Master of Education Degree

Admissions

An application packet may be obtained by contacting the MEd office or downloading a packet from www.med.covenant.edu.

Master of Education
Graduate School of Education
Covenant College
14049 Scenic Highway
Lookout Mountain, GA 30750
800.677.3626
med@covenant.edu
www.med.covenant.edu

Early Application Bonus- The application fee is waived for all applications postmarked by February 1, 2017. To qualify for the waiver, the packet must include the application form, references, academic paper, and statement of faith.

Note the following dates for submission of application materials:

Individuals choosing to drop a course after May 1 will not receive a refund and are responsible to pay total course tuition and fees. This policy is in compliance with federal and fiscal regulations. No exceptions may be made. See Refund Policy .

Admission Requirements

Regular Admission - Required For Degree Completion

For admission as a regular student in the Master of Education, the following is required:

1. Baccalaureate degree from a regionally-accredited college or university.
2. Grade point average of 3.0 for the last 60 semester hours of undergraduate study. Graduate coursework will be considered if a degree was not earned but the cumulative GPA was 3.5 or higher for a minimum of 15 semester hours.
3. 15 semester hours of undergraduate coursework in education. Evidence of five years of verified experience in professional education may be substituted for the required coursework in education.
4. Experience as teacher or administrator in a P-12 setting for one or more years. (Application may be submitted during the first year of teaching.) If the experience was in a home rather than a school setting, the applicant will be considered for provisional admission.
5. Credible written profession of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
6. Academic paper demonstrating the applicant’s academic capability. The paper may be previously written and must be a minimum of five pages, in academic form, including appropriate citations. The paper will be examined for coherence of thought, organization, spelling and punctuation.
   
   Applicants who have already completed a master’s degree are exempt from submitting an academic paper.
    
7. General Test of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and submit official scores to Covenant College (code 6124); the test must have been taken within five years of the date of application.

Applicants, who have already completed graduate work at a regionally accredited institution with a grade of at least “B” and took the Miller Analogies Test for admission to that graduate degree program, may submit MAT scores in lieu of GRE scores. The test must have been taken within five years of the date of application to Covenant.

Applicants who have already completed a master’s degree are exempt from taking the GRE.

8. Applicants not currently serving as administrator or teacher must submit a letter of cooperation from a school administrator stating that the applicant will have access to classroom or school situations where graduate coursework can be applied.
9. International Candidates: Covenant defines international students as anyone who is not a citizen of the United States of America. International candidates must submit the following in addition:

A. The International Student Certification of Finances form prior to, or along with, submitting the application for admission to the MEd. The form is provided in the application packet and available at www.med.covenant.edu. In addition, a copy of the student’s passport biographical page must be submitted before an I-20 can be issued, or before the student would be considered for any institutional financial aid. The certification form must be supported with a copy of a bank statement or letter from a bank confirming the availability of financial resources to pay for educational expenses. If a third party sponsor or organization will be providing resources for the student, a similar confirmation of resources from an individual or a letter from an organization should be included. One to two months should be allowed for processing certification of finances and two months minimum should be allowed to obtain a student visa.

B. International transcripts submitted for admission to the MEd must be evaluated and authenticated. The following organizations are reputable such that Covenant College will accept a course evaluation (to award college credit on a course-by-course basis) and a degree confirmation. All are well established and have different fee structures and time lines of services so the applicant may select the organization they prefer to utilize.

International Education Services
http://ies.aacrao.org/about/
Washington, DC
202.296.3359

Josef Silny & Associates
http://www.jsilny.com/
Miami, FL
305.273.1616

International Education Evaluations, Inc.
http://www.foreigntranscripts.com
Charlotte, NC
704.772.0109

World Education Services
http://www.wes.org/
New York, NY
212.966.6311

Educational Credential Evaluators
https://www.ece.org/
Milwaukee WI
414.289.3400

Global Credential Evaluators, Inc.
http://gceus.com/
Offices in Texas, Mississippi and Virginia
800.707.0979 TX

C. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required for international applicants whose native language is not English. A minimum score of 550 (paper-based exam) or 215 (computer-based exam) or 80 (Internet-based exam) is required. An official score report should be submitted to Covenant College (Code 6124). Information about the TOEFL may be obtained from the Educational Testing Service, Box 899, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA or www.ets.org/toefl.

