Mar 19, 2024  
2017-2018 Graduate Bulletin 
    
2017-2018 Graduate Bulletin [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Reich College of Education


Melba Spooner, Dean
N. Jordan, Associate Dean
Monica Lambert, Associate Dean

http://rcoe.appstate.edu

The Reich College of Education at Appalachian State University is widely recognized throughout the Southeast as a strong leader in teacher education and related programs. The College houses graduate degrees at the master’s, specialist, and doctoral levels, as well as a number of graduate certificates and teacher licensure-only programs.

The Reich College of Education is accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education and the North Carolina State Board of Education.

Department of Curriculum and Instruction

Sara Zimmerman, Interim Chair

ci.appstate.edu

Curriculum Specialist

currspec.appstate.edu

Sara Zimmerman, Graduate Program Director 
zimmermnsj@appstate.edu

The program seeks to prepare Curriculum-Instructional Specialists who demonstrate knowledge of:

  • The purposes and roles of schooling;
  • The basic structure, organization and philosophical theories of school supervision;
  • Principles of management and supervision;
  • Principles and practices of personnel performance appraisal;
  • Educational planning in relation to design, implementation, and evaluation of instructional systems;
  • Leadership roles and responsibilities;
  • The key role of human relations in instructional leadership;
  • Leadership in the effective utilization of knowledge generated by specialists in improving instructional programs;
  • Effective supervisory practices; and,
  • Curriculum planning and development.

The program also seeks to prepare candidates who demonstrate their abilities to:

  • Provide leadership in the implementation of instructional programs;
  • Work harmoniously and effectively with people from a wide variety of backgrounds;
  • Employ sound planning practices; and
  • Provide instructional leadership in a variety of settings while assisting teachers, administrators and other professional personnel.

Location of Program: This program is offered on campus in Boone in the format described in this Bulletin. Off-campus cohorts are started periodically, and follow a part-time extended program format. For information on upcoming off-campus cohorts, please contact the Office of Distance Education: distance.appstate.edu.

Elementary Education

Chrystal Dean, Graduate Degree and Certificate Program Director
deanco@appstate.edu

The master’s program leads to North Carolina master-level (M) licensure in elementary school teaching. Students in the program will demonstrate their ability to:

  • Explain the theoretical and philosophical bases for educational practices as they relate to the elementary school curriculum, and the interrelationships of subjects.
  • Understand the nature of the elementary school-age learner in relation to the learning and evaluation process.
  • Utilize research techniques in the design and implementation of curricula and activities in classroom settings.
  • Concentrate in one or more of the instructional areas of the elementary school curriculum.
  • Make critical decisions by synthesizing information relative to the development of appropriate living/learning environments for children enrolled in elementary education.
  • Identify major movements, issues and trends impacting elementary education, including multicultural education, technology, students with special needs, and parent involvement.

The Graduate Certificate in Elementary Mathematics Education is designed for in-service elementary education teachers who wish to work toward an endorsement in mathematics.

Location of Program: This program is offered on campus in Boone in the format described in this Bulletin. Off-campus cohorts are started periodically, and follow a part-time extended program format. For information on upcoming off-campus cohorts, please contact the Office of Distance Education: distance.appstate.edu.

Middle Grades Education

Chris Cook, Graduate Program Co-Director
cookcm5@appstate.edu

This program leads to North Carolina master-level (M) licensure in middle grades teaching. The program seeks to prepare teachers who:

  • are knowledgeable about the developmental characteristics of young adolescents and are able to conceptualize and apply that knowledge in the classroom;
  • are knowledgeable about at least one subject area;
  • possess a clear, research-based knowledge of developmentally responsive instruction and schooling;
  • have the specialized skills and knowledge needed to provide middle grades students with effective instruction; and,
  • demonstrate a dedication to middle grades education based on an accurate middle grades knowledge base.

Location of Program: This program is offered on campus in Boone in the format described in this Bulletin. Off-campus cohorts are started periodically, and follow a part-time extended program format. For information on upcoming off-campus cohorts, please contact the Office of Distance Education: distance.appstate.edu.

