This is an unofficial description for this program. For official information check the Academic Catalog.
Program Rationale
This program is designed for applicants who hold a Bachelor's degree (some exceptions apply) and wish to pursue graduate study that will prepare them to apply for Connecticut's initial certification in Elementary Education (grades 1-6).
Program Learning Outcomes
Program is aligned with the InTASC Standards
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education. Applicants must also have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.70 on a 4.00 point scale (where A is 4.00), or its equivalent, and good standing (3.00 GPA) in all post-baccalaureate course work.
To apply to the MS in Elementary Education, applicants must submit an application for graduate admission to the CCSU Office of Graduate Admissions. The following should be submitted with the application:
--Official transcripts from each college and university attended (except Central Connecticut State University)
--Personal statement (no more that 500 words) that briefly describes the applicant's educational and professional background and the reasons for choosing to apply to the MS in Elementary Education
--Evidence of having taken PRAXIS I or SAT or ACT or GRE.
--Application fee paid directly to the CCSU Office of Graduate Admissions
The graduate application and application fee must be submitted to the Office of Graduate Admissions.
Additional Requirements for Initial Certification by the Connecticut State Department of Education:
The following are state requirements for certification, not University requirements for program admission. Often, these requirements are met during undergraduate or post-baccalaureate coursework.
--A minimum of 6 semester hours of credit in child and/or human growth and development.
--A minimum of 39 semester hours in general academic courses in the areas listed below
--English
--Natural Sciences
--Mathematics
--Social Studies
--Foreign Language or Fine Arts
A survey course in United States history, comprised of no fewer than three semester hours of credit, shall be included.
Applicants who meet the CCSU admission requirements, will be admitted to the MS in Elementary Education even if they do not meet one or more of the above state requirements. While in the program, admitted students will be advised on how to meet these and other state requirements for initials certification in Elementary Education.
Major Requirements (33 credits)
Students must complete 33 credits of graduate level courses and a Comprehensive Exam (Plan B) OR Thesis (Plan A). Thesis (Plan A) requires an additional 3 credits of graduate level work.
Required Courses (33 credits)
EDEL 502 Focus on Diversity in Education 3 Credits
EDEL 508 Current Instructional Trends in Elementary Education 3 Credits
EDEL 512 Assessment of Learning 3 Credits
EDEL 515 Developmental Theories of Learning 3 Credits
EDEL 529 Analysis of Teaching 3 Credits
LLA 508 Teaching Literacy in the Content Areas 3 Credits
LLA 509 Comprehensive Reading Instruction 3 Credits
LLA 520 Seminar in Literacy Research 3 Credits
Total Credit Hours: 33