Individualized Program
The individualized program is designed for graduate students who are interested in coursework leading to a masters of arts degree. Student's enrolled in this program must take the core courses 511, 512, 513, and either 514 or two graduate courses in the School of Education at Saint Xavier University.
Different Strands of the Individualized Program
The individualized program has different strands such as science education, educational technology, integrative STEM (iSTEM), English as a second language (ESL) or areas appropriate for candidate's professional development. Candidates interested in each strand must take the required courses developed for that strand, the core courses, and other additional courses recommended or required by the faculty of the School of Education.
Program Requirements (33-36 Credit Hours)
All strands of the individualized programs require that candidates complete the following sequences of courses:
| EDGIP 511 | Foundations of Education |
| EDGIP 512 | Assessment of Instruction and Learning |
| EDGIP 513 | Educational Research Design and Development |
| EDGIP 514 | Scholarship of Teaching: Finalizing the Inquiry Process (in lieu of EDGIP 514, graduate students in some strands may take two graduate courses in the School of Education at Saint Xavier University, and when allowed) |
Requirements for Strand in Science Education
The science education strand of the individualized program is designed for science teachers in the middle and high schools.
This program does not lead to any certificate. Candidates are required to take the required sequence of courses below in addition to the core courses:
| EDGIP 520 | Teaching Molecular Science Concepts |
| EDGIP 520 | Teaching Molecular Science Concepts |
| EDGIP 521 | Teaching Physical Science Concepts |
| EDGIP 522 | Teaching Ethical Issues in Science |
| EDGIP 523 | Alternative Energy Issues for the 21st Century |
Additionally, candidates enrolles in this program must complete the following sequence of courses:
| EDGCI 522 | Curriculum Integration of Educational Technology |
| EDGAL 521 | Principles of Curriculum and Instructional Methods |
| EDGIP 550 | Literacy in the Content Area |
Candidates in the science education strand are also required to complete a graduate study or action research related to science education during EDGIP 514.
Requirements for Strand in Educational Technology
The educational technology strand of the individualized program has been developed for teachers or individuals interested in working in the capacity of an educational technologist at schools, institutions of higher education, or other organizations. In addition to the core courses requirements for the strand in educational technology include:
| EDGIP 531 | Foundations of Educational Technology |
| EDGIP 532 | Instructional Design Foundations |
| EDGIP 533 | Computers, Critical Thinking & Problem Solving in the Content Area |
| EDGIP 534 | Emerging Technology Trends in Education |
| EDGIP 535 | Administration and Management of Educational Technology |
| EDGIP 536 | 21st Century Literacies and Professional Development |
| EDGIP 537 | Educational Computers and Network Applications |
For candidates preparing to work as a technology specialist within a P-12 environment, the program prepares candidates to meet standards for the state endorsement for technology specialist. In order to meet the state requirements, candidates must already hold a teaching license and must pass the Illinois content area test for technology facilitator (178). Some of the courses in this strand are taught on line.
An action research or graduate study in the area of educational technology can be completed during EDGIP 514.
Requirements for Strand in iSTEM (Integrative STEM)
The integrative STEM strand of the individualized program (iSTEM) is designed for elementary education teachers interested in enhancing their knowledge and performance in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. In addition to the core courses the following courses are required for this strand:
| EDGIP 540 | Integrative STEM Education Foundations |
| EDGIP 541 | Integrative STEM Pedagogies |
| EDGIP 542 | Integrative STEM Curriculum and Development |
| EDGIP 543 | Integrative STEM Education Trends and Issues |
| EDGIP 544 | Curriculum Practicum in the Subject Areas |
| EDGIP 550 | Literacy in the Content Area |
Additional graduate level courses are required for the degree.
Requirements for Strand in English as a Second Language (ESL)
The English as a second language strand (ESL) of the individualized program is designed for teachers interested in enhancing their knowledge and expertise in working with linguistically diverse students. Completion of the sequence of ESL program leads to a letter of approval in ESL. Completion of the sequence of courses and passing a proficiency exam in a foreign language will lead to an ESL/Bilingual approval. Completion of the core courses for the individualized program, sequence of courses for the ESL, and additional courses approved by the candidate's advisor in consultation with the associate dean of graduate studies will lead to the master of arts degree. Sequence of courses for the ESL strand are:
| EDGIP 479 | Theoretical Foundations of Teaching ESL and Bilingual Education |
| EDGIP 480 | Methods and Materials for Teaching ESL |
| EDGIP 481 | Cross-Cultural Studies in a Bilingual Program |
| EDGIP 482 | Methods and Materials for Teaching English in a Bilingual Program |
| EDGIP 483 | Linguistics for Educators |
| EDGIP 484 | Assessment of Bilingual Students |