Middle and Secondary Teaching

http://mstgradcert.appstate.edu

Holly Thornton, Program Co-Director
thorntonhj@appstate.edu

Tracy Goodson-Espy, Program Co-Director
goodsonespyt@appstate.edu

The program provides a pathway to an initial teaching license for candidates who have earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in a field related to the target license area. Successful completers will demonstrate achievement of all North Carolina Department of Public Instruction licensure requirements leading to both a graduate certificate and a recommendation for a teaching license by Appalachian State University.

The certificate program will expand on candidates’ knowledge in the specific discipline area (undergraduate preparation) and further integrate teaching theory and practice as well as prepare them for today’s culturally diverse and technology-enhanced classrooms.

This Graduate Certificate includes middle grades, career/technical education and secondary math, and secondary science tracks. The Graduate Certificate program is designed for individuals with related undergraduate degrees and preparation (e.g., business, preengineering, science, mathematics, history) who are seeking a North Carolina A-level teaching license for employment purposes or to allow for job transitions. In addition, current teachers who are interested in adding licensure in high-need areas or for other developmental age groups will benefit from this program.

Programs

Master of Arts

Graduate Certificate

Courses

Business Education

Career & Technical Education

Curriculum & Instruction

Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership

edl.appstate.edu

Audrey Dentith, Program Director 
dentitham@appstate.edu

The Doctor of Education degree (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership is designed for potential and practicing educational leaders who wish to develop and refine their leadership capabilities in educational organizations. The goals of the program include:

  • to introduce students to the methodologies of critical analysis of educational theory and practices;
  • to engage students in disciplined inquiry in the field of education;
  • to prepare students for making contributions to educational theory and practice; and,
  • to prepare students to become leaders in the diverse world in which educational institutions exist.

The program requires a minimum of 60 semester hours beyond the student’s master’s degree. All students must take at least 48 semester hours of doctoral coursework (or a combination of doctoral coursework and approved Ed.S. courses), which includes: 36 s.h. of required core courses; two semesters of EDL 7900 , Internship (3+3) to total 6 s.h.; and two consecutive semesters of EDL 7999 , Dissertation (3+3) for a minimum of 6 s.h. The 12 semester hours in each concentration will be chosen by the student in consultation with an advisor and/or the Program Director. The 12 semester hours in the concentrations may be comprised of required courses for licensure, a set of related graduate-level courses, or a set of approved interdisciplinary courses.

Students who hold the Education Specialist from Appalachian: Students who hold an earned Ed.S. degree from Appalachian State will be exempt from 24 - 30 semester hours of course work in the doctoral program. A student who holds an Ed.S. from a regionally accredited university may be exempt from up to 30 credit hours of coursework in the doctoral program. The exemption is not automatic. Specific Ed.S. coursework that might substitute for doctoral coursework will be identified after evaluation of eligible courses by the Program Director. All other degree requirements remain in effect. For further information on exemptions, contact the program director.

Qualifying Exam: The Qualifying Exam is required after the student has completed the 36 semester hours of required course work. The purpose of the Qualifying Examination is to enable students to continue the process that leads to the dissertation stage of the program.

Admission to Candidacy: Admission to candidacy to the Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership occurs only after successful completion of the Qualifying Exam and Dissertation Proposal. Students may not begin dissertation research until admission to candidacy is approved.

Location of Program: This program is offered on campus in Boone in the format described in this Bulletin. Off-campus cohorts are started periodically, require that the applicants hold the Ed.S. from Appalachian, and follow a part-time extended program format. For information on upcoming off-campus cohorts, please contact the Office of Distance Education: distance.appstate.edu.

Programs

Doctor of Education

Dual Degree Programs

Courses

Educational Leadership

Department of Family and Child Studies

fcs.appstate.edu

Denise Brewer, Interim Chair
brewerdm@appstate.edu

Programs

Graduate Minor

Courses

Family & Child Studies

Department of Human Development and Psychological Counseling

Catherine Clark, Interim Chair

hpc.appstate.edu

All courses are taught from a multicultural perspective, which emphasizes the differing experiences, cultures, histories, and perspectives of people from a variety of ethnic, gender, racial, and social class backgrounds.

The department also provides group methods, human relations, and other human development courses at the graduate and undergraduate levels for the Reich College of Education and the University. These courses are valuable for majors in other departments. A course in life and career planning and courses in leadership development are offered for undergraduate students. The department offers a variety of summer institutes to enhance the learning of both graduate students and practitioners seeking continuing education opportunities in human service fields.

