College of Education

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Accreditation
The University of Missouri‑St. Louis, College of Education, is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) for the preparation of early childhood, elementary, special education, physical education, secondary educators, administrators, and counselors.

Course Designations in the College of Education
The following abbreviations are used to indicate instructional areas in the course listings and descriptions in the College of Education.

Adult Education Courses (ADULT ED)
Counselor Education Courses (CNS ED)
Early Childhood Education Courses (ECH ED)
Educational Administration Courses (ED ADM)
Educational Foundations Courses (ED FND)
Educational Psychology Courses (ED PSY)
Educational Research and Evaluation Methods Courses (ED REM)
Educational Technology Courses (ED TECH)
Elementary Education Courses (ELE ED)
Middle Education Courses (MID ED)
Higher Education Courses (HIGHERED)
Health and Physical Education Courses (HLTH PE)
College‑Wide Education Courses (EDUC)
Secondary Education Courses (SEC ED)
Special Education Courses (SPEC ED)
Teacher Education Courses (TCH ED)

Teacher Education

Degrees and Areas of Concentration
Students may earn teacher certification in the fields of elementary education, early childhood education, middle school, music education, physical education special education (cross categorical), art education, as well as the secondary education areas of biology, chemistry, English, foreign languages (French, German, Spanish), mathematics, physics, social studies, and speech/theater. Graduate programs leading to certification are also offered in counseling, reading, school administration (elementary and secondary principal, school superintendent), and special education.

The following certification programs are designed to provide the following learning outcomes.  Upon successful completion of the programs, education candidates will:

General Education Requirements
Students in the College of Education must meet university and departmental general education requirements specified for their degree programs.

Academic Residence
Students must be in residence for 30 of the last 30 semester hours of credit. Courses graded on a satisfactory/ unsatisfactory basis are not accepted within these last 30 semester credit hours. This residency requirement applies to students seeking a degree or teacher certification.

Education Majors
Professional education courses must be completed with a grade point average of 2.5 and no grade lower than a C (2.0).

Admission to the College of Education
Any students who designate education degree programs as their intended degree paths will have Education as their assigned academic unit. Students admitted to the College of Education and also seeking teacher certification must also be admitted to the Teacher Education Program.

Application and Admission to the Teacher Education Program
All students (pre- and post-degree) who wish to become teachers must be admitted to the Teacher Education Program. Applications to the Teacher Education Program are processed through the Teacher Certification and Advising Office (TC & A). Eligibility is based upon fulfillment of the following requirements:

General Information

It is important that students meet with an academic advisor in the Teacher Certification and Advising Office once each semester. Students should contact the office at 314-516-5937 or at Pamela@umsl.edu to make an advising appointment.

Professional Internship Semester

Students in the early childhood, elementary, special education, middle school and secondary certification programs participate in a three-credit-hour Professional Internship taken the semester prior to student teaching. Education students attend a school one day per week throughout the semester. Students apply to the internship and student teaching with the same application, and is submit it two semesters before the Internship. The student continues the same school for student teaching but will attend fulltime every day.

Application to Internship/Student Teaching Program

Deadlines for the Formal Application

Fall Student Teaching: First week of December of the previous year
Winter Student Teaching: First week of May of the previous year

*Check ‘My Gateway’ and the student teaching bulletin board in Marillac Hall for exact date and the College of Education Teacher Certification and Advising Home Page.

Upon receipt, formal applications for both pre- and post degree students are checked to ensure they have met the following requirements:

The student teaching experience in the early childhood, music, physical education, and special education certification programs provides opportunities in a variety of settings. Students will be expected to do student teaching on a full-day basis for 14-weeks during an entire semester. The student teaching experience must be completed in residence. Secondary student teaching in science education, mathematics education, and foreign language education is offered during the winter semester only.

For further information regarding requirements and certification, contact the Teaching Certification and Advising Office (TC & A) at 155 Marillac Hall or the College of Education Teacher Certification and Advising Home Page.

