Valdosta State University
Graduate Catalog Excerpts
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Graduate programs at Valdosta State University are administered by the Graduate School. Graduate coursework is taught by faculty members serving on the Graduate Faculty. The primary purpose is to provide opportunities for dedicated students, who have completed a baccalaureate degree, to pursue the mastery of an area of learning and to develop the qualities of scholarship and academic discipline necessary to pro vide creative contributions to their chosen field of work or interest.
After having successfully completed a university program on the undergraduate level, as evidenced by the receipt of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institu tion, a person may apply to a program in the Graduate School at Valdosta State University. Application packets for admission to the Graduate School may be secured from the graduate office. Prospective students are urged to submit completed applica tion packets as early as possible and by the following dates:
Fall Semester July 15
Spring Semester November 15
Summer Session May 1
The M.S.W., the M.Ed. in Speech and Language Pathology, the Nurse Practitioner component of the M.S.N., and the Ed.D. programs have different deadlines. Appli cants should contact the Graduate School for the specific deadlines for these programs.
APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Applicants must include one copy of an official transcript from each institution of higher education previously attended as part of their application packets. Degree-seek ing applicants are also required to provide an official copy of scores on one of the following appropriate examinations:
1. The Graduate Record Examination - required for all programs except those in the
College of Business. May be used for the Master of Public Administration program.
2. The Graduate Management Admission Test - required for all programs in the College of Business. May be used for the Master of Public Administration program.
The GRE or GMAT scores are considered official when they are sent directly to the Graduate School from the Educational Testing Service (ETS). Student copies are not considered official
Students whose first language is other than English must also present evidence of English language proficiency. Evidence may be presented in either of the following ways:
1. Submit proof of satisfactory completion of ELS Language Centers' Level 109 course;
2. Submit official test scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) of 500 or more. Some programs may require a minimum score of 550 or 600.
Application forms and other information related to the examinations may be ob tained from the Graduate School. Applicants who wish to take graduate courses for other than degree-seeking purposes, such as add-on or renewal certification or for per sonal growth, must supply, in addition to the application forms, one of the following:
1. A copy of a baccalaureate diploma from an accredited or approved institution.
2. A copy of a transcript from an accredited or approved institution indicating that a baccalaureate degree has been completed.
3. A copy of a teaching certificate of a type which requires a baccalaureate degree for its issuance.
Students who are currently admitted as graduate students in good standing at an other accredited college or university may be accepted on a transient basis. Transient students must furnish a letter of good standing from their institution in addition to the application.
All applicants must pay a $20.00 application fee. The fee is not credited toward the matriculation fee when the student is accepted, nor is it refunded in the event that the application is denied or if the applicant does not enroll as a student.
All documents and materials submitted to fulfill the application requirements for entry to a program in the Graduate School at VSU become the property of the Univer sity and will not be returned. These materials are kept for one year. Applicants accepted to a program who do not begin taking courses the semester for which they are admitted must submit a new application.
Admission to the Graduate School does not necessarily imply admission to one of the degree-granting programs at the University. Some programs have program-spe cific requirements which are not listed in the admissions criteria presented here. In general, no student should apply for admission to the Graduate School without first contacting the head of the department in which the student intends to do the major portion of his or her work.
Students who are denied admission into their chosen program may be eligible for other areas and should contact the Graduate School to determine additional options.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ADMISSION
Valdosta State welcomes applications from international students. At Valdosta State University, international students are defined as citizens of countries other than the United States who require a visa in order to study in the U.S. To be considered for admission, international students must submit the following materials to the Graduate School, Valdosta State University, Valdosta, GA 31698-0005:
1. A completed Application for Admission to the Graduate School, along with a $20.00 check or money order in U.S. currency. Application packets are available from the Graduate School Office.
2. Official original language and English (translated) copies of college and university transcripts, as records of past academic work, along with copies of academic de grees and certificates that the applicant has received. To be considered official, these transcripts must be submitted directly from the educational institutions to the Graduate School.
3. If the applicant's first language is other than English, proof of satisfactory comple tion of ELS Level 109 or official results from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). A minimum score of 500 on the TOEFL is required for ad mission. Some academic departments require a score of 550 or 600 on the TOEFL.
4. Official results from the Graduate Record Examination or the Graduate Manage ment Admissions Test. See admission requirements for specific programs to determine which test is needed. Information on the administration of these tests is available from U.S. Embassies and from American Cultural Centers.
5. A completed Certificate of Finances statement guaranteeing that the student will have $17,850 (for 12 months) or $14,120 (for nine months) available for educa tional and personal expenses. The Certificate of Finances form is available from the Graduate School.
