Master of Arts in Education
The Master of Arts in Education (MAE) program is designed to fit the schedules of busy, hardworking teachers. We offer blended and fully online classes in the evening and during the summer to fit your schedules. Our required field experiences for adding licenses and endorsements are completely embedded into courses, so you don’t have to locate your own classroom or placement. We take care of all the details!
Our program empowers teachers through study, research, and reflection. Our Capstone project is second-to-none. Teachers complete the project transformed, ready to lead and make a difference at their schools and classrooms. When you finish our MAE, you’ll be equipped to maximize the potential your students and your colleagues!
Major Choices in the Master of Arts in Education Program
MAE Reading
The MAE Reading Program prepares teachers to have choices with their career, becoming a literacy coach or reading specialist. The program is fully accredited by the International Literacy Association and fulfills the course requirements for adding the Ohio PK-12 Reading Endorsement.
Note: Teachers adding the Ohio Reading Endorsement must take an additional Ohio Assessment for Educators (OAE) test for reading.
The MAE Reading Program is 33 semester graduate semester hours. Additionally, students are required to accumulate a minimum of 50 hours of field experience, which is distributed across, several courses EDUC 6640, 6650, 6660, and 6670, that also lead to the Ohio Reading Endorsement.
The Reading Endorsement courses are designed to be completed sequentially and finished in less than one year! A Graduate Education Advisor works with teachers to make sure they’re on a path to completion that makes sense, is convenient, and connects to career goals.
In the MAE Program, teachers complete a capstone project in reading, literacy, or a related topic. Teachers choose from curriculum design and analysis projects or instructional inquiries, both of which solve real school or classroom-based challenges.
Core Courses | ||
EDUC 6000 | 4 hrs | Foundations of Democratic Education |
EDUC 6400 | 4 hrs | Foundations of Education Research |
EDUC 7000 | 4 hrs | Capstone Project OR |
EDUC 7000 | 4 hrs | Capstone Seminar |
Note: There is an additional fee for each Capstone hour. Fee waivers cannot be used to cover the cost of Capstone hours. Please see the comprehensive list of fees on the Business Office web site here. | ||
Reading Major Courses | ||
EDUC 6600 | 3 hrs | Reading Foundations |
EDUC 6640 | 3 hrs | Reading Assessment & Instruction |
EDUC 6650 | 3 hrs | Research-Based Reading & Writing PK-3 |
EDUC 6660 | 3 hrs | Research-Based Reading & Writing 4-12 |
EDUC 6670 | 3 hrs | Clinical I: Advanced Literacy Instruction |
EDUC 6680 | 3 hrs | Clinical II: Literacy Coaching |
EDUC 6690 | 3 hrs | Special Topics in Literacy Education (variable credit course; need at least 3 total hours) |
Check the course schedule search database to see when the courses are offered.
MAE Curriculum & Instruction
The Curriculum and Instruction major is designed to further the professional development of teachers who are looking to lead in their schools, solving real problems and finding solutions.
Key topics of the program include:
- Curriculum planning
- Assessment design
- Innovative teaching, such as inquiry and project-based learning
- Integration of technology and the 4Cs or collaboration, communication, creativity, and critical thinking
- Data analysis and coaching
- Reading and making use of research in Education
Upon completion of all graduate coursework and the Capstone Project, teachers will be prepared to take leadership roles at the school or district in order to help maximize the potential of their colleagues and students.
