Master of Arts in Education Program Details
The Annsley Frazier Thornton School of Education prepares caring effective educators in the Catholic
liberal arts tradition of Bellarmine University to teach and lead in diverse settings. The Master of Arts
in Education programs offer a best practice, research-based curriculum with a foundation in the liberal
arts. Candidates demonstrate proficient to distinguished performance through the following criteria:
individual course assessments, field and clinical evaluations, disposition assessments, anchor assessments,
and standardized exams.
Areas of Focus
Master of Arts in Education with Teacher Leadership Endorsement: Bellarmine University’s Master of Arts in Education in Teacher
Leadership program is designed to develop teacher leaders who will be challenged to reflect continuously upon: leadership skills; coaching and mentoring; analysis of assessment and data to impact instruction; strategies for closing the achievement gap through instructional best practices; the need to address equity and diversity in schools; and collaborative efforts to include colleagues, parents, and the community in comprehensive efforts for school improvement. Candidates will complete a set of core requirements, a set of teacher leadership requirements, up to six hours of professional development based on an individual professional growth plan, and a capstone experience.
Candidates will work collaboratively with a faculty advisor and school building principal or designated professional educator to determine an individualized program including school based action research, anchor assessments, and professional development in a cohort-based professional learning community. Courses will be offered year round in a weeknight and weekend delivery format.
Acceptance into this program requires the candidate to hold a valid classroom teaching certificate and current employment in a classroom setting.
Master of Arts in Education with Learning and Behavior Disorders Certificate (P-12): Bellarmine University’s Master of Arts in Education degree with an emphasis in Learning and Behavior Disorders (Grades P-12) offers educators an opportunity to tailor their masters degree toward their personal and/or professional needs relative to the area of special education. Candidates will complete a set of core course requirements and then will complete their program specialization based on a needs assessment with their faculty advisor. Specialization offerings include courses in behavior intervention, literacy, special education, and technology.
Candidates who have engaged in extended professional development sessions relevant to the area of special education through their school system may be eligible for academic course credit upon approval from their advisor. Courses for the Master of Arts in Education are offered each semester
including intensive summer sessions. Courses offered during the fall and spring semesters are available in late afternoon or early evening formats in keeping with a teacher’s schedule.
Acceptance into this program requires the student to hold a valid classroom teaching certificate. This is a program for credentialing in Learning and Behavior Disorders (Grades P-12) and leads to a masters degree (Rank II), and Learning and Behavior Disorders certification.
Master of Arts in Education with Reading & Writing Emphasis: Bellarmine University’s Master of Arts in Education degree
with Endorsement in Reading and Writing (Grades P-12) offers educators an in-depth study of teaching, learning, and literacy leadership. The endorsement in reading and writing across all grade levels will allow the classroom teacher to explore literacy issues related to elementary, middle, and high school students with an emphasis on issues related to struggling readers. In addition, the candidate will examine theoretical models and processes of literacy, investigating the political underpinnings of literacy in America.
Candidates who complete the Endorsement in Reading and Writing (Grades P-12) may choose to remain a highly qualified classroom teacher of reading and writing, may elect to serve as the literacy leader in their school, become the school’s reading coach, or apply for a district level literacy resource position.
The endorsement will be granted upon successfully completing 21 hours of literacy related course-work which includes a required practicum where candidates will work as a reading coach with local P-12 students. Courses are offered each semester leading to the endorsement and advanced degree. Acceptance into this program requires the student to hold a valid classroom teaching certificate.
Program Admission Requirements
- Complete and submit the application.
- Submit a non-refundable application fee of $40 (unless a Bellarmine alumna/e). Checks should be made payable to Bellarmine University.
- Final official transcript(s) from each college or university attended should be mailed to the Office of Graduate Admission and not be marked “Issued to Student”.
- Completion of Educational Autobiography/Personal Goals Statement.
- Two completed recommendation forms: one from the current school principal or his/her designee; and one from an individual who has supervised the applicant in some capacity attesting to the applicant’s potential as a graduate student (not personal recommendation), such as teaching colleague, department chair, current/past employers, or former professors. (Forms included).
- A copy of the applicant’s teaching certificate.
- Optional: Official Graduate Record Examination (GRE – www.ets.org/gre) score mailed directly to the Office of Graduate Admission.
- If your undergraduate degree is from an international institution, you were born outside the United States, or English is your second language, you will be required to submit an official TOEFLiBT (internet-based test) score and receive a total score of 80 or higher on the internet based TOEFL (reading, listening, writing, and 26 on speaking). We will also consider an equivalent score on the IELTS or MELAB tests. The Admission, Progression and Graduation Committee reserves the right to request a TOEFL score from any applicant.
- If any transcript(s) or undergraduate degree(s) are from an international institution you must provide an official copy of a third party course by course credential evaluation. The following organizations offer this service and information regarding processes and fees are available at: www.aacrao.org, www.wes.org and www.ece.org. The Office of Graduate Admission reserves the right to request a certified copy of the original transcript(s).
- Once completed, mail the application to: Bellarmine University, Office of Graduate Admission, 2001 Newburg Road, Louisville, Kentucky 40205.
International Applicants
U.S. law requires financial statements from a bank or other financial institution certifying the student’s ability to fund the cost of attendance for one academic year minus the amount of any scholarship dollars received. Figures should be in U.S. dollars and must be certified as an official document by the bank or financial institution. A sponsor may be used if the sponsor attaches a signed affidavit stating that he/she will financially support the student until completion of a degree at Bellarmine University. If a sponsor is used, the sponsor’s bank statement should accompany the letter. The amount that would need to be shown is $32,426. This amount includes tuition and fees associated with six credit hours per semester for one year and an average cost for living expenses, books, supplies, health insurance, transportation and personal expenses..
Goal Statement
Your goal statement should include responses to the following:
Using standard margins, double spacing, and 12-point font, complete an educational autobiography and personal goal statement. Include your own educational background and experiences from pre-school to graduate work; work experiences; a discussion of your strengths and weaknesses; factors
leading to your decision to pursue graduate level studies; your academic, intellectual, and professional objectives relative to being a teacher leader; and your commitment to your professional development at Bellarmine University. This document is an important part of the application review process. You should take great care to produce a thoughtfully planned and well written statement. Your work should be limited to 1000 words. Your completed work should be labeled Attachment C and include your name.
MAEd. Program Cost
Graduate Tuition Rates
Financial Aid
For information on financial aid, click here.
Contact
All applications and correspondence relevant to admission should be directed to:
Bellarmine University
Office of Graduate Admission
2001 Newburg Road
Louisville, KY 40205
502.272.7200
email