Once these materials are received, the Graduate School will evaluate the interna tional applicant's credentials and make an admissions decision. The applicant will be notified of the University's decision and, if admitted, will be issued an I-20 immigra tion form. This form must be taken to the nearest U.S. Embassy or consular office, which will issue a visa for entry to the United States.
Additional information on international student admissions to the Graduate School at Valdosta State University is available from the Office of International Programs, Valdosta State University, Valdosta, GA 31698.
ADMISSION AND READMISSION
Official acceptance or denial is verified by a letter from the Graduate School. Stu dents who are admitted but do not enroll for the semester in which they were admitted must submit another application if they want to attend Graduate School at a later date. Students who were previously enrolled but have not been in attendance within the last 3 semesters must apply to the Graduate School for readmission.
GRADUATE STUDENT CLASSIFICATIONS
Valdosta State University offers several admission classifications to graduate stu dents that are intended to facilitate enrollment and admission and accommodate a variety of situations. These apply to postbaccalaureate students only. They do not apply to Education Specialist or Doctor of Education programs.
Master's Degree Programs
Regular Admission To be considered for admission as a "regular" graduate student the applicant must have received a bachelor's degree from an accredited or approved college or university with an undergraduate major in, or prerequisites for, the planned graduate field of study, where applicable. The applicant must have a cumulative un dergraduate grade-point average of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, calculated on all work attempted in which letter grades were awarded. Verification in the form of an official transcript is required. All master's degree programs require an acceptable GRE or GMAT score. Please refer to the departmental listings for these specific requirements.
Probationary Admission A person failing to meet one or more of the requirements for admission as a regular student may be considered for probationary admission under conditions specified at the time of admission by the appropriate department and ap proved by the Dean of the Graduate School. In any event, the undergraduate grade-point average must be 2.2 or higher on a 4.0 scale; the GRE General Test verbal 350 or higher, and either the quantitative or analytical score 350 or higher; or the GMAT score 350 or higher.
Students admitted on a probationary basis remain in this category for 9 semester hours of work. The grade-point average for these 9 semester hours must be 3.0 or higher, unless different conditions were specified at the time of admission. After comple tion of the probationary period, students may be reclassified as "regular" students, with the approval of the Dean of the Graduate School and the department concerned.
CLASSIFICATIONS
Regular - has met all entrance requirements for regular admission as outlined above.
Irregular - has not submitted all application requirements for admission to the Gradu ate School. Students in this category will not be admitted to a degree program until they have met all admission requirements. A maximum of 9 hours of course work may be applied toward a degree while the student is in this category.
Probationary - has met all entrance requirements for probationary admission as out lined above. There is no probationary admission for Education Specialist or Doctor of Education programs.
Transient - is currently enrolled as a graduate student in good standing at another college or university and desires to participate through the VSU Graduate School for the purpose of taking no more than six semester hours of graduate work.
Non-Degree - holds an undergraduate degree and wishes to take graduate or under graduate courses for add-on certification, personal enrichment, or the post-master's certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy without pursuing an advanced degree . A student who maintains a cumulative average of B or better in graduate courses taken may later be granted entry to a degree program upon proper application to the Graduate School. A maximum of 9 semester hours may be considered by the appropriate department involved for transfer into a degree-granting program.
ENROLLMENT BY UNDERGRADUATES
A student with senior standing at Valdosta State University, with an overall aca demic grade-point average of 3.0 or better, may register for graduate courses during the final two semesters of undergraduate work under the following conditions:
1. No more than a total of 9 semester hours may be taken for graduate credit, and not more than 6 semester hours of graduate work may be taken in a given semester.
2. A student registering for one or more graduate courses is limited to the normal graduate academic course load of 12 semester hours per semester.
3. Permission for a student to take graduate courses under this provision is granted only by the Dean of the Graduate School.
4. Permission must be obtained for each semester in which the student desires to take graduate courses.
ACADEMIC STANDARDS AND REGULATIONS
Grading System
The semester hour is the basic unit of work, in which each course offered has credit value in terms of a certain number of semester hours normally conforming to the num ber of contact class hours per week. For example, courses meeting three hours a week carry three hours credit. A typical exception occurs in laboratory work, in which two or three hours of class contact time would have a one-credit-hour value.
Grades and quality points represent the instructor's final estimate of the student's performance in a course. All grades assigned remain on the student's permanent record and transcript. The following letters denote grades which are included in the computa tion of the grade-point average.
A = Excellent: 4 quality points per hour D = Passing: 1 quality point per hour
B = Good: 3 quality points per hour F = Failure: 0 quality points per hour
C = Satisfactory: 2 quality points per hour WF= Withdrew failing: 0 quality points
Students may calculate their graduate grade-point average by dividing the number of graduate semester credit hours taken into the total number of quality points earned.
