Covenant College’s principal aim is to explore and express the preeminence of Jesus Christ in all things, inspiring and equipping God’s people faithfully to fulfill their part in the grandest story of all, God’s history-encompassing project of bringing glory to himself through exalting Jesus Christ and summing up all things in him. The aim of the Graduate School of Education is to equip educators to lead and to serve faithfully in local schools according to professional principles grounded in biblical truth.
The Graduate School of Education at Covenant College provides a Christian community for graduate study. Prior to the on-campus session students prepare by reading books and articles, collecting information, and writing reflectively. When students arrive on campus for the three-week on-campus session, the anticipation of discourse with Christians about the nature of education is realized. Students share their lives, their thoughts, and their plans which results in a support network of Christian educators. Covenant graduate students learn how their faith relates to their work with learners who bear the image of God. Three graduate degree programs make up the Graduate School of Education: Master of Arts in Teaching and Master of Education in either Educational Leadership or Integrated Curriculum and Instruction.
Master of Arts in Teaching Program
The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) is a 34 credit hour program in the following academic areas (grade levels of certification in parentheses):
- Art (P-12)
- Biblical Studies (6-12; ACSI only)
- Biology (6-12)
- Chemistry (6-12)
- Drama (P-12)
- Economics (6-12)
- English (6-12)
- French (P-12)
- German (P-12)
- History (6-12)
- Mathematics (6-12)
- Music (P-12)
- Physics (6-12)
- Political Science (6-12)
- Spanish (P-12)
- Middle grades level (grades 4-8) certification is available with any two specializations in: language arts, mathematics, science, social studies
The MAT is a three semester on-site cohort program emphasizing:
- Research. One innovative aspect of the MAT is the emphasis on classroom research. This focus enables candidates to understand the value and limitations of educational research and to develop the values of self-reflection and self-evaluation as they conduct action research through various courses.
- Collaboration. The MAT benefits from close collaboration with area schools and with colleagues from other academic departments in the college. Content specialists in other disciplines work with the Education Department in transcript review, remediation plans as needed, collaboration, and supervision of clinical practice.
- Clinical Practice. MAT students complete hundreds of hours of clinical practice during both the fall and spring semesters.
- Theory and Practice. Theory and practice are integrated in the program with a combination of on-campus classroom activities combined with field practicum activities in area schools. On-campus coursework is presented by a faculty that has combined practical and research experience. All candidates complete a full year of clinical practice in P-12 classrooms under the supervision and mentorship of experienced classroom teachers and Covenant faculty. Candidates gain experience working with students at different grade levels and from different socioeconomic, racial/ethnic and linguistic backgrounds, and students with exceptionalities.
- Workable Schedule. The MAT allows candidates to complete a master’s degree and Certificate of Eligibility from the GaPSC in their desired teaching area in only one year. Summer classes are taught in an 8:30-5:00 o’clock, three week session, while classes are held in the evening during fall and spring semesters. It is also possible for current teachers who desire state certification and a master’s degree to complete the program while employed full time.
For most students, the MAT will be completed in one year with six credit hours in the summer term, 15 credit hours in the fall term, and 13 credit hours in the spring term. Students can choose to complete the MAT as a two-year course of study. The degree must be completed within six years.
Master of Education Program
The Master of Education (MEd) is a 30 credit hour program with two specializations: Educational Leadership (EL) and Integrated Curriculum and Instruction (ICI). Both specializations are approved for certification by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI).
The MEd requires three weeks on campus each of three summers. Each course consists of three sessions: pre-campus, on-campus, and post-campus.
Pre-campus session: The pre-campus session begins with registration (February-April) and includes significant coursework within a variety of assignments: reading of texts and articles, writing, analysis, data gathering, and reflection. The intent of the pre-campus work is to give background to and prepare students for the on-campus session.
On-campus session: The on-campus session consists of one intensive week per course on campus during which instructional activities are widely varied. This session occurs for three weeks late June through mid-July. Classes are held 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.
Post-campus session: The post-campus session consists of projects, exams, research, or papers in which students apply what they are learning to their own school settings. This session concludes on February 1.
EDU 785 (EL) and EDU 790 (ICI) are capstone courses and as such are the last course taken in the program, typically in the third year. These courses conclude March 1.
Students completing the MEd in three years are regular, full-time students, registering for three courses each of the first two years, and four courses the third year. It is possible to extend the program beyond three years but not beyond six years. Occasionally due to unusual circumstances, a student is unable to complete the MEd 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.
