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The new Dwight Schar Building

Ashland University offers the Master of Education degree at five centers. In addition to the main campus, programs are offered at centers in Columbus, Elyria, Cleveland and Stark County.

Program continuity and quality are enhanced by full-time faculty teaching at each of the centers. During a typical semester more than 75% of the instruction will be conducted by full-time faculty. This institution is augmented by well qualified and authoritative adjunct faculty at each center. All courses are taught within the parameters of master syllabi which have been developed, reviewed and approved by the faculty and Graduate Council prior to adoption.

Program quality and continuity are also insured by having full-time resident directors of graduate studies at each center. The resident directors are available for consultation and support to students as they progress through the program. Convenience, personalized attention and quality programs contribute to the attractiveness of Ashland University programs at all four centers.

In 1989 Ashland College became known as Ashland University. This change to university status reflects more accurately what this institution has become. The student enrollment of approximately 5,800 is almost evenly divided between graduate and undergraduate students.

The most recent evaluation of the Master of Education degree program by the North Central Association and the Ohio Board of Regents verified that the faculty, program and facilities were of such high quality that a 10-year accreditation was issued by both agencies. This is the longest period of approval that can be granted to an institution.

The Graduate Studies in the College of Education of Ashland University is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). This accreditation includes the advanced level of professional education programs offered at Ashland University.

Admission to the graduate program should be sought at the center where most of the course work will be completed. Course registration must be at the center where the course is scheduled to be taught, or in some cases, the site where the course is to be taught. Please correspond with the director of the center nearest you if you have admission or registration questions.

Master of Education Program Objectives

The graduate program offered by the Dwight Schar College of Education is designed to provide functionally integrated academic, experimental and field-based study necessary to the personal and professional growth of educators. Toward this end the program includes three distinct components: (1) a common core of studies focusing on the foundations of education; (2) professional studies emphasizing the integration and application of functional knowledge, and (3) a field practicum or alternate options designed to deepen the student's understanding of self through problem-solving and decision-making techniques.

Graduate education programs are developed on the premise that improvement requires change and that effective programs must be responsive to the needs of the educational community.

The program is based on foundations of education, current research, effective practice, and dynamic collaborative relationships among educators at all levels.  The program is implemented through diverse classroom field, and clinical experience.  The faculty believe that a professional educator is a reflective practitioner who merges theory and practice.

A major objective of the graduate program is to develop individual skills for solving particular educational problems, whether in teaching, supervision, or administration, while keeping such solutions in balance with institutional, community, or school system needs and expectations.  A second objective is the acquisition of sound principles and techniques essential to working effectively in a wide range of instructional or organizational settings.

A basic assumption of all graduate programs is that educational policies and procedures are constantly changing, and that the practices of tomorrow may have little similarity to current modes. Thus, Ashland University's programs emphasize the development of the individual's professional capacity as a self-perpetuating facet of the present and future personal development.

History

Ashland University's Graduate Studies in Education was established in response to the needs expressed by teachers and administrators of the area. Feasibility studies conducted by the Ashland University College of Education , as well as other institutions, provided quantitative data supporting the need to develop a masters degree program which could reasonably be facilitated within existing institutional guidelines.

In August 1975 the Master of Education degree (M.Ed.) with major program areas in curriculum and instruction, supervision and reading supervision were approved by the Ashland University Board of Trustees. Initial approval by the Board of Regents was given on October 17, 1975. The Ohio Board of Education provided their initial approval on January 12, 1976.

Subsequent visitations and approvals have occurred by both the Ohio Board of Regents and the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The breadth of the of the program now includes fourteen program areas with certifications, licensure or endorsements in twelve areas.

Program support and planning assistance is also received from non-institutional personnel and agencies through advisory committee memberships.

Accreditation

Ashland University holds accreditation in the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools at the baccalaureate and graduate degree levels through 2007.. Approval to offer the Master of Education degree was granted by the Ohio Board of Regents in 1975. Approval for offering certification for the Master of Education degree was granted by the Ohio Department of Education in 1976. The College of Education is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education at the basic and advanced levels.