Master of Education

The Master of Education Program

The purpose is to expand and refine the teaching competencies of the themed program. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools fully accredits the Converse Graduate Program. The University may accept up to nine semester hours of approved graduate study toward the degree if the course meets the following criteria:

1. Credit is by a recognized college or university;
2. The work was completed within five years prior to program admission and prior to the last six hours of degree work at Converse;
3. The course grade was an A or B (Quality points for transfer credits do not count in cumulative grade point ratio.);
4. Courses are applicable for the program of study in the MEd program; and
5. Credit did not apply toward degree requirements in another program.

Students must request colleges and universities send official transcripts of work to: 
Graduate Admissions, Converse University
580 East Main Street, Spartanburg, SC 29302

Converse offers graduate credit for selected off-campus “professional development” courses sponsored by public school districts. A maximum of 6 semester hours of such graduate course work may be applied toward the MEd degree if appropriate for the given program.

Programs of Study

The MEd programs for teachers who are already certified are in six broad areas or tracks. There are advisers in each area to help with the selection of courses. It is the responsibility of the student, not the adviser, to see that requirements are met.

Requirements for Admission

For consideration of admission to the MEd program, the applicant should have the following credentials:

1. Graduation from an accredited college;
2. Grades indicating likelihood for success in graduate studies. For full, non-provisional admission, the applicant must have an overall cumulative 2.75 GPA on a 4.0 scale of college work. Students must have a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale of college work for MEd in Administration and Supervision.
3. A major undergraduate program appropriate for given teaching areas;
4. Certification in some area of teaching (may be waived in certain cases);
5. Praxis II normally taken in the Specialty Area for certification in South Carolina;
6. A completed application form online  and a $40 non-refundable application fee,
7. $100 Graduate Deposit Fee;
8. Two letters of recommendation (with at least one from an academic source), official transcripts from all colleges attended;
9. A copy of teaching certificate;
10. A personal statement. This statement should be a reflection on how your personal goals as an educator tie with the Converse concept of the “Ideal” Educator. This ideal is derived from the Converse University Founder’s Ideal in which Dexter Edgar Converse said his desire was that Converse students “may be enabled to see clearly, decide wisely, and to act justly.” How do you see your Converse graduate program helping you “to see clearly, decide wisely, and to act justly”? Your personal statement should be approximately one page (250–300 words). In keeping with the Honor Tradition at Converse, your essay must be entirely your own work. Organize your essay clearly, proofread, and spell-check your essay carefully. Be as specific as you can as you reflect on how Converse can help you become the “Ideal” Educator.

All applications will come before the Graduate Admissions Committee. The Committee will accept applicants fully or provisionally, defer applicants, or reject applicants based on its determination of likelihood for success in graduate studies. Having the minimal credentials does not guarantee a student’s admission.

Prospective students may wish to schedule an appointment with the program director in their area of study.

The Converse Electronic System Powered by Student Learning & Licensure (SLL)

All MEd candidates are required to purchase SLL. Candidates submit a minimum of six to eight lesson plans, portfolios, projects, or other work samples via the Converse electronic system powered by SLL. Professors assess candidate work through this online system as well. The Department of Education uses SLL to track candidate performance and to measure program effectiveness.

SLL accounts are active for the duration of a candidate’s degree program plus a year or a total of five years, whichever is greater.

Requirements for Degree

To complete requirements for the MEd degree, the graduate student must:

1. Complete an approved program in one of the designated areas of the program within a five-year period from the first Converse graduate course in the MEd degree program;
2. Maintain an overall B (3.0) average. If after the first 12 hours a student’s average is below 3.0, the Graduate Admissions Committee will assess his/her ability to complete the degree and render a decision about continuation in the program;
3. Complete a Teacher Work Sample (TWS) midway through the program, typically by the time 18 hours have been completed;
4. Complete culminating assessment. This is a portfolio based on the five core principles of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). The degree requires neither a thesis nor a foreign language; the MEd student must take the Praxis II Examination Specialty Area in the appropriate degree track, if the student has not previously done so;  
5. Complete all coursework, including any incomplete courses, with grades submitted to the Registrar by the required date for graduates at the end of spring term;
6. Request and complete the Application for Degree form by the deadline for May Commencement;
7. complete the graduate questionnaire, for which students will receive a link through their Converse email; and
8. Fulfill all financial obligations and have cleared any outstanding business with the University one week prior to the Commencement exercises.