Application for Degree and/or Certificate

Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S. Ed)
Candidates for the B.S.Ed. degree must complete degree and certificate application forms in the TC & A Office when they apply for admission to internship/student teaching or during the semester before the one in which they expect to finish degree requirements. See information below on the on PRAXIS examination.

The College of Education requires a background check, current within one year, for every UMSL student in the teacher education program. Please note that students wishing to be certified will still be responsible for a more thorough fingerprint background check as required by Missouri State Law before certification will be issued. All background check information will be available to students upon their request.

Bachelor of Educational Studies (B.E.S.)
Candidates should consult the TC & A Office, 155 Marillac Hall or (314) 516- 5397 for more information. This degree offers two areas of study: Early Childhood and Professional Studies.

Certification
In cooperation with the Missouri State Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, the College of Education is responsible for recommending all qualified students for state teacher certification.

All individuals must pass the appropriate Praxis/National Teacher's Examination to meet graduation and/or certification requirements. This exam should be taken during the semester immediately prior to student teaching.

Graduate Level Certification Program
Applicants who hold a Bachelor’s degree in a teaching field can work toward secondary education certification.

Coursework includes:

TCH ED 5310: Designing Instruction, 3 credits (includes 14 clock hours of field experience)
TCH ED 5311: Educational Foundations, 4 credits (includes 10 clock hours of field experience)
ED PSY 6109: Learning and Development in Secondary School Settings, 4 credits (includes 8 clock hours of field experience)
*TCH ED 5312: Differentiated Instruction, 4 credit hours (includes 12 clock hours of field experience)
SEC ED 4989: Secondary Education Professional Internship, 3 credits (includes 84 clock hours of field experience)
SEC ED 4990: Student Teaching, 12 credits (full days in a school for one semester)

Students seeking certification via this program must meet with the Teaching & Learning Post Baccalaureate Advisor and secondary education faculty members in the content (teaching) area to plan specific programs and review requirements. Students may contact the advisor at 314-516-5917. 

Graduate Studies in Education

Degrees and Areas of Emphasis
The College of Education offers Master of Education (M.Ed.), Educational Specialist (Ed.S.), and doctoral degrees at the graduate level. The M.Ed. degrees and the emphasis areas are:

Adult and Higher Education

Counseling

Educational Administration

Elementary Education

Secondary Education

Special Education

  • Learning Disabilities
  • Mental Retardation

    • Courses are available for areas of specialization within the M.Ed. programs, including educational technology, physical education, educational psychology, and the various secondary school subject areas.

    Ed.S. degree programs are available in school psychology and educational administration.

    Programs leading to the Ed.D. degree are offered in four broad interdisciplinary emphasis areas: Educational Administration; Adult & Higher Education; Teaching-Learning Processes; and Counselor Education. Programs leading to the Ph.D. degree are offered in the areas of Counseling, Educational Psychology, Teaching-Learning Processes, and Educational Leadership and Policy Studies.

    Master of Education Degree

    The Masters of Education Degree programs are designed for graduates to attain the following learning outcomes:

    Admission and General Requirements
    The College of Education follows Graduate School policies relating to admissions, academic standards, residency, transfer credit, time limitations, and thesis options (see Graduate Study in this Bulletin). In addition to meeting the general requirements of the Graduate School, applicants for school or community counseling must complete a separate application (see graduate studies in the Counseling division in this Bulletin). The minimum number of hours required for the M.Ed. degree is 32 or 33 except that the elementary, secondary, and community counseling emphases require 48 hours. The school has adopted a flexible policy on exit requirements, which are determined divisionally.

    Advisement and Program Planning
    Upon acceptance, each student can contact the Office of Graduate Education for an appointment with the graduate advisor for a first semester course of study (314) 516-5483 or NAshford@umsl.edu). After acceptance, each student completes an adviser form, sent by the College of Education's Office of Graduate Education, 123 SCCB. A faculty adviser is then appointed who counsels the student in registration and program planning. A program for master's degree form must be submitted for approval during the first half of the student's program. This form includes all course work in the program and the exit requirement. Once approved, the degree program may be changed only by petition.

