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CoE Graduate Handbook

Master of Education Degree

The Master of Education degree program is designed to meet the academic and professional interests of a person working in the educational field.  The College of Education offers Master of Education degrees in on-campus and online formats.

Program Plan

Upon admission to a Master of Education program, each student is assigned an academic advisor. The student and advisor plan a program of study to meet the student’s individual goals and general degree requirements. Departments may require that a copy of the program plan be kept on file.

Time Limits

Graduate students and advisors should be guided by the Graduate College policy on  master’s degree time limits. If a time extension is desired, it may be requested by completing a Graduate Student Petition, including an Academic Progress Plan. These petitions are considered and acted upon by the student’s advisor, the department, and the Graduate College. Each individual who has the authority to act on the petition may either approve or deny the petition.

Course Requirements for Ed.M. Students

All students admitted to a Master of Education degree program must fulfill  Graduate College requirements for the master’s degree, departmental requirements, and the following College of Education minimum requirements on the Urbana campus or through Urbana off-campus or online courses:

  • Completion of 32 hours:
    • 8 hours of foundations coursework:
      • 4 Hours: Psychological Foundations coursework in Educational Psychology
        EPSY 400, 401, 402, 404, 405, 406, 407, 408, 430, 485, 490, 553
      • 4 Hours: Philosophical and Social Foundations coursework in Education Policy, Organization and Leadership
        EPOL 401, 402, 403, 405, 406, 407, 408, 409, 410, 412, 413, 480
      • Note: EPS courses have changed to an EPOL rubric. See the crosswalk for specific foundations courses.
    • 12 hours of 500-level coursework in education
    • 12 hours of additional 400- or 500-level courses selected by the student in consultation with an academic advisor (595 independent study can be applied up to a maximum amount of eight hours)

In addition to the specific requirements stated above, individual programs in the College of Education may require additional courses to complete the student’s degree program. 

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