M.Ed. in Advanced Studies

The Capstone Experience is designed for candidates to demonstrate and document the impact of their knowledge and competencies gained throughout and as a result of studies related to the various Professional Education Studies programs.

This course prepares educators to become proficient consumers and practitioners of research in educational settings. They will learn to evaluate existing research, conduct action research, and apply scientific inquiry principles to address current educational challenges. Educators will develop skills in data-driven decision-making and learn to use research as a tool for continuous improvement in their organizations. By the end of the course, participants will be equipped to integrate evidence-based practices into their work, enhancing their effectiveness as educational leaders.

This course examines the theory and research of andragogy, with an emphasis on the historical influences, practical applications, and critical analysis. Topics include fields of practice, schools of thought, clarification of concepts, and emerging issues and challenges.

This course examines a variety of learning and teaching strategies to enhance adult learning. Students analyze methods suited for adult learning in different settings, apply knowledge of adult learning theories, and explore ways in which adults learn critical thinking.

This course provides an introduction to the historical developments, theoretical perspectives, fundamental approaches, and real-world practices of evaluating adult learners. Students learn to apply a variety of methods to assess learning outcomes effectively and to analyze assessment data to improve teaching and learning.

Ways to develop and sustain a thriving school culture are examined through the utilization of effective communication and collaboration strategies within and beyond the community. Governance strategies for ethical and legal policies, organizational development and optimization, and decision making are covered. Students explore ways in which their ethical code protects and ensures equity, fairness, tolerance, and respect in various educational and organizational cultures.

This course focuses on establishing and maintaining the instructional vision and mission of an institution through effective use of student performance data to inform the selection of strategies and practices contributing to academic success. Through the development of district-wide initiatives and priorities, supported by effective communication, students learn to facilitate collaborative efforts, develop productive partnerships, promote academic rigor and empower leadership skills in others to create a culture of achievement.

This course is designed for aspiring educational leaders who seek to enhance their leadership skills and empower others within their organizations. Participants will explore foundational and contemporary leadership theories, examine the critical role of distributed leadership in educational settings, and develop strategies for nurturing leadership capacities among staff, students, and the community. The course emphasizes practical application, equipping participants with tools and techniques to lead with vision, inspire collaboration, and drive systemic improvement.

This course empowers individuals to recognize, embrace, and navigate their unique leadership journey. Participants will explore the interconnectedness of personal and professional growth, fostering a deep understanding of leadership theories and self-awareness and applying leadership principles in organizational settings.

Students will have an in-depth exploration of leadership theories, frameworks, and philosophies that can be applied to professional organizations. As growing leaders, students will analyze various leadership models, evaluating their effectiveness in fostering thriving and dynamic organizations. Emphasis will be placed on synthesizing these frameworks to implement meaningful organizational change, with a focus on promoting teamwork and collaboration. Through case studies, real-world applications, and personal reflection, students will develop the skills to apply leadership concepts in professional practices. By the end of the course, students will be equipped to critically assess their own leadership experiences and integrate relevant theories to drive organizational success and innovation.

This course offers a comprehensive exploration of ethical principles and practices that are essential for responsible and impactful leadership in today's business environment. Students will cultivate their own ethical perspectives through an in-depth examination of various professional codes of ethics, learning to recognize the critical role ethics play in fostering trust and integrity within organizations. The course emphasizes the importance of ethical behaviors in building public trust and highlights strategies for incorporating social justice into ethical decision-making. Through case studies and analysis of best practices, students will also gain insights into ethical leadership and its role in guiding organizations toward sustainable and socially responsible success.

This course will focus on examining statutory and regulatory compliance issues impacting institutions. This course is designed to heighten analytical skills to ensure an understanding of the intricacies influencing higher education in today’s society. The interrelationship between law and policy is explored through the use of readings, case studies, and scenario analysis, serving to establish a context for practice with the governance of an organization.

This course considers how to strategically manage human, financial, and data resources. Strategic thinking, planning, and development establish effective ways to 1) strengthen working relationships, 2) engage in financial practices which contain costs and advance the mission of an institution and 3) utilize data for continuous improvement. By comparing and evaluating institutional advancement strategies, activities are assessed to determine how they complement strategic priorities and goals, build and enhance program relevance, and add practical value.

