Elementary Education
Program Mission: The purpose of this program of advanced studies is to further the professional abilities and scholarly preparation of teachers at levels ranging from preschool through junior high school/middle level. The preparation of master teachers for classroom teaching and for other positions of leadership in preschools, elementary, and middle school education is among the department's highest goals.
Accreditation: National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and North Central Association.
Admission Requirements: To be eligible for degree candidacy, applicants must meet all of the requirements for admission to the Graduate School (see "Admission to Graduate Degree and Certificate Programs”)
Study Plan Approval: The study plan shall be approved by the department and filed with the departmental graduate coordinator prior to the completion of 12 semester hours of graduate credit which count toward the graduate degree.
Degree Requirements
Degree requirements include those outlined for the master of science in education degree by the Graduate School (see "Requirements for the Master of Science in Education Degree"). Additional requirements include a minimum of 12 semester hours from EIU Elementary Education and Middle Level Education courses, and a comprehensive oral exam in the final term. Evening classes, off-campus classes, summer sessions and independent study arrangements are offered, permitting students to pursue graduate degrees while meeting other personal and professional commitments.
The course of study consists of 30 semester hours of course credit with a thesis requirement, or 32 semester hours for programs without a thesis. The program is designed to encompass three areas: basic courses in education (these courses provide a background in fundamental educational theory), specific requirements in elementary education and special interest areas.
The program is devoted to the field of elementary education with opportunities for study in special interest areas such as early childhood education, elementary curriculum, middle level education, and reading. Students may choose courses according to individual needs, professional interests, and teaching level. Courses in reading may be selected which will fulfill the Illinois certification requirements for reading specialists and meet the standards of the International Reading Association.
Program of Studies
The program of studies for candidates in a non-thesis option requires minimally 32 semester hours of course work. The curriculum of study includes basic education courses, specific requirement courses and special interest area courses.
Curriculum for the Master of Science in Education in Elementary Education Non-Thesis Option
Total. Credits: 32 to 33
- Basic Education Courses Selected from the list below. Credits: 8 to 9
- Two Additional Specific Requirements Selected from the List Below. Credits: 6
- Special Interest Area Courses or Approved Electives Selected from the List Below. Credits: 12
- Specific Requirements in Elementary Education
Program of Studies
The program of studies for candidates in the thesis option requires minimally 30 semester hours of course work in addition to thesis hours for the degree. A minimum of 21 to 22 semester hours must be chosen in a combination of specific and special interest area courses.
Curriculum for the Master of Science in Education in Elementary Education Thesis Option
Total with Thesis. Credits: 33 to 36
- Basic Education Courses Selected from the List Below. Credits: 8 to 9
- Two Additional Specific Requirements Selected from the List Below. Credits: 6
- Special Interest Area Courses or Approved Electives Selected from the List Below. Credits: 9 to 10
- Thesis. Credits: 3 to 6
- Specific Requirements in Elementary Education
Basic Education Courses
The 8 to 9 semester hours of basic education courses may be selected from the list that follows:
Specific Requirements Courses
The two additional specific requirements courses may be selected from the list that follows:
Special Interest Area Courses
The special interest area courses are selected from one of the special interest areas. Candidates may substitute approved electives for special interest area courses. Candidates are advised to consult with the coordinator of graduate studies regarding selection of electives.
Early Childhood Education
Elementary Curriculum
Middle Level Education
Reading
Related courses from other departments may also be approved.
Graduate Assistantships
Information on graduate assistantships may be obtained by contacting the Coordinator of Graduate Studies or Chair, Early Childhood, Elementary, and Middle Level Education, Buzzard Hall 2220, EIU.
Information sourced from the 2003-2005 EIU Graduate Catalog.