| In the MSU College of Education we do not make a sharp distinction between elementary and secondary education. Our programs, and the specialties within these programs, are organized around substantive areas - such as subject matter (math, science, English/literacy, or history/social studies education), teacher preparation and teacher learning, social analysis of education, or curriculum. Students and faculty members whose professional experience or research focus orients them toward a particular school level (elementary, middle, secondary), use that level as a medium for exploring their substantive interests. Students with an interest in elementary or secondary education will find three programs that meet their needs - one each at the master's, educational specialist, and doctoral levels. All are offered within the Department of Teacher Education.
If you want to pursue an interest in secondary education at the master's level (M.A.), you should examine the program Master of Arts in Curriculum and Teaching. This program is designed to provide practicing teachers with a rich experience of professional development and reflective inquiry aimed at enhancing their professional skills.
If you are a K-12 teacher with a master's degree and you want to pursue advanced professional preparation in a specialized area of secondary education beyond the master's level, you should look at the newly redesigned educational specialist (Ed.S.) program in Curriculum, Teaching, and Educational Policy. This program is aimed at teachers who wish to continue practicing in a K-12 setting as a teacher-leader or mentor.
If you want to pursue an interest in secondary education as an educational researcher and teacher educator, you should examine the doctoral program (Ph.D.) in Curriculum, Teaching, and Educational Policy. Nearly all students in this program are experienced K-12 teachers; most have a master's degree, but this is not a prerequisite. Graduates take on a variety of roles, but the majority become professors in colleges of education.
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