Core Courses | ||
EDUC 6000 | 4 hrs | Foundations of Democratic Education |
EDUC 6400 | 4 hrs | Foundations of Education Research |
EDUC 7000 | 4 hrs | Capstone Project OR |
EDUC 7001 | 4 hrs | Capstone Seminar |
Note: There is an additional fee for each Capstone hour. Fee waivers cannot be used to cover the cost of Capstone hours. Please see the comprehensive list of fees on the Business Office web site here. | ||
Curriculum and Instruction Major courses | ||
EDUC 6100 | 3 hrs | Principles of Curriculum |
EDUC 6110 | 3 hrs | Principles of Instruction & Assessment (OR) |
EDUC 6230 | 3 hrs | TESOL Instructional Strategies (TESOL Endorsement candidates only) |
EDUC 6120 | 3 hrs | Teacher Work Sample & Program Assessment (OR)(TESOL Endorsement candidates only) |
EDUC 6250 | 3 hrs | TESOL Teacher Work Sample |
EDUC 6680 | 3 hrs | Clinical II: Literacy Coaching |
EDUC 6690 | 3 hrs | Special Topics in Literacy Education (variable credit course; need at least 3 total hours) |
Elective Strands
- Professional Development strand (any topic related to our curriculum)
- 4-5 Generalist Endorsement strand
- TESOL Endorsement strand
- 4-6 Generalist strand
- Theory and Research strand
Check the course schedule search database to see when the courses are offered.
MAE Special Education
The Special Education major is designed for licensed teachers (current or expired), seeking an initial intervention specialist license.
Students will complete a full program that includes core coursework in students with exceptionalities, specialization classes in teaching special education, and a final, teaching practicum.
Candidates may add the license without the MAE degree. This part-time program offers classes at convenient times and includes blended and fully online courses for scheduling convenience. For those who already have the necessary prerequisites, the program can be completed in one year. Note: Teachers with an AYA or Multi-Age license may need an additional 3-4 reading courses.
The Intervention Specialist license can be obtained in one of two (or both) areas:
Mild to Moderate K-12
This license prepares teachers to provide intervention services to students with any kind of mild to moderate disability in grades K-12. Teachers specializing in the mild to moderate area work with students who primarily receive their education in the regular education classroom with accommodations.
Moderate to Intensive K-12
This program prepares teachers to provide services to students with moderate to intensive learning needs in grades K-12. You will be prepared to serve students with multiple disabilities, moderate to significant cognitive disabilities, hearing/vision problems, or autism spectrum disorders. With this license, you will typically serve students within a specialized learning context or special education classroom.
Note: This major is also available in our MAT program, see our Master of Arts in Teaching page for more information.
Professional Education Requirements | ||
EDUC 5000 | 3 hrs | School & Society: A Reflective Inquiry |
EDUC 5100 | 3 hrs | Educational Psychology |
EDUC 5200 | 3 hrs | Issues in Equity & Multicultural Education |
EDUC 5380 | 4 hrs | Literacies for Young Adolescents |
EDUC 5400 | 3 | MAT Responsive Schools & Methods Internship |
EDUC 5970 | 9 | MAT Student Teaching |
Reading Core | ||
EDUC 1710 | 4 hrs | Phonics & Language Study: Middle Childhood (OR) |
EDUC 1700 | 4 hrs | Phonics & Language Study: Early Childhood |
EDUC 3640 | 4 hrs | Elementary Literacy Assessment and Instruction |
EDUC 3800 | 4 hrs | Literacies in the Content Area (OR) |
EDUC 5380 | 4 hrs | Literacies for Young Adolescents |
Major Courses For Mild-Moderate K-12 Intervention Specialist | ||
EDUC 5310 | 3 | Profiles of Learners |
EDUC 5320 | 3 | Specialized Instructional Planning |
EDUC 5330 | 3* hrs | Behavior and Learning Environments |
EDUC 5340 | 3* hrs | Methods of Specialized Instruction for Learners with Mild to Moderate Disabilities |
EDUC 5350 | 3* hrs | Collaborative Methods for Learners with Mild to Moderate Disabilities |
EDUC 5360 | 3 hrs | Assessment and Progress Monitoring in Special Education for Learners with Mild to Moderate Disabilities |
EDUC 5470 | 3* hrs | Internship in Special Education |
Major Courses For Moderate-Intensive K-12 Intervention Specialist | ||
EDUC 5310 | 3 hrs | Profiles of Learners |
EDUC 5320 | 3 hrs | Specialized Instructional Planning |
EDUC 5330 | 3* hrs | Behavior and Learning Environments |
EDUC 5341 | 3* hrs | Methods of Specialized Instruction for Learners with Moderate to Intensive Disabilities |
EDUC 5351 | 3* hrs | Collaborative Methods for Learners with Moderate to Intensive Disabilities |
EDUC 5361 | 3 hrs | Alternative Assessment of Students with Moderate/Intensive Needs |
EDUC 5470 | 3* hrs | Internship in Special Education |
When Are These Courses Offered
Below is a sample schedule of the MAT Intervention Specialist K-12 Program.