The following letters denote cases in which the grade is not included in the compu tation of the grade point average:
I = Incomplete
IP = In progress (course scheduled for more than one semester)
K = Credit by examination
NR = Not reported by instructor or course ending date is
after the scheduled end of the semester
S = Satisfactory
U = Unsatisfactory
V = Audit
W = Withdrew without penalty
For graduation, the overall grade-point average must be 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Throughout their program, students' performance must be acceptable on a con tinuing basis. Students must at all times maintain an overall grade-point average of not less than 2.5. No grade below C will be credited toward a graduate degree. Any student acquiring any combination of two grades D, F, WF, or U will be dismissed from the Graduate School.
All grades received for graduate courses taken at Valdosta State University, after the student is admitted to the Graduate School, will be used in the calculation of the graduate cumulative grade-point average. Courses may be re-taken, if desired or re quired, but all graduate grades received will affect this average.
Cumulative grade-point averages are calculated at the close of every semester in which course work is taken. This calculation appears on the permanent record card of each student. It also appears on each grade slip sent to the student. A student may review this grade record and grade-point average by requesting an unofficial tran script from the Registrar's Office. Matters requiring interpretation of a graduate record should normally be referred to the student's advisor or the Graduate School. Under graduate grades will not be calculated as part of the graduate student's semester or cumulative average.
A grade of I indicates that a student was doing satisfactory work, but for non -academic reasons beyond his or her control, was unable to meet full requirements of the course. If an I is not satisfactorily removed within one calendar year, it will be changed to the grade F.
A grade of IP indicates that credit has not been given in courses that require a continuation of work beyond the semester for which the students signed up for the course.
The use of the symbol is approved for dissertation and thesis hours and project courses. It cannot be substituted for an I .
Students dropping a course within the time limit noted in the University Calendar, while performing satisfactorily, will receive a grade of W (withdrawal from a course, having completed work to that point satisfactorily); otherwise they will be given a grade of WF (withdrawal, having not done satisfactory work). The computation of the overall grade-point average treats WF and F grades identically; grades of W do not affect the computation.
Students who have just cause to appeal the assignment of a grade must first discuss the problem with their professor. Further appeals are then directed, in order, to their professor's Department Head, Dean, Vice President of Academic Affairs, and Presi dent of the University.
WITHDRAWAL FROM COURSES POLICY
Students may withdraw from courses following the drop/add period until mid -term by obtaining the instructor's signature on the withdrawal form available from the Office of the Registrar. The instructor may assign a W at the time of withdrawal. A withdrawal is not official until received and processed by the Office of the Registrar.
Before mid-term, instructors may assign a W on the proof roll or by memorandum to the Office of the Registrar for students not attending class.
Students will not be allowed to withdraw after the mid-term point of the semester as published in the school calendar as required by Board of Regents' policy; however, students may petition an exception to the Board of Regents' withdrawal deadline for cases of hardship by completing a petition for withdrawal form available in the Office of the Registrar. The petition will become a permanent part of the student's file. Any student who discontinues class attendance after mid-term and does not officially with draw may be assigned a grade of F.
No fee adjustment will be made for withdrawals except as outlined in this bulletin. The Business and Finance Office will receive a copy of the withdrawal form for refund ing if applicable. Refund checks are prepared the fifth week of the semester.
AUDITING CLASSES
Students may be permitted to audit selected courses, provided regular enrollment in the course concerned permits, and provided such arrangement is completely agree able to the instructor concerned. Fees for auditing are the same as for regular registration. Students are not permitted to change from audit to credit or from credit to audit after the last day for course changes as specified in the official calendar.
GRADUATE COURSE NUMBERING
At Valdosta State University, courses numbered 1000-4999 are for undergraduate students only. Some courses numbered 3000-3999 are open to graduate students; such courses carry dual numbers, with the graduate version of the course numbered between 5000 and 5999. Similarly, courses numbered 4000-4999 carry graduate credit when dual numbered 6000-6999. Courses numbered 7000-8999 are open to graduate stu dents only. Courses numbered 9000-9999 are open to doctoral students only.
Graduate students should be sure that they are registered for graduate courses. This information appears on the official class roll and on the student's schedule card. While a graduate student may be permitted to take an undergraduate course, such a course will not be counted as fulfilling requirements for a graduate degree. Only courses numbered 5000 or above are graduate level courses.
MAXIMUM COURSE LOADS AND OTHER RESTRICTIONS
The normal full load for a graduate student who is not on an assistantship is 9-15 hours of graduate-level work per semester. The normal full load for a student on an assistantship is 9 semester hours at the graduate level; however, in special circum stances, with the approval of the major professor and the department head, a graduate assistant may be permitted to take 12 hours. The maximum course load for a student employed full-time is 9 semester hours per semester. Course loads in excess of these limits may be allowed by permission of the major professor or the department head and the Dean of the Graduate School.