Dependent upon function and service, student affairs influences the relationship between adult learning and instructional outcomes. Leadership practices, as seen through theoretical lens, explore personnel issues, student support, success, and retention, and assessment options which guide decision-making. Consideration is given to ways student perspectives shape the college experience and how these can be leveraged for change.

This course explores instructional coaching as a professional learning approach to enhance teacher effectiveness and student achievement. Participants will learn the principles and practices of instructional leadership and coaching, including supporting teachers in improving instructional practices, fostering reflective teaching, and implementing evidence-based strategies. Educators will use various instructional coaching models and methods, develop consistent conflict resolution and mediation strategies, and practice effective collaborative communication techniques.

This course is designed for educators who aspire to take on leadership roles in developing and facilitating professional learning experiences. Participants will explore the principles, instructional strategies, and best practices in guiding and supporting adult learners. They will plan and lead effective professional development initiatives that drive instructional improvement. Educators develop a toolkit of evidence-based resources to support others in their schools.

This course emphasizes the importance of understanding state, federal, and other accountability standards in relation to the needs of learners within schools, school districts, and organizational communities. The course focuses remains on identifying learners' academic strengths and areas needing improvement to eliminate achievement gaps, improve achievement levels, ensure progress, increase graduation rates, and promote post-secondary and college/career readiness.

Distinguishing between intelligence and the intellect, this course establishes a foundation for examining the role that the intellect, with specific focus on cognition, plays in learning, growth and development, and daily life. Theories of intelligence, including cognitive intelligence and emotional intelligence, are examined in the context of the performance of the intellect. Topics include constructivist and neo-constructivist theories of cognitive development; processes and strategies related to decision making, problem solving, and creative thinking; and the structural features of language, the processes of language acquisition, and the relationship between language and thought.

This course explores the nature of psychological theories and how they relate to real-world applications and explanations of psychological phenomena. Specifically, learners trace the historical development of major ideas in psychology and the work of Freud, Jung, Erikson, Skinner, Piaget, and Thorndike, and others. Students gain an understanding of psychological research and basic quantitative and qualitative methods psychologists use to gather and analyze evidence. Emphasis is placed on the emergence of psychology as an empirical science, ethical considerations in psychological research, the use of reference materials and electronic technologies, and the communication of psychological information in written form.

Principles create a framework for testing the value of information and ideas. Knowing is an intellectual process which shapes daily actions and how individuals relate to the world. This course explores principles, evaluating their performance as an aid to selection of enduring guidelines for making personal and group decisions. Topics include the characteristics of memory, memory storage and retrieval, and factors interfering with the retention and retrieval of memories, and the theories and primary internal and external factors impacting motivation.

This course provides learners with insights into the nature of psychology as a profession, the opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge of the theoretical and research basis of current issues in psychology, and the links between theoretical developments and professional practice. Topics include challenges associated with providing services to complex populations; the ethical responsibilities of practitioners; stress and strategies for its alleviation; definitions and characteristics of psychological disorders and their treatment; primary internal and external factors affecting motivation, and political, social, economic, and medical issues related to mental health and behavioral disorders in contemporary society. Comparisons are made between cognitive/perceptual psychology, abnormal psychology, and social psychology. These subfields are related to careers in psychology and the tools and theories used by various psychologists to determine and interpret personality and individual differences.

Utilizing theories and principles, this course addresses the stages of human development, factors associated with personality development, and critical issues related to human development from infancy through adulthood. These concerns are woven into physical and social, affective and cognitive domain changes influenced by family dynamics, education, relationships, and individual perspectives. This course addresses the impact of change across time and circumstances as a way to guide life choice responses. Topics include emotions and their effects on perception, cognition, and behavior; the development of moral reasoning, and the effects of heredity and environment on human and personality development.

This course investigates the role of neuropsychology in the context of socio-psychological development with specific focus on the context of socioemotional learning. The distinction between neuroscience and psychology frames the investigation of the course, especially in terms of physiological factors that influence brain development across the lifespan. Learners also explore how the nervous, endocrine, and sensory systems interface and affect thinking, memory, personality, development, and behavior. The effects of alcohol and drugs on consciousness are also discussed.