Admission Procedures

Application and supporting materials are accepted through April 1 by the Master of Education office. Application packets may be obtained through written, phone or e-mail request, or by downloading from the MEd website: www.med.covenant.edu.

The Following Are Required For Admission:

1. Application form.
2. $50 non-refundable application fee.

Early Application Bonus-the application fee is waived for applications postmarked by February 1. Must include the application, references, academic paper, statement of faith.   

3. Credible written profession of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
4. Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate coursework.
5. Two completed recommendation forms from educators.
6. Academic paper demonstrating the applicant’s academic capability. The paper may be previously written and must be a minimum of five pages, in academic form,  including appropriate citations. The paper will be examined for coherence of thought, organization, spelling and punctuation. Applicants who have already completed a master’s degree are exempt from submitting an academic paper.
7. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores on the General Test obtained within the last five years. Applicants must request that their scores be sent to the college (code 6124). Students who have completed graduate work at a regionally accredited institution with a grade of at least B may submit Miller Analogies Test scores in lieu of GRE scores, if the test was taken within five years of the date of application to Covenant. Applicants who have already completed a master’s degree are exempt from taking the GRE.
8. Letter of Cooperation from a school administrator if applicant is not currently employed as a teacher or administrator in a K-12 setting, stating the applicant will have access to classroom or school situations where graduate coursework can be applied.
9. International applicants must submit the following in addition:

A. The International Student Certification of Finances form prior to, or along with, submitting the application for admission to the MEd. The form is provided in the application packet and available at www.med.covenant.edu. In addition, a copy of the student’s passport biographical page must be submitted before an I-20 can be issued, or before the student would be considered for any institutional financial aid. The certification form must be supported with a copy of a bank statement or letter from a bank confirming the availability of financial resources to pay for educational expenses. If a third party sponsor or organization will be providing resources for the student, a similar confirmation of resources from an individual or a letter from an organization should be included. One to two months should be allowed for processing certification of finances and two months minimum should be allowed to obtain a student visa.

B. International transcripts submitted for admission to the MEd must be evaluated and authenticated. The following organizations are reputable such that Covenant College will accept a course evaluation (to award college credit on a course-by-course basis) and a degree confirmation. All are well established and have different fee structures and time lines of services so the applicant may select the organization they prefer to utilize.

International Education Services
http://ies.aacrao.org/about/
Washington, DC
202.296.3359

Josef Silny & Associates
http://www.jsilny.com/
Miami, FL
305.273.1616

International Education Evaluations, Inc.
http://www.foreigntranscripts.com
Charlotte, NC
704.772.0109

World Education Services
http://www.wes.org/
New York, NY
212.966.6311

Educational Credential Evaluators
https://www.ece.org/
Milwaukee WI
414.289.3400

Global Credential Evaluators, Inc.
http://gceus.com/
Offices in Texas, Mississippi and Virginia
800.707.0979 TX

C. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required for international applicants whose native language is not English. A minimum score of 550 (paper-based exam) or 215 (computer-based exam) or 80 (Internet-based exam) is required. An official score report should be submitted to Covenant College (Code 6124). Information about the TOEFL may be obtained from the Educational Testing Service, Box 899, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA or www.ets.org/toefl.

After the application and all supporting materials are received, the applicant is notified of acceptance into the program, status (special, provisional, or regular), and an academic advisor is assigned. The application for financial aid is included with registration materials.

Admission Procedures for Special Student Applicants

The following are required for admission as a special student:

1. A completed application form; payment of $50 non-refundable application fee. The application fee is waived for all application packets postmarked by February 1.
2. Written statement of faith in Jesus Christ.
3. Official transcripts of all college and graduate coursework.
4. Letter of Cooperation from an administrator if the applicant is not working in a school situation.
5. Mail documents and $50 application fee to the Master of Education, Covenant College.

