Elementary Education, M.S.

I. Contact Information

Teruni Lamberg, Ph.D., Graduate Program Director 
(775) 682-7533
terunil@unr.edu

Mailing Address:

University of Nevada, Reno
College of Education, Mail Stop 0280
1664 North Virginia Street
Reno, NV 89557

II. Brief Introduction

The Master of Science program in Elementary Education is designed for in-service teachers in the field of elementary education to deepen their understanding of content and pedagogy in science, mathematics and social studies education. The coursework is carefully designed to provide students with an in-depth knowledge of standards, research and pedagogy to be effective learners. This program also prepares students to serve in leadership capacities in their schools, district and communities.

GOALS OF PROGRAM:

• Develop teacher leaders in elementary education with a focus on STEM content.
• Develop capacity to improve overall learning of elementary students.
• Provide teachers with cutting-edge research and pedagogical tools and content to improve instruction.

Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this program, graduates will be able to:

1. Teachers will be able to identify, analyze, synthesize and produce meaningful research on educational issues and policy informing their classroom practice (InTASC Standard 4 & 10H).
2. Teachers will demonstrate the effective use of research based planning for instruction that leads to improved student achievement in math, science and / or social studies (InTASC Standards 6 & 7).
3. Teachers will demonstrate growth in leadership roles and opportunities in their grade level teams, schools, district, and state or beyond (InTASC Standard 10).

III. Admission Requirements

Graduate School Application for Master of Science in Elementary Education:

Admission Procedures:
Apply to the UNR Graduate School
Apply online at: http://www.unr.edu/grad/
Verify when you are applying that the code will be MS-EED.
 
Please forward all official transcripts to:
Graduate School
M/S 0326
University of Nevada, Reno
Reno, NV  89557-0326
 
Apply to the Elementary Master of Science Program:
 
Include the following materials in your completed packet:

• Completed application form
• 3-4 page essay that addresses these issues:
  • Why are you interested in applying to this program?
  • What special skills do you have in elementary education as a teacher with a focus on science and mathematics?
  • What professional contributions have you made to your school and/or district?
• Signed disposition sheet
• Professional resume that summarizes teaching experiences and related experiences working with students, teachers and the community.
• 2 letters of recommendation (will accept the graduate school on-line recommendations). Recommendations should provide detailed descriptions of professional qualities and potential for teaching.
  • At least one recommendation must be from a supervisor who has directly observed your work with children.
  • The other recommendation may be from an employer who has directly supervised your work experiences.
• Copy of teaching license (K-8) if applicable.
• If your GPA is below 3.0, a copy of your GRE scores from the past 5 years.
• A sample of scholarly writing such as an essay or research paper.

Please e-mail or mail application materials to:

Elementary Education
M/S 0280  
College of Education
University of Nevada, Reno

IV. Program Requirements

The Master of Science (M.S) degree focuses on the application of theory in curriculum, teaching and learning with an emphasis on research. A minimum of 36 hours of credits with 15 at the 700 level are required. A culminating research based project is required. A sample program of study is listed below:

V. Total Units (36 Units)