Graduate students may earn no more than 6 hours credit in Directed Study and/or Independent Study courses to meet the requirements of a degree-granting program. Undergraduate courses will not be calculated when determining a graduate student's full or part-time status. However, these hours will be included in determining a student's maximum load, as stated above.
Cross-disciplinary Courses
Certain courses, because of their scope and focus, are identified by different desig nations, that is, cross-listed, such as MFTH 5700/SOCI 5700. Students may decide which designation they wish to register for, depending on their needs, but such a dual -listed or cross-listed course can count only once and cannot be taken a second time for credit under a different designation. Cross-disciplinary courses are clearly identified in the "Courses of Instruction" section as "[Also offered as ...]."
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATE DEGREES
Specific requirements for each graduate program offered by the University are presented in the departmental listings of this Bulletin. Students should refer to these listings to determine the terms for degree completion and graduation.
Courses taken more than seven years prior to the semester of degree completion cannot be used to meet graduate degree requirements. Under extenuating circumstances, however, students, with the approval of their advisor, may appeal in writing for a one -time extension of this limitation. A committee, approved by the dean of the appropriate college, will consider the appeal and may recommend to the dean of the Graduate School that the student be granted an extension of the seven-year limitation. The maxi mum extension for completion of the program cannot exceed one additional calendar year.
At least fifty percent of the student's course work must be completed in residence at Valdosta State University. No more than 6 semester hours of graduate course work may be accepted by transfer from another institution to Valdosta State University. Credit to a degree program for transferred course work may be obtained by application to the dean of the Graduate School, with approval by the major professor.
All graduate programs require a Comprehensive Examination, or an acceptable substitute. Successful completion of this exam indicates that students have nearly com pleted their work toward the degree. The Comprehensive Examination may not be taken until all required course work has been completed, or is in the process of being completed, and the language requirements fulfilled. The Dean of the Graduate School shall be notified upon the student's successful completion of this requirement.
In programs with thesis requirements, a minimum of 30 semester hours of academic course work is required. Of these 30 semester hours, at least 9 semester hours must be in courses numbered 7000 or above with a minimum of 6 hours of thesis. In programs without thesis requirements, a minimum of 30 semester hours of academic course work is required. Of these 30 semester hours, at least 15 semester hours must be in courses numbered 7000 or above. The remainder must be completed in courses numbered 5000 or above.
When a thesis is required, the thesis must be submitted to the members of the Supervisory Committee not less than 14 days before the scheduled date of graduation. The Supervisory Committee shall certify to the Dean of the Graduate School that the student has successfully defended the thesis at an announced open meeting. Three copies of the thesis, (plus others, if required by the department), signed by the major professor, members of the Supervisory Committee, and the Dean of the Graduate School, shall be submitted to the library not less than five days before the scheduled date of graduation.
All students must register for thesis credit each semester in which they are actively working on their thesis. The total number of thesis credit hours required for the degree will be determined by the individual departments. Students must be enrolled in the thesis course in the semester in which they graduate. All thesis courses must be graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.
General thesis regulations are furnished by the Graduate School. Signature on the thesis by the Dean of the Graduate School and the subsequent submission of a copy of the library receipt for thesis binding to the Dean indicate final acceptance of the student's thesis and mark the completion of requirements for the master's degree.
Students enrolled in a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) program must complete a dis sertation. All students must register for dissertation credit each semester in which they are actively working on this project. A minimum of 9 semester-hours of dissertation credit is required for the degree. Students must be enrolled in the dissertation course in the semester in which they graduate. All dissertation courses must be graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.
The approved dissertation must be submitted to the members of the Coordinating Committee no fewer than 14 days before the scheduled date of graduation. The Coor dinating Committee shall certify to the dean of the Graduate School that the student has successfully defended the dissertation at an announced open meeting. Three copies of the dissertation (plus others, if required by the department), signed by the major professor, members of the Coordinating Committee, and the dean of the Graduate School, shall be submitted to the library no fewer than five days before the scheduled date of graduation.
General dissertation requirements are furnished by the Graduate School. The sig nature of the dean of the Graduate School on the dissertation and the subsequent submission to the dean of a copy of the library receipt for dissertation binding will indicate final acceptance of the student's dissertation and mark the completion of the requirements for the doctoral degree.
SECOND MASTER'S DEGREE
Students seeking a second master's degree must meet the course requirements es tablished by the head of the department, subject to the approval of the Dean of the Graduate School.
COMMUNITY UNIVERSITY PROGRAM FOR GEORGIANS 62 AND OLDER
Georgians 62 years of age and older are eligible to enroll as graduate students on a "space available" basis without paying most of the normal fees or tuition. For complete eligibility requirements and application information, contact the Admissions Office or the Graduate School.
