Educational Learning

Master's Degree Programs

If you are looking for an advanced degree, EDS has four Master's Degree programs, each aimed at increasing the knowledge and skills of professional educators. If you do not yet have a teaching degree, the Special Education and TESOL master's degree programs may prepare you for initial teaching qualifications, depending on your interests and background. By completing your master's work with us, you can also take advantage of the wonderful outdoor recreational and cultural opportunities that the Reno-Tahoe area has to offer.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about applying to EDS graduate programs.

 

Please note: Each of our master's programs has separate advisement materials (at right) and each is listed separately on the Graduate School's on-line application. Please read the descriptions below to carefully determine to which program you are applying. Submitting incorrect forms or listing the wrong degree choice on the Graduate School's application may delay the processing of your application.

 

A limited number of graduate assistantships are available to full-time graduate students in the EDS Department. All master's degrees in EDS require some form of culminating experience prior to graduation.

 

You will find application and advisement materials for all programs linked at right in PDF format (Acrobat Reader required).

 

Master's Degree Programs include:

 

NEWfor Fall of 2009! In collaboration with Independent Learning, two master's programs will be available to you online as well as on campus. Literacy Studies and Equity and Diversity in Educational Settings will deliver one to two courses each semester in an online format. All courses required for the degrees will be available over a three-year period. More information

 

Masters Degrees in Literacy Studies

Masters degree programs in Literacy Studies enable teachers to receive Nevada endorsement as Reading Specialists and/or to further develop their expertise in teaching reading, spelling, vocabulary, writing, and related areas with their classrooms. A nationally-recognized faculty offer courses on a wide range of topics, with both the Master of Education (M.Ed., non-thesis) and the Master of Arts (M.A., thesis) degree options available. 40 credits minimum. More information about the Literacy Studies Program. Literacy Studies Advisement/Application Manual. Literacy Studies is one of the areas has an option for online study for the degree.

 

The Lemelson Project ia a cohort program for selected Washoe County School District teachers earning their master's degrees through the sponsorship of Mrs. Dorothy Lemelson.

 

Master's Degrees in Special Education

Do you want to make a difference? Special education has a lot to offer you. You can chose between the Master of Education (M.Ed., non-thesis) and the Master of Arts (M.A., thesis) degree options, with 39 credits minimum. Programs are available if you are a career-changer and want to enter special education or if you are already a special education teacher and want to expand your knowledge and skills. Specializations may lead to Nevada teaching endorsements or may be designed according to your individual interests and goals. Specializations include:

  • Generalist Endorsement in Mild to Moderate Disabilities, including for those earning a first teaching license in special education (guidebook)
  • Moderate to Profound Mental Retardation
  • Specific Learning Disabilities
  • Serious Emotional/Behavioral Disorders
  • Autism
  • Early Childhood Special Education/Early Intervention

More information about the special education program. Special Education Advisement/Application Manual


Worried about how you will pay for your education? You can find information about TEACH grants and about the federal loan forgiveness program for special education teachers at http://www.ed.gov/policy/highered/guid/secletter/060301a.html and at http://studentaid.ed.gov/PORTALSWebApp/students/english/TEACH.jsp

 

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Master of Arts Degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

The MA TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) Program is designed for you, whether you are a native or a non-native speakers of English, if you wish to teach ESL (English as a Second Language) or EFL (English as a Foreign Language). The degree prepares you for employment as a teacher, program director, curriculum consultant, or materials developer. Two tracks are available if you wish to (a) work with adults or (b) work in K-12 settings. A state teaching license is required for if you want to teach in K-12 settings in Nevada. A new Graduate Certificate in TESOL (15 credits) is also available to you do not wish to earn a master's degree. The TESOL web site provides additional information. MA TESOL Advisement/Application Manual

 

Master's Degrees in Equity and Diversity in Educational Settings

Whether you are a K-12 teacher or you work with young people in another support role, The Master's Degree in Equity and Diversity in Educational Settings (EDES) is a good choice for you if you are interested in human diversity and equitable educational opportunities. This program has both the Master of Education (M.Ed., non-thesis) and the Master of Science (M.S., thesis) degree options. These degrees offer advanced study focusing on diverse students, with special attention paid to gender, language, race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and exceptionality. You may also focus on inclusive teaching methodologies with diverse learners in the areas of civic education, mathematics, and/or science education. 39 credits minimum. More information about the EDES program. EDES Advisement/Application Manual. EDES is one of the areas has an option for online study for the degree.

 
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