Clinical Mental Health Counseling, MA and Addictions Counseling Graduate Certificate and Expressive Arts Therapy Graduate Certificate

Mark Schwarze, Graduate Program Director, Coordinator for Addiction Counseling Certificate
asucmhc@appstate.edu

Melia Snyder, Coordinator for Expressive Arts Therapy Certificate
snyderma@appstate.edu

The Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is designed to meet the need for advanced preparation of counselors and other helping professionals who work in a wide variety of human service agencies (including mental health centers, social service agencies, business and industry and others). In addition to the core curriculum, students can select, in cooperation with their departmental advisor, from a variety of elective courses, which will help meet their individual career objectives. Specialized concentrations are available as listed below including a general concentration for students who choose to design, along with their advisor, their own emphasis.

Accreditation: The master’s degree program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), a specialized accrediting body. Graduates are immediately eligible to take the examination of the National Board for Certified Counselors, Inc., to become National Certified Counselors.

Master Of Arts Program Requirements/Options: The basic requirements for the program are listed below. In addition to the curriculum listed under each program, the following items apply:

  • A master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling requires completion of a minimum of 60 semester hours of approved courses.
  • Students may choose to include a thesis as a component of their program of study.
  • Students in CACREP approved programs in the department must meet for a minimum of 10 clock hours in a planned group activity intended to provide direct experiences as a participant in a small group. This requirement is met during HPC 5790 and/or HPC 6720.
  • On an individual basis, it may be suggested students receive professional counseling to aid them in their personal growth.
  • The Handbook of Policies and Procedures available in the HPC office provides information on liability insurance, academic appeals, retention policy, personal endorsement policy, admissions policies, and placement services.
  • Permission forms to take practica and internships are available in the HPC office and must be completed prior to registration.
  • The program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling requires the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).

College Student Development

Catherine Clark, Graduate Program Director
clarkcr@appstate.edu

The College Student Development program is designed to prepare student development specialists to work in a variety of areas (residence life, career development, student activities, leadership, academic advising, etc.) within colleges and universities.

Students majoring in College Student Development will take the courses listed in this section. Students must select one of the following concentrations: College Outdoor Program Administration (496D) or Student Affairs Practice (496C). In addition to the core and the required concentration courses, students will select, in cooperation with and approved by the student’s advisor and program committee, from a variety of elective courses which will help meet their individual career objectives. Each student should see her/his advisor prior to registering. All electives must be approved by each student’s program committee.

Accreditation: The program in College Student Development (Student Affairs Practice concentration) is designed to meet the curriculum guidelines of the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education (CAS).

Master of Arts Program Requirements/Options: The basic requirements for the program are listed below. In addition to the curriculum listed under each program, the following items apply:

  • A first master’s degree in College Student Development requires completion of 48 semester hours of approved courses.
  • A second master’s degree requires meeting all program course requirements with a minimum of 36 semester hours.
  • On an individual basis, students may be required to receive professional counseling to aid them in their personal growth.
  • The Handbook of Policies and Procedures available in the HPC office provides information on liability insurance, academic appeals, retention policy, personal endorsement policy, admissions policies, and placement services.
  • Permission forms to take practica and internships are available in the HPC office and must be completed prior to registration.
  • Applicants for programs in College Student Development are required to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) and have an interview, which can be conducted by telephone if the applicant cannot visit campus.

Marriage and Family Therapy and Systemic Multicultural Counseling Graduate Certificate

mft.appstate.edu

Jon Winek, Graduate Degree Program Director
winekjl@appstate.edu

Laura Gambrel, Coordinator for Systemic Multicultural Counseling Certificate
gambrell@appstate.edu

The Marriage & Family Therapy program is designed to prepare counselors to work specifically with families in a wide variety of work settings. The program meets the educational requirements for clinical membership in the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), and North Carolina licensure.

Students who meet the general graduate school requirements are considered for admission into the Marriage and Family Therapy Program by the Admissions Committee. The committee is comprised of the MFT faculty. In reaching admissions decisions, the committee considers GPA, GPA in major, GPA in related courses, GRE scores, response to the departmental questionnaire, letters of reference and performance in an interview conducted by faculty and current students. There are circumstances in which exceptions may be made.

Accreditation: The Marriage and Family Therapy program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, 1133 Fifteenth Street, N.W., Suite 300, Washington, DC 20005-2710, (202) 452-0109.

