Master of Education in Secondary Education

The mission of the department is to assist learners in developing personal and professional competencies needed for successful instruction in middle, secondary, and postsecondary educational settings. This goal is achieved through programs emphasizing individually meaningful instruction, the use of innovative materials, and the application of theoretical concepts in laboratory and clinical experiences. The department offers a wide array of graduate studies for teachers and other educational professionals. In meeting those diverse needs, the division offers four categories of studies at the graduate level.

Category I - Master’s Degree Programs for Teachers with Professional Certificates

Programs for certificated teachers that extend professional skills and knowledge and lead to the awarding of a Master of Education degree are the primary means for pursuing graduate study within the department. The central mission of these programs is to extend and enhance the instructional expertise of the professional teacher. These programs make provisions for “add-on” endorsements to the initial teaching certificate and expand the teacher’s licensed areas of instruction.

Category II - Master’s Degree Programs for Uncertified Post-Baccalaureate Students

These programs are for graduate students who do not hold professional teaching certificates but who wish to obtain a Master of Education degree suitable for the preparation for careers in education. Graduate students who either are or are not currently certified as teachers and who wish to work in educational settings serving adult learners may pursue the degree program in secondary education - adult learning concentration. This program features studies in educational foundations and instructional methodology focused on the adult learner, along with 18 or more graduate credits in a specific content area, providing the graduate training is consistent with teaching at the collegiate level. Students accepted in this category must complete the entire course of study and may not request a change to a Category I program even if a provisional or temporary teaching certificate is obtained.

Category III - Non-degree Studies that Lead to Certification

These studies are highly individualized course-by-course sequences that approximate the minimal standards required for certification through the Florida Department of Education. A baccalaureate degree is required to pursue course-by-course certification. All undergraduate requirements for admission apply for an individual to qualify as an active “teacher certification only” (TCO) candidate. Course-by-course certification can be achieved for both initial certification and add-on endorsements to a current valid teaching certificate. Because course-by-course certification is determined by current state requirements and not as a result of successful completion of the Department of Foundations and Secondary Education’s state approved teacher preparation program, actual requirements can and do change frequently. The COEHS Office of Academic Advising, (904) 620-2530, has current information regarding certification requirements. It is important for the student to understand that teacher certification is granted by the Florida Department of Education and not from the University of North Florida.

Category IV - Non-Degree Studies for Professional Development and Enrichment

The college recognizes the on-going need for educational advancement of teachers. The department provides opportunities for non-degree avenues of study for experienced teachers for certificate renewal as well as post-master’s-degree course of study. These opportunities are highly variable and can be customized in a variety of ways. Individuals may enroll in courses of interest or an entire school staff may request a specific course by an instructor who is sent to the school site for weekly instruction. Inquire for current possibilities by contacting the Office of Academic Advising in the College of Education and Human Services, (904) 620-2530.