Online Master's Degree in Equity and Diversity in Education College of Education Mailstop 0299 University of Nevada, Reno Reno, Nevada 89557-0299 (775) 682-7857 FAX: (775) 784-4384 (fax)
Online Master s Degree in Equity and Diversity in Education Table of Contents Topic Page Program Description 2 Admission Information 2 Graduate Application Checklist 4 Admission Requirements 5 Program Elements 5 Registering for Courses 5 Program of Study 5 Continuous Enrollment 5 Comprehensive Project 5 Applying for Graduation 5 Program Course Work 6 Checklist for Degree Completion 7 Application Form 8 Professional Behaviors and Dispositions Form 9 1 UNR Online Master s Program: Equity and Diversity in Education 11-6-13
Online Master's Program In Equity and Diversity in Education This Master's Program at the University of Nevada, Reno offers students the opportunity to develop advanced knowledge in the area of Equity and Diversity in Education. Options for oncampus and online programs are available. This manual is for students who want to complete all or the majority of courses online. Note that you have the option of combining online and face-to-face courses. It will be important for you to work with your assigned advisor to be sure you are meeting all program requirements. Program Description The master s program in Equity and Diversity in Education (EDE) offers an opportunity for advanced study on use of inclusive methods to serve diverse learners in the classroom and beyond. This program allows educators and those in related fields to enhance their knowledge, skills, and dispositions to work more effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Multiple dimensions of human diversity are addressed through the program s course work, with special attention to gender, race/ethnicity, national origin, language, social class, and exceptionality. Program course work, which consists of a minimum of 32 credits, is intended for practicing educators and others who work with diverse learners, especially in education/training-oriented positions. A teaching license is neither required to enter this program nor granted by earning a degree in this program. ADMISSION TO THE PROGRAM 1. Read program materials carefully. If you have questions about the courses or the academic content, contact Dr. Lynda Wiest (wiest@unr.edu; 775-682-7868). Questions about enrolling in courses or the online environment can be directed to Independent Learning (istudy@unr.edu; 775-784-4652). 2. Apply for admission to the Graduate School. This application is submitted online at http://www.unr.edu/grad/admissions. Applicants should select Equity and Diversity in Education as the degree choice. Transcripts from ALL previous college and university work must be sent directly from each institution that you have attended to the Graduate School. Hand-carried transcripts, even with official seals, will not be accepted. If you wish to take some course work while awaiting admission to the EDE program, apply to the Graduate School for admission as a Graduate Special student. Graduate Special standing allows you to take up to nine graduate credit hours that may apply to your master's program prior to admission to the program. 2 UNR Online Master s Program: Equity and Diversity in Education 11-6-13
Taking courses prior to admission does not guarantee admission to the program. Be sure to consult with an EDE advisor before taking any courses to be sure you choose courses that will count toward the program. Note that a maximum of 9 credits may be transferred into a master's degree program; these credits are the combined total of relevant courses from UNR and any other university you may have attended prior to admission to the EDE program. 4. In addition to the application for the Graduate School, you must also apply for admission to the Equity and Diversity in Education Program. The EDE application form is attached to the end of this manual. Along with the application, please submit: The signed professional dispositions statement (attached to this manual). Letters of recommendation from two persons who know your professional and/or academic abilities. These can be handled electronically by listing names and contact information on the Graduate School s online application form. (The Graduate School will provide these letters to the EDE program.) A brief (1-2 page) resume. A brief (1-3 page) typed essay describing your educational philosophy and reason for pursuing the degree. Use the checklist on the next page to track your application process. 3 UNR Online Master s Program: Equity and Diversity in Education 11-6-13
Online Program: Equity and Diversity in Education Checklist for Completing Your Application Date completed Step in Process Read all program materials carefully to make sure this is the program for you! Apply online to the Graduate School at UNR. Forms or Sites http://www.unr.edu/education http://www.unr.edu/grad/admissions/a pply Have transcripts of all college/university work sent directly from the institutions to the UNR Graduate School. Send or fax application materials required by the Equity and Diversity in Education Program (address below). Equity and Diversity Application form Attached Signed Professional Dispositions form Attached Two professional letters of recommendation Brief resume of your education and work experiences Essay describing educational philosophy and reason for pursuing this degree You will receive a letter from the Graduate School indicating whether you have been accepted into the program. If accepted, you will receive a letter from the Equity and Diversity in Education Program indicating your advisor and her/his contact information. Physical address for sending materials: Equity & Diversity in Education Master s Program College of Education/0299 University of Nevada, Reno Reno, Nevada 89557-0299 Fax: (775) 784-4384 4 UNR Online Master s Program: Equity and Diversity in Education 11-6-13
