• Master of Arts - Education
• Graduate Programs
• MAED Admission
• School Partnerships/Cohorts
• Forms
• Renewal/Adding a License
• Professional Development for Educators

The Master of Arts in Education (M.A.Ed) program at Baldwin-Wallace College is designed to stimulate and guide early childhood, middle childhood, and adolescent/young adult teachers toward professional competency and intellectual maturity. The non-thesis program requires 34–42 semester hours of study.

M.A.Ed specializations include reading, mild/moderate educational needs, educational technology and school leadership. Reading and educational technology can lead to licensure endorsements. Mild/moderate can lead to licensure. Successful completion of Praxis II exams is required for licensure and endorsement eligibility with the exception of Educational Technology.

The M.A.Ed program is offered in three formats: traditional, on-campus study; Partnership Program cohorts in school settings; and in combination with undergraduate courses leading to post-bachelor’s licensure—the License+Master’s program.

The Master’s degree program is designed to meet the needs of today’s classroom teachers—those who are experienced as well as those entering the profession.

Attributes
The teacher education curriculum is arranged conceptually around six teacher/educator attributes: content knowledge, professional knowledge, pedagogical knowledge, diversity, educational technology, and professional dispositions. These six attributes comprise a conceptual framework for guiding the academic experiences of all students.

 Academic Policies and Information

Academic Calendar
Courses are offered fall and spring semesters and during two consecutive summer sessions. Classes
are scheduled in the late afternoon or early evening during fall, spring, summer I; during the day in the summer II.

Accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
Baldwin-Wallace College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, a commission of the
North Central Association. The address, telephone number and Web site for this accrediting body
is 30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, Illinois 60602-2504; 1-800-621-7440;
www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org.

Other Academic Affiliations
Individual programs at Baldwin-Wallace College are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), and the Commission of Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).

Baldwin-Wallace College is approved by the American Chemical Association.  It has been approved by the Association of American Universities since 1931.  Baldwin-Wallace College also is a member of the Association of American Colleges, the American Council on Education, and the American Association of Colleges of Teacher Education.  The graduate program in education was approved by the Ohio Board of Regents in May 1974 and was initiated in January 1975.

Admission Requirements
Although each applicant for admission to the graduate program in education will be judged on individual merit, requirements include the following:

            1. a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

            2. a valid teaching certificate/license*

            3. an undergraduate cumulative grade point average of 2.6 (on a four point scale)
                 in the last two years (60 semester hours) of study.

            4. two letters of recommendation from former professors, principals,
                 supervisors, or other persons qualified to estimate the applicant’s ability to
                 successfully complete graduate study in education.

Applicants with less than a 2.75 GPA, but not lower than 2.6 may be admitted on the basis of an acceptable score on the Miller’s Analogies Test (MAT). 

Conditional admission may be extended to an applicant who does not meet these requirements but demonstrates exceptional potential as a graduate student. Conditional admission includes the stipulation to maintain a 3.0 cumulative grade point average for the 12 hour core in order to continue as a degree candidate in the program.

Applicants who do not successfully pass the (MAT) may petition to resubmit test scores after a lapse of one year. 

Faculty members of the Division of Education and/or others associated with the admissions procedure reserve the right to require an applicant, regardless of grade point average, to take the Miller’s Analogies Test.

An applicant who already holds a master’s degree—in education or in a teaching field—from an accredited college or university will have his/her application reviewed based on the graduate degree
work only.

All admissions will be made through the Admission Office with guidance on specific programs from the Director of Admissions and the Director of the Graduate Program.

*Not required of License+Master’s applicants.

Admission as a Non-Degree (Special) Student
An applicant may be accepted for certain designated courses with evidence of a bachelor’s degree. This non-degree (special) classification may be retained provided the student’s work meets the standards of the regular graduate program. The non-degree student desiring to become a degree seeking student must meet admission requirements.

Comprehensive Exams   
Candidates are required to successfully complete a written, comprehensive exam to qualify for graduation. Exams cover both core and specialization courses.

Candidates may be asked to complete an oral exam, re-write an answer, or take additional course work if exam responses are not acceptable.

The Degree

Degree Completion
The program can be completed in as little as two years of part-time study. All degree work must be completed within six years of initial enrollment in graduate, degree-eligible courses at B-W.

Degree Requirements
The M.A.Ed program is a non-thesis program requiring 34–42 semester hours to complete. A twelve hour core of foundational courses is completed prior to enrollment in one of the specializations.  In addition to core and specialization courses, each student completes a liberal arts enrichment course.

