Skip to main content

2019-2020 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog

Search Help

Master of Education in Instruction and Curriculum - Secondary Level Education Emphasis

For additional information about opportunities your college offers, please refer to the College of Education section in this catalog.

Website: www.gvsu.edu/coe/grad

Mission - Teaching, leading, and learning in a democratic society.

Philosophy - Believing that schools function as social and political entities as well as for the growth of individuals, the College of Education prepares teachers and leaders a) to enhance the academic and personal potential of their students, and b) to evaluate the social and ethical implications of educational policies and practices.

Values - The College of Education values expertise to guide our practice, equity to guide our interactions, liberal education to guide our perspectives, and social responsibility to guide our commitment to democratic education. We value these ideals in our preparation of candidates, our development of faculty, and our relationships with the larger community we serve.

This program is designed for teachers who wish to develop their skills and competencies in teaching secondary school students.

Minimum Number of Hours in Program

The M.Ed. degree in instruction and curriculum with an emphasis in secondary level education requires a minimum of 33 credit hours.

Program Location
DeVos Center, Pew Grand Rapids Campus, located in downtown Grand Rapids, MI

Requirements for M.Ed. in Secondary Level Education:

Each candidate for the M.Ed. degree must complete the following:

Social foundations of education - choose one (3 credits):

Research and evaluation (3 credits):

Core courses (9 credits):

Emphasis area courses (9 credits):

Choose one:

Elective course (3 credits):

  • Elective Credits: 3

Practicum/graduate field experience (3 credits):

  • EDI 685 - Secondary Education Field Experience Credits: 3

Students must apply in advance for each practicum course. Advisor approval is required. Application deadlines (practicum): February 15 for spring/summer, May 15 for fall, September 15 for winter semester.

Capstone (prerequisite: EDF 660) - choose one (3 or 6 credits):

Students should meet with their advisor midway through their program to decide on a capstone and discuss plans for completion. Subject to department approval, capstone courses may be taken in variable amounts from one to three credits (EDI 693) or one to six credits (EDI 695) and require continuous enrollment each semester until completed.

Application deadlines (thesis/project): February 15 for spring/summer, May 15 for fall, September 15 for winter semester.

Requirements for Initial Secondary Certification (Graduate Teacher Certification)

This program is for post-baccalaureate candidates who do not have a teaching certificate and want to pursue secondary certification. Initial secondary certification candidates must first be admitted to graduate teacher certification, then complete a minimum of 27 credit hours. See Graduate Teacher Certification section of the catalog for details.

Secondary Level Endorsement for Students Already Certified

Students already certified and seeking an additional secondary level endorsement must have Michigan elementary certification; have or complete a secondary teachable major or minor, and must complete a minimum of 24 credit hours.

Reading methodology course (3 credits):

Computer and instruction course (3 credits):

Curriculum and instruction courses (9 credits):

Choose one:

Student development and learning (3 credits):

Practicum/graduate field experience (6 credits)

  • EDI 685 - Secondary Education Field Experience Credits: 6

Students must apply in advance for each practicum course. Advisor approval is required. Application deadlines (practicum): February 15 for spring/summer, May 15 for fall, September 15 for winter semester.

Candidates must obtain positive recommendation, maintain a 3.0 GPA, and pass appropriate Michigan Subject Area Tests if adding new subject areas.


If you are in need of assistance please submit any questions or comments.