APPLICATION FOR GRADUATION
Students must apply for graduation. Students planning to attend graduation should make arrangements with the Registrar for rental of cap, gown, and hood, and for print ing of the diploma. The Registrar should be consulted early in the program (at least one semester before graduation) for procedures and deadlines. There is a $35 fee to be paid at the time of application.
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The College of Education proudly maintains a commitment to providing an educa tion for future professionals in South Georgia. Acting as a learning community, the College of Education strives to meet the needs and aspirations of the population it serves.
Mission
The College of Education provides quality graduate instruction in its comprehen sive degree programs at the master's, specialist's, and doctoral levels. In addition to a primary focus on expanding the skills of teachers and other professionals, faculty mem bers of the College of Education also maintain a commitment to engaging in the scholarly pursuits of research and service for the advancement and sharing of knowledge. Fac ulty members, administrators, and staff of the College of Education envision an educational system where students fully participate in, and take responsibility for, their own learning process; where interdisciplinary and inter-institutional collaboration is the norm; and where technology is fully integrated into the learning process. The col lege also seeks to create an environment that promotes the full development of human potential, supports the conviction that all individuals are capable of learning, and pre pares professionals to meet the needs of all learners.
Vision
An agreed-upon vision provides focus and direction for the members of an organi zation. The College of Education dedicates its resources and expertise to:
Preparing Professionals for Service
The faculty members of the College of Education are dedicated to creating effec tive learning environments for students by designing programs based on professional standards, research, and knowledge bases organized into a conceptual framework.
Conceptual Framework
Conceptual Frameworks guide professional education programs by defining the philosophy, rationale, and research base that support the essential instructional compo nents of degree programs. The conceptual framework provides coherence in student outcomes, course activities, assessments, and internship or practicum experiences. Ad vanced degrees designed for practicing teachers have adapted the following standards developed by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). Gradu ate programs in the College of Education designed for professionals outside of teaching have developed Conceptual Frameworks based on appropriate professional standards.
Conceptual Framework Principles for
Graduate Teacher Education Programs (Adapted from NBPTS)
1. Graduates are committed to their roles as helping professionals.
2. Graduates are capable of excellence in their professional practice.
3. Graduates think systematically about their practice, use research, and contrib ute to the knowledge base.
4. Graduates are members of learning communities.
Accreditation and Certification
The College of Education maintains accreditation with the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), and each of its individual teacher prepa ration programs is accredited by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GPSC). The Dean of the College of Education is the official certification officer and recommends students for all initial certification and upgrades in certification. Specific questions concerning teacher certification should be directed to the appropriate depart ment. In addition, the Sports Medicine Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), the Speech and Lan guage Program is accredited by the American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA), and the graduate program in School Psychology is accredited by the National Associa tion of School Psychologists (NASP).
Diversity
The College of Education recognizes the need for taking proactive steps to en hance multicultural and global perspectives and promote diversity. In addition to supporting multicultural perspectives throughout educational programs, the College of Education actively seeks a diverse student and faculty population.
Advising
For initial guidance, new graduate students in the College of Education should consult with the head of the department in which they plan to pursue a degree. Each student will be assigned an advisor in the appropriate area of study. The student and advisor will collaborate in designing the program to meet the individual needs of the student within the guidelines of the approved program of study. Students are expected to initiate contact with their advisors on a regular basis to ensure that all program re quirements are being met.
Student Responsibilities
Graduate students are expected to become familiar with the rules and requirements of the College of Education and to assume full responsibility for the regulations con cerning their programs of study. In addition, students are expected to attend all classes regularly and abide by the student code of conduct published in the Valdosta State University Student Handbook.
Graduate Degree Programs
The College of Education offers three levels of graduate degree programs: the Master of Education degree, the Education Specialist degree, and the Doctor of Educa tion degree. Course descriptions and programs of study leading to these degrees are listed by department.
College of Education Requirements in addition to
University Requirements for Admission
1. Admission to graduate programs in the College of Education is granted by the Graduate School, in consultation with the department concerned. Students are urged to contact the department in which the major portion of the work will be taken before making formal application for admission.
2. Formal applications are obtained from, and must be submitted directly to, the Graduate School for initial evaluation.
3. The Graduate School will contact the department head for the department in which the student wishes to pursue graduate work to obtain approval for the student's entry into a graduate program within that department.
4. A student who is admitted to a graduate program will be notified by the Gradu ate School of his/her acceptance.
5. A student who is denied admission to a graduate program will be notified by the Graduate School and apprised of the procedure to follow if he/she wishes to appeal the denial.
