Early Childhood Concentration, MEd

Master of Education

Overview

The Master of Education (M.Ed.) prepares practicing educators from a biblical perspective for school administrative, instructional leadership, and teaching positions in the United States and around the world. M.Ed. graduates complete a concentration in either Early Childhood, Educational Administration, Instruction and Learning, Intercultural Studies, Global Migration, Spiritual Formation Leadership, or TESOL. The program is available fully online. Students should consult with the M.Ed. program director in planning their degree programs. CIU Education Programs are endorsed by the Higher Education Approval Program (HEAP) of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). Program graduates who meet specific requirements are eligible to apply for appropriate ACSI teacher or administrator certificates. ACSI waives the certification fee when applying at the time of CIU graduation.

Objectives

Candidates will develop:

1. Competency in content so that they demonstrate the ability to:
   1. Apply biblical principles to formulate a philosophy of education and articulate this to various audiences.
   2. Understand instructional strategies and learning theories to meet the development of learners and their individual needs.
   3. Develop and analyze curriculum based on philosophy, theory, and biblical principles and their relationship to instruction and learning.
2. Proficiency in skills to promote learning for all students so that they demonstrate the ability to:
   1. Employ various research procedures and technology for problem solving within the school setting.
   2. Assess and monitor student learning through a variety of methods.
   3. Foster a nurturing school culture that enhances student learning, including consideration of the cultural differences within the school community.
3. Professionalism so that they demonstrate a commitment to:
   1. Intentionality to create a climate conducive to spiritual transformation within the school setting.
   2. The professional role of the educator that includes being a lifelong learner by reflecting and gaining from experiences and being aware of current issues in education.
   3. Collaborating and communicating effectively with other professionals, community members, and parents to improve student learning.

Admission Requirements

In addition to satisfying the general admission requirements of the university, students applying to the M.Ed. must meet the following requirements:

1. Evidence of ability to successfully pursue an academic program, as demonstrated by one of the following:
   1. A minimum 2.7 GPA for most recent degree obtained.
   2. Official GRE test scores above the 50th percentile (verbal and quantitative) and a minimum rating of 3.5 on the analytical writing section. (The exam must have been taken within the last five years.)
2. Previous experience in education*, as verified by one of the following:
   1. Two years of classroom experience.
   2. A current teaching certificate.
   3. An undergraduate degree in education.
   4. A minimum of two years in educational administration.

*A limited number of students without one of these experiences who otherwise meet the requirements and display exceptional leadership qualities may be accepted based on specific coursework and leadership recommendations.

1. While expertise in all disciplines is not expected, a student must demonstrate reasonable competency (a grade of ”C” or above) in content areas by completing at least 36 semester hours of undergraduate coursework that includes courses from at least four of the following content areas: language arts, social science, natural science, mathematics, technology, or humanities/fine arts.
2. A student may present evidence of leadership experience with a letter of recommendation from an appropriate professional within the educational field (e.g. a school board member hiring the student, headmaster’s recommendation for staff development).

Residency and Transfer Policies

Policies governing transfer credits are outlined in the Admission section of this catalog. Transfer credits may be received on a limited basis, but the majority of coursework must be taken at Columbia International University. Candidates wishing to receive transfer credit for the M.Ed. program should consult with the program director and seek approval from the dean. 

Time Limitation

The time limit for completion of all requirements is six years, measured from the date a student begins coursework in the M.Ed. program.

Completion Requirements

Although advisors assist students in planning their courses of study, it is the student’s responsibility to ensure that all requirements for graduation have been met.

• Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.7 and earn no grade lower than a “C.”
• Demonstrate competency of each of the program’s outcomes through satisfactory completion of program courses.

Course of Study (Foundation + Core + Concentration) (30)