Master of Arts Program Requirements/Options: The basic requirements for the program are listed below. In addition to the curriculum listed under each program, the following items apply:

  • A first master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy requires completion of a minimum of 48 semester hours of approved courses. The thesis option for Marriage and Family Therapy requires a minimum of 48 semester hours of approved course work plus thesis hours (4 s.h.) = 52 total hours.
  • A second master’s degree requires meeting all program course requirements with a minimum of 36 semester hours.
  • Students in CACREP approved programs in the department must meet for a minimum of 10 clock hours in a planned group activity intended to provide direct experiences as a participant in a small group. This requirement is met during HPC 5790  and/or HPC 6720 .
  • On an individual basis, students may be required to receive professional counseling to aid them in their personal growth.
  • The Handbook of Policies and Procedures available in the HPC office provides information on liability insurance, academic appeals, retention policy, personal endorsement policy, admissions policies, and placement services.
  • Permission forms to take practica and internships are available in the HPC office and must be completed prior to registration.
  • Applicants for Marriage and Family Therapy are required to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) and have an interview.

Professional School Counseling

Jill Van Horne, Graduate Program Director
vanhornejw@appstate.edu

The Professional School Counseling program is designed to meet North Carolina licensure requirements and to prepare counselors for elementary, middle, and secondary schools.

Accreditation: The master’s degree program in Professional School Counseling is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), a specialized accrediting body. Graduates are immediately eligible to take the examination of the National Board for Certified Counselors, Inc., to become National Certified Counselors (NCC). The Professional School Counseling program is also accredited/approved by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI).

Master of Arts Program Requirements/Options: The basic requirements for the program are listed below. In addition to the curriculum listed under each program, the following items apply:

  • A first master’s degree in Professional School Counseling requires completion of a minimum of 60 semester hours of approved courses.
  • A second master’s degree requires meeting all program course requirements with a minimum of 39 semester hours.
  • Students in CACREP approved programs in the department must meet for a minimum of 10 clock hours in a planned group activity intended to provide direct experiences as a participant in a small group. This requirement is met during HPC 5790  and/or HPC 6720 .
  • On an individual basis, students may be required to receive professional counseling to aid them in their personal growth.
  • The Handbook of Policies and Procedures available in the HPC office provides information on liability insurance, academic appeals, retention policy, personal endorsement policy, admissions policies, and placement services.
  • Permission forms to take practica and internships are available in the HPC office and must be completed prior to registration.
  • Applicants for Professional School Counseling are required to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) and have an interview.

Programs

Master of Arts

Graduate Certificate

Courses

Human Development & Psychological Counseling

Department of Leadership and Educational Studies

Terry McClannon, Chair

les.appstate.edu

The Department of Leadership and Educational Studies serves the education community and the public through:

  • foundations of education courses for teacher education majors
  • research courses to help students develop skills and knowledge needed to understand the design, implementation, and evaluation of educational research
  • graduate programs in public school administration; community college and higher education administration, teaching, developmental education and adult education; library science; and educational media/instructional technology

Educational Media, MA
Instructional Technology Facilitation Graduate Certificate
Instructional Technology Leadership Graduate Certificate
New Media Literacies and Global Perspectives Graduate Certificate
Online Learning and Professional Development Graduate Certificate

Herb Brown, Graduate Program Co-Director
brownhf@appstate.edu

Amy Cheney, Graduate Program Co-Director
cheneyal@appstate.edu

The Master of Arts in Educational Media provides an innovative blending of learning opportunities in the design, production, application, and evaluation of a broad range of media and technology. Students are encouraged to pursue work in both traditional and emerging technologies related to all aspects of educational media. Graduates of the program will be prepared to assume leadership roles in various fields of media and technology. The range of possibilities for students in the four concentrations includes the study of digital technologies in education, multimedia systems and website production, as well as media literacy, instructional design, and telecommunications systems.

The Online Learning and Professional Development concentration and certificate offer students the opportunity to gain technical, aesthetic, and intellectual skills and perspectives to analyze and develop online learning and professional development pedagogies and environments. The program of study engages the learner in constructivist learning environments and local and global learning communities. Particular emphasis is placed on instructional design, technological tools for the creation, hosting, and delivery of online content, and the assessment of online learning and professional development solutions. The ethical and social issues involved in distance learning will also be examined. This concentration does not lead to North Carolina Licensure.

