Graduate Programs
- Counseling
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Early Childhood
- Educational Administration
- Spanish
- Elementary Education
- Special Education
- Music Education
- Reading
- Secondary Education
- Science in Education
- Educational Technology
- iSTEM
- ESL
- Teaching and Leadership
- Individualized Program
The masters of arts in counseling program is designed to prepare professional counselors to work in a variety of employment settings, including community agencies, schools, crisis centers, residential facilities, hospitals, rehabilitation centers and private practices. Graduates of the counseling program learn to counsel individuals, families and groups on concerns in social, educational, psychological, career and life-planning domains. Assessment, treatment, prevention, consultation and wellness are important aspects of counselor education and training.
Consistent with the School of Education's mission, scholarship, professionalism and social responsibility, as well as respect for cultural and linguistic diversity, are integral to the preparation of candidates for the counseling profession. Field experience includes a 100-hour practicum and a 600-hour internship.
The master's of arts in counseling offers three programs: community counseling, school counseling and a newly designed 60-credit program in school and community mental health counseling.
A cohort program in counseling is available at the Chicago and Orland Park campus.
Field Experiences
Students are required to complete a practicum (100 hours in an approved field placement). An intensive 600-hour internship is required of the student for program completion. Practicum and internship sites must be approved by the coordinator of clinical experiences. Supervision is provided at practicum and internship sites and through qualified on-campus supervisors.
Graduation Requirements
All coursework must be completed within five years of admission. A cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.0 must be maintained; a grade of D is not acceptable toward satisfying degree or certification requirements.
Transfer Policy
A maximum of 6 credit hours of graduate credit completed at another university prior to admission to Saint Xavier University may be submitted for evaluation. If approved, these credits may be applied to the counseling program.
This program is designed for individuals who would like to broaden their knowledge of theory and practice in education. Completion of this program will enhance graduate students' understanding of curricular issues and their impact on instructional practice. This program prepares individuals for continued development as master teachers in schools or other instructional institutions. Core coursework will lead to an in-depth understanding of the theoretical underpinnings supporting classroom instruction and educational reform. Key components of this program include focus on literacy, diversity, integration of technology and an interdisciplinary perspective in education.
The School of Education at Saint Xavier University prepares educators who are broadly and liberally educated, competent in content methodologies and skillful in teaching all children in contemporary schools. The program in early childhood education is approved by the Illinois State Board of Education and is accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education. This information outlines requirements for an initial early childhood education certificate (Type 04) in the State of Illinois as well as coursework required for the master of arts in education.
Graduation Requirements
All coursework must be completed within five years of admission. A cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.0 must be maintained; a grade of D is not acceptable toward satisfying degree or certification requirements. Not more than 6 hours of appropriate graduate credit, taken prior to being admitted to Saint Xavier University and taken within the past five years, may be transferred from another institution.
The master's degree in educational administration and leadership program prepares candidates to become principals in elementary or high schools. The program focuses on instructional leadership, school management, staff development and leadership in school improvement. Completion of the master's degree program in educational administration and leadership and passing state tests will lead to an administrative certificate. Prospective students must provide evidence supported with data of two years of their classroom students' growth and learning within the last five years. Prospective students must also demonstrate proficiency in pedagogy and leadership.
This program is offered in cohort model only at the Chicago and Orland Park campuses.
The Spanish Education Graduate program is designed for individuals who wish to teach in grades K-12. It leads to a master of arts degree and prepares candidates to pursue an Illinois Type 10 certificate. The program requires successful completion of the graduate program core courses and professional education courses.
Candidates for a master of arts degree in education who are enrolled a graduate program must complete EDUG 511, EDUG 512 and EDUG 513. These courses assist the candidate in conceptualizing and designing a research proposal. Candidates who choose to complete the research study enroll in EDUG 514. In lieu of enrolling in EDUG 514 and completing a research study, candidates may enroll in two additional graduate courses in education at Saint Xavier University. The two courses should further the candidate's professional goals, and the courses selected must be approved by the faculty advisor and the director of graduate studies.
