Saturday, February 05, 2011

what if?

Master of Education (M. Ed.) in Gifted and Talented Education

The Department of Curriculum and Instruction offers this degree program.

Is this program for me?

The Master’s program in Gifted and Talented Education develops awareness, knowledge, and understanding about teaching gifted and talented students. The program is designed to lay instructional foundation, and provide specific knowledge. Program and elective courses will provide graduates with the ability to fulfill the academic, social, emotional, and cultural needs of gifted children, youth, and/or adults.

The practicum experience offers opportunities for students to demonstrate their competence by applying their skills with children and youth.

The program is designed with several courses offered online. They are presented with a live chat room/whiteboard complemented with a web enhanced asynchronous environment on discussion boards. This allows participants to engage at their own convenience.

It will typically take 2 to 3 years to complete the degree if students are enrolled full-time (9 hours per semester).

What will I learn?

Through Gifted and Talented program coursework, specialized electives, and a Comprehensive Exam or Master’s Thesis graduates will obtain the following skills:

  • Diagnostic Teaching
  • Curriculum differentiation
  • Teach TEKS/TAKS in order to support state testing
  • Evaluate Student Products
  • Reflective teaching

Graduates will also develop competence in:

  • Curriculum development
  • Content development
  • Delivery and evaluation

Students work closely with faculty and fellow classmates to explore and conduct educational research as they improve their research writing and presentation skills. Students will learn to critically evaluate as well as implement gifted and talented curriculum programs.

Since degree plans change periodically, students will follow the degree plan that is in place at the time in which they complete an official, approved degree plan. Following is the most current sample degree plan for the M.Ed. in Gifted and Talented Education.

What can I do with my degree?

The Gifted and Talented Master’s Program is designed to prepare skilled professionals to serve in diverse educational settings including:

  • Public and Private Schools
  • Early Childcare Centers, schools, hospitals and related agencies
  • Community College Settings

Graduates with a M.Ed. in Gifted and Talented Education may pursue the following careers:

  • Curriculum Specialist
  • Educational Director
  • Community College Instructor
  • Early Childhood-6th grade General Classroom Teacher
  • Fourth-8th grade Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies Classroom Teacher