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Policy 6-206: Graduate Studies and Degrees, Master of Education.

Revision 5. Effective Date: October 26, 1999

  1. Purpose and Scope
    1. (Reserved)
  2. Definitions
    1. (Reserved)
  3. Policy: Requirements for the Degree of Master of Education
    1. Master of Education (M.Ed., Educational Studies)
      1. The degree of Master of Education is designed for teachers and others who want an advanced level of preparation in some specific area of education. It is also designed for those who wish to explore the social and intellectual contexts of contemporary schooling. There are five main subspecialties in the Department of Educational Studies: curriculum and instruction, reading, early childhood education, technology and microcomputers and the foundations of education.
      2. Course Requirements
        1. Candidates for the Master of Education degree seeking initial teacher certification will be expected to meet the certification requirements of the state of Utah. A minimum of 36 hours of acceptable graduate work will be the requirement for the degree of Master of Education. A cumulative grade point average of "B" shall be required for graduation. In addition, a final oral and/or written examination must be passed and clinical or professional experience shall be required of each candidate at the culminating stage. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 7 of this chapter, a thesis shall not be required for a Master of Education degree.
      3. Admission to Candidacy
        1. The qualifications for admission to the Master of Education program are the same as those of the Graduate School.
      4. Supervisory Committee
        1. A supervisory committee of at least three members will be appointed by the Director of Graduate Studies in cooperation with the department chairperson to aid each candidate in preparation of their program of study, and to administer the final oral and/or written examination.
    2. Master of Education (M.Ed., Special Education)
      1. In the Department of Special Education, students can pursue certification in mild/moderate disabilities, severe disabilities, early childhood disabilities, hearing impairments, and visual impairments or advanced work in an area of special education (as part of the degree emphasis).
      2. Course Requirements
        1. Candidates for the Master of Education degree seeking initial teacher certification will be expected to meet the certification requirements of the state of Utah. A minimum of 35 semester credit hours of acceptable graduate work will be the requirement for the degree of Master of Education. A minimum of 8 semester hours must be taken in education fields; and a minimum of 8 semester hours must be taken in academic fields outside of the major department. The remaining semester hours will consist of courses approved by the candidate's supervisory committee. A cumulative grade point average of "B" shall be required for graduation. In addition, a final oral and/or written examination must be passed and clinical or professional experience shall be required of each candidate. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 7 of this chapter, a thesis shall not be required for a Master of Education degree.
      3. Admission to Candidacy
        1. The qualifications for admission to candidacy to the Master of Education program are the same as those of the Graduate School.
      4. Supervisory Committee
        1. A supervisory committee of at least three members is established to aid each candidate in preparation of their program of study, and to administer the final oral and/or written examination. The committee is formally approved by the department chairperson.
    3. Master of Education (M.Ed., Educational Leadership and Policy)
      1. The Master of Education degree and the Certification Program are professional programs designed to help potential entry-level administrators develop the knowledge and skills essential for effective administrative performance in educational organizations. Course work and other experiences develop both theoretical understandings and clinical skills. Upon successful completion of the program, Master's candidates will be awarded an M.Ed. Degree. Candidates in both programs will also be eligible for the Utah Basic Administrative/Supervisory certificate.
  4. Rules, Procedures, Guidelines, Forms and other related resources
    1. Rules
    2. Procedures
    3. Guidelines
    4. Forms
    5. Other related resource materials
  5. References:
    1. (Reserved)
  6. Contacts:
    1. The designated contact officials for this Regulation are
    2. Policy Owners (primary contact person for questions and advice): Dean of the Graduate School
    3. Policy Officers: Sr. Vice President for Academic Affairs and the Sr. Vice President for Health Sciences
    4. See University Rule 1-001 for information about the roles and authority of policy owners and policy officers.
  7. History:
    1. Approved: University Senate: 2/4/85
    2. Institutional Council 2/4/85
    3. Editorially revised: August 24, 1990
    4. Editorially revised: January 29, 1998
    5. Editorially revised 10/26/99

    6. Editorially revised to remove gendered language on April 1, 2022.

Policy: 6-206 Rev: 5
Date: October 26, 1999
Last Updated: 4/4/22