Is the MASE entirely online?
It is possible to complete the MASE by taking only online courses. However, EDSE 680 Student Teaching: Secondary School requires a 16-week, full-time student teaching experience in an Indiana secondary school. Additionally, not all content departments (e.g., social studies, English, modern languages, etc.) offer online, graduate courses in the content area. As such, some of these courses may have to be completed on campus or transferred from another university.
Which concentration should I choose?
The Concentration in Educational Studies is for students who want to focus on courses in the educational studies including curriculum, educational technology, foundations of education, multicultural education, pedagogy, and research. The Concentration in Secondary Teaching License (Transition to Teaching) allows students to complete the requirements to earn an Indiana secondary teaching license, as well as taking four additional educational studies courses (see further details below). The Concentration in Dual Credit Credential and/or Teaching in an Interest Area provides students with the opportunity to take three content or education elective courses such as English, history, the sciences, special education, literacy, etc. The Concentration in Instructional Leadership allows students to complete 12 credits of courses focusing on developing the skills needed for teachers to lead change as mentor teachers, instructional coaches, curriculum designers, technology coordinators, PD designers/facilitators, etc.
How many courses should I plan to take each semester?
Nine credit hours is considered a full-time graduate load. However, those who are working full time while enrolled in the MASE should plan to take one or two 3-credit courses per semester. It is fine for students to take semesters off as needed. Some students who are working full-time as teachers choose to take courses only in the summer, or more courses in the summer than during the academic year. Teachers who are also coaches sometimes take semesters off during the athletic season. The program is flexible.
How long does it take to complete the MASE?
Some students are able to complete the program in as little as four to five semesters. However, students may also take longer since the program is flexible and can accommodate a variety of needs including the need to take courses more slowly or to take short breaks from taking courses.
What courses should I take first?
For most students, it is best to begin by taking EDCU 601 and/or EDTE 650 as these are core requirements for the MASE. Students should take the research course near the end of their program. However, for those in the Concentration in Secondary Teaching License (Transition to Teaching), the courses in the concentration should be taken first including EDFO 620 or EDMU 660.
When can I start the program?
Students may begin taking courses during any semester: fall, spring, or summer.
Is there a thesis requirement?
The MASE requires one research course. As a requirement for that course, students will complete a research project, which counts as their final program project. There is no additional thesis requirement.
How many credits may I transfer from another university?
Ball State permits up to 9 graduate credits to be transferred from another university. However, these credits must be approved by the MASE program director to count toward the program requirements.
What courses may I take as electives?
Students in the Concentration in Educational Studies may take courses in the Educational Studies department. Students in the Concentration in Dual Credit Credential and/or Teaching in an Interest Area may take courses in any department across the university. Some students choose to take courses in Teachers College departments such as special education or educational psychology. Students may also take content/subject courses in other departments across campus. However, if applicants desire content courses, it is advised that they contact the department chair of the department whose courses they wish to take to find out what courses are available that meet their needs. For example, not all content courses are offered online.
Can I complete a teaching license as part of the MASE?
The MASE Concentration in Secondary Teaching License (Transition to Teaching) includes the courses required for an Indiana secondary teaching license, which are in addition to one of the required MASE pedagogy courses and EDFO 620 or EDMU 660. Those applying for this concentration must specify their desire to complete the license since the concentration requires additional application materials including a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in the content/subject that the candidate will be licensed to teach or a passing score for at least one Praxis secondary subject exams, and three letters of reference from professional contacts. It is advised that applicants contact the program director prior to submitting an application to confirm their eligibility for this concentration. In addition, students in this concentration must maintain a B average in all classes. Students earning lower than a B- in any course will be required to retake that course before progressing to EDSE 680 Student Teaching: Secondary School. Students may only retake a course one time per Graduate School policy.
Can I complete my credential to teach dual credit courses in Indiana through the MASE?
In some content areas, it is possible to complete 9-18 credit hours of graduate-level content/subject courses. However, online options may be limited. Therefore, it is advised that applicants contact the program director and/or the department chair of the content/subject department associated with their needs before applying to find out what courses are available.
Will I earn a teaching license automatically by completing the MASE?
No, the MASE will not result in an Indiana secondary teaching license unless the candidate completes the requirements for the Concentration in Secondary Teaching License (Transition to Teaching) including a full-time, 16-week student teaching experience within an accredited secondary school.
What if I am already teaching in Indiana on an emergency permit?
The Concentration in Secondary Teaching License (Transition to Teaching) can accommodate those who are already teaching in Indiana schools on an emergency permit, contingent on the school principal’s ability to meet the requirements of student teaching including providing a mentor teacher who is licensed in the same subject the candidate (MASE student) will be licensed to teach and who has at least three years of experience teaching this subject. If the school principal is able to meet these requirements, then the student teaching experience may be completed in the school where the candidate is currently working. It is advised that applicants contact the program director prior to submitting an application to confirm that their principal is able to meet Ball State’s requirements for student teaching.
Can I complete the requirements for the Concentration in Secondary Teaching License (Transition to Teaching) if I live out of state or out of the country?
Candidates living outside of Indiana can complete all of the courses required for the Concentration in Secondary Teaching License. However, they will be responsible for securing their own clinical placements including student teaching; Ball State offices can provide only limited support for securing placements outside of Indiana. In addition, all university supervision will take place virtually. All schools where clinical placements are completed must be accredited secondary schools.
Do I have to finish the entire MASE before I can earn my Indiana secondary teaching license?
Students in the Concentration in Secondary Teaching License (Transition to Teaching) should plan to complete the courses required for the license first: EDFO 620, EDPS 600, EDSE 660, EDSE 670, EDSE 680, and a pedagogy course. Once they complete these courses, pass the required Indiana teaching assessments (i.e., one or more Praxis secondary subject exams and the Praxis Teaching and Learning: Grades 7-12 exam), and complete a CPR and approved suicide prevention training, then they will earn their Indiana secondary teaching license. At this point, candidates may begin teaching full time, as they complete the final 12 credits of the MASE. It is important to note that Ball State does not issue teaching licenses; candidates apply for a license through the Indiana Department of Education.
What if my undergraduate degree is not in the content/subject that I wish to be licensed to teach?
Some undergraduate degrees are closely related to secondary content/subject licensure areas. However, the Indiana Department of Education specifies that if the degree does not directly align with a secondary content/subject, then candidates must pass at least one Praxis secondary subject exam prior to admission to a Transition to Teaching program. The Praxis middle school subject exams do not meet this state requirement. In addition, it may be necessary or advisable to take some additional undergraduate or graduate content courses to supplement prior knowledge. Nevertheless, applicants will still have to meet the other admissions criteria including an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher to be accepted into the program, even if they have already passed one or more Praxis secondary content/subject exam.
Can I take MASE courses that also allow me to earn specialized certificates?
Yes, MASE students can take courses that also will allow them to earn a specialized certificate. For example, the Certificate in Curriculum Development and Leadership provides opportunities for MASE students to dig deeper into leading curriculum. All of the courses required for the certificate overlap with MASE courses. The Certificate in Multicultural Education also aligns nicely with the MASE.