Education Specialist with a Specialization in Culture, Cognition, and the Learning Process

Every year more and more cultural diversity is present within public schools. Current educational research into cognition considers this diversity and its impact upon teaching and learning. This degree program provides opportunity to consider the impact and influence that the individual's cultural circumstances have on the understanding of learning, on what is learned in school, and on teaching in general.

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Admission Requirements

The Specialist in Education (Ed.S.) degree in Curriculum and Instruction with Specialization in Culture, Cognition, and the Learning Process (CC&LP) utilizes the D2L online course management system to deliver coursework. Follow the course rotation schedule and plan accordingly. All online classes fill up quickly. If you plan to enroll in an online course, please enroll as soon as registration opens.

All students must be admitted to the MTSU College of Graduate Studies and must meet all related requirements as outlined in the MTSU Graduate Catalog. Students may apply online to MTSU Graduate Studies.

• Graduate School admissions is required before enrolling in any classes. You must apply to the MTSU College of Graduate Studies before attempting to enroll. Be sure that your admissions packet is complete.
• MTSU College of Graduate Studies - Application and Related Information.
• Admission to the Specialist in Education program follows admission to the Graduate School. All admission materials will be sent from the Graduate School to the Department of Educational Leadership. Candidates for the Specialist in Education in Curriculum & Instruction with the Specialization in ESL will be officially admitted by the Departmental Graduate Admissions Committee. The committee meets once each semester.
• You must be admitted to the program before you complete 12 semester hours.
• Please check the MTSU Graduate School web site for additional information regarding admission deadlines.

Degree Requirements

• Hold a Masters degree.
• Application for Admission.
• Application Fee.
• Official transcripts which reflect all coursework completed at each university or college attended.
• Three letters of reference.
• Three recommendations ( Department of Educational Leadership Form).
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in English (see Graduate Catalog for specific requirements).
• At least one semester prior to the anticipated date of registration/enrollment, all applicants seeking the Ed.S. Degree must submit the admissions materials to the MTSU College of Graduate Studies. These materials are outlined in detail on the College of Graduate Studies home page.
• Candidates must be admitted to the program by the Educational Leadership Graduate Admissions Board prior to completion of 12.0 semester hours.
• Candidates must complete the Advancement to Candidacy Form prior to completing 24.0 semester hours.
• Successfully complete the final research project, which is the thesis.
• Complete and file all required paperwork for graduation.

Contact Information

Dr. Barbara N. Young
Advisor / Coordinator
Middle Tennessee State University
College of Education and Behavioral Science
Educational Leadership Department
Jones Hall 305
P.O. Box X066
Murfreesboro, TN 37132
(615) 898-2209
bayoung@mtsu.edu