Grading System
At the conclusion of each course, letter grades are assigned to the student for the course work. Grades assigned are: A, B, C, F, I, T and W.  Each grade has the following value in quality points: A, four; B, three; C, two; and F, zero.  The “I” or incomplete grade is used when a student has been unavoidably delayed in finishing course work.  This work must then be completed prior to the end of the 6th week of the subsequent semester.  The “T” or temporary non-credit grade indicates that work in the course is continuing and is thus far satisfactory.  The “W” is a withdrawal which earns no quality points.

Candidates who decide to drop a course or to withdraw completely for the semester must inform both the Director of the Master of Arts in Education Program and the Registrar’s Office, in writing. A student who ceases to attend classes, but who does not officially withdraw, will receive a grade of “F” at the end of the semester.  Withdrawal after the 9th week may be authorized by the Director of the Graduate Program and the Registrar only in cases of prolonged illness, change in employment, or other circumstances beyond the student’s control.  In such a case, a written petition must be sent to the Director or the Registrar within one week after the last day of class attendance.

Continuation in the M.A.Ed. Program
Standards for Continuation and Completion of All Advanced Programs

All students (candidates) enrolled in advanced programs must meet the following standards for continuation and completion of programs.

Transition points
Point one: Admission to the MAED program. See catalog for admission requirements.
Point two: All candidates in advanced programs must earn a cumulative GPA of 3.0 upon completion of 12 hours of graduate study.
Point three: Candidates must have earned a cumulative GPA of 3.0 to sit for comprehensive examinations.
Point four: Candidates must have earned a cumulative GPA of 3.0 to qualify for graduation. They must also have a 3.0 cumulative GPA to meet eligibility requirements for State of Ohio endorsement or licensure. Note: Field experiences, practica, and internships may have additional eligibility requirements. See catalogue for these prerequisites.

Dismissal Based on Academic Performance:  A candidate will be dismissed from the program for either of the following:
     1.    Failure to meet the above standards for any transition point or
     2.    Earning a grade of “F” in a graduate course.

Appeal of Dismissal
If a dismissed candidate wishes to be considered for continuation in the program, he/she must appeal to the Chair of the Division of Education. An appeal consists of a formal letter addressed to the Chair indicating the reason/s for consideration of a return to the program. Appeal letters must be submitted within 12 months following dismissal from the program. The appeal is reviewed by a Graduate Faculty Appeals Committee. No further coursework may be taken until the appeal has been processed and a decision regarding re-entry to the program has been made. If the appeal is granted, the candidate has one (1) semester to achieve a 3.0 GPA, or satisfy the conditions specified by the Appeals Committee, in which case the dismissal status is removed and the candidate returns to candidacy status. 

General Appeal Process
Any candidate has the right to request a review of a decision made regarding
his/her academic program. In the event that the concern is with a faculty member, the candidate must first contact said individual. If the candidate does not feel that the problem has been resolved, he/she may appeal to the Chairperson of the Division of Education. Following this action, should the candidate still feel that the matter is unresolved, he or she may appeal to the Office of the Dean. Candidates
are strongly encouraged to contact their academic advisors for guidance and support in these matters.

Attendance
Each instructor is asked to have a clearly stated attendance policy included in each course syllabus. However, in the absence of this policy, the College policy will prevail.
Instructors are not required to excuse absences in excess of ten percent of class meetings.

Graduate Student/Alumni Association
The purpose of the Association is to promote a continuing and growing fellowship among the alumni and current students of the Graduate Education program at Baldwin-Wallace College; encourages continuing professional growth and social interaction; and, provides input into the various programs. 

For more information, please contact:
The Alumni and Parent Relations Office
(440) 826-2104

Graduation Requirements
The candidate for the Master of Arts in Education degree (M.A. Ed.) is expected to meet the following degree requirements for graduation:

     1. successful completion of the program coursework as outlined with a minimum of 34–42
         credit hours
     2. a 3.0 cumulative grade point average in total work attempted while registered in the
         Master of Arts in Education program
     3. completion of all degree requirements within a six-year period from the date of initial
         enrollment in Division of Education graduate courses  
     4. successful completion of a written comprehensive examination.

Time Limits
Candidates must complete degree requirements within the six-year maximum limit. Extensions of the
six-year limit will be considered upon petition to the Director of the Program. The petition should include reasons for needing additional time and indicate a proposed completion date—not to exceed one year extension.

