Education (Educational Studies and Research), M.S.

The M.S. program in Educational Studies and Research provides students with an introduction to social science research design, statistics, and the foundations of education. The program is intended to help those enrolled further develop their abilities to think and write critically, interpret qualitative and quantitative data, and understand various educational research methodologies. The M.S. is a non-licensure program that prepares students for entry-level research positions in a variety of settings including community colleges, universities, and policy-making organizations. It also provides a graduate foundation for those interested in pursuing advanced study at the doctoral level.

Admission

	Required Criteria		Supplementary Criteria*
	GRE official scores		interview
	GPA on previous undergraduate		other official standardized test scores
		work	writing sample
	three letters of recommendation**
	a letter of interest and professional goals
	vita or résumé
	TOEFL or IELTS scores, if International

*Supplementary materials may be submitted at the student’s discretion or may be requested by the admissions committee.

** Letters should be from persons qualified to assess the applicant’s readiness for graduate study.

Members of underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

Plan of Study. During the first semester, students will schedule a program planning meeting with their assigned advisor. Students must submit their signed, official Plan of Study form to the Graduate School by the end of the first semester they are enrolled.

Continuous Enrollment Requirement: Students must meet the continuous enrollment and time limitation requirements specified in this Bulletin.

Research and Scholarly Integrity Education

All faculty holding Regular or Associate graduate faculty status must complete CITI training modules required by the Graduate School and their departments. All graduate students must complete the CITI training modules required by the Graduate School and their departments the first semester they are enrolled in graduate school. The RSIE policy and training information are found on the Graduate School web page –www.usm.edu/graduate-school. Contact the Dean of the Graduate School if you have any questions regarding the policy of training information.

Comprehensive Exam

A comprehensive exam will be given at or near the conclusion of coursework.

Graduation

To complete the master’s degree, students must

1. maintain a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average,
2. complete all coursework,
3. pass the comprehensive examination, and
4. earn no more than one grade of C or below in any course.