Admission Requirements Applicants for the EDE online master s program must have a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or better (on a 4-point scale) or 3.0 for the last half of the undergraduate degree. (Exceptions may be made based on the strength of the overall application materials.) Applicants who are U.S. citizens are not required to take additional tests. International applicants must take the TOEFL. There are no provisional admissions to the online program in EDE. Program Elements 1. Registering for Courses. Online courses for this program are offered through Online and Independent Learning. If you have trouble enrolling in these courses, contact Online and Independent Learning at 1-800-233-8928, 775-784-4652, or istudy@unr.edu. 2. Program of Study After completing about 12 graduate credits in your program, correspond with your chair for assistance preparing a Program of Study (POS). The associated form you must complete, available online through the Graduate School, lists all of the courses you will take in your program. You are allowed to take up to six (6) years to complete the degree requirements. Your advisor will help you form an Advisory/Examining Committee of three graduate faculty members: Two members will be faculty in the Equity and Diversity in Education program, and one will be from outside the EDE Program. These members must be listed on your POS. The program of study must be approved and signed by you, all members of your Advisory/Examining Committee (including your chair), the Director of Graduate Study, and the Dean of the Graduate School. With the approval of your advisor, some courses selected for the program of study or committee members may be changed as you progress through your program. If changes occur, a "Change in Program of Study" or Change of Advisory Committee form must be filed with the Graduate School prior to applying for graduation. 3. Continuous Enrollment Once you are admitted the program, you must be continuously enrolled in a minimum of 3 graduate credits during each fall and spring semester, not summer, or apply for a leave of absence. Forms for such a leave may be obtained online from the Graduate School s website. 4. Comprehensive Project You will complete a comprehensive project at the end of your program, usually taken in the semester you intend to graduate. Completion of the project is supported through EDS 795, taken for 3 credits. The project will be evaluated by your Advisory/Examining Committee. 5. Applying for Graduation Applications for graduation are filed online by strict due dates established each semester. It is very important for you to know and adhere to this deadline and it is your responsibility to be aware of the time frame for graduation. The Graduate School requires that you must be enrolled in graduate credit during the semester in which you intend to graduate. 5 UNR Online Master s Program: Equity and Diversity in Education 11-6-13
PROGRAM COURSE WORK ONLINE MASTER S PROGRAM: EQUITY & DIVERSITY IN EDUCATION (32 credits) Required Program Core (5 credits) EDRS 700 Introduction to Educational Research (3 credits) EDS 795 Comprehensive Project (2 credits) Equity & Diversity Emphasis (12 credits) A. Complete both of the following (3 credits each): EDUC 680 Multicultural Concerns in Diverse Educational Settings EDUC 761 Gender Issues in Education B. Choose two of the following three (3 credits each): EDRL 690 Examining Curriculum for Spanish Speakers in U.S. Schools EDSP 711 Characteristics of Students with Mild to Moderate Disabilities EDUC 740 Social Class and Schooling Electives: Individual Area(s) of Emphasis (15 credits) Electives are selected under the direction of the student s advisor. Selected available fully online elective courses include: EDS 747 Critical Numeracy Across the Curriculum EDS 748 Equity & Diversity in Math and Science Education EDUC 741b Issues in Teaching in Diverse Educational Settings: Multicultural Education EDUC 776R Seminar in Multicultural Education EDSP 652 Assessment for Special Education Teachers EDUC 770 Master s Seminar in Educational Specialties EDRL 600 Foundations of Literacy EDRL 610 Word Study: Phonics, Spelling, and Vocabulary EDRL 612 Teaching Reading to Older Students EDRL 643 Literacy Instruction II EDRL 741a Advanced Seminar in Literacy: Multiple Literacies EDRL 777 Advanced Seminar in Literacy: Children s Literacy EDUC 746 Literacy for Developing Civic Literacy The course not taken in letter B of the previous section above Independent study on a focused area of interest (up to 6 credits using course numbers EDUC 692 and/or EDUC 693) * Note: Individual elective courses are offered every 1.5 to 3 years; it is thus important to plan programs of study accordingly. Additional options may include other online courses offered elsewhere on campus and face-to-face courses. 6 UNR Online Master s Program: Equity and Diversity in Education 11-6-13
