Program Description
This graduate program is designed to address the regional and national shortage of qualified teachers for our school systems. Nationwide, over 2 million new teachers will be needed in the next 5-10 years. The only master's of its kind in Northwest Indiana, the M.Ed. in Initial Licensure enables men and women with undergraduate degrees in any field to become qualified as teachers while earning a Master of Education degree. The program is appropriate for individuals who want to teach in public, private, or parochial school systems at the elementary, middle, and secondary levels. Teachers certified for one level of teaching may use this program to become certified at another. Individuals currently teaching under a temporary teaching license may benefit from this program as well.

Program Requirements
The program requires a minimum of 45 or 46 credits of graduate coursework and involves study in four areas: Professional Studies, Integrative Studies, Field Study (Internship), and the Capstone Experience. Students planning to teach in public schools complete the 45 credit program. Those interested in teaching in parochial or religious schools may add 1 credit of coursework in Teaching of Religion. Additional coursework in content areas may also be required depending on the student's area of teaching. Electives are available in a number of different topic areas.

Maximum Flexibility
The Master's degree may be completed in as little as 2 years. Up to 20 credits can be taken over two consecutive summers through intensive study during the 6 week summer sessions. A 10-credit non-salaried, supervised internship in education is usually completed in one semester. Students may enroll in 3-6 credits during fall and spring semesters, with the option of taking selected courses online.

Although students may choose to enroll in the program on either a full-time or part-time evening basis, one semester of field placement generally requires a full-time academic commitment.

Curriculum

Criteria for Admission
Applicants must meet the admission requirements of the Graduate Division, which include:

• A minimum GPA of 3.0 (B) in all previous coursework
• Passing scores on the Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST) in basic reading, writing, and mathematics. NOTE: Minimum passing scores are 176, 172, and 175 respectively, and are necessary for obtaining Indiana teaching licensure. Evidence of passing scores must be submitted at the time of application. If the applicant has not obtained passing scores on all three subtests by the application deadline, the applicant may be allowed to enroll in one semester of coursework. If passing scores are not obtained by the end of the first semester, the student will not be allowed to undertake further coursework until passing scores in all three areas are provided to the Graduate Office.

As part of the application process, students must provide:

• Valparaiso University Graduate Application and Initial Licensure Supplemental Application Form;
• Official transcripts of all prior undergraduate and graduate coursework.  If you have received an undergraduate or graduate degree from Valparaiso University, you are not required to submit an official transcript from Valparaiso University;
• Two letters of recommendation;
• Essay relating graduate study to your professional goals clearly stating reasons for wanting to become a teacher. NOTE: This letter substitutes for the reflective essay required by the Office of Graduate Studies;
• Application Fee: $30.

Applicants not meeting the standard admission criteria will be considered on an individual basis. Such applicants should provide evidence of their ability to meet VU's high academic standards as part of their personal essay.

Financial Considerations
Students may be surprised to discover the affordable tuition rate at Valparaiso University. Tuition for the 2009-2010 academic year is $480 per credit hour, highly competitive for a private institution of recognized national quality. Students enrolled in graduate courses pay a $95 general fee each semester. Financial aid is available through direct and indirect student loans for students taking 6 credits or more during fall and spring semesters. Students may transfer up to 6 credits of approved graduate coursework into the program.

For more information about the Master of Education in Initial Licensure program
To learn more about the Master of Education in Initial Licensure, visit their department website at http://www.valpo.edu/education/programs/medil/index.php.

Interested students should request an application packet from the Office of Graduate Studies through our website or by e-mailing Graduate.Studies@valpo.edu.