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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Licensure for providing Mild to Moderate and/or Moderate to Intensive Intervention Services grades K-12.

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 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:

1. Obtain your PIN number from the U.S. Department of Education.
2. Complete the FAFSA: Free Application for Federal Student Aid. (Otterbein’s School Code is 003110).
3. 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.