Online Master s Program: Equity and Diversity in Education Checklist for Degree Completion Date Completed Action Forms and Sites Correspond with your advisor to develop a tentative program of study. Upon completing 12 credits, create an approved program of study and submit it to your advisor for approval and forwarding to the Graduate School. Program of Study Form http://www.unr.edu/grad/forms/ Complete course work. Use the Change in Program of Study or Change of Advisory Committee forms for any deviations from the approved program of study form. If you do not take at least 3 credits in a given semester, complete and submit a Leave of Absence form. Change forms http://www.unr.edu/grad/forms/ Leave of Absence Form http://www.unr.edu/grad/forms/ Work with your advisor to determine your timeline for completing the comprehensive project and register for EDS 795. (2 credits) Apply for graduation by the date established by the Graduate School in the Academic Calendar: http://catalog.unr.edu/content.php?catoid =1&navoid=4 Complete Comprehensive Project. Application for Graduation http://www.unr.edu/grad/forms/ graduation-application The Notice of Completion: Master s Degree form will be completed by your advisor http://www.unr.edu/grad/forms/ 7 UNR Online Master s Program: Equity and Diversity in Education 11-6-13
Online Master s Degree: Equity and Diversity in Education Master of Education (M.S.) Application Form Please complete this form and return it to: Attn: Equity & Diversity in Education Master s Program College of Education/ 0299 University of Nevada, Reno Reno, NV 89557-0299 Fax: 775-784-4384 Name: Address: Home Phone Work Phone: E-mail: Ethnic Group (optional) African American Hispanic/Latino(a) White/ non-hispanic Asian/Pacific Islander Native American Check one: I intend to take ALL of the courses in the program in the online format. I intend to take some courses in the program in the online format and some courses on campus. Semester/year you will begin taking classes Candidate s Signature Date 8 UNR Online Master s Program: Equity and Diversity in Education 11-6-13
MASTER S STUDENT PROFESSIONAL BEHAVIORS AND DISPOSITIONS (Complete and submit with application form) College of Education University of Nevada, Reno All professional educators are expected to adhere to a professional code of conduct. Any educator pursuing graduate studies serves as a model for others. The faculty of the College of Education at the University of Nevada, Reno have adopted a set of professional behaviors or dispositions that are crucial for master s level students. These dispositions apply to the university setting, courses, and field experiences. Failure to demonstrate one or more of the dispositions may lead to an individualized plan for improvement and, in extreme cases, could lead to removal from the program. The list of dispositions is not exhaustive. Depending on the situation, there could behaviors that do not appear on the list, but which could be considered in an evaluation of readiness to continue in master s study. Reflective Practitioner Professional Ethics. The candidate adheres to standards of ethical conduct including academic honesty and confidentiality. Collaboration/Collegiality. The candidate works effectively with colleagues and contributes to a professional collegial atmosphere. Commitment to Teaching. The candidate values the profession of teaching. He or she exhibits a positive attitude toward schools, teaching, students, and parents. Emotional Maturity. The candidate responds to frustration and stress appropriately. Professional Demeanor & Responsibility. The candidate is prompt, is not unnecessarily absent, notifies appropriate individuals when absence is necessary, completes assignments on time, and follows through on commitments. The candidate is poised and professional in his or her demeanor. Professional Feedback. The candidate is receptive and responsive to professional feedback, incorporating suggestions into practice. Self-Reflection. The candidate reflects on and evaluates his or her own behavior and work. He or she is willing to consider multiple perspectives of his or her own performance. The candidate is willing and able to recognize own difficulties or deficiencies and begin to develop potential solutions. 9 UNR Online Master s Program: Equity and Diversity in Education 11-6-13
Multicultural and Democracy Student Focus. The candidate recognizes and respects students as valued and unique individuals. Commitment to Diversity. The candidate values multiple aspects of diversity. He or she respects children and adults of varied cultural and linguistic backgrounds, ethnicities, religions, sexual orientations, social classes, abilities, political beliefs, and disabilities. Love of Learning & Strong Fund of Knowledge Initiative. The candidate is independent and goes beyond minimum expectations. Problem Solving. The candidate is an active and effective problem solver. Commitment to Learning. The candidate is curious and interested in learning more about students and content areas. The candidate seeks out and takes advantage of opportunities for professional growth beyond the minimum expectations of what is required in classes. The candidate recognizes and assumes increasing responsibility for directing and contributing to his/her own educational development. Research and Scholarship Ethical Researcher. The candidate understands and adheres to accepted practices regarding acknowledging and referencing other s ideas, writings, and data. The candidate understands and adheres to requirements for the protection of human subjects as set forth through the Institutional Review Board. The candidate recognizes, appreciates and applies the research literature for current practice. I have read the dispositions and professional behaviors above and I understand they describe a set of expectations for candidates enrolled in graduate programs in the College of Education at the University of Nevada, Reno. I further understand that if I do not exhibit these behaviors based on the professional judgment of program faculty, I may be asked to leave the program. Candidate Signature Date: 10 UNR Online Master s Program: Equity and Diversity in Education 11-6-13