor of education or doctor of philosophy) with the University of Kentucky, and the University of Reading, England. Students who are interested in doctoral programs in education should see their advisors or the coordinator, joint doctoral programs for further information.

CIP 13.049904

ACCREDITED BY:
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).

 There are four options leading to the Ed.S. degree: 1) Level I and II Pre-K-12 Building Principal License, 2) School Administration following M.A. in School Administration, 3) School Administration: Leadership Research/Doctoral Preparation, and 4) Advanced School Administration.

Requirements for Admission
Applicants must comply with the Murray State requirements (see Chapter 2) and the College of Education requirements stated earlier in this chapter. Additional requirements are as follows:
• successful completion of nine hours in the school administration program;
• a total score of 900 (V+Q) on the GRE;
• recommendation of the graduate faculty in school administration;
• appointment of a specialty study committee.

Program Requirements
The Ed.S. degree is a 66-hour graduate program beyond the baccalaureate degree, or 36 hours beyond the appropriate master’s degree. 

Level II Certification
ADM 644 Survey of Research in Effective Schools
ADM 655 Curriculum and Program Development
ADM 657 Educational Policy and Ethics
ADM 669 Seminar in School Administration
 -and-
ADM 798 Specialty Study
ADM 799 Specialty Study

Additional Admission Requirements
• copy of recent research project;
• two letters of recommendation from faculty.

Total Course Requirements 36 hours
ADM 644 Survey of Research in Effective Schools
ADM 655 Curriculum and Program Development
 -or-
ADM elective (if ADM 655 has already been completed)