    Students working toward teacher and/or school service personnel certification as graduate students should complete state certification forms in the Teacher Certification and Advising Office, 155 Marillac Hall, one year before those requirements will be completed.

    Educational Specialist Degree

    The Ed.S. degree is intended for school personnel preparing for a specific role, either that of a school psychologist or that of a school building or district administrator. The programs require 60 hours of postbaccalaureate course work designed to meet the respective Missouri certification requirements. The Ed.S. in School Psychology degree program requires three years of intensive, full-time, training but students may be able to complete up to half of the curriculum as a part-time student. The Ed.S. in Educational Administration can be pursued on a part time or a full time basis.

    The Educational Specialist Degree program is designed for graduates to attain the following learning outcomes:

    Admission and General Requirements
    The College of Education follows Graduate School policies relating to admissions, academic standards, residency, transfer credit, time limitations, and exit requirements. Specific materials required for application vary by program, but generally applicants should submit an application to The Graduate School, transcripts of previous college work, GRE scores, and letters of recommendation.

    Advisement and Program Planning
    For advising and program planning, school psychology students should contact the Division of Educational Psychology , Research and Evaluation, 402 Marillac Hall, 314-516-5783. Educational administration students should contact the Division of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, 269 Marillac Hall, 314-516-5944.

    Doctor of Education Degree

    The Ed.D. degree is designed primarily for the field practitioner and prepares professional leaders who are competent in identifying and solving complex problems in education. Four emphasis areas embrace general categories of professional activities: Educational Administration; Adult & Higher Education; Teaching-Learning Processes; and Counselor Education. The Educational Administration emphasis permits students to address requirements for Career Continuous Administrator Certification with the state department of education.

    The Ed.D. program is designed for graduates to attain the following learning outcomes:

    Students seeking the Ed.D. degree are expected to meet the Graduate School's doctoral degree requirements and procedures.

    Admission and General Requirements
    In addition to meeting the application and admissions requirements of the Graduate School, students must submit three letters of recommendation (two letters must be from individuals with an earned doctorate, preferably prior instructors), along with a professional resume. Because enrollment is competitive, admission standards are comparatively high. Successful candidates must exhibit significantly above-average academic records and GRE scores. In exceptional cases, other criteria may outweigh these customary indicators of probable academic success. Applicants to the Counselor Education option are considered once per calendar year with an application deadline of January 15th.

    At least two years of teaching or other school service experiences are required for admission. Exceptions may be made by substituting a supervised internship during the first year of the program.

    Admission Application
    To ensure time for review and decision, applicants must complete the Graduate School’s and program applications and submit accompanying materials in a timely manner. In addition, applicants are urged to request transcripts and letters or recommendation two weeks before completing the online application. Consideration of applications cannot be undertaken until all materials are available.

    Degree Requirements
    1. Foundations, 12 hours from: philosophical, historical, psychological, sociological, anthropological, and comparative foundations of education, as well as curriculum, instruction and supervision.

    2. Research Methods, 12 hours:

    Students in the Educational Administration, Adult and Higher Education, and Teaching-Learning Processes options should complete the following or equivalent in order:

    ED REM 6735: Statistical Analysis for Educational Research (pre-requisite)
    ED REM 6750: Advanced Research Design in Education

    Plus any two methods courses from the following:

    ED REM 7771: Quantitative Research Methods I
    ED REM 7772: Quantitative Research methods II
    ED REM 7781: Qualitative Methods in Educational Research I
    ED REM 7782: Qualitative Methods in Educational Research II
    This sequence totals 12 hours of methods courses. Any remaining required hours could be completed with other ED REM courses numbered 6000 or higher or research courses in another curriculum.