Year | Summer | Fall | Cardinal Term | Spring |
Year 1 | EDUC 5000, School and SocietyEDUC 5200, Issues in Equity and Multicultural Education
EDUC 5310, Profiles of Learners |
(EDUC 5310 Profiles of Learners OR EDUC 5300, Exceptional Children)EDUC 5100, Educational Psychology, with a tutoring/clinical component
EDUC 5380, Literacies for Young Adolescents, with a field component OR EDUC 3800*, Literacies in the Content Areas |
EDUC 3640, Elementary Literacy Assessment and Instruction, with a field component (note: 5380 is a pre-req.)EDUC 5330, Behavior and Learning Environment
EDUC 5320 Specialized Instructional Planning (EDUC 5100) (EDUC 2100, Educational Technology) (5380, Literacies for Young Adolescents, with a field component OR EDUC 3800) |
|
Year 2 | EDUC 5340/41, Methods of Specialized Instruction for Learning, with a field component(EDUC 3800, if not taken already)
(EDUC 2100 Educational Technology) |
EDUC 5350/51, Collaborative Methods for Learners with Disabilities, with a field componentEDUC 5360/61, Assessment and Progress Monitoring/Alternative Assessments | EDUC 5470, Internship in Special Education (field-based course) | EDUC 5970 MAT student teaching (full-time teaching) |
*EDUC 3800 is an option to EDUC 5380 (adolescent literacy course)
( ) indicate optional terms course may be scheduled
Note: There is additional information available for University of Shanghai for Science and technology (USST) students.
MAE Specializations
TESOL Endorsement
Applicants who are pursuing a Teaching of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Endorsement and who meet Decision Point criteria will be admitted to enroll in up to 15 graduate semester hours required for completion of the Endorsement. A certified/licensed teacher may add the TESOL Endorsement to any valid Ohio Teaching Certificate/License.
The TESOL Endorsement requires 75 clock hours of field experience. Up to 50 hours may be documented prior to the field practicum, with approval of the Practicum instructor. A minimum of 25 of these hours must be completed in conjunction with EDUC 6250. Those applying for the TESOL Endorsement must take the Ohio Assessment for Educators (OAE) test for TESOL.
Courses | ||
EDUC 6210 | 3 hrs | Linguistics & Language Acquisition |
EDUC 6230 | 3 hrs | Strategies for Instruction & Assessment of ELLs |
EDUC 6240 | 3 hrs | TESOL in School & Society |
EDUC 6250 | 3 hrs | TESOL Teacher Work Sample |
EDUC 6260 | 3 hrs | Reading Instruction for Students with Diverse Learning Needs |
Reading Endorsement
Applicants who are pursuing a Reading Endorsement and who meet Decision Point criteria will be admitted to enroll in up to 12 graduate semester hours required for completion of the Endorsement. These hours are concentrated in reading instruction.
A Reading Endorsement may be added at the graduate level only, to any valid Ohio Teaching Certificate/License. Candidates wishing to enroll in the Reading Endorsement program must have the following prerequisite course work:
- Early and Middle Childhood Educators must have 12 hours of reading course work, including one course in Phonics and one reading methods course.
- Adolescent/Young Adult and Multiage Educators must have a minimum of 9 hours of reading course work, including one course in Phonics and one reading methods course.
- Candidates wishing to pursue Reading Endorsement who do not have the pre-requisites outlined above must take at least one of the pre-requisite courses at the graduate level.
Refer to the Ohio Board of Regents Guidance Document (PDF) for specific state requirements for Reading Endorsement.