Admission Status

Regular Student Status

An applicant meeting all admission requirements of the MEd is accepted as a regular student. Regular student status is required to complete the MEd.

To maintain regular student status a 3.0 grade point average must be maintained throughout enrollment.

Provisional Student Status

An applicant not having fully met admissions criteria may be considered for provisional admission. The student will be informed that unmet criteria must be satisfied during the course of the program. The status of a provisional student is reviewed after nine hours of coursework; no more than nine hours taken while in this category may be applied toward the degree. A student must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) on courses taken as a provisional student. The GRE must be taken before registration will be accepted for a second year of study. Regular student status is required for the MEd degree to be granted.

Special Student Status

An applicant not intending to complete the MEd degree may be considered for special student admission. An individual may take up to 12 hours as a special student.  An applicant must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university, and one year of teaching experience. If the applicant is not working in a school, a Letter of Cooperation from a school administrator must be submitted assuring access to a school situation where principles learned in the MEd can be applied. A grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) for the last 60 semester hours of undergraduate study is expected. No more than 12 hours taken as a special student may be applied toward the degree should the student apply for admission as a regular student in the MEd. 

See admission procedures for special student admission.

Financial Information

Deferment Status

Returning students who have previously received federal student loans must register by April 15 in order to remain in deferment status. The terms of attendance for federal financial aid purposes will be considered to be April 15 through January 15. Federal aid will be earned on a prorated basis up to 60% of the term of attendance.

Fees and Expenses: 

General

Housing

Special

Summary of Fees and Expenses for the Summer Term

Payment Schedule

1. Submitted with application for admission: $50 application fee. The application fee will be waived for all applications postmarked by February 1. Note: application, references, academic paper, statement of faith must be submitted to qualify for fee waiver.
2. Submitted with registration form:
   1. $500 non-refundable enrollment deposit towards tuition
   2. Application for financial aid, if applicable
3. Tuition and fees are assessed on May 1. Interest will be added at the end of May and each successive month on the last business day of the month at 4:00 pm on any unpaid balance. Returning students may not register until all financial obligations from the previous year have been satisfied.
4. Housing is paid during the on-campus session.
5. Details regarding payment are included in the registration packet.
6. Covenant College accepts payment for student accounts from an e-check on-line, MasterCard, Discover, check, PayPal, or cash. A processing fee is assessed for on-line payment based on payment method and amount of payment. See Application or Registration form for complete details.
7. Students are responsible to verify their account balance through their Banner account. Students receive a monthly electronic statement to their Covenant email. College offices will also communicate with students via their Covenant College e-mail account.
8. Students are responsible for purchase of textbooks and supplies. Included with the registration packet is a list of textbooks and materials required for each course in the MEd. 

Housing

Housing for the on-campus session is reserved as part of registration. Full payment for housing is due at the beginning of the on-campus session. No housing refunds are provided once the on-campus session begins. Housing is not available for family members.

Registration

Individuals choosing to drop a course after May 1 will not receive a refund and are responsible to pay total course tuition and fees. This policy is in compliance with federal and fiscal regulations. No exceptions may be made. See Refund Policy .

On February 15, registration information is made available to Master of Education students. Students may register through April 15 without penalty and through May 1 with late registration fee applied.

Returning students may not register if carrying more than one incomplete course grade, if tuition/fees/fines are outstanding, or with any other unmet obligation to the college. Students may not register for courses beyond the first year without having submitted an official GRE score report.

Late Registration

Registration from April 16-May 1 will incur a $100 late registration fee. Individuals choosing to drop a course after May 1 will not receive a refund and are responsible to pay total course tuition and fees. This policy is in compliance with federal and fiscal regulations. No exceptions may be made. See Refund Policy .

