Master of Education [M.Ed] [Elementary Education] From University of South Carolina - Upstate

Programs of study leading to the degree of Master of Education are offered in early childhood education and elementary education. Orientation is provided prior to the beginning of each academic term.

USC Upstate Master of Education degrees are not designed for the purpose of initial teacher certification. Initial teacher certification is required for admission to the M.Ed. degree program.

The Master of Education degree requires:

• Successful completion of an approved program of study providing 36 hours of graduate credit, of which at least 50 percent must be earned in courses numbered 700 or above (the remainder may be in courses numbered 500-699).

• Successful defense of a Graduate Professional Portfolio. The Graduate Professional Portfolio is introduced during the initial orientation to graduate programs for degree candidates. During program courses and continuing professional experience, candidates accumulate artifacts for the portfolio. Candidates select for the portfolio, those artifacts which most clearly document their professional development, prepare a rationale for the inclusion of items in each section of the portfolio, and defend the portfolio before a panel of faculty and peers. Full details for the Graduate Professional Portfolio are included in the USC Upstate Graduate Handbook.

Professional development courses may be considered as part of a degree program if the coursework is consistent with the program. Questions should be directed to the Director of the Office of Graduate Programs in Education.

Both the early childhood and the elementary master's programs are now offered in a Fast Track arrangement, enabling students to complete the entire degree in 18 consecutive months. Though the rotation of courses will remain constant, graduate candidates may elect to complete their degrees at a slower pace, as long as the degree is completed within six years.