BSU Catalog Home | Graduate Professional Education Course Descriptions

Graduate Study

The goal of graduate studies in professional education is to provide P-12 and post-secondary teachers with an advanced state of knowledge and professionalism regarding the history, theories, and methodologies of education. The education programs have as their major purpose the scholarly development of highly qualified professional teachers who increase their contributions to the learning process of pre-school through post secondary students. This purpose can be realized with an increased capacity for conceiving and expressing ideas and with a greater understanding and sensitivity to the problems of humanity, culture, and environment.

Goals of the Program

The goals of the graduate programs in education are:

1. To provide an academic environment that will serve to stimulate intellectual inquiry and growth;
2. To provide mastery of a subject within an area of specialization in relation to preparing highly qualified staff;
3. To develop the concepts and skills necessary to analyze reported research;
4. To provide skills necessary to search, organize, evaluate, and set down data for the purpose of making objective educational decisions based on theory and research;
5. To develop the capability of formulating and defending conclusions.

Final evaluation and assessment of student achievement are demonstrated through a final research paper or thesis with an oral defense (Master of Science [M.S.] candidates), or though a capstone experience designed specifically as an applied demonstration of advanced knowledge and preparation in education (Master of Education [M.Ed.] candidates).