MASTER OF EDUCATION (M.Ed.) DEGREE PROGRAMS
The Master of Education degree is designed to enhance and extend the knowledge and skills of students beyond the undergraduate level. The core courses at the master's level develop the students' ability to use and apply research skills, become familiar with current issues and trends in their field, and review material related to legal issues and ethics. The degrees offered are as follows:
Department of Early Childhood and Reading Education
M.Ed. Early Childhood Education
(P-3 Option)
(Content Option)
M.Ed. Reading Education
Department of Educational Leadership
M.Ed. Educational Leadership
(Building Option)
(System Option)
(Higher Education Option)
Department of Health, Physical Education, and Athletics
M.Ed. Health and Physical Education
(Certification Option)
(Non-Certification Option)
Department of Middle Grades Education
M.Ed. Middle Grades Education
Department of Secondary Education, Curriculum, and Instructional Technology M.Ed. Secondary Education
(English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies)
M.Ed. Instructional Technology
(Library/Media Technology Option)
(Technology Applications Option)
(Technology Leadership Option)
Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders
M.Ed. Severe Disabilities
M.Ed. Mild Disabilities
M.Ed. Communication Disorders
M.Ed. Early Intervention
Department of Psychology, Counseling & Guidance
M.Ed. School Counseling
M.S. Clinical/Counseling Psychology
M.S. Psychology Industrial/Organizational Psychology
Department of Vocational Education
M.Ed. Business Education
M.Ed. Adult and Vocational Education
(Technical, Trade and Industrial Education Option)
(Training & Development Option)
College of Education Requirements in addition to
University Requirements for Admission (M.Ed)
1. The applicant must hold an undergraduate degree from a regionally accred ited college or university with, in all applicable cases, an undergraduate major in, or prerequisites for, the planned graduate field of study.
2. A student will not be admitted with an undergraduate grade point average of less than 2.5 on all previous undergraduate work attempted.
3. A student will not be admitted with a Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score of less than 750 (verbal portion plus either quantitative or analytical portion). The score on the verbal portion of the GRE may not be less than 350.
4. New graduate students are admitted to the M.Ed. program in Speech and Lan guage Pathology only for fall and spring semesters.
Probationary Status
An applicant failing to meet one or more of the requirements for admission to a master's degree program as a "regular" student may be "admitted by exception" as a "probationary" student through his/her respective department's appeals process.
Standardized Test Scores
GRE 950+ = 35 points
900 - 949 = 30 points
850 - 899 = 25 points
800 - 849 = 20 points
750 - 799 = 15 points
Subtotal ______
TOTAL ______
Recommendation Guidelines for Admission
40+ points = Regular Admission
30 - 39 = Admit by Exception
below 30 = Reject
College of Education Requirements in addition to
University Requirements for Retention and Graduation (M.Ed.)
1. A person admitted on a probationary basis may remain in this category for no more than 9 semester hours of coursework. He/she must maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher to be classified as "regular" student.
2. The maximum time allowed for completion of the Master's degree is seven calendar years. No work completed more than seven years prior to degree completion will be accepted toward the degree, except with special permis sion from the student's major professor and the Dean of the College of Education and approval from the Dean of the Graduate School.
3. No more than 6 semester hours of academic work may be transferred from another institution into a COE graduate program. This credit must be pre sented to the department for evaluation at the time of admission.
All students who pursue the Master of Education degree, in a teacher preparation field, must hold an appropriate 4-year teaching certificate. Students who do not hold one of these certificates must take the necessary steps to secure the appropriate certifi cate or an approved alternative from the department in which they are seeking acceptance before being admitted as a regular, degree-seeking graduate student. Courses used to meet certification standards may not be used to meet requirements for the master's degree. Each department requires a capstone experience (e.g. comprehensive exam, portfolio, thesis, internship, etc.).
EDUCATION SPECIALIST (Ed.S.) DEGREE PROGRAMS
The Education Specialist degree is designed to enhance and extend the knowledge and skills of students beyond the master's level. The core course at the specialist level is designed to develop the students' ability to apply research skills in the field to solve problems and improve services in a variety of settings. The degrees offered are as follows:
Department of Early Childhood and Reading Education
Ed.S. Early Childhood Education
Ed.S. Reading Education
Department of Educational Leadership
Ed.S. Educational Leadership
(Building Option)
(System Level Option)
Department of Middle Grades Education
Ed.S. Middle Grades Education
Department of Secondary Education, Curriculum, and Instructional Technology
Ed.S. Secondary Education
(English, Mathematics, Science, & Social Studies)
Ed. S. Instructional Technology
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The Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders is a multidis ciplinary department with a program that leads to the Educational Specialist Degree witha major in Special Education with options for concentration in General Special Education and Communication Disorders and the Masters of Education (M.Ed.) de gree with a major in Special Education or Communication Disorders.