The New Media Literacies and Global Perspectives concentration and certificate develop the intellectual, technical, and aesthetic skills to successfully create, utilize and critique traditional, emerging, and converging new media, technologies, and literacies as they relate to individuals, societies, and cultures. Emphasis is placed on an investigation of the production, form, language, and dissemination of a variety of texts, including print, non-print, and evolving media forms (e.g., web-based media, augmented reality, etc.). Emphasis is also placed upon the analysis of new media in light of educational, cultural and social forces from both local and global perspectives. This concentration does not lead to North Carolina Licensure.

The K-12 concentration is designed for education professionals and others who wish to enhance their use of digital technologies for teaching and learning. This concentration is designed to prepare traditional and nontraditional students to assume educational leadership roles in the use of instructional technology in public schools, public libraries and related educational settings through active scholarship, reflection, professional discourse and interdisciplinary programs of study based on the integration of theory and practice. This concentration leads to 077 ‘M’ level licensure for Instructional Technology Specialists.

The General concentration is tailored for students with a focus in the integration of Computer/Information Systems and/or Computer Science in educational environments.

The Graduate Certificate in Instructional Technology Facilitation leads to the Special Endorsement in Computer Education (18079) or 077 “M’ level licensure for Instructional Technology Specialists. The Endorsement is designed for school computer teachers or computer resource teachers for one or more schools, and is the recommended certification for the school level Technology Facilitator. 077 Licensure may be added for individuals who already hold a Master’s degree in an educational field. The certificate program promotes an in-depth understanding of the applications of and considerations for the integration of digital technologies in schools.

General Information for all Students: A student working toward a degree and/or licensure in the Department of Leadership and Educational must develop her/his Program of Study in consultation with an approved advisor. Degree students taking courses without being officially assigned an advisor and receiving the advisor’s approval do so at the risk of not having the courses approved as part of the degree program.

All electives must be approved by the student’s advisor in all programs. Students pursuing or holding graduate degrees in other departments, and also seeking administration and supervision licensure, must take the necessary courses and internship prescribed by the Department of Leadership and Educational Studies.

Higher Education

Vachel Miller, Graduate Program Director
millervw@appstate.edu

The Higher Education graduate program was founded in 1968 in response to the growing need for community college and university instructors and administrators in North Carolina postsecondary institutions. Although the program continues its original role, it now serves a national and international population of students and professionals concerned with postsecondary education. The program’s purposes include:

  • preparing individuals for teaching and leadership roles in community college and university settings.
  • advancing the skills and knowledge of current two-year and four-year college and university professionals.
  • preparing students to design, deliver, and evaluate educational programs for adults in community colleges and universities, allied health programs, industry, the community, and other agencies and organizations offering adult education.
  • preparing students for doctoral-level studies.

Higher Education (M.A.)- prepares students who wish to work in postsecondary institutional settings. Students must select one of the following concentrations: Adult and Developmental Education, Community College and University Leadership, or Teaching. The teaching concentration is designed to prepare students to teach in two-year community colleges and four-year institutions. The degree in Higher Education does not lead to North Carolina public school administration and supervision licensure.

Higher Education (Ed.S.)- provides an advanced graduate degree beyond the M.A. for professionals in the area of postsecondary education. This degree is for individuals with a master’s degree who are interested in advancing their careers, preparing for a doctoral program, or enhancing their practice in the areas of higher education leadership, teaching or developmental education in two- and four-year colleges or in adult education programming in an institution and organization. Students must select one of the following concentrations: Adult and Developmental Education, Community College and University Leadership, or Teaching. The Ed.S. in Higher Education meets the prerequisite of an Ed.S. from Appalachian to enter an off-campus cohort for the doctoral program at Appalachian. The Ed.S. in Higher Education is a non-licensure program and does not lead to North Carolina teaching, administration, or supervision licensure.

General Information for All Students: A student working toward a degree and/or licensure in the Department of Leadership and Educational Studies must develop her/his Program of Study in consultation with an approved advisor. Candidacy forms must be submitted to the Office of Graduate Studies and Research before the student has completed 12 semester hours of course work. Degree students taking courses without being officially assigned an advisor and receiving the advisor’s approval do so at the risk of not having the courses approved as part of the degree program.