Otterbein Reading Endorsement and MAT Reading programs require a minimum of 100 clock hours of substantive field experience. These hours are distributed across the four required courses, culminating in two formally supervised, on-campus clinical practicum experiences in EDUC 6660 and 6670. (MAR Reading candidates will engage in an additional 25-50 field hours in EDUC 6680). Student performance in the field is formally evaluated by a university-appointed supervisor. Those applying for the Reading Endorsement must take the Ohio Assessment for Educators (OAE) test for reading. Because of the sequential nature of the Reading Endorsement courses, the student should seek the advice of the Graduate Education Advisor in the Graduate School at the beginning of the Reading Endorsement program.
Courses | ||
EDUC 6640 | 3 hrs | Reading Assessment & Instruction |
EDUC 6650 | 3 hrs | Research-Based Reading & Writing PK-3 |
EDUC 6660 | 3 hrs | Research-Based Reading & Writing 4-12 |
EDUC 6670 | 3 hrs | Clinical I: Advanced Literacy Instruction |
Licensure in K-12 Special Education
Licensure for providing Mild to Moderate and/or Moderate to Intensive Intervention Services grades K-12.
I went to look at Otterbein University after one of my co-workers recommended it. I immediately fell in love with the small, personalized education I received. The professors’ passion and dedication to their students’ education is unwavering. I can confidently say this Masters program challenges its students and takes them outside of their comfort zone. There were times I wanted to quit, but with the support of my advisor and other professors, I persevered. I am a profoundly better educator and leader because of the education I received at Otterbein.
– Emily Latham 5th grade Math Teacher (Marysville School District)
MAE Admission Information
Once all materials are submitted to The Graduate School, your file will be reviewed for admission by the Graduate Education Admissions Committee. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all materials have been submitted by the appropriate deadline.
See the following for more Information:
- Graduate Catalog: Full course descriptions and other information about the program.
- Master of Arts in Education (MAE) Graduate Booklet (PDF): Additional information about the program.
- Master of Arts in Education (MAE) Capstone Manual (PDF): Guidelines for Degree Candidacy and Capstone Project.
Application Instructions and Admission Requirements
Complete and submit an online Graduate application, along with the following:
- Graduate application fee ($40), payable via our online payment site.
- Proof of state-issued teaching license.
Note: Applicants who hold an Ohio teaching license should indicate the license number on the application. Applicants who hold an out-of-state license will need to provide a copy of their teaching license and official transcripts documenting completion of a bachelor’s degree. - Official transcripts for all previous college and/or university work. Transcripts must be sent from the issuing institution to the Graduate School. If hand-delivered, transcripts must be in an unopened envelope from the issuing institution.
- One professional recommendation related to teaching success and/or qualifications to pursue graduate studies in education.
Professional Recommendation Form (PDF). - One academic recommendation related to academic success and/or capacity to succeed in graduate-level academic work. This recommendation should be completed by an instructor of the applicant’s graduate-level coursework.
Academic Recommendation Form (PDF).
Note: Otterbein University reserves the right to contact persons providing recommendations and to contact a person to acknowledge of receipt of a recommendation. - Interview with the Graduate Education Advisor in the Graduate School.
- Application essay (see below for details).
Application Essay Instructions
Part I: Submit a one to two page, typed, double-spaced essay addressing the reasons why you are applying to the Graduate Education Program at Otterbein University. Explain how your participation in this program would align with your professional goals. In your essay, identify the program of study you wish to complete:
- MAE in Curriculum & Instruction, plus the strand: Professional Development; 4-5 Generalist (ECHD license-holders only); 4-6 Generalist (MCHD license-holders only); TESOL
- MAE in Reading
- MAE in Special Education
Part II: Submit a two to three page, typed, double-spaced response to the following statement:
Describe a teaching strategy that you read about in a journal or learned about in a professional development session that was subsequently implemented by you. Reflect on the experience and describe what you learned from it.
If you have questions, please call 614-823-3271 or email Amy Featherstone, Advisor in Graduate Education Programs, afeatherstone@otterbein.edu.
Admission Criteria
- For undergraduate coursework, applicants must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale). Grade point averages between 2.5 and 3.0 may be considered for admission on a conditional basis, if the candidate demonstrates particular strengths in other criteria.
- For any previous graduate coursework, applicants must have a cumulative grade point of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale). A minimum of 6 semester hours of graduate coursework must be completed prior to application for full admission.