The Education Specialist (Ed.S.) program in the Special Education was developed for practicing special educators and speech/language pathologists who wish to upgrade their professional skills, primarily focusing on those who wish to pursue leadership positions. Information and skills acquired and developed at the undergraduate and masters level are specifically designed for and focused on the provision of services. The Ed.S. program focuses on information and skills required of professionals in be coming effective leaders and problem-solvers within a variety of settings.
The M.Ed. degrees with majors in Special Education and Communication Disor ders are designed to allow students to practice use of knowledge from preprofessional degrees while continuing to gain information regarding effective interventions for dis ordered behaviors. Students also concentrate on self-reflection regarding intervention effectiveness using available research to guide practice. Within the Special Education area students have three options: mild disabilities, severe disabilities, or early interven tion/special education. The degrees in these three areas and in communication disorders allow graduates to be awarded certification for public school instruction or licensure for private practice.
EDUCATION SPECIALIST DEGREE WITH A
MAJOR IN SPECIAL EDUCATION
Selected Educational Outcomes
Think systematically about practices and learn from experience through
w Expanding abilities and experiences which lead to making appropriate in formed judgments.
w Performing and use educational research that provides information required for effective problem solving.
w Collaborating with professionals, families and members of the learning com munity in order to solve problems and taking advantage of national, state, and local resources available to enhance services.
Requirements for the EdS. Degree with a
Major in Special Education
Core Courses 11 hours
RSCH 8000 Advanced Research Methodology 3 hours
SPEC 8050 Advanced Application of Technology 3 hours
SPEC 8060 Single Subject Designs for ... Research 2 hours
SPEC 8030 Admin. of Special Education Programs 3 hours
Courses in the Concentration 16 hours
General Special Education (Option I)
SPEC 8010 Readings in Issues of Education of Children
and Youth with Disabilities 2 hours
SPEC 8020 Characteristics of Effective School Structure
for Children and Youth with Disabilities 3 hours
SPEC 8040 Development of Professional Training
Programs in Special Education 2 hours
PSYC 5500 Statistical Methods in Psychology 3 hours
SPEC 8999 Thesis 6 hours
or
Communication Disorders (Option II)
COMD 8010 Contemporary Issues in
Communication Disorders 3 hours
COMD 8020 Seminar in Theory & Applied Intervention 4 hours
(completed in 4 one-hour seminars)
COMD 8030 Professional Communication/Collaboration 3 hours
COMD 8080 Thesis 6 hours
Total Required for the Degree 27 hours
Examples of Outcome Assessments
Student outcomes for the Education Specialist degree in the area of Special Edu cation are assessed by multiple instruments and methods. Content knowledge is summatively assessed through objective and narrative written examinations and oral presentations. Application of content knowledge for both formative and summative purposes is assessed through review and critiques of projects com pleted. Students' skills in answering a research question and sharing that information professionally is assessed through analysis of the completed thesis and evaluation of their presentations.
MASTER OF EDUCATION WITH A
MAJOR IN SPECIAL EDUCATION
MASTER OF EDUCATION WITH A
MAJOR IN COMMUNICATION DISORDERS
Selected Educational Outcomes
1. Central concepts of inquiry:
w the graduate will use the basic tenets of asking/answering questions rel evant to special education and communication disorders; and
w the graduate will implement intervention strategies that make tools of in quiry meaningful for consumers.
2. Knowledge of learning and development:
w the graduate will use knowledge of how both individuals and groups learn and develop; and
w the graduate will create learning opportunities that support intellectual, com munication, academic, social, motor, vocational, alternative and/or adaptive development.
