Graduate Concentration Programs of Study Each graduate concentration has a complete program of study that will provide the courses to take each semester based on the semester you entered the program.  You can download the attached PDF document that corresponds with your concentration and option in the program.  It will contain the course rotation schedule and sample programs of study you can follow.   Individuals seeking content qualifications for teaching dual credit in English, Communication, History, Physical Education, Math, or Biology should use the Content Qualification document attached below. Individuals seeking certificate coursework in ELL, STEM or Library and Information Technology should reference the catalog for course rotations schedules.  Graduate Catalog with Certificates

Action Research Pre-Screening All action research at VCSU must be reviewed prior to conducting the data collection process.  If the pre-screening process reveals concerns, your research may need to be submitted for further review by the Institutional Review Board (IRB). This is typically what is required for each of the Pre-screening reviews. Capstone Paper Prescreening Approval Form (linked) Administrator Consent form (Signed)  Informed Consent.  One for each population level used for data (parents, students, teachers, etc) Parental Consent Debriefing form ALL data collection instruments (pre/post tests, surveys, checklists, observation rubrics, interview questions etc.)  At least three types of data need to be collected for an Action Research Study Advisor approval to proceed. All permission forms and approval documents are linked Once you have completed all the information above and get approval from your advisor, please attach and send to graduate@vcsu.edu 

Action Research Templates The graduate programs use a specific template for the completion of the Action Research study.  Prior to 2018, candidates would use a five chapter template that requires APA formatting and specific sections within the study. Current graduate candidates use a scholarly article template for their action research.    The Scholarly Paper template is attached.

In order to assist the Graduate Council to arrive at an equitable and just decision, the petitioner should present all pertinent information in parts I, II, III and IV in a clear and precise manner and return this petition to the Office of Graduate Studies.

All graduate candidates should complete an entry, mid-level and exit self assessment in Blackboard.  The attached instructions will provide the step by step procedure to complete the assessment.   When do I complete the Self-Assessments? 1). Entry Level – 1st course in the graduate program 2). Mid-Level – after 6 courses (18 credits) 3). Exit Level – during Capstone Portfolio course 4). One year after your graduation – We will try to contact you for another brief version of the assessment.

The instructions for completing the Master of Arts in Teaching Entry Level and Capstone Self Assessment Survey are attached.  

The Master of Education Handbook is your guide for the graduate concentrations in Teaching and Technology, Technology Education, Elementary Education, English Education, Teaching English Learners, and Library and Information Technology.  Candidates completing the Teacher Leadership option also have a supplemental guide with information and expectations.

Click here to download the Master of Arts in Teaching Handbook & Advanced Field Experience Handbook. 

The graduate student handbook for the Master of Science program is attached.