Primary Education (Elementary MEd)
Program Details
An MEd in primary education (elementary) helps educators do even better by providing a strengthened foundation in professional knowledge, experience combining the latest theories and practice for curriculum development and application. Educators may pursue an MEd and a teaching license separately or concurrently through our program.
30 credit hours are required for the MEd consisting of 9 hours in core courses plus 21 hours of electives.
Concentrations: Elementary, Montessori, Multicultural Children's Literature, Reading and English language learners.
Scholarships: The James Boothe Endowed Scholarship for Educational Leadership
Admission
Applications are accepted throughout the year from students with a bachelor's degree and a solid academic background. You may begin the program in the summer, fall or spring term.
To apply, submit the following application materials to the Office of Graduate Admission.
- The online graduate application.
- One official transcript sent directly from the college/university of all previous undergraduate and graduate coursework to:
Xavier University
Admission Processing Center
3800 Victory Parkway
Cincinnati, Ohio 45207-5131
OR
Electronic transcripts to xugrad@xavier.edu - Official test scores from the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). If you have previously taken the GRE and want to have your scores sent to Xavier, please contact GRE at 1-888-GRE-SCORE.
Applications are processed immediately upon receiving all of the necessary materials, and you will be notified of your status as soon as possible. The admission committee considers all of the information contained in the admission application, including prior grades, test scores and evidence of potential for success in graduate study.
TEST WAIVER OPTION
Applicants to Graduate Programs in the School of Education Must Have:
- Undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited university AND
- Admission test score
- State licensed teacher
- Pursuing a M.Ed. or M.S.Ed. without licensure (if undergrad GPA is 3.0 or higher)
- Pursuing a principal or administration license
- Pursuing a second license or endorsement
- Pursuing a Montessori teaching credential only
*International students may have additional application requirements. See International Graduate Admissions for more information.
For questions regarding the application process, e-mail the Office of Graduate Services at xugrad@xavier.edu.
Curriculum
The master's in Elementary Education is the appropriate graduate degree for students seeking licensure in early or middle childhood education or for the licensed teacher seeking to enhance his or her teaching with coursework in a variety of subject areas. The master's in Elementary Education does not in itself convey licensure, but is usually accomplished in combination with the licensure program since the majority of courses are taken at the graduate level. Therefore, it is important that the student applying for the MEd in Elementary Education speak with a program director or with the graduate office for further information.
MEd Core Education Courses (9 semester hours):
EDFD 500: History and Philosophy of American Education............ 3cr.
EDFD 505: Organization of Educational Systems in the United States............ 3cr.
EDFD 507: Educational Research............ 2cr.
EDFD 508: Educational Research Paper............ 1cr.
Sample Courses
Classroom Culture: This is a required course for graduates seeking initial licensure in elementary education. The course examines the historical basis of American education, curriculum, and instruction. There is an emphasis on suitability for teaching. Field experience is a component of the course.
Early Childhood Care/Practices: This course holistically examines aspects of working as an early childhood professional with families and children from birth through age 8. Issues on the education and care of these young children with and without disabilities from various cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds will be studied. Issues include, but are not limited to, full day childcare, early intervention, early childhood special education, early childhood education, and best practices in facilitating young children's learning and development. The course content examines current theories, theorists, programs, and practices in early childhood care/education and child development.
Play and Arts in Early Childhood: Theory and practice concerning developmental aspects of play and creativity and their relationship to music, movement, creative drama and the visual arts. Art production techniques. Active emphasis on age appropriate art activities as well as the student's own artistic development and the teacher's role in preparation of the environment for children from diverse backgrounds and special needs.
Tuition and Fees
Locations
Core curriculum education courses are offered at six Cincinnati area locations, making it even easier for students to take courses. The locations include:
- Xavier University
- Covington Catholic High School in Northern Kentucky
- Middletown Fenwick High School (north of Xavier)
- Wilmington High School (northeast of Xavier)
- Oak Hills High School (west of Xavier)
- Amelia Middle School (east of Xavier)
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Licensure
Early Childhood or Middle Childhood Education Licensure involves additional coursework and can be pursued separately or at the same time as the MEd.
Personal Attention
Xavier offers small classes with a personalized experience to help teachers take the next career step and provides the network to help them connect with the Cincinnati education community.
Master of Education Programs at Xavier
Primary Education (Elementary MEd) Program at Xavier University
The MEd in Elementary Education is appropriate for teachers of early, elementary, and middle childhood classrooms - preschool through grade 9. Teachers seeking licensure with the M.Ed.will benefit from the developmental approach of the program, which is grounded in current and long-standing research findings. Working relationships with professional practice schools provide continuing input from practicing elementary teachers and administrators.
Xavier University's College of Professional Sciences prepares undergraduate and graduate students intellectually, morally and spiritually for careers and professions of service. CPS challenges students to strive for academic excellence and life-long learning through promoting collaboration and community partnerships, and incorporating research, scholarship and innovation.
Xavier University is a private university located in Cincinnati, Ohio, providing a liberal arts education in the Jesuit Catholic tradition. Founded in 1831, the University is the sixth-oldest Catholic university in the nation. It has been ranked among the top 10 master's-level universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report for the past two decades. The Princeton Review names it one of the "Best 385 Colleges in America."