Program Description
The Department of Education offers graduate programs enabling educators to increase, update, and deepen their knowledge of teaching and learning, to enhance their professional standing, and to prepare for positions that require additional or advanced preparation. Two concentrations are offered.

Teaching and Learning is a minimum 36 credit hour M.Ed. concentration for elementary and secondary school teachers who want to enhance their effectiveness as educators by becoming master teachers. Individuals may use this degree to professionalize a teaching major or minor or to add a minor (e.g., reading, learning disabilities) or a junior high/middle school endorsement to their license. The program is highly flexible, providing the opportunity to construct programs of individualized study depending on the individual's needs and interests.

Curriculum

A Flexible And Individualized Program 
Graduate study at VU requires both diligence and motivation. Classes are generally small, and close mentoring by faculty is the norm.

This program is designed around the needs of teachers, with coursework scheduled in the evening and during the summer. Individuals may choose to complete the program on either a part-time or full-time basis. A full-time load is considered 3-4 courses per semester, and at least 2 courses during the summer sessions. Students with significant outside teaching commitments are encouraged to complete the study through part-time study consisting of 2 courses each semester and 1-2 courses during the summer sessions. Full-time study enables completion of the program in 2 years; part-time study may require 3-5 years.

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;
• A teaching certificate or state licensure in teaching.

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