All electives must be approved by the student’s advisor in all programs. Students pursuing or holding graduate degrees in other departments, and also seeking administration and supervision licensure, must take the necessary courses and internship prescribed by the Department of Leadership and Educational Studies.

Location of Program: The Higher Education programs are offered on campus in Boone in the format described in this Bulletin. Off-campus cohorts are started periodically, and follow a part-time extended program format. For information on upcoming off-campus cohorts, please contact the Office of Distance Education: distance.appstate.edu.

Community College Teaching (Non-Licensure) Professional Education Requirements in Programs Outside of Higher Education: In addition to the Teaching concentration in Higher Education, there are other programs that focus on college teaching. Majors available to students are: English, French, Mathematics, and Spanish. For required courses in the academic field, see the appropriate section. It is highly recommended that 6-12 s.h. of graduate professional higher education (HE) courses should be chosen with the advice and approval of the graduate advisor. Refer to specific information in the major department or contact the Department of Leadership and Educational Studies.

Library Science

mls.appstate.edu

Kim Becnel, Program Director
becnelke@appstate.edu

The Master of Library Science (MLS) is nationally recognized by the American Association of School Librarians (AASL), nationally accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and approved by the North Carolina State Department of Public Instruction. The program reflects Media Coordinator (School Librarian) competencies required by the state as well as Public Librarian Certification competencies of the North Carolina Public Librarian Certification Commission. Completion of the program of study entitles the graduate to apply for licensure (076 Media Coordinator) from the State of North Carolina and to apply for Public Librarian Certification from the North Carolina Public Librarian Certification Commission.

Using a combination of off-campus teaching methodologies, the Library Science program mission is to make a positive impact on K-12 students and public library patrons by providing the State of North Carolina with appropriately educated school and public librarians who take leadership roles in the state, nation, and world. High quality faculty, who create authentic learning experiences that blend theory with practice and consistently engage in relevant research, creative, and service activities, help to accomplish this mission. The Library Science program shares a commitment with the Reich College.

The Department of Leadership and Educational Studies serves the education community and the public through:

  • foundations of education courses for teacher education majors
  • research courses to help students develop skills and knowledge needed to understand the design, implementation, and evaluation of educational research
  • graduate programs in public school administration; community college and higher education administration, teaching, developmental education and adult education; library science; and educational media/instructional technology

General Information for All Students: A student working toward a degree and/or licensure in the Department of Leadership and Educational Studies must develop her/his Program of Study in consultation with an approved advisor. Degree students taking courses without being officially assigned an advisor and receiving the advisor’s approval do so at the risk of not having the courses approved as part of the degree program.

Students pursuing or holding graduate degrees in other departments, and also seeking administration and supervision licensure, must take the necessary courses and internship prescribed by the Department of Leadership and Educational Studies.

Courses in the dual degree program are offered online. The method of instruction depends on the course and instructor. Students need access to a computer with Broadband Internet access, a head set, and a microphone. Minimum requirements are Intel Dual Core or Core Duo (PC) 1.6GHz (XP) or 2.0GHz or Intel Mac 1.6GHz (OS 10.6 or Higher), minimum 2 GB memory, 4 GB preferable, and have a video graphics card that supports DirectX 9.0+ and OpenGL 1.3+. Computers less than 2 years old are generally adequate. Additional software may be required.

Educational Administration, EdS
School Administration, MSA
School Leadership Graduate Certificate

Barbara Howard, Graduate Program Director 
howardbb@appstate.edu

The Department of Leadership and Educational Studies serves the education community and the public through:

  • foundations of education courses for teacher education majors.
  • research courses to help students develop skills and knowledge needed to understand the design, implementation, and evaluation of educational research.
  • graduate programs in public school administration; community college and higher education administration, teaching,
  • developmental education and adult education; library science; and educational media/instructional technology.

The Master of School Administration degree prepares candidates for the challenges and rigor of the principalship in pk-12 schools. It will result in a North Carolina Principal’s License, which is considered an entry-level administrative license. The focus of this program is the development of the skills and knowledge required by the North Carolina Standards for School Executives, revised and adopted by the North Carolina State Board of Education in 2011.