The Robert B. Ashlock Award

Each year the faculty of the Master of Education selects a third-year student to receive the Robert B. Ashlock Award. This award recognizes Dr. Ashlock as the organizing and first director of the Master of Education at Covenant College and as a published scholar in the field of elementary mathematics. The award will be given to a MEd student who exemplifies the mission of Covenant College through scholarly academic performance. Dr. Ashlock is Professor of Education Emeritus.

The Norman Harper Scholarship

Each year the faculty of the Master of Education selects a third-year student to receive the Norman Harper Scholarship. This honor will be bestowed on a MEd student who exemplifies the mission of the college relative to scholarly work in the program. The award memorializes Dr. Harper, a key initiator of the predecessor of the program when it was housed at Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi.

Tuition Reduction Plan

The Tuition Reduction Plan offers an incentive for multiple educators from the same school to participate in the Master of Education. The plan is solely based on the number of participants from a particular school. The details of the plan include adjustments in tuition at the following rates:

10% reduction for individuals when two MEd studemts enrolled from the same school 
20% reduction for individuals when three MEd students enrolled from the same school
25% reduction for individuals when four or more MEd students enrolled from the same school

All of the students must be registered for at least one full class during the term, and the reductions do not include non-tuition fees. To apply for participation, the school administrator submits a letter listing participants in the Tuition Reduction Plan from his/her school. This letter is requested by the student and is submitted each academic year for eligible applicants to receive tuition reduction benefits. Upon receipt of registration forms and initial deposit, the tuition grant will be applied to participants.

Submit letter to:
Rebecca Dodson, Associate Dean of Education
Master of Education Covenant College
14049 Scenic Highway
Lookout Mountain, GA 30750-9601

or rebecca.dodson@covenant.edu

General Academic Information

Attendance Policy

Students are expected to be in attendance at all on-campus sessions. One day of excused absence is permitted for an emergency. More than one day of absence will result in the student being required to retake the on-campus portion of the course. Appeals may be submitted in writing to the Dean of the Graduate School of Education for consideration by the graduate faculty.

Calendar for 2017-2018

Pre-Campus Session

On-Campus Session

Post-Campus Session

Abbreviated Calendars

2017-2018

Commencement: May 6, 2017
Convocation Dinner: June 25, 2017
On-campus session: June 26-July 14, 2017

2018-2019

Commencement: May 5, 2018
Convocation Dinner: June 24, 2018
On-campus session: June 25-July 13, 2018

2019-2020

Commencement: May 4, 2019
Convocation Dinner: June 23, 2019
On-campus session: June 24 - July 12, 2019

2020-2021

Commencement: May 9, 2020
Convocation Dinner: June 28, 2020
On-campus session: June 29-July 17, 2020

Candidacy

Candidates for the degree are students who have completed nine semester hours, have regular student status, and have a minimum grade point average of 3.0.

Certification

Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI)

In April 2007, the Master of Education was approved by ACSI for the awarding of an ACSI certificate upon completion of the MEd degree. Graduates of the MEd are eligible to apply for an ACSI certificate upon completion of the degree. The certificate is valid for five years.

Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC)

The educational leadership specialization in the Master of Education is an approved program by the GaPSC at the Tier 1 level. To qualify, MEd graduates completing the educational leadership specialization must satisfy Georgia specific requirements: GACE ethics and content assessments, course in the education of exceptional children. For details, please contact the college certification official, Rebecca Dodson, 706.419.1406 or rebecca.dodson@covenant.edu.

Tier 1 Educational Leadership is an initial certificate for P-12 grades. For complete details see http://www.gapsc.com.

It is advisable for EL graduates to apply for certification within five years of completion of the MEd degree.

Course Completion Dates

Important Calendar Dates:

• Dec-April 1

- Applications received and accepted

• Feb 15-April 15

- Registration period

• March 1

- Priority deadline for submission of financial aid application for returning students

• April 1

- Application deadline
- Priority financial aid awards for new students
- Any incomplete course grade must be completed. Any incomplete converts to an F.

