Department of Education

GRADUATE PROGRAM

Mission

Shaw University is committed to providing educational opportunities for a diverse population.  Over the years, many teacher education graduates have gone on to develop distinguished careers as master teachers and school administrators.  To this end, the Department of Education offers the Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Early Childhood Education.  The program of study provides a planned, cohesive  sequence of advanced study courses that are a logical extension of coursework pursued at the undergraduate level.  

Program Learning Outcomes

In alignment with the North Carolina Professional Teaching Standards for graduate programs in education, the Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Early Childhood Education program outcomes are to prepare teachers and leaders who will:

1. Assume the roles and responsibilities of collaborative leaders in schools and communities;
2. Model leadership by establishing a positive and productive environment for a diverse population of students, their families, and the community;
3. Have a deep knowledge of the subjects they teach and understanding of curriculum theory and development;
4. Facilitate student learning through evidence-based practice informed by research;
5. Contribute to systematic, critical analysis of learning in their classrooms and beyond.

Conceptual Framework Theme

The theme/purpose of the conceptual framework undergirding the Department of Education’s programs are:

To produce graduates who are critical-thinking problem solvers with the knowledge, pedagogical and technological skills, and professional dispositions needed to function as effective teachers and leaders in a diverse world. 

Program of Study

The primary target audience for the graduate program consists of practicing or aspiring teachers and leaders in the field of education. The Graduate Program provides two tracks. One is for students who wish to obtain a Master’s degree while simultaneously working toward their initial teaching license. The other is for students who already hold a valid teaching license but wish to obtain a Master’s degree.

Because many graduate students are employed full-time, our program typically offers hybrid courses (half online, half face-to-face). These courses meet on Saturdays on the campus of Shaw University in Raleigh, NC when meeting face-to-face, with about half of the coursework provided in asynchronous format online. Some courses are offered completely online with required seminars throughout the semester.

Admission Requirements

In order to obtain unconditional admission, the applicant must meet or exceed the following criteria:

• An undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 from an accredited institution of higher education.
• A minimum of two years of documented relevant educational or professional experiences in an early childhood education setting.
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores on the aptitude section that are acceptable to the Graduate Program Committee.
• A TOEFL score of at least 500 if the applicant is an international student.
• A successful interview with the Graduate Program Committee.
• Must provide two letters of recommendation (one professional reference must be from a present or former supervisor.

Application Deadlines

Applicants living in the U. S. & U. S. Citizens:	International Applicants:
For fall semester admission - April 1 For spring semester admission - October 31 For summer session admission - April 1	For fall semester admission - March 1 For spring semester admission  - August   For summer session admission - December 1

Title II

The teacher education programs at Shaw University are not designated as low-performing by the State under Section 208(a). 

Course of Study

The Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Early Childhood Education (Birth through Kindergarten) requires a minimum of 39-42 credit hours, depending upon whether or not students are seeking an initial teaching license. All students are required to complete a thesis or a final internship.  

18 credit hours of core courses
ECI 600:   Introduction to Adv Studies in Education
ECI 611:   Advanced Studies in Child Development       
ECI 691:   Statistical Methods in Action Research
ECI 692:   Design of Educational Research
ECI 698:   Thesis Conference (0 credit hours)
ECI 699:   Internship Conference (0 credit hours)
ECI 700:   Thesis OR
ECI 702:   Internship

24 credit hours in the specialty area concentration
ECI 598: Student Teaching
ECI 602:   Inclusive Learning Environments
ECI 613:   Family, School, and Community Collaboration
ECI 620:   Policies & Practices in Early Intervention
ECI 625:   Advanced Study of Literacy and Numeracy for Young Children
ECI 630:  Assessment & Program Evaluation in Early Childhood
ECI 634:  Diversity in Early Childhood Education
ECI 678:   21st Century Leadership in Early Childhood Education

6 credit hours of supportive electives
ECI 650:   Advanced Technology in Early Childhood Classrooms
ECI 670:   Administration of Child Development Centers

* ECI 598 is required only of those students who do not currently hold a NC teaching license. 

Request application materials from:
Rosalie  Parrish, Ph.D., Graduate Coordinator
Department of Education Shaw University
118 E.  South Street | Raleigh, North Carolina 27601
Phone:  919-278-2675 | Fax: 919-546-8531
Email: rparrish@shawu.edu