Following are answers to frequently asked questions about the Master of Arts degree program.
Q. Why should I consider a Master of Arts degree in Education from Augustana?
Q. Do I need an undergraduate degree in education?
Q. How long does it take to complete the program?
Q. How many course credits are required for graduation?
Q. Can I transfer other courses into the program?
Q. How much does the program cost?
Q. Is financial aid available?
Q. What are the admission requirements?
Q. How do I apply?
Q. What is the application deadline?
Q. When do classes begin?
Q. Will there be support for library services?
Q. What does the course load look like?
Q. What are the degree requirements for the Master of Arts in Education?
Q. Who can I contact if I need more information or have questions?
 
Q. Why should I consider a Master of Arts degree in Education from Augustana?
A. The decision to obtain your master’s degree is a significant investment in your future. In addition to enhancing your abilities to create positive learning environments for students, in most cases a master’s degree correlates to increased compensation. The Education Program at Augustana College is  NCATE-accredited, and it is anticipated that the new online Master of Arts Program will be NCATE approved.
Because the program is offered online, adult students can complete their degree requirements and maintain their busy lifestyles. The online delivery also makes it possible for teachers in rural areas to further their education.
Additionally, the program’s cohort model lends support to students. Master’s candidates proceed through the program with 15 students, lending support and offering varied perspectives and knowledge to the experience.

Q. Do I need an undergraduate degree in education?
A. All candidates in the Master of Arts in Education program must have earned a degree in education and be eligible for licensure.

Q. How long does it take to complete the program?
A. The program involves five academic sessions taken over a 19-month period. Courses are taken in a sequential manner, meaning the courses should be taken in the order offered.

Q. How many course credits are required for graduation?
A. 30 course credits are required for graduation – 21 credits are taken in core classes and the remaining nine credits are taken in a concentration selected by the student. Students may choose one from the following concentrations: Technology, Instructional Strategies, or Special Populations.

Q. Can I transfer other courses into the program?
A. A maximum of nine semester hours of graduate credit earned at other accredited institutions may be transferred to Augustana and applied to a student's graduate program providing that:

• an official transcript is provided
• the credit is approved by the Program Director and Director of Graduate Education
• the credits have not been utilized in earning an undergraduate degree
• a grade of B- or better was earned for the credits
• the credits are not outdated (more than seven years old)

Q. How much does the program cost?
A. The total cost for the Master of Arts in Education program is $9,950.

Q. Is financial aid available?
A. Yes, financial aid is available to qualified students. Please contact Augustana’s Financial Aid Office for further information. Reach the Financial Aid Office at 1.800.727.2844, option 2, or email financial.aid@augie.edu.

Q. What are the admission requirements?
A. To be considered for admission to the program, please submit the following items by Monday, April 15, along with your application, to the Augustana Office of Graduate Education, 2001 S. Summit Ave., Sioux Falls, S.D. 57197:

• Official transcripts showing proof of your completed baccalaureate degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B) or better for the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework.*
• Indication of applicant’s completion of program leading to licensure.
• Results of state licensure exams where available and applicable.
• Two recommendation forms testifying to the applicant’s character and ability to do graduate work (form is available).
• A two- to three-page typed essay in which the applicant discusses his or her academic interests, educational goals, and plans for graduate study. 
• A non-refundalbe application fee of $50                                                                                                                                                                     *Students not meeting all admission requirements may be admitted on a provisional basis.

Q. How do I apply?
A. Download your application and submit it along with the following items by Monday, April 15, to the Augustana Office of Graduate Education, 2001 S. Summit Ave., Sioux Falls, S.D. 57197:

• Official transcripts showing proof of your completed baccalaureate degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B) or better for the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework.*
• Indication of applicant’s completion of program leading to licensure.
• Results of state licensure exams where available and applicable.
• Two recommendation forms testifying to the applicant’s character and ability to do graduate work (form is available).
• A two- to three-page typed essay in which the applicant discusses his or her academic interests, educational goals, and plans for graduate study
• A non-refundable application fee of $50.

            *Students not meeting all admission requirements may be admitted on a provisional basis.
 

Q. What is the application deadline?
A. Applications are due by Monday, April 15th, 2013. Students will be informed of their status within the following two weeks.

Q. When do classes begin?
A. Classes will begin in June 2013.

Q. Will there be support for library services?
A. Augustana has a strong collection in place to support graduate students’ studies. As part of registration all graduate candidates receive an Augustana ID (virtual) with a library barcode to ensure remote access to library resources. Research support will be provided by librarians via phone, chat, email, and texting. Interlibrary loan services are available to supplement research needs. Library staff will assist with technology support inquiries and facilitate referrals to the ITS Help Desk and/or Instructional Technologist.

Q. What does the course load look like?
A. View the anticipated sequence of courses within the program.

Q. What are the degree requirements for the Master of Arts in Education?
A. Degree Requirements for the Master of Arts in Education include a minimum of thirty (30) credit hours. View the required courses that make up the program.
 
Q. Who can I contact if I need more information or have questions?
A. Contact Dr. Sheryl Feinstein, Professor of Education and Program Director, at 605.274.5211 or sheryl.feinstein@augie.edu.  For additional information see the Graduate Catalog.