• April 15

- Registration deadline
- Completion of all coursework and financial obligations to the college in order to graduate

• April 16-May 1

- Late registration, $100 fee
- Drop/add period
- No registrations received after May 1

• May 1

- Official start date of pre-campus session
- Term start date; fees assessed

Individuals choosing to drop a course after May 1 will not receive a refund and are responsible to pay total course tuition and fees. This policy is in compliance with federal and fiscal regulations. No exceptions may be made. See Refund Policy .

Course Deadlines and Incompletes

Coursework is to be turned in by the published Course Completion Date for each course. Students failing to meet this deadline can expect to be penalized as much as one letter grade. If a student believes that a deadline will not be met, communication with the professor prior to the deadline is essential. An Incomplete Grade Request form must be agreed to and completed by student and instructor prior to the conclusion of the term in order for an incomplete course grade to be granted. Any incomplete (I) granted for a course not completed by the date specified will be replaced with an F. All work for a course with an incomplete grade must be submitted to the instructor by the specified date or on the Monday morning following if the specified date falls on a weekend.

Incomplete received must be completed by April 1

Students may not register for additional coursework with more than one incomplete course grade. Incomplete Grade Request forms are available from the office of the Graduate School of Education. 

Degree Requirements

A total of 30 semester hours of coursework is required for completion of the Master of Education: 12 hours of core courses and 18 hours within a specialization. The degree must be completed with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, and only one course with the grade of C will be applied to graduation requirements. All coursework applied toward the degree must be taken within six years of degree conferral.

If a student is unable to complete the degree within the six year limit, application may be made to the Dean of the Graduate School of Education to extend the program. If extended, continuation fees apply.

Covenant does not offer noncredit courses and noncredit coursework is not accepted to fulfill degree requirements.

Graduate Record Exam

See Admission Requirements in this catalog.

The revised GRE General Test is required for admission to the Master of Education. www.gre.org provides information regarding test registration, test centers, score reporting procedures, etc. Test-taker news and information is available at www.ets.org/gre/testtakernews.

Housing and Meals, On-Campus Session

On-campus housing is available for the on-campus session. Housing requests are included with registration and housing arrangements are finalized after registration concludes. Full payment for housing is due at the beginning of the on-campus session.

MEd students are ordinarily housed in Maclellan and Rymer Halls. These facilities consist of suites incorporating two rooms and a bathroom. Kitchen and commons areas are available on each floor (two floors are designated for MEd students).

Meals are available through the college dining facility at a discounted price which may be purchased on a meal-by-meal basis. The meal schedule varies greatly according to the summer conference program schedule. Typically meals are not available Friday through Monday breakfast.

Additional information about housing and meals is provided in the registration and May packets.

Covenant Fellows Program

Graduates of the MEd may enroll in up to six hours per year of MEd graduate courses. Fellows will be charged the appropriate tuition rate with an offsetting Covenant Fellows Grant applied to result in the effective rate of $33 per credit hour charge. These hours may apply toward a second MEd specialization.

If seats are available following registration, MEd graduates may enroll in up to six hours per semester of traditional undergraduate classroom courses at the same effective tuition rate.

Registration for more than two courses per semester and a maximum of 12 hours per year for undergraduate students and/or six hours per year of graduate courses. Registration for May term courses, summer or correspondence courses will be charged at the respective published student tuition rate.

Graduates must pay all other college and course-related fees, purchase texts and other required materials, complete assignments, and take examinations. Covenant Fellows are not eligible for other institutional financial assistance and no refund of tuition is issued from a withdrawal.

Covenant Fellows are encouraged to participate fully in the MEd. Priority in housing is given to degree candidates but is made available to Covenant Fellows whenever possible.

Program and Specialization Outcomes

Students select one of two specializations upon application to the program: Educational Leadership or Integrated Curriculum and Instruction. If a change in specialization is desired after admission, a written request to change the specialization is required as well as two new references. Requests and references are submitted to the Associate Dean of Education.

Mission:

The mission of the Covenant College Master of Education is to develop and equip biblically faithful educators.

