Reading – The Essential First Step in Learning

As educators, we all understand the great importance of reading in the success of our students.  Reading impacts all aspects of the learning process and by helping our students become proficient readers, we not only make a huge difference in their lives but enhance the entire school’s overall quality.  This is why GSU’s College of Education offers teachers an exceptional Master of Arts in Reading program.  Graduates of the program will be reading specialists who have the expertise to bring staff development to educators serving an increasingly diverse student population. 

To qualify for this outstanding program, you need to have an Illinois (or comparable out-of-state) Early Childhood, Elementary, Secondary, or Special Education professional educator license.  In addition you must have completed at least two years of appropriate teaching experience in a recognized public or private school as stated in the application materials prior to candidacy.  Please see our College of Education website for the complete program requirements and details. 

Our M.A. in Reading program includes practicum experiences at both the elementary and secondary levels.  Students are presented challenging course work with classes in diagnosis, remediation, the psycholinguistic and sociolinguistic foundations of literacy, developing reading programs, and narrative and expository writing instruction. Degree requirements also include a successful completion of an action research project. 

This excellent program provides students the required course work as identified by the Professional Standards and Ethics Committee and the Advisory Group to the National Council of Accreditation of Teacher Education Joint Task Force of the International Reading Association.  Graduates of GSU’s Master of Arts in Reading program are given the knowledge and theoretical foundation in the field of reading and literacy to address the needs of K-12 learners as well as those students who need specialized literacy intervention.

Academic excellence and innovation are natural partners. At Governors State University you’ll find an abundance of both.  We have a highly diverse student body and our courses are taught by gifted professors. Our rich history, cultural amenities and a beautiful campus all contribute to making us one of best colleges in Chicago.

GSU’s College of Education - Doctoral Programs

At Governors State University, we offer an exceptional selection of doctoral programs that will take your career to the next level.  All of our programs are designed to accommodate working professionals and offer course work in a variety of formats or times.  Our class-sizes are small and students are mentored by a group of experienced, gifted professors.

One of our doctoral offerings is a Counselor Education and Supervision, Ed.D degree that is designed to produce advanced clinicians, supervisors, competent researchers and educators. The challenging program offers students experiences in clinical work, teaching, supervision, research and advocacy.  As a student, you will develop a strong background in education and counseling theory.  If you have a CACREP-accredited master’s degree, you will be able to complete the program in as little as eight semesters.

Another doctoral program offered from the College of Education is our Interdisciplinary Leadership, Ed.D.  To ensure the program is convenient; all courses are offered online or in a hybrid format.  Students will learn the theories, principles, practices and applications of effective leadership.  The program offers the opportunity for advanced study in the choice of one of the following concentrations:  Higher Education Administration; Not for Profit/Social Entrepreneurship; Public Safety and Superintendent (P-12 Endorsement).

In addition we also offer an Educational Specialist degree (Ed.S.) in School Psychology.  The program equips professionals to directly and indirectly deliver a continuum of educational and mental health services to children and families and to work with teachers and other educators to enhance student learning and well-being.  This is a four-year, cohort-based model that provides future school psychologists with a solid professional and academic foundation that reflects depth and diversity in both psychology and education.

Please refer to GSU’s College of Education website for the programs’ complete requirements and details.  If you have further questions, please contact a department advisor. 

We invite you to explore our many degree, certificate and individual course offerings listed on our website.  GSU has a highly diverse student body made up of individuals of all ages and backgrounds as well as courses taught by gifted professors. Learn more about the rich history, cultural amenities and beautiful campus that contributes to making us one of the top colleges in Illinois.   

M.A. in Psychology – Theoretical Sequence

At Governors State University, our College of Education offers a M.A. in Psychology degree that provides the professional preparation for students seeking to enter into the field of human services or as a stepping stone toward advanced graduate studies.  Our program has the choice of two exceptional sequences, Clinical Psychology or Theoretical Psychology.

Our Theoretical Sequence in Psychology offers students a strong theoretical background in the traditional areas of psychology.  The program is designed to engender sensitivity to cultural and individual differences.  This sequence prepares students to pursue advanced graduate studies such as a Ph.D. or Psy.D. degree.  