The Educational Administration (Ed.S.) degree provides advanced graduate work in school administration at the Central Office or Superintendent’s level. This degree leads to the sixth-year administrator license. The goal of this program is to prepare candidates for higher levels of educational administrative responsibility, typically in specialized positions in central office administration such as director, Associate/Assistant Superintendent or Superintendent. The focus of this program is the development of the knowledge and skills required by the North Carolina Standards for School Superintendents, adopted by the North Carolina State Board of Education (2007). Applicants must hold a valid North Carolina Principal’s license.

General Information for All Students: A student working toward a degree and/or licensure in the Department of Leadership and Educational Studies must develop her/his Program of Study in consultation with an approved advisor. Candidacy forms must be submitted to the Office of Graduate Studies and Research before the student has completed 12 semester hours of course work. Degree students taking courses without being officially assigned an advisor and receiving the advisor’s approval do so at the risk of not having the courses approved as part of the degree program.

All electives must be approved by the student’s advisor in all programs. Students pursuing or holding graduate degrees in other departments, and also seeking administration and supervision licensure, must take the necessary courses and internship prescribed by the Department of Leadership and Educational Studies.

Students wishing to pursue any of the above degree programs should apply to the graduate school for admission. The Graduate School will provide the necessary information as to what is expected with the completed application. When the application is complete in all details, it will be sent to the department for action by the faculty in the program area. A number of the degree programs require a student to possess teacher licensure. Students should check for this in the specific degree program requirements.

Location of Instruction: Online

Programs

Education Specialist

Dual Degree Programs

Master of Arts

Master of Library Science

Master of School Administration

Graduate Certificate

Courses

Foundations of Education

Higher Education

Instructional Technology/Computers

Leadership in School Administration

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Department of Reading Education and Special Education

rese.appstate.edu

Woodrow Trathen, Chair
trathenwr@appstate.edu

Reading Education

Woodrow Trathen, Graduate Certificate Program Director
trathenwr@appstate.edu

Beth Frye, Graduate Degree Program Director
fryeem@appstate.edu

The Master of Arts degree in Reading Education, General has two concentrations: Adult Literacy and Classroom/Clinical. Each concentration provides a well-balanced program of academic and practicum experiences designed to produce graduates capable of providing quality services to the region, state, and nation. The Adult Literacy concentration prepares instructors and administrators to deliver and coordinate literacy services for adults seeking to improve their reading and writing skills. The Classroom/Clinical concentration is intended for classroom teachers and reading specialists. Students with this concentration are prepared to teach all aspects of reading and language arts to K-12 students. Upon completion, graduates are eligible for Master (M) level teaching licensure.

Location of Program: The MA and certificate programs are offered on campus in Boone in the format described in this Bulletin. The programs are also offered off campus in a part-time format, and applications are accepted on a rolling basis. For information on upcoming off-campus locations, please contact the Office of Distance Education: distance.appstate.edu.

Special Education, MA and Autism Spectrum Disorders Graduate Certificate

Woodrow Trathen, Graduate Certificate Program Director
trathenwr@appstate.edu

Rebecca Shankland, Graduate Degree Program Director
shanklandrk@appstate.edu

The Master of Arts degree in Special Education prepares teachers and others to work with students with Intellectual Disabilities (Mental Retardation), Learning Disabilities, Emotional/Behavioral Disorders, and Autism Spectrum Disorders. Persons graduating from the program will have fulfilled the competencies required for the advanced competencies licensure from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (as long as the hold an A-level license that the M-level license can be added onto) and be eligible for employment in a variety of special education settings to include public and private schools with the necessary license as well as community settings. Students will be expected to complete products of learning to demonstrate skills of a master teacher. Students complete a portfolio and action research project for the degree.

The Graduate Certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorders is an interdisciplinary certificate program designed for professionals working in the field of autism spectrum disorders including teachers, related service providers, human service agency personnel, families, and community supports. Students currently enrolled in graduate degree programs may elect to complete the graduate minor in Austism Spectrum Disorders.

Location of Instruction: The Special Education and Autism Spectrum Disorders programs are offered on campus in Boone in the format described in this Bulletin. Off-campus cohorts are started periodically, and follow a part-time extended program format. For information on upcoming off-campus cohorts, please contact the Office of Distance Education: distance.appstate.edu.

Programs

Master of Arts

Graduate Certificate

Graduate Minor

Courses

Reading

Special Education