Frequently Asked Questions About the Masters in Secondary Education

FAQs about the MA in Secondary Education

Is the MASE entirely online?

It is possible to complete the MASE by taking only online courses. However, EDSE 560 Student Teaching: Secondary School requires a 16-week, full-time student teaching experience in an Indiana secondary school. Additionally, not all content departments (e.g., social studies, English, modern languages, etc.) offer online, graduate courses in the content area. As such, some of these courses may have to be completed on campus or transferred from another university.

How many courses should I plan to take each semester?

Nine credit hours is considered a full-time graduate load. However, those who are working full time while enrolled in the MASE should plan to take one or two 3-credit courses per semester. It is fine for students to take semesters off as needed. Some students who are working full time as teachers choose to take courses only in the summer, or more courses in the summer than during the academic year. Teachers who are also coaches sometimes take semesters off during the athletic season. The program is flexible.

How long does it take to complete the MASE?

Some students are able to complete the program in as little as four to five semesters. However, students may also take longer since the program is flexible and can accommodate a variety of needs, including the need to take courses more slowly or to take short breaks from course work.

What courses should I take first?

For most students, it is best to begin by taking EDCU 601 and/or EDTE 650 as these are core requirements for the MASE. Students should take the research course near the end of their program. However, for those in the Concentration in Secondary Teaching License, the courses in the concentration should be taken first including EDFO 620.

When can I start the program?

Students may begin taking courses during any semester: fall, spring, or summer.

Is there a thesis requirement?

The MASE requires one research course. As a requirement for that course, students will complete a research project, which counts as their final program project. There is no additional thesis requirement.

How many credits may I transfer from another university?

Ball State permits up to 9 graduate credits to be transferred from another university. However, these credits must be approved by the MASE program director to count toward the program requirements.

What courses may I take as electives?

Students in the concentrations that allow for electives may take courses in the Department of Educational Studies or other Teachers College departments. Some students wish to take courses in educational leadership, special education, and educational psychology. Students may also take content area courses in other departments across campus. However, if applicants desire content courses, it is advised that they contact the department chair of the content department whose courses they wish to take to find out what courses are available that meet their needs. For example, not all content courses are offered online.

Can I complete a teaching license as part of the MASE?

The MASE Concentration in Secondary Teaching License includes the courses required for an Indiana secondary teaching license, which are in addition to one of the required MASE pedagogy courses and EDFO 620. Those applying for this concentration must specify their desire to complete the license since the concentration requires additional application materials, including a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in the content area that the candidate will be licensed to teach, and three letters of reference from professional contacts. It is advised that applicants contact the program director prior to submitting an application to confirm their eligibility for this concentration.

Can I complete my credential to teach dual credit courses in Indiana through the MASE?

In most content areas, it is possible to complete 12 credit hours of graduate-level content courses. However, online options may be limited. Therefore, it is advised that applicants contact the program director and/or the department chair of the content area department associated with their needs before applying to find out what courses are available. For example, applicants who wish to be credentialed to teach dual credit courses in history should contact the program director and/or the history department chair to find out what courses are available prior to applying to the program.

Will I earn a teaching license automatically by completing the MASE?

No, the MASE will not result in an Indiana secondary teaching license unless the candidate completes the requirements for the Concentration in Secondary Teaching License, including a full-time, 16-week student teaching experience within an accredited Indiana secondary school.

What if I am already teaching in Indiana on an emergency permit?

The Concentration in Secondary Teaching License can accommodate those who are already teaching in Indiana schools on an emergency permit, contingent on the school principal’s ability to meet the requirements of student teaching. If the school principal is able to meet these requirements, then the student teaching experience may be completed in the school where the candidate is currently working. It is advised that applicants contact the program director prior to submitting an application to confirm that their principal is able to meet Ball State’s requirements for student teaching.

Can I complete the requirements for the Concentration in Secondary Teaching License if I live out of state or out of the country?

Candidates living outside of Indiana can complete all of the courses required for the Concentration in Secondary Teaching License except EDSE 560 Student Teaching: Secondary School. In order to complete requirements for this course, candidates must finish a full-time, 16-week student teaching experience in an accredited Indiana secondary school.

Do I have to finish the entire MASE before I can earn my Indiana secondary teaching license?

Students in the Concentration in Secondary Teaching License should plan to complete the courses required for the license first: EDFO 620, EDPS 600, EDSE 580, EDJH 585, EDSE 560, and a pedagogy course. Once they complete these courses and pass the required Indiana teaching assessments (Developmental/Pedagogy Assessment), they will earn their Indiana secondary teaching license. At this point, candidates may begin teaching full time, as they complete the final 12 credits of the MASE.

What if my undergraduate degree is not in the content area that I wish to be licensed to teach?

Some undergraduate degrees are closely related to secondary content licensure areas. However, in such cases, the applicant should request a transcript review from the Office of Teacher Education Services. There is a small fee for this service, but it will give applicants a better idea of whether their undergraduate degree will translate to an Indiana secondary teaching license. It may be necessary or advisable to take some additional undergraduate or graduate content courses to supplement prior knowledge. Nevertheless, applicants will still have to meet the other admissions criteria to be accepted into the program.

Can I take MASE courses that also allow me to earn specialized certificates?

Yes, MASE students who are in the Concentration in Education Core or Concentration in Teaching of a Content or Special area can take courses that also will allow them to earn a specialized certificate. The Certificate in Curriculum Development and Leadership provides opportunities for MASE students to dig deeper into leading curriculum. All of the courses required for the certificate overlap with MASE courses. The Certificate in Diversity Studies, Ethical Leadership, and Social Justice also aligns nicely with the MASE. It provides students opportunities to explore multicultural education and ethical leadership.