Furthermore, the M.A. in Psychology gives students the educational background they need to work in research for businesses or social services.  The degree also provides the opportunities to teach general psychology classes at the junior or community college level.  For those that hold a teaching certificate, you will be eligible to teach at the high school level. 

Our master’s in psychology theoretical sequence is not an applied degree but rather focuses on a strong theoretical background in traditional areas of psychology.

It is not mandatory that students have an undergraduate degree in psychology to be admitted to the program; however, it is strongly recommended.  Please see our website for complete requirements and information or contact a department advisor if you have additional questions.

     

For those interested in pursuing a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology, beginning in Summer 2015, we will now offer the program at the GSU Naperville Education Center.  Check out our website for complete details and requirements for applying to this program. 

  

We encourage you to explore our many degree, certificate and individual course offerings listed on our website.  Each college has stellar programs and world-class professors; all of which are focused on delivering academic excellence in a small-class setting.  We look forward to helping you achieve your educational and career goals.

GSU’s College of Education Offers Exceptional Master’s Programs

If you are interested in advancing your career, GSU’s College of Education (COE) offers professionals an excellent selection of Master of Arts degree programs.  Our gifted faculty guides learning while mentoring students through hands-on experiences, and our class-sizes are small to ensure individualized attention.  Furthermore, students have the opportunity to apply what they learn in the classroom at our on-campus Family Development Center, working with children from the community.

The College of Education offers a M.A. in Counseling degree with specializations that include: Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Marriage & Family Counseling, and School Counseling (K-12).  Starting in Fall 2015, the program will run on a cohort-based model.  The program prepares students with the skills to provide direct services to clients; diagnostic, consultative, and evaluative services; and preventive intervention.

Another program from the COE is our Early Childhood Education.  Here we offer a Sequence for Currently Licensed Teachers and Licensure Sequence for Non-Teachers.  Students are provided the opportunity for significant field experience in school settings and experience the type of challenges and situations faced as a practicing professional.

In our M.A. in Education (non-licensure program), we offer Computer Education, Curriculum & Instruction, ESL/Bilingual Education, Mathematics Education and Science Education.  Our program is designed to enhance and facilitate your professional development as a classroom teacher, regardless of the level at which you teach and prepare you to take a leadership role in your school system.   

Our M.A. in Educational Administration offers the following concentrations: Chief School Business Official, Higher Education Administration and Principal Leadership.  This is an in-depth program that prepares school administrators and leaders to meet the challenges of a demanding educational environment. 

The College of Education’s M.A. in Multicategorical Special Education prepares experienced teachers to work across the full continuum of educational services.  Here, students are offered a program that emphasizes an individual approach to the education of the exceptional learner. 

The M.A. in Psychology degree offers a choice of Clinical Sequence or Theoretical Sequence. You will develop a strong theoretical base as well as learn assessment and research skills.

Lastly, our M.A. in Reading program will prepare you to be a reading specialist and to deliver staff development to educators who serve a diverse student population.  Please see our website for complete program details and requirements. 

Academic excellence and innovation are natural partners. At Governors State University you’ll find an abundance of both.  We have a highly diverse student body and our courses are taught by gifted professors. Our rich history, cultural amenities and a beautiful campus all contribute to making us one of the best colleges in Illinois.

Education is in Need of Strong Leaders

According to a recent report commissioned by The Wallace Foundation, “It turns out that leadership not only matters: it is second only to teaching among school-related factors in its impact on student learning.”  In addition the study declares that, “the impact of leadership tends to be greatest in schools where the learning needs of students are most acute.”

The report indicates that successful school leaders are those that chart a clear direction for the school that everyone understands and are diligent in establishing high expectations for all involved.  They also efficiently use data to track progress and performance to ensure it is meaningful.  The best leaders are committed to providing teachers and staff with the tools and support they need in order be successful.  Moreover they recognize that by making the organization work, it ensures that “the entire range of conditions and incentives in districts and schools fully supports rather than inhibits teaching and learning.”

At GSU we too fully understand the importance of strong educational leaders.  Our Master of Arts in Educational Administration degree program provides in-depth study to prepare school administrators and leaders to meet the challenges of a demanding educational environment. Our graduates are caring, critical, reflective professionals who are academically strong, pedagogically skilled and responsive to the needs of our diverse society.

