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-for all application packets (must include application, references, writing sample, statement of faith) postmarked by February 1, the $50 application fee will be waived.

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

1. Hold a baccalaureate degree from a regionally-accredited college or university.
2. Have earned a 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. Have completed at least 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. Have taught 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. Submit a credible written profession of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
6. Submit a sample academic paper demonstrating the applicant’s academic capability. The sample may be an academic paper previously written, or an academic paper focusing on a problem of special concern in education, or a brief paper written in which an idea related to that problem is developed. The academic paper must be a minimum of five pages, in academic form, and include appropriate citations. The paper will be examined for coherence of thought, organization, spelling and punctuation.
7. Have taken the 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 choose to submit those 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. If applicants are not working in a school situation (teaching or administration) a letter of cooperation is required 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 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 Procedure

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. A completed application form.
2. Payment of the $50 non-refundable application fee.

Early Application Bonus-for all application packets (must include application, references, writing sample, statement of faith) postmarked by February 1, the $50.00 application fee will be waived.

3. A 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. A sample academic paper demonstrating the applicant’s academic capability. The sample may be an academic paper previously written, or an academic paper focusing on a problem of special concern in education, or a brief paper written in which an idea related to that problem is developed. The paper must be a minimum of five pages, in academic form, and include appropriate citations. The paper will be examined for coherence of thought, organization, spelling and punctuation.
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 choose to 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. If the applicant is not working in a school situation (teaching or administration), a letter of cooperation is required from a school administrator stating that 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 his or her 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

Individuals applying as special students complete the following steps:

1. Complete the application form.
2. Provide a credible written profession of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
3. Provide official transcripts of all college and graduate coursework.
4. Provide a statement of access from an administrator if the applicant is not working in a school situation.
5. Mail above information and $50 application fee to the Master of Education, Covenant College.

Admission Status

Regular Student Status

An applicant who meets all admission requirements to 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 in the MEd.

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. See admissions procedures for special student admission. 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, verification 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. 

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. Early Application Bonus-for all application and materials postmarked by February 1, the $50 application fee will be waived. Note: application, references, academic paper, statement of faith must be submitted to qualify for fee waiver.
2. Submitted with registration form:
   1. $400 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 by cash, check, or credit card in the Accounting Office; on-line by e-check, MasterCard, or Discover. For on-line payment, go to scots.covenant.edu. A processing fee is assessed for on-line payment based on payment method and amount of payment.
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 with two students enrolled from the same school
20% reduction for individuals with three students enrolled from the same school
25% reduction for individuals with four or more 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 any non-tuition fees.

To apply for participation, the lead administrator must submit an official letter listing participants in the Tuition Reduction Plan from his/her school. Upon receipt of registration forms and initial deposit, the tuition reduction will be applied to participants. This letter is by the request of the student and must be submitted each academic year for eligible applicants to receive tuition reduction benefits.

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 Education for consideration by the graduate faculty.

Calendar for 2015-2016

Pre-Campus Session

On-Campus Session

Post-Campus Session

Abbreviated Calendars

2015-2016

Commencement: May 9, 2015
Convocation Dinner: June 28, 2015
On-campus session: June 29-July 17, 2015

2016-2017

Commencement: May 7, 2016
Convocation Dinner: June 26, 2016
On-campus session: June 27-July 15, 2016

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

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 for and 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 for program recommendation in states other than Georgia. Individuals would need to satisfy any certification requirements outside the parameters of the MEd in order to become certified. It is advisable to apply for certification within five years of completion of the MEd degree.

Within the state of Georgia, certification in educational leadership is available at the specialist level only. Certified individuals holding a master’s degree in any field, who have a passing score on the Georgia Content Assessment of Educators (GACE^TM) in educational leadership, who hold an approved leadership position in a Georgia school, and are enrolled in a leadership program at the specialist level may apply for a five-year non-renewable certificate in educational leadership. For complete details see www.gapsc.com.

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 discussed and agreed to 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.

Specified dates:

• 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. 

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.

Graduation

Graduation is held in May in any given year. All degree requirements and fiscal responsibilities must be completed and met by April 15 in order to graduate in May of any given year. Degrees are awarded in May and December only.

Housing and Meals, On-Campus Session

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

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 schedule of meals varies 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 packet.

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.

Program Outcomes:

• Use theologically and culturally Reformed ideas and concepts to think about, talk about, and implement educational practice.
• Demonstrate intellectual maturity through curiosity, patience, intellectual honesty, critical discernment, humility, and a tolerance for complexity and ambiguity.
• Facilitate needed change to close the gap between the current situation (the “is”) and the desired situation (the “ought”).
• Demonstrate confidence and boldness in the biblically faithful critique and implementation of educational practice.
• Demonstrate compassionate treatment of and collaboration with all members of the school community.
• Apply common grace insights in leadership and curriculum and instruction.
• Describe the roles of schools in society over time.
• Critique all forms of research related to educational research, conduct empirical research for improvement and enhancement of educational practice, and apply findings from learning theory research to the design and delivery of instruction and supervision.

Educational Leadership Specialization Outcomes:

The educational leadership specialization provides graduate instruction which enables students to practice:

• Organizational leadership in terms of systems thinking and application, leadership traits, skills, and styles, organizational culture, and field experience.
• Instructional leadership for collaborative supervision and evaluation of instruction, professional learning for teacher growth, curriculum leadership, and field experience.
• Administrative leadership in areas of fiscal resources and management, school law, physical plant management, strategic planning, personnel management, and field experience.

Integrated Curriculum and Instruction Specialization Outcomes:

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

• Develop integrative instructional strategies for solving problems, making connections within subjects, with other subject areas, and with the everyday world.
• Develop integrative units and/or courses of study which include the ability to select worthy themes, develop guiding questions and essential understandings, relate biblical truth to the subject matter, and make meaningful connections between academic disciplines.
• Use an understanding of the structure of knowledge and knowing as a basis for integrating the curriculum.

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