    Students in the Counselor Education option should complete the following sequence:

    ED REM 6718: Psycho-Education Assessment II
    ED REM 7771: Quantitative Research Methods I
    ED REM 7781: Qualitative Research Methods I

    One of the following:

    ED REM 7772: Quantitative Research Methods II
    ED REM 7782: Qualitative Methods in Educational Research II

    3. Common doctoral seminars, 6 hours

    EDUC 7050, The Research Process I: Framing Research Questions with the Education Literature (or for student in Counselor Education, CNS ED 7020, Seminar in Counseling Research may be taken in the place of EDUC 7050)
    EDUC 7950, The Research Process II: Developing and Refining Education Research Proposals

    4. Major Specialization, 21-39 hours:

    Educational Administration Option
    Educational Administration (ED ADM) or other courses selected in consultation with the advisory committee, including internship (3-9 hours)

    Adult and Higher Education Option
    Adult Education (ADULT ED) or Higher Education (HIGHERED) or other courses selected in consultation with the advisory committee, including internship (3-9 hours)

    Teaching-Learning Processes Option
    Teacher Education (TCH ED) courses or courses in education in a teaching field, including courses on curriculum construction and the design and improvement of instruction, all selected in consultation with the advisory committee, including internship (3-9 hours)

    Counselor Education Option(30 hours)
    CNS ED 6410, Advanced Career Development
    CNS ED 6600, Theories and Techniques of Counseling Children and Adolescents
    CNS ED 7000, Advanced Theories and Foundations of Counseling and Family Therapy
    CNS ED 7010, Advanced Multicultural Counseling
    CNS ED 7030, Counselor Education and Supervision
    CNS ED 7035, Counselor Education & Supervision Practicum
    CNS ED 7400, Advanced Topics in School Counseling Leadership
    CNS ED 7770, Doctoral Practicum
    CNS ED 7780, Doctoral Internship (6 hours)

    5. Minor Specialization, 12-18 hours

    A secondary area of expertise identified in consultation with the advisory committee

    6. Dissertation, 12 hours

    Total: minimum 90 hours, postbaccalaureate

    Doctor of Philosophy Degree
    The Ph.D. degree in education, offered in cooperation with the School of Education at the University of Missouri- Kansas City and the College of Education at the University of Missouri-Columbia, is designed for educators who desire directed research experience promoting scholarly inquiry in education. Four emphases are available:

    The Ph.D. program is designed for graduates to attain the following learning outcomes:

    Admission and General Requirements
    In addition to meeting the application and admissions requirements of the Graduate School, students must submit:

    Admission is competitive, and a favorable vote of an admission interview committee, composed of faculty in the emphasis area, is required.

    Admission Application
    To ensure time for review and decision, applicants must complete the Graduate School’s and program applications and submit accompanying materials in a timely manner. In addition, applicants are urged to request transcripts and letters or recommendation two weeks before completing the online application. Consideration of applications cannot be undertaken until all materials are available. The deadline for applying to the Counseling emphasis is January 15th.

    Degree Requirements

    1. Foundations, 9-12 hours:
    Philosophical, historical, psychological, sociological, anthropological, and comparative foundations of education, as well as curriculum, instruction, and supervision.

    2. Research Methods 15-18 hours:
    Students in the Teaching-Learning Processes, Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, and Educational Psychology emphasis areas should complete the following or equivalent in order:

    ED REM 6735: Statistical Analysis for Educational Research (Pre-requisite)
    ED REM 6750: Advanced Research Design in Education

    Plus any three methods courses from the following:

    ED REM 7771: Quantitative Research Methods I
    ED REM 7772: Quantitative Research Methods II
    ED REM 7781: Qualitative Methods in Educational Research I
    ED REM 7782: Qualitative Methods in Educational Research II
    This sequence totals 15 hours of methods courses. Remaining hours can be completed with other ED REM courses numbered 6000 or higher or research courses in another curriculum.

