Secondary Education Certification (M.Ed.)

The Master of Education in secondary education has been created for college graduates with a degree in another discipline who wish to enter the teaching profession. Graduates earn a master’s degree (minimum 39 semester hours) and teaching certification in secondary education. The curriculum has been designed to allow for concurrent study leading to general special education certification for grades K-12.

In addition to the M.Ed. requirements, students in the initial certification programs are required to complete undergraduate distribution coursework as outlined by New Hampshire state teacher certification standards. Prior to acceptance to a program, a candidate’s undergraduate transcripts are evaluated to determine if any of these general education standards are unmet. Students are informed of any unmet standards in their acceptance letter. Unmet standards must be addressed before a student can be recommended for teacher licensure.

The initial certification master's programs culminate in a 16-week student teaching practicum and corresponding seminar. This valuable experience requires that potential educators intern full-time under the direct supervision of a cooperating teacher. During this placement, the student teacher gradually takes on the role of the classroom teacher. Students apply to the student teaching program one year before their placement begins. All other course work must be complete prior to beginning the student teaching placement.

Candidates for New Hampshire state teacher certification in secondary education must pass the Praxis I before applying to student teaching. This requirement is waived for those students who score the 40th percentile on the GRE. Students seeking certification in secondary education must also pass the Praxis II in their chosen subject area prior to beginning the student teaching placement.

Secondary Education – Certification 5-12
Secondary certification for grades 5–12 is available in English or social studies education. Students are required to complete an undergraduate major in their area of specialization or the equivalent coursework. M.Ed. in secondary education candidates must complete the following specialized courses.
Courses are 3 credits unless otherwise indicated.

Secondary Education Courses:
EDU 520 - Introduction to Research Methods
EDU 521 - Exploring the Principles of Education
EDU 533 - Learning Through Technology
EDU 552 - Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment Middle and Secondary
EDU 571 - Student Teaching and Seminar (6 Credits)
PSY 521 - Educational Psychology
PSY 515 - Adolescent Psychology
RDG 504 - Content Area Literacy
RDG 531 - Children's Literature

Select one Elective in content area