English - Secondary Education, Master of Arts

In addition to University Requirements:

• Complete individual plan requirements.

Candidates in this program are required to demonstrate content knowledge, pedagogical knowledge and skills, professional knowledge, and professional dispositions to be eligible to enter student teaching or internship placements.

Content, pedagogical, and professional knowledge or skills, and professional dispositions are demonstrated through candidate performance on key assessments embedded in the following course(s):

• ENG 576, ENG 580, ENG 581, ENG 583, ENG 595

Minimum Units for Completion	37
Additional Admission Requirements	Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
Arizona Certification/Endorsement	Prepares student for Arizona Certification and/or Endorsement.
Student Teaching/Supervised Teaching	Student Teaching/Supervised Teaching is required.
Progression Plan Link	View Program of Study

Purpose Statement

The Master of Arts in English Secondary Education prepares students with a background in English literature, linguistics, creative writing, or rhetoric for teaching English in grades 7-12.  As a foundation for their work in education, students develop competency in lesson design, classroom management, and instructional delivery.  The program emphasizes the development of a teacher’s ability to develop research-based teaching strategies that make reading, writing, literature, prose, grammar, and vocabulary accessible to learners.  Our program places a strong emphasis on gaining field experience through practicums and student teaching.  Faculty connect these field experiences to coursework, combining theory and practice, modeling effective instruction, providing relevant context, and building confidence to address the variety of situations future teachers will encounter. Upon completion of this degree, students are prepared to become a certified English teacher in the state of Arizona, or engage in careers in related fields such as publishing, curriculum development, and educational research. 

Student Learning Outcomes

Outcomes align with Standards from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, the National Council of Teachers of English, and the Interstate New Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium
 

• Content Knowledge I.: Candidates demonstrate knowledge of English language arts (ELA) subject matter content that specifically includes literature and multimedia texts as well as knowledge of the nature of adolescents as readers.

• Content Knowledge II: Candidates demonstrate knowledge of English language arts subject matter content that specifically includes language and writing as well as knowledge of adolescents as language users.

• Content Pedagogy: Planning Literature and Reading Instruction in ELA III. Candidates plan instruction and design assessments for reading and the study of literature to promote learning for all students.

• Content Pedagogy: Planning Composition Instruction in ELA.  Candidates plan instruction and design assessments for composing texts (i.e., oral, written, and visual) to promote learning for all students.

• Learners and Learning: Implementing English Language Arts Instruction. Candidates plan, implement, assess, and reflect on research-based instruction that increases motivation and active student engagement, builds sustained learning of English language arts, and responds to diverse students’ context-based needs.

• Professional Knowledge and Skills I: Candidates demonstrate knowledge of how theories and research about social justice, diversity, equity, student identities, and schools as institutions can enhance students’ opportunities to learn in English Language Arts.

• Professional Knowledge and Skills II: Candidates are prepared to interact knowledgeably with students, families, and colleagues based on social needs and institutional roles, engage in leadership and/or collaborative roles in English Language Arts professional learning communities, and actively develop as professional educators.

Additional Admission Requirements

• Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.

• The NAU graduate online application is required for all programs. Admission to many graduate programs is on a competitive basis, and programs may have higher standards than those established by the Graduate College.
  
  Admission requirements include the following:

  • Transcripts.
  • Undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution with a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale ("A" = 4.0), or the equivalent.

  
  Visit the NAU Graduate Admissions website for additional information about graduate school application deadlines, eligibility for study, and admissions policies.
  
  Ready to apply? Begin your application now.

  International applicants have additional admission requirements. Please see the International Graduate Admissions Policy.

• • Three letters of recommendation
  • A writing sample
  • A personal statement or essay

• • IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card

Master's Requirements

• Take the following 37 units:

  • ENG 528 or ENG 582 (3 units)
  • ENG 576, ENG 580, ENG 581, ENG 583, ENG 689 (13 units)
  • EPS 605 (3 units)
  • ESE 530 (3 units)

• • Select one course from (3 units):

    • BME 437, BME 537
    • ENG 406

• • ENG 595 (9 units)
  • One ENG elective (3 units)

• Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.

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