As a student in the M.A in Educational Administration, you are offered the following three areas of concentration to advance your career: Chief School Business Official (K-12), Higher Education Administration (colleges and universities), and Principal Leadership (K-12).  Furthermore, you will have plenty of opportunities to transition from the classroom to a leadership role with both field and clinical experiences.  Please see our website for complete program requirements and details. 

Source:

http://www.wallacefoundation.org/knowledge-center/school-leadership/key-research/Documents/How-Leadership-influences-Student-Learning.pdf

We encourage you to explore our many degree, certificate and individual course offerings listed on our website.  Academic excellence and innovation are natural partners. At Governors State University you’ll find an abundance of both.  Our rich history, cultural amenities and a beautiful campus all contribute to making us one of the best colleges in Illinois.

Master of Arts in Multicategorical Special Education

The professional education unit in the College of Education at GSU offers the highest quality academic programs that balance innovation and best practice in order to meet the needs of today’s educators.  Our Master of Arts in Multicategorical Special Education program is one of our exceptional programs and is designed to develop experienced teachers who are capable of working across the full continuum of educational services. With an emphasis on the individual approach to the education of the exceptional learner, our fully accredited program is nationally recognized by the Council for Exceptional Children and NCATE.  

GSU graduates are equipped to work in the special education categorical areas covered by the Illinois Learning Behavior Specialist I Unlimited endorsement on a Professional Educator License.  This includes the following areas: learning disabilities, behavior disorders, intellectual disabilities, mental impairments, traumatic brain injury and autism.  Students also receive training in psychological diagnosis, authentic assessments, case study development, IEP development and implementation and much more.

The MCSE degree will give you the opportunity for a rewarding career as a classroom teacher, resource personnel, or a collaborator/consultant to educators, administrators, staff, and parents.  If you already possess a teaching certificate, you will not be required to complete additional clinical hours in the areas that you have previously had supervised experience in.  Furthermore, the program will prepare you for the Learning Behavior Specialist I Unlimited endorsement on a Professional Educator License.

GSU Naperville Education Center is now recruiting interested students for our Master of Arts in Multicategorical Special Education/LBS l Unlimited Endorsement program.  It will be offered in the Fall Semester 2015. Check our website for all of the requirements and details as well as contact information.  Application deadline is March 15, 2015.

We encourage you to explore our many degree, certificate and individual course offerings listed on our website.  Each college has stellar programs and world-class professors; all of which are focused on delivering academic excellence in a small-class setting.  We look forward to helping you achieve your educational and career goals. 

A Rewarding Career as a School Counselor

By the year 2022, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects an almost 12 percent increase in employment for educational, guidance, school and vocational counselors, which will mean 31,200 new jobs.  Most employers require school counselors to have at least a master’s degree, and jobs include working in elementary and secondary schools, junior colleges and universities, government and private organizations.  The BLS states that the median annual income for school and career counselors was $53,610 in May 2012 and the top wage-earners make more than $86,680.

A school counselor works closely with school officials, students and parents. The job involves collaborating with other individuals and organizations to advocate and promote the academic, career, personal and social development of children and youth.  “School counselors help students evaluate their abilities, interests, talents and personalities to develop realistic academic and career goals.”*

At GSU our M.A. in School Counseling degree program is designed to promote excellence in professional school counseling as an integral component in the development of all students.  Our primary goal is to prepare responsive professional counselors in K-12 school settings who will assist students in maximizing their educational, vocational and personal/social growth and development.  GSU’s program endorses the role of the professional school counselor as a licensed educator who addresses the needs of students comprehensively through the implementation of a developmental school counseling program. 

In addition beginning in the Fall Semester 2015, Governors State Naperville Education Center (NEC) will offer the Master of Arts in School Counseling program.  Students interested in attending the NEC program will need to apply through the NEC and the application deadline is March 15, 2015.  Please see our website for all program requirements and information. 

Source:

http://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/school-and-career-counselors.htm

*http://www.gradschools.com/search-programs/school-counseling

Academic excellence and innovation are natural partners. At Governors State University you’ll find an abundance of both.  We have a highly diverse student body and our courses are taught by gifted professors. Our rich history, cultural amenities and a beautiful campus all contribute to making us one of the best colleges in Illinois.