- Candidates not holding a teaching certificate/license may only be admitted through special consideration of the Graduate Education Committee.
- Applicants who hold a non-standard teaching certificate/license are strongly encouraged to meet with the Graduate Education Advisor prior to enrollment in classes.
- Students who are provisionally admitted may register for up to 12 graduate semester hours.
Admission Requirements for International Students:
Due to the nature of this program, international students interested in obtaining an MAE at Otterbein University should have undergraduate coursework in education that is equivalent to that required for teaching licensure in the United States
- In addition to submitting the online application and all official transcipts, a WES, ECE, or SpanTran evaluation may be required. The GPA requirement for international students is 3.0 or its equivalent on the official evaluation.
- Interviews with a Graduate Education Advisor may be done over the phone or via the Internet (Skype, etc.).
- Submit the same two recommendation forms listed above.
- Submit an application essay; see above for details.
- Submit qualifying TOEFL and IELTS scores.
Students who are admitted to the MAE program must maintain a 3.0 GPA. Those who fall below that line will be subject to dismissal from the program.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Tuition and Fees
The cost for graduate level courses is $559 per credit hour, and most graduate-level education courses are 3 or 4 hours. Some graduate students may need to take additional undergraduate coursework—the cost of undergraduate classes is $564 per hour, with most at 3 to 4 credit hours. Some education courses with field experiences require an additional fee. Additionally, all students pay a student life fee of $100.
There is an additional fee for each Capstone hour. Tuition waivers may not be used to cover the additional Capstone fee.
Please consult the Business Office site for a complete list of fees.
Otterbein University Tuition Benefit
Ohio Health Associates enrolling as graduate students (up to 2 classes or 6 credit hours for graduate level coursework) will receive a scholarship reducing cost per credit hour to $500, or $1,500 per 3 credit course. Scholarship is valid for one graduate degree. Graduate Nursing degree(s) not included in this Scholarship.
Financial Aid
Otterbein is dedicated to making sure students have the financial opportunity to pursue their degree. Along with financial aid, graduate students are eligible for consideration for a variety of loans.
How to apply for Financial Aid at Otterbein:
- Obtain your PIN number from the U.S. Department of Education.
- Complete the FAFSA: Free Application for Federal Student Aid. (Otterbein’s School Code is 003110).
- Complete the Institutional Aid Form.
Note: There is NO COST to apply for financial aid or to complete the FAFSA.
If you have questions, please email Student Financial Services or call 614-823-1502.
Tuition Waivers
Teachers currently working at a school that has partnered with Otterbein University for supporting teacher candidates with observations, methods field experiences, and student teaching may be eligible for tuition waiver certificates. We provide these waivers directly to districts or independent schools. Please note that the distribution of these waivers is determined by the district or school.
The following provisions and conditions apply:
- Tuition waiver certificates may be assigned to school employees who have been admitted to Otterbein University’s Graduate School. The university is not obligated to admit candidates solely based on this agreement with schools.
- Students may use multiple fee waivers in the same semester, however, the number of fee waiver credits may not exceed the number of course credits taken.
- Teachers utilizing a tuition waiver certificate must submit a valid certificate at the time of registration or make other arrangements with the Business Office. Otterbein University has the right to refuse acceptance of expired waivers.
- Tuition waivers do not cover the cost of special fees for testing, Capstone hours, or computer labs.
Payment Plans
We understand that meeting the expense of a college education is a big investment for many families. To aid in this process, we have developed two methods of payment for comprehensive fee charges. See the Business Office site for more information.
Graduate Education Faculty & Staff
Department Chairs:
Susan Constable and Paul Wendel
Department Phone: 614-823-1214
Dr. Dee Knoblauch, Ph.D.
Graduate Education Director
Email: dknoblauch@otterbein.edu
Graduate Education Recruiter
Email: GradAdmit@otterbein.edu
Amy Featherstone
Graduate Education Advisor
Email: afeatherstone@otterbein.edu
Gaby Miller
Administrative Coordinator
Email: gmiller@otterbein.edu
Rita Mayer
Graduate Assistant for Education
Email: mayer1@otterbein.edu