Graduate School of Education Learning Outcomes

Graduate educators will:
1.    Apply a Reformed theological framework (TF) to educational theory and practice. This framework includes:

TF1. Christ is preeminent in all things. His life, death, resurrection, and exaltation inaugurated the new age in which Christ is King.
TF2. The Bible is God’s Word. It provides the grand narrative (creation, fall, redemption) that defines this life, the life to come, provides light to our personal lives, and guides institutional and societal life.
TF3. Humans are multi-dimensional beings made in God’s image, fearfully, wonderfully, and differently made.
TF4. Creation is inherently meaningful and educators are called and providentially guided to unfold its potentialities to the glory of God and the good of humankind.
TF5. All creation is adversely affected by the fall into sin. The battle between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness affects all people, institutions, and cultures.
TF6. God in his grace provides to both believers and unbelievers legitimate insights into the created order, including ways to overcome the effects of the fall across all the domains of life.
TF7. Educators are to be faithful stewards of the gifts, abilities, and interests that God gives us.
TF8. Educators look hopefully to the return of Christ. Living, loving, learning, celebrating, working, worshipping, and serving are shaped today by God’s call to give witness to Jesus Christ.

2.    Evaluate, conduct, and apply educational research to improve practice.
3.    Describe the role of schools in society over time.
4.    Facilitate needed change in practice to close the gap between the current situation (the “is”) and the desired situation (the “ought”).
5.    Demonstrate intellectual maturity.
6.    Collaborate with stakeholders to build a just and inclusive school community

Educational Leadership Specialization Standards

Georgia Educational Leadership Standards (GELS 2015)

1. Education leaders build a collective vision of student academic success and well-being.
2. Education leaders champion and support instruction and assessment that maximizes student learning and achievement.
3. Education leaders manage and develop staff members’ professional skills and practices in order to drive student learning and achievement.
4. Education leaders cultivate a caring and inclusive school community dedicated to student learning, academic success and personal well-being of every student.
5. Education leaders effectively coordinate resources, time, structures and roles to build the instructional capacity of teachers and other staff.
6. Education leaders engage families and the outside community to promote and support student success.
7. Education leaders administer and manage operations efficiently and effectively.

Integrated Curriculum and Instruction Specialization Standards

The integrated curriculum and instruction specialization provides graduate instruction which enables students to:

1.    Curriculum Design:  Develop integrative instruction for solving problems, making connections within and between subject areas, and with the everyday world.
2.    Nature of Knowledge: Use the structure of knowledge as a basis for integrating the curriculum.
3.    Content: Demonstrate advanced depth and breadth of knowledge and skills in their academic disciplines and pedagogy.
4.    Learner Characteristics: Evaluate and apply learning theory to meet the needs of learners as multi-dimensional image-bearers.
5.    Assessment: Demonstrate advanced knowledge of assessment and the ability to use multiple sources of assessment for maximizing student learning.

Programs and Courses

Courses are listed by Core, Educational Leadership specialization, and Integrated Curriculum and Instruction specialization.

Programs

• •  Educational Leadership Specialization (MEd)
• •  Integrated Curriculum and Instruction Specialization (MEd)

Courses

Education: MEd Core

• •  EDU 610 Foundations for Curriculum Development (Core Course)
• •  EDU 620 Introduction to Research (Core Course)
• •  EDU 630 Learning Theory Applied to Teaching (Core Course)
• •  EDU 650 The School in Society (Core Course)

Education: MEd Integrated Curriculum and Instruction

• •  EDU 712 Shaping School Curriculum, K-12
• •  EDU 730 Implementing Instructional Strategies
• •  EDU 735 Integrative Approaches to Curriculum
• •  EDU 738 Research and Practice in Teaching Content Fields
• •  EDU 750 The Nature of Knowledge and Curriculum Integration
• •  EDU 790 Project in Integrated Curriculum and Instruction

Education: MEd Educational Leadership

• •  EDU 720 Organizational Leadership
• •  EDU 725 Development of Personnel
• •  EDU 740 Supervision of Instruction
• •  EDU 745 School Law, Standards and Policy
• •  EDU 760 School Business Management
• •  EDU 785 Field Experience in Educational Leadership