    For Ph.D. students in the Counseling emphasis area, the recommended sequence is:

    ED REM 6710: Educational Research Methods and Design
    ED REM 7771: Quantitative Research Methods I
    ED REM 7772: Quantitative Research Methods II
    ED REM 7781: Qualitative Methods in Educational Research I
    ED REM 7782: Qualitative methods Educational Research II

    3. Emphasis Area (Primary Discipline) courses, 27-33 hours, with at least 16 in residence, in one of the following areas:

    A. Teaching-Learning Processes
    Minimum 15 hours in cognate area
    Minimum 3 hours in curriculum or instruction
    Minimum 3 hours in educational psychology

    B. Educational Leadership and Policy Studies
    Minimum 21 hours in educational leadership, either in K-12, higher education, work, adult, or community education settings, selected in consultation with the faculty advisor and advisory committee.

    C. Educational Psychology
    Minimum of 21 hour in educational psychology. Program may include courses in research and evaluation methods, school psychology, developmental psychology, cognition and learning, character education, and socio-cultural theory. Courses in the primary discipline will be selected in consultation with the faculty adviser and advisory committee.

    D. Counseling
    CNS ED 6030, Foundations for Multicultural Counseling
    CNS ED 6040, Group Procedures in Counseling
    CNS ED 6050, Individual Inventory
    CNS ED 6370, Community Counseling Practicum (or CNS ED 6270, School Counseling Practicum)
    CNS ED 6380, Community Counseling Field Experience (6 hours) (or CNS ED 6280, School Counseling Field Experience I and CNS ED 6285 School Counseling Field Experience II
    CNS ED 6400, Career Information and Development
    CNS ED 6410, Advanced Career Development
    CNS ED 7000, Advanced Theories of Counseling and Family Therapy
    CNS ED 7010, Advanced Multicultural Counseling
    CNS ED 7020, Seminar in Counseling Research
    CNS ED 7030, Counselor Education and Supervision
    CNS ED 7770, Doctoral Practicum (3 hours)

    Additionally, all students should complete CNS ED 7780, Doctoral Internship (6 hrs) as a research internship; and a secondary discipline in ED PSY consisting of at least ED PSY 6310, Psychology of Learning Processes, ED PSY 6113, Personality Development and Adjustment, and ED REM 6718, Psycho-Educational Assessment II

    4. Related (Secondary Discipline) Courses, 12-15 hours, in education or another department.

    5. Required Exit course, 3 hours
    EDUC 7950, The Research Process II: Developing and Refining Education Research Proposals

    6. Research Internship, 6-9 hours

    7. Dissertation, 12 hours

    Total: Minimum 90 hours, postbaccalaureate

    Support Services
    The College of Education maintains a number of offices and centers to directly assist students, faculty, and people in the metropolitan area and to support its instructional, research, and service activities.

    Teacher Certification & Advising Office- - 155 Marillac
    This office provides advising services for teacher education undergraduate and certification students. The office co-ordinates the teacher education clinical experiences, directs the student teacher program and submits documents for state teacher certification.

    Office of Graduate Education - 123 SCCB
    Information about admission to, and requirements of, graduate programs in education may be obtained in this office. The office also assists students with advisement, registration, graduation and related topics, and maintains student records.

    School and Family Counseling Center, Suite 9, Regional Center for Education and Work
    The School and Family Counseling Center is a training facility for graduate students supervised by faculty in the Division of Counseling and Family Therapy. Counseling assistance with individual, couples, and family problems as well as adults, adolescents, or children’s developmental concerns are available to individuals in the community. Phone (314)-516-5782 for more information.

    Reading Clinic - B9 ED LIB
    The reading clinic provides a laboratory setting for graduate level elementary and secondary teachers who are seeking certification as reading specialists. The clinic has been providing services to the surrounding community in diagnosing and treating severe reading problems in children and adults since 1966. The clinic also serves as a demonstration and materials center for preservice and inservice teacher education, as well as a clinical research facility for the faculty.

    University Child Development Center - 130 SCB
    The center provides university students with observation, participation, research, and similar educational and clinical opportunities; it also offers quality child care programs for children of student, faculty, staff, and community families.

    E. Desmond Lee Technology and Learning Center - 100 Marillac
    The center provides education students and faculty a model environment for managing new methods of teaching through the newest technologies; a place to research and develop technology-enhanced teaching methods to engage K-12 students; and programs that connect school classrooms to the workplace.