Master of Science in Education

• Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment (Grades K–12)
  
  This specialization is based on standards set forth by the U.S. Department of Education, the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), International Reading Association (IRA), and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). Program content focuses on current thinking on how teachers can best align their curriculum with state and local content standards.
  
• Educational Leadership
  
  This specialization is designed for classroom teachers who want to move into administration (as a department head, assistant principal or principal, for example) or who will remain in the classroom while playing a larger leadership role at the school and district level. This program, grounded in research and evidence of best practice, defines what administrators need to know and be able to do, at the most practical level, to enhance learning opportunities and outcomes for all students.
  
  
• Elementary Reading and Literacy (Grades K–6)
  
  Better readers are more successful in school and life. Based on the standards of the International Reading Association, Walden’s M.S. in Education with a specialization in Elementary Reading and Literacy provides the specific skills that K–6 classroom professionals need to increase their students’ reading skills and chances of success in life.
  
  
• Elementary Reading and Mathematics (Grades K–6)
  
  Enhance your instructional skills in reading while you deepen your own understanding of key mathematical concepts. Foster literary and analytical skills in your young learners using research-based strategies, proven diagnostic tools for struggling readers, and techniques to motivate learners.
  
  
• Integrating Technology in the Classroom (Grades 3–12)
  
  The Integrating Technology in the Classroom (Grades 3–12) specialization is based on the standards of the International Society of Technology in Education. This specialization is designed to meet the needs of classroom teachers of grades 3–12 who want to use technology to enhance learning in their classrooms.
  
  
• Literacy and Learning in the Content Areas (Grades 6–12)
  
  This specialization is designed to help content area teachers of grades 6–12 improve their students’ literacy skills. Whether you teach history, science, mathematics, social studies, English, or other content areas, this degree program features research-based strategies to prepare struggling students for more complex, abstract, and sophisticated learning in the content-area classroom.
  
  
• Mathematics (Grades K–5)
  
  This specialization is designed for elementary teachers who want to strengthen their own understanding of foundational mathematical concepts, while motivating their students to improve their mathematic skills. This online program provides math content specific courses that align with the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) Standards as well as standard pedagogy.
  
  
• Mathematics (Grades 6–8)
  
  This specialization is designed to help mathematics teachers of grades 6–8 demonstrate high competency in this content area. They will also learn research-based strategies and real-world applications to improve student achievement. The program aligns with the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics’ Principles and Standards for School Mathematics addressing both content and process standards.
  
  
• Middle Level Education (Grades 5–8)
  
  This specialization, based on the standards for Middle Level Teacher Preparation approved by the National Middle School Association and NCATE, provides knowledge and skills related to young adolescent development, organizational structures, curriculum, pedagogy, assessment, and content knowledge all focused on this specific age group.
  
  
• Science (Grades K–8)
  
  This specialization is designed to help science teachers in grades K–8 build an understanding of core science concepts through experiencing the nature of the scientific process in their own learning while completing inquiry-based science investigations. This program was created in collaboration with TERC, an educational research and development organization with funding from the U.S. Department of Education, The Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE), and the National Science Foundation (NSF).