M.A. in Education (Minnesota)

Choose Your Specialty

This Saint Mary’s M.A. in Education program is designed for educators who want to advance their careers and build their skills in one of three areas of specialty: curriculum and instruction, mental health, and culturally responsive teaching. There is also a master's degree completion option for students in the Graduate Certificate in K-12 Reading program. Successful completion of the program will increase your professional competencies and make you more marketable as you advance your career in education.

While Saint Mary’s M.A. in Education program is intended to provide teachers with in-depth knowledge in a particular area of specialty, all students will be challenged through the core curriculum to do the following:

• Better integrate technology in the classroom to enhance their teaching
• Make practical changes to their classroom instruction to align with current educational theory
• Apply modern knowledge in child growth and development to improve classroom instruction
   

Curriculum and Instruction Specialization

Hone your teaching skills to create a more engaging learning environment. You will receive guidance on developing curriculum and instruction methods that promote increased achievement while learning to implement corresponding assessments that more accurately monitor student performance.

In addition to the intentional focus this area of specialty places on curriculum and instruction, you will also learn techniques to further develop your communication skills so you can improve collaboration, resolve conflicts, and better connect with multiple stakeholders.

Culturally Responsive Teaching Specialization

Develop skills to improve students’ classroom experiences. You will be encouraged to consider multiple racial and cultural perspectives as you develop a culturally responsive teaching approach.

Mental Health in Education Specialization

Develop skills to examine social and emotional development and learn how mental health concerns present themselves throughout the developmental stages of students. This is a mental health focus for educators, school building or district staff, classroom teachers, or those impacting students' learning. Courses provide those on the front lines with the tools to recognize how and when to refer to mental health professionals for services or community resources. This program does not lead to professional certification in a mental health position, such as a school counselor, school psychologist, or child psychologist.

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of the M.A. in Education program, graduates are expected to be able to do the following:

• Apply knowledge of child growth and development to plan an engaging learning environment
• Design and differentiate curriculum, instruction, and assessment to meet diverse learner needs
• Communicate and collaborate effectively and respectfully in a variety of modes in a range of situations
• Design effective classroom management strategies based on subject matter, relevant student information, and expectations of the school community
• Design effective assessments and analyze assessment data to monitor learning and increase achievement
• Evaluate studies and design research to evaluate educational practice
• Develop understanding of ethics and laws that apply to educational decision-making
• Access current information to develop skills of critical and creative thinking, self-evaluation, and resilience to keep pace with a changing educational world
• Apply knowledge of subject matter and standards to align curriculum, instruction, and assessment
• Integrate the ethical and professional implications regarding the use of technology in the classroom as it aligns with equity in the classroom for all students

From Start to Finish

• You can earn your M.A. in Education degree in two years.
• A cohort model allows for a small team of students to collaborate in convenient locations across the state. Additional online instruction and activities supplement these face-to-face interactions. Cohorts are offered each semester throughout Minnesota.

Current students, alumni, and instructors of our M.A. in Education program talk about how well the classes fit into students' lives, the cohort structure, and the value of their Saint Mary's experiences.

Degree Requirements/Course Descriptions/Application Process

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Locations

This program is offered online, at our Twin Cities and Apple Valley locations, and in regional cohorts.