There are many important reasons to pursue a graduate degree in Education from Grand Valley State University. Whether your reason is to qualify for new opportunities, seek professional renewal and development, or move up the salary schedule, our broad selection of programs has the right fit for you. We can provide you with the additional support you need to give every child's brilliance a place to shine.

The Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Leadership offers two emphasis areas.

• EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP: Focuses on theory, research, relevance, and practice to prepare graduates to serve in building-level leadership positions.
• SPECIAL EDUCATION ADMINISTRATION: Prepares educators to work in K-12 special education administrative settings, including leadership theory, programs and services, law, curriculum and instruction, and evaluation.

The Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Higher Education prepares educators to become effective practitioners in higher education administrative roles, facilitate student learning and promote student success, and shape inclusive higher education communities. The program offers two emphasis areas: 1) Adult and Higher Education and 2) College Student Affairs Leadership (CSAL).

The Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Instruction and Curriculum offers four emphasis areas.

• EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION : Prepares educators to work with children from birth through age eight. The program is designed to further students’ understanding of developmentally appropriate instruction and assessment, as well as how to work with families and support children with special needs. **NOTE: This program does not lead to initial teacher certification. Please see the Graduate Teacher Certification (GTC) Program if you are seeking initial teacher certification.
• EDUCATIONAL DIFFERENTIATION : Prepares educators to understand and adapt lessons to the needs of students with exceptional abilities in a mixed-ability classroom.
• ELEMENTARY EDUCATION: Prepares educators in advanced content area instructional methods for the elementary classroom, curriculum development, assessment practices, and building a positive classroom and school environment. **NOTE: This program does not lead to initial teacher certification. Please see the Graduate Teacher Certification (GTC) Program if you are seeking initial teacher certification.
• SECONDARY EDUCATION : Prepares educators in curriculum development, assessment practices, and advanced instructional methods for the secondary classroom. **NOTE: This program does not lead to initial teacher certification. Please see the Graduate Teacher Certification (GTC) Program if you are seeking initial teacher certification.

The Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Learning, Design, and Technology program prepares professionals to design and develop effective, engaging instruction and empirically-grounded learning environments that utilize technology effectively in a variety of settings, including PK- 12, higher education, business, non-profits, and other training settings. This program integrates powerful contemporary ideas about learning with emergent technologies to design and evaluate learning environments, products, and programs.

The Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Literacy Studies, Reading, and Language Arts  prepares educators to enhance classroom instruction through effective literacy practices with the following program options: General Literacy Studies provides literacy professionals with a wide range of knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to meet students' literacy needs; Elementary Reading and Secondary Reading for educators interested in facilitating student literacy learning with an emphasis on classroom instruction; K-12 Reading Specialist for educators interested in literacy coaching and administration/supervision of district-wide reading and literacy programs

The Master of Education (M.Ed.) in School Counseling  prepares educators for careers as school counselors in K-12 public, private, and charter schools. The program is approved by the Michigan Department of Education and guided by the American School Counselor Association National Model.  Coursework is designed to provide students with the skills needed to develop and manage a comprehensive school counseling program.

The  Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education prepares educators to effectively teach students with disabilities in multiple settings. The program receives the highest level of national recognition from the Council for Exceptional Children. **NOTE: This M.Ed. program does not lead to initial teacher certification. Please see the Graduate Teacher Certification (GTC) Program if you are seeking initial teacher certification.

The Educational Specialist in Leadership (Ed.S.)degree offers candidates the opportunity to expand their knowledge skills, networking, and career opportunities. The program builds on the master's degree and develops leadership practitioners for school and/or central office administrative positions. In addition, it makes for an excellent transition to Ed.D. programs at partnering universities.

GVSU offers Education endorsements at the graduate level for students who already hold a Michigan Teaching Certificate. See PDF links below for the Planned Programs and the Education Course List page for full course descriptions. 

This certificate is designed for:

• Professionals who seek knowledge and expertise teaching in online or blended settings
• Faculty in higher education who seek knowledge and expertise teaching in online or hybrid settings
• Corporate trainers or instructors interested in developing and implementing web-based, online instruction

Interested students should contact their advisor or the graduate Learning, Design, and Technology program director (email: [email protected]).

The Graduate Certificate in English as a Second Language (ESOL) program provides teachers with the theory, practical knowledge, and skills necessary to teach non-native speakers of English. The program focuses on language and cultural issues, methodologies, and curriculum design.

Please visit the website for more detailed information. 

Students should meet with their advisor midway through their program to decide on a capstone (693 or 695) and discuss plans for completion. Subject to department approval, capstone course credits may be taken in variable amounts from 1-3 credits (693) or 1-6 credits (695) and require continuous enrollment each semester until completed.

Students who need more time than the above-mentioned 3 credits for 693 or 6 credits 695 must enroll in 696 for 1 credit each semester until the capstone is complete.

IMPORTANT NOTE FOR STUDENTS APPLYING FOR 693 (PROJECT) AND 695 (THESIS): COMPLETION OF THE "RESPONSIBLE CONDUCT OF RESEARCH" (RCR) TRAINING IS NOW A PREREQUISITE FOR 693 (PROJECT) AND 695 (THESIS). YOU WILL NOT BE APROVED TO REGISTER UNTIL THIS TRAINING HAS BEEN COMPLETED AND RECORDED ON YOUR TRANSCRIPT.

Please see website for more detailed information.

Candidates for advanced degrees must demonstrate their mastery of the subject matter and their ability to generate new knowledge or to apply existing knowledge to specific practical situations. This demonstration may take the form of a research project or thesis, planned with and directed by a faculty supervisor. Prerequisites: 27 credit hours; EDF 660; application required (application deadline: fall-5/15; winter-9/15; spring/summer-2/15), and completion of the Responsible Conduct of Research Training within last three years.

Please see the website for more detailed information. 

For any questions about educator certification and teacher certification, you are welcome to contact the Certification Officer, or call (616) 331-6211. If you are a current or former student, please provide your student G-number.

Students who plan to earn a Michigan teaching certificate must take and pass the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) in their major, minor, and endorsement(s), if applicable. This ensures each certified teacher has the necessary professional readiness and content knowledge to serve in Michigan schools. Official Results must be sent directly to GVSU (test code 12). 

Visit the MTTC website for information about:

• Test Dates
• Online MTTC Test Registration
• Score Reporting
• Study Guides
• MTTC Test frequently asked questions (FAQ)