Requirements for the M. Ed. Degree with a
Major in Special Education Mild Disabilities
College of Education Core Courses 16 hours
RSCH 7100 Research Methodology in Education 3 hours
LEAD 7210 Ethics and Law 1 hour
SPEC 5010 Student Teaching 10 hours
SPEC 5020 Student Teaching Seminar 2 hours
Concentration for Mild Disabilities 6 hours
SPEC 5040 Applied Research Project 2 hours
SPEC 5120 Issues and Trends in Special Ed 2 hours
SPEC 5140 Collaborative Roles in Educ, 2 hours
Guided Electives for Mild Disabilities 14 hours
Total Required for the Degree 36 hours
Requirements for the M. Ed. Degree with a
Major in Special Education Severe Disabilities
College of Education Core Courses 16 hours:
RSCH 7100 Research Methodology in Education 3 hours
LEAD 7210 Ethics and Law 1 hour
SPEC 5010 Student Teaching 10 hours
SPEC 5020 Student Teaching Seminar 2 hours
Major Area of Concentration 13 hours:
SPEC 5030 Single Subject Research in Special Educ. 3 hours
SPEC 5050 Integrating Technology 3 hours
SPEC 5090 Community-based Instruction 2 hours
SPEC 5100 Nonaversive Behavior Mangement 3 hours
SPEC 5120 Issues and Trends in Special Education 2 hours
Guided Electives for Severe Disabilities 7 hours
Total Required for the Degree 36 hours
Requirements for the M. Ed. Degree with a
Major in Special Education Early Intervention
College of Education Core Courses 15 hours
RSCH 7100 Research Methodology in Education 3 hours
SPEC 5010 Student Teaching 10 hours
SPEC 5020 Student Teaching Seminar 2 hours
Area of Concentration 18 hours
COMD 5060 Language Disorders of School Age Children 3 hours
SPEC 5140 Collaborative Roles in Education 2 hours
SPEC 5150 Introduction to Early Intervention 3 hours
SPEC 5160 Serving the Young Child with Low
Incidence Disabilities 3 hours
SPEC 5170 Linking Assessment to Service Delivery 4 hours
PSYC 7300 Human Development: Conception to 8 Yrs 3 hours
Guided Elective for Early Intervention/Special Education 3 hours
Total Required for the Degree 36 hours
Requirements for the M. Ed. Degree with a
Major in Communication Disorders
College of Education Core 6 hours
RSCH 7100 Research Methodology in Education 3 hours
LEAD 7210 Ethics and Law 1 hour
COMD 5170 Issues/Trends in Communication Disorders 2 hours
Major Curriculum 54 hours
COMD 5010 Language Disorders in Young Children 3 hours
COMD 5020 Diagnostics 3 hours
COMD 5030 Phonological Disorders 3 hours
COMD 5040 Fluency Disorders 3 hours
COMD 5050 Beginning Practicum 1 hour
COMD 5060 Language Disorders/School Age Children 3 hours
COMD 5070 Traumatic Brain Injury, Dementia and
Progressive Neurological Disorders 3 hours
COMD 5080 Dysphagia and Dysarthria 3 hours
COMD 5090 Aural Rehabilitation 3 hours
COMD 5100 Intermediate Practicum 1 hour
COMD 5110 Science in Communication Disorders 3 hours
COMD 5120 Aphasia 3 hours
COMD 5130 Oro-Facial/Syndrome Disorders 2 hours
COMD 5140 Advanced Practicum 1 hour
COMD 5150 Advanced Audiology 3 hours
COMD 5160 Voice Disorders 3 hours
COMD 5180 Cultural and Dialectial Issues in
Communication Disorders 1 hour
COMD 5210 Externship in Communication Disorders 6 hours
COMD 5190 Applied Practicum in the Public Schools 3 hours
COMD 5200 Augmentative/Alternative Communication
or COMD 5230 Thesis 3 hours
Total Required for the Degree 60 hours
Examples of Outcome Assessments
1. The graduate will demonstrate an acceptable level of skill in asking and an swering questions by using the tools of inquiry to determine the effectiveness of their intervention procedures to measure student or client improvement.
2. Students will design and implement interventions for students and clients with various disabilities and disorders. Interventions will be directly or indirectly (videotaped) observed by qualified university personnel and public and pri vate organization professionals.
ENDORSEMENT FOR DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EDUCATION
This endorsement prepares individuals to direct administer, or supervise special education programs. Students must possess a master's degree or higher with profes sional certification within any teaching field in special education (except gifted). This includes those students in the service fields of audiology, school psychology, and speech and language pathology.
Required Courses 14 hours
LEAD 7100 Leadership in Educational Organizations 2 hours
LEAD 7400 Legal Issues for Educational Leaders 3 hours
LEAD 8660 Business and Finance 3 hours
SPEC 8030 Administration of Special Ed. Programs 3 hours
LEAD 7640 System Level Leadership or
LEAD 8650 Personnel Issues and Consideration 3 hours
ENDORSEMENT FOR TALENTED AND GIFTED
Required Courses 12 hours
SPEC 7610 Assessment of ... Talented and Gifted 3 hours
SPEC 5610 Nature and Needs of ...Talented and Gifted 3 hours
SPEC 6600 Methods/Materials for ...Talented and Gifted 3 hours
SPEC 6620 Curriculum for ...Talented and Gifted 3 hours
ENDORSEMENT FOR PRE-SCHOOL
Required Courses 9 hours
COMD 5811 Language Disorders in Young Children 3 hours
SPEC 5170 Linking Assessment to Service Delivery 3 hours
SPEC 5150 Introduction to Early Intervention 3 hours
| Submitted by: | Chief Compiler: | Date: |
| Valdosta State University 1500 N. Patterson St. Valdosta, GA 31698-0102 |
Susan R. Worth sworth@valdosta.edu Phone: 912-333-5932 Fax: 912-333-7167 |
February 1, 1999 |
Section I Checklist | Form A: Faculty | Section II Checklist | Section III Checklist
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