Master of Education (M.Ed.)
Licensure Program
Purpose
The purpose of the Master of Education program is to produce educators, curriculum specialists, and school leaders who model high academic, moral, and spiritual standards. The program is designed to prepare candidates for effective leadership in Christian, public, and private schools. This program provides candidates with a bachelor’s degree the opportunity to earn a master’s degree with eligibility to earn a Virginia advanced license. The knowledge, skills, and dispositions gained through this program will be applied to improve the curriculum, instruction, technology, and overall academic achievement in preschool, elementary, and secondary schools.Program Learning Outcomes
The student will be able to:
- Apply research and best practices in the *field of specialization. (CAEP RA1.1b)
- Employ data analysis and evidence to develop supportive school environment. (CAEP RA1.1c)
- Develop a Biblical worldview applied to professional dispositions, laws and policies, codes of ethics, and professional standards appropriate to the field of specialization. (CAEP RA1.1f)
- Analyze historical, philosophical, and theoretical influences pertaining to the field of education. (CAEP RA1.1b)
Program Specific Admission Requirements
Required for programs that lead to licensure:
- Earned baccalaureate degree or its equivalent from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (e.g., SACSCOC, TRACS, ABHE, etc.)
- GPA of at least a 2.50 on a 4.00 scale (cautionary admission is an option if the candidate has at least a 2.00).
- TOEFL Scores for candidates who speak English as a second language (score of 600 paper–based test; 250 computer-based test, 80 internet-based test).
Transfer of Credit
All graduate transfer credits are subject to the approval of the School of Education (SOE) Graduate Committee. Such courses must carry a grade of at least a B- and be comparable to Liberty University graduate courses. Transfer credit will only be considered from institutions or schools accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. With approval, up to 18 hours may be transferred into the M.Ed. programs. It is the responsibility of each applicant to supply official transcripts along with a written request to have credit applied to the degree program. Transfer credits must have been completed within the previous 10 years.
Credits from a prior degree on the same academic level earned through Liberty University are considered transfer credits.
Licensure Guidelines
The Licensure Programs are designed to meet requirements of the Commonwealth of Virginia in the candidate’s approved specialization. In addition, candidates who complete the Educator Preparation Program may be eligible for the Association of Christian Schools International certificate. The Educator Preparation Program has been officially approved by the Virginia Department of Education and is accredited by CAEP (Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation). Approved programs for licensure for support personnel may be earned in the program through Administration/Supervision, Math Specialist Endorsement, and Reading Specialist Endorsement. Candidates entering the Master of Education program must indicate their intention to pursue Virginia licensure when they apply to the graduate program. Each concentration has licensure requirements beyond the master’s degree. Upon completion of all requirements, the candidate must submit the licensure application and fee to Liberty’s School of Education Licensure Office. Liberty’s Coordinator of Licensure Records will submit the candidate’s application packet to the Virginia Department of Education. Graduates who have successfully completed Liberty’s Educator Preparation Program are eligible for a standard Collegiate Professional License from the Virginia Department of Education. Though candidates must pass a background check for entrance into the Liberty University School of Education EPP (Educator Preparation Program), the VDOE (Virginia Department of Education) also makes determinations concerning the eligibility of candidates.
The Liberty University School of Education utilizes a gate system to ensure the successful progression of its candidates through the EPP (Education Preparation Provider) program. The following gates are described below:
- Gate 1: University Admission and Declaration of Major
- Gate 2: Program Status Check
- Gate 3: Program Admission/Student Teaching Application
- Gate 4: Program Exit/ Licensure Application
Please visit www.liberty.edu/advisingguide for specific requirements at each gate.
Note: The M.Ed. program in Curriculum and Instruction and the M.Ed. program in Higher Education are not licensure programs. Both are meant for individuals who are already licensed, or for those who are not pursuing licensure.
Please see the VDOE website to see the list of questions that will be asked of each applicant.
Administration & Supervision
The candidate must:
- Complete three years of successful full-time experience as a classroom teacher in an accredited nonpublic or public school. (Work experience form required.);
- Successfully complete Liberty’s M.Ed. in Administration /Supervision;
- Complete an internship as a school principal and
- Obtain a passing score on all tests required for Virginia licensure.
Math Specialist Endorsement or Reading Specialist Endorsement
The student must:
- Complete three years of successful classroom teaching in which the teaching in the specialty area was/is an important responsibility. (Work experience form required.); and
- Successfully complete Liberty’s M.Ed. in Reading Specialist Endorsement or Math Specialist Endorsement, which includes an internship.
- Obtain passing scores on all tests required for Virginia licensure.
Time Limit for School Licensure
- Candidates must have completed all requirements necessary for school licensure within 5 years after completion of the graduate degree;
- Candidates who have completed Liberty’s M.Ed. and wish to return to Liberty University to complete the student teaching or internship required for licensure will be subject to the same five-year timeframe; and
- Each case will be evaluated on an individual basis according to transcripts, program changes, time elapsed from completion of coursework, and recent experiences in the field of education.
Licensure in Other States
Candidates who have completed Liberty’s M.Ed. may be eligible for licensure in other states by interstate agreement. Verification that the candidate has completed a state-approved program may be required for reciprocity with other states; therefore, it may be necessary for the candidate to complete the additional requirements listed above for Virginia licensure in order to qualify for reciprocity. Liberty’s School of Education Licensure Office has addresses for the licensing agencies in other states and will assist in completing the appropriate forms. Some states require a state-specific course or test but will grant a provisional license so that the applicant can be employed while completing the additional requirements. It is the candidate’s responsibility to obtain the appropriate forms from other states to submit to Liberty University’s Licensure Office.
For further licensure information e-mail: soelicensure@liberty.edu; fax (434) 582-2468.
Course Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | 15 | |
| Concentration/Cognate Courses | 12 | |
| Professional Courses 1 | 9 | |
| Total Hours | 36 | |
- 1
Additional hours may be required for Virginia Licensure