Transfer Policy
Credits transferred for application toward the Master of Arts in Education degree are subject to the following conditions:

     1. No more than six semester hours of course work may be transferred as equivalents
         to M.A.Ed requirements.
     2. Credits to be transferred may not have been used to fulfill requirements for another degree.
     3. Credits to be transferred must have been recorded as graduate credit, applicable toward 
         degree eligibility at the granting institution; the granting institution must be fully accredited
         for graduate studies
     4. Credits to be transferred must have been earned within a six-year period immediately
         preceding the student’s initial graduate course work at Baldwin-Wallace College.
     5. Grades must be a “B” or better for courses to transfer to the M.A.Ed program.
     6. Candidates must complete a Request for Transfer form and submit it to the Director of the
         M.A.Ed program along with original transcripts, course descriptions, and course syllabi
         or outlines.

State License Examination
The State Board of Education of Ohio requires the Praxis II Examinations for all candidates seeking licensure at any level—early childhood education, middle childhood education, adolescent education, multi-age education, and mild/moderate. License+Master’s candidates will not be recommended for licensure until all of the requirements are completed and the candidate is eligible for the Master of Arts in Education degree.

Candidates currently possessing a license and seeking an endorsement will be tested only in the areas that they intend to add to their license. Thus, candidates adding reading to their license must take the exam in reading. License+Master’s candidates must take all required exams for licensure and endorsements.

A candidate for licensure may take any or all required exams as many times as needed, provided the candidate fulfills registration and fee requirements for each exam.

Tuition and Fees
A non-refundable, non-transferable application fee is required at the time of application. The Master of Arts in Education program is fully approved for veterans’ educational benefits. Please refer to the Baldwin-Wallace College posted charges for tuition information.

Payment of tuition must be made prior to the first day of each semester, even if you are receiving tuition benefits from your employer for which you will be reimbursed at a later date. Special payment arrangements must be made with the approval of the Bursar. Transcripts, grades and other official certifications will not be released for students whose accounts are not paid. Financial aid in the form of Guaranteed Student Loans is available to graduate students.

Refund Policy
Candidates who withdraw from a course will receive a refund of their tuition payment in accordance with the standard published refund table.

Students with Disabilities
The Office of Disability Services at Baldwin-Wallace College exists to provide support to students with special needs.  If you anticipate seeking any accommodations related to your disability while you are at Baldwin-Wallace, please contact: Ms. Teresa Seroke, (440) 826-5936.

Baldwin-Wallace College endeavors to provide reasonable accommodations for every student who has a documented disability.

Workshop Admission
An applicant may be accepted for graduate workshops with evidence of teaching experience and a bachelor’s degree.  An unlimited number of workshops may be taken.  However, workshop credit may not be applied towards the master’s degree.

MA.Ed. Program of Studies

 License+Master’s Program
The License+Master’s program is a licensure program for candidates with a degree, but no license. To be admitted to the License+Master’s program candidates must hold a cumulative grade point average of 2.75 in the final 60 hours of their undergraduate degree. Candidates who hold an overall grade point average of less than 2.75 but greater than 2.60 may be asked to take the Miller’s Analogies Test to supplement their application.

As a general rule the bachelor’s degree from an accredited 4-year institution of higher education fulfills the general education requirements. To obtain licensure, the student must complete required undergraduate professional education courses, teaching field courses, student teaching, and additional graduate courses which replace undergraduate professional education courses.

Upon completion of all requirements, the student earns a license in the specialty area, a master’s degree, and applicable endorsement or license in the master’s specialization. The candidate will not be recommended for licensure until all of the requirements are completed and the candidate is eligible for the Master of Arts in Education degree.

Program sheets delineating the requirements for each License+Master’s program may be obtained on the B-W Web site. The following are the License+Master’s programs available at Baldwin-Wallace College:

• Early Childhood Education License (Pre-K through grade 3) with Reading Endorsement (K-12). 
• Early Childhood Education License (Pre-K through grade 3) with Mild/Moderate Educational Needs License (K-12). 
• Early Childhood Education License (Pre-K through grade 3) with Educational Technology Endorsement (K-12).
• Middle Childhood Education (grades 4 -9) with Reading Endorsement (K-12).
• Middle Childhood Education (grades 4 -9) with Mild/Moderate Educational Needs License (K-12). 
• Middle Childhood Education (grades 4 -9) with Educational Technology Endorsement (K-12). 
• Adolescent Young Adult Education (grades 7 -12) /Multi-Age License with Reading Endorsement (K-12).
• Adolescent Young Adult Education (grades 7 -12) /Multi-Age License with Mild/Moderate Educational Needs License (K-12).
• Adolescent Young Adult Education (grades 7 -12) /Multi-Age License with Educational Technology Endorsement (K-12). 
• Intervention Specialist License - Mild/Moderate Educational Needs License (K-12).