MA in Education (for Licensed Teachers)
Application Deadlines
MARP: Fall Admission only. Apply by February 1.
Online: Ongoing admission.
For best consideration, please apply by February 1 for summer and fall admission and September 1 for spring admission.
In our program, you will take 15 hours of core courses in areas of research, diversity, curriculum development, advanced instructional strategies, and a seminar at the end of the program.
You will also be able to explore one area of study through 15 hours of an emphasis area that you will choose. You may take courses to add a new endorsement, strengthen your teaching knowledge and skills in your current teaching area, investigate areas of teacher leadership, study your own teaching or learn how to impact the lives of students beyond your classroom.
Pathways
Application & Requirements
To apply for admissions, you should:
- Complete the Application Requirements online at www.unm.edu/apply
Note: All applications must be received by the application deadline date. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
Please see the Specific Application Instructions under Forms and Resources for additional information.
Steps to M.A. in Education
1. Application for the Program
- Contact the MA in Education coordinator at gradteached@unm.edu if you have questions about the program.
- Submit your application to Graduate Studies and the Department by applying at www.unm.edu/apply
2. Admissions
- Satisfy all university requirements for graduate admissions, including but not limited to the required GPA, and hold a current teaching license.
- After admission, continue to see your Academic Advisor regularly each semester to document your progress on the Advisement Form.
3. Completion of Program of Studies
- The semester before you intend to graduate, complete the formal Program of Studies Form with guidance and obtain approval of your Education Faculty Advisor.
- Complete and submit the electronic Program of Studies See grad.unm.edu for more information.
4. Complete the M.A. Degree Program
- Complete all degree requirements for the Master’s Core and Emphasis Area Courses with at least a 3.0 GPA within 7 years after admission to the program.
- Successfully complete the comprehensive master’s examination (Plan II) or a master’s thesis (Plan I).
Application Deadlines
Fall Semester Admission: February 1 for best consideration
Admissions Review is on-going.
MA in Education with a focus on Reflective Practice (MARP) Pathway
The Master of Arts Degree in Education with a focus on Reflective Practice (MARP) is an alternative cohort to the traditional Master of Arts program. The cohort experience is taught by faculty who collaborate to promote an integrated program for a dynamic learning experience.
Reflective practice is the focus of this cohort. Teachers in this cohort narrate, document, analyze, and reflect on teaching and its connection to student learning. The K–12 classroom serves as the laboratory for learning about teaching. Preference will be given to PK-12 practitioners who are currently classroom teachers.
Typical Course Schedule*
Fall I
EDUC 568: The Art of Masterful Teaching (3)
EDUC 500: Research Applications to Education (3)
Spring I
EDUC 516: Integrating Curriculum and Inquiry in the Classroom (3)
EDUC 552: Social Justice in Education (3)
Summer I
EDUC 502: Advanced Instructional Strategies (3)
EDUC 542: Principles of Curriculum Development (3)
EDUC 516: Integrating Curriculum and Inquiry in the Classroom (3)
Fall II
EDUC 520: Effective Teaching and Student Learning (3)
EDUC 513: The Process of Reflection and Inquiry (3)
Spring II
EDUC 590: Seminar (3)
Graduation
(#) = credit hours per course
30 total credit hours
*Subject to change
UNM Graduate Student Benefits
- Access to all UNM Libraries including Zimmerman Library, and all online data bases
- Free admission to all UNM athletic events, if enrolled in 6 or more graduate hours
- Free access to all exercise and wellness facilities at Johnson Center
Program Overview
- Classes begin in the Fall Semester of each year and, generally, classes meet every Thursday in the late afternoon (after school hours) and summer.
- Students typically complete the Master’s Degree in 5 semesters.
- You have the opportunity to focus on your experience and skills as a teacher and learner.
- You will be participating in courses organized around themes and taught by a team of faculty.
MA in Education Online pathway
This pathway is designed to advance classroom practice and student learning.
- Access to all UNM Libraries including Zimmerman Library, and all online databases.
- Free admission to all UNM athletic events, if enrolled in 6 or more graduate hours.
- Free access to all exercise and wellness facilities at Johnson Center.
This program is offered as a UNM Accelerated Online Program (AOP).
Requirements for Applications
- A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
- A cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 (B) or its equivalent in their last two undergraduate years and in their major field
- Indicate all academic institutions they have previously attended on their applications (and provide transcripts)
- Hold an Elementary or Secondary Teaching License
The degree is designed to for students to complete in two years. The required courses for the degree will be offered online during academic semesters as well as during the summer.
Typical Course Schedule
Fall
EDUC 502: Advanced Instructional Strategies (core)
EDUC 520: Effective Teaching and Student Learning (elective)
EDUC 552: Social Justice in Education (core)
MSET 571: Multimedia Literacy for Educators (elective)
Spring
EDUC 513: The Process of Reflection and Inquiry (Core)
EDUC 542: Principles of Curriculum Development (Core)
EDUC 563: Mentoring Teachers for Professional Growth (Elective)
MSET 570: Digital Game-Based Learning (Elective)
Summer
EDUC 500: Research Applications to Education (core)
EDUC 505: Experiential, Problem-Based, and Service Learning (elective)
EDUC 590: Seminar (this course is taken in the student’s graduation semester) [required course]
30+ total credit hours
***course offerings may vary
All courses are 8-week courses.
Forms and Resources
- UNM Office of Graduate Studies (OGS)
- Teacher Education Section from UNM Catalog
- Change of Advisor Form
- MA in Education Handbook
- Program of Study/Advisement Sheet - Plan I with Thesis
- Program of Study/Advisement Sheet--Plan III-- Coursework Only
- Intent to Graduate Form
Program of Studies
Deadlines: You can submit your completed Program of Studies after you have completed a minimum of 12 hours of graduate courses in graduate status. However you must submit it to the Department of Teacher Education, Educational Leadership and Policy by the following deadlines:
- February 15 for summer graduation
- June 15 for fall graduation
- September 15 for spring graduation
Failure to meet deadlines may result in extension of degree completion
UNM Graduate Student Benefits
- Access to all UNM Libraries including Zimmerman Library, and all online data bases
- Free admission to all UNM athletic events, if enrolled in 6 or more graduate hours
- Free access to all exercise and wellness facilities at Johnson Center
Leading New Mexico in Educator Preparation and Research
The overall mission and purpose of our work within the Teacher Education, Educational Leadership & Policy Department is to prepare and support teachers, teacher educators and teacher leaders who support the children and families of New Mexico. Read more about our Mission and Core Values.