The School of Education at Saint Xavier University prepares educators who are broadly and liberally educated, competent in content and methodologies, and skillful in teaching all children in contemporary schools. The program in elementary education is approved by the Illinois State Board of Education and is accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education.
Middle Grade Endorsement
To earn this endorsement, candidates are required to have the equivalent of 3 credit hours of middle grade philosophy, curriculum, instruction and methods. Candidates must also have 3 credit hours of advanced adolescent psychology in addition to 18 credit hours in one subject area.
Graduation Requirements
All coursework must be completed within five years of admission. A cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.0 must be maintained; a grade of D is not acceptable toward satisfying degree or certification requirements. Not more than 6 hours of appropriate graduate credit, taken prior to being admitted to Saint Xavier University and taken within the past five years, may be transferred from another institution.
The multicategorical special education program prepares candidates to pursue positions as P-12 special education teachers, special education coordinators, and/or private practitioners. Completion of the degree leads to the Illinois Type 10 LBS-1 teaching certificate. Candidates who do not hold an initial teaching certificate must meet all program requirements for completion of the Illinois Professional Teaching Standards before completing the multicategorical special education program. The course sequence leading to a master of arts in education from Saint Xavier University is listed below.
This program is available in the cohort model at the Orland Park and Chicago campuses.
Program Requirements
The multicultural special education programs requires candidates to take methods courses in reading and mathematics, a course in educational psychology and required general education courses for certification. These requirements are prerequisite for program completion.
Graduate students files will be reviewed upon admission to the program. Teacher candidates might be required to take additional general education and program requirement courses (a course in educational psychology and two methods courses in reading and mathematics). Courses already completed from accredited post-secondary institutions can be used to meet general education requirements. Credit from CLEP examinations can also be used when appropriate.
Graduation Requirements
All coursework must be completed within five years of admission. A cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.0 must be maintained; a grade of D is not acceptable toward satisfying degree or certification requirements. Not more than 6 hours of appropriate graduate credit, taken prior to being admitted to Saint Xavier University and taken within the past five years, may be transferred from another institution.
Professional Development Program
Individuals who are interested in pursuing a specialized program to fulfill requirements as outlined in their professional development plan may apply to the graduate program in multicategorical special education.
Upon admission, an appropriate plan of study will be developed for them that will address their needs.
This program is designed for individuals with a bachelor's degree in music who wish to teach in grades K-12. The program leads to a master of arts degree and prepares candidates to pursue an Illinois Type 10 certificate. The program requires successful completion of the graduate program core courses, general education courses required for secondary education, music education courses as required by the Music Department*, and professional education courses.
The graduate program in reading at Saint Xavier University provide courses of study that prepare certified teachers to assume responsibilities of leadership and service. Upon completion of the degree, graduates may pursue positions as developmental reading specialists, reading clinicians, reading consultants and instructors in city or community colleges or workplace reading programs. The masters degree program in reading is designed with the full-time teacher in mind. Classes are scheduled in the evening hours throughout the calendar year. Completion of this program, passing state tests and a minimum of two years teaching experience may lead to the State of Illinois Type 10 reading specialist certificate.
The program is offered in the cohort model only at the Chicago campus and Orland Park campus.
State Certification Testing
All persons seeking any teaching certificate in the State of Illinois must pass at least two state certification tests: assessment of professional teaching and the reading test. Practice tests and study guides designed to meet the test objectives are available in the School of Education. Specialists who have not taken the Illinois basic skills test in the past must take and pass it.
Alpha Upsilon Alpha
Alpha Upsilon Alpha (AUA) is the honor society of the International Reading Association. The Zeta chapter of AUA is located at Saint Xavier University. Students, upon completion of 12 credit hours and faculty recommendation, can be invited to become members of this organization.
Graduation Requirements
All coursework must be completed within five years of admission. A cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.0 must be maintained; a grade of D is not acceptable toward satisfying degree or certification requirements. Not more than 6 hours of appropriate graduate credit, taken prior to being admitted to Saint Xavier University and taken within the past five years, may be transferred from another institution.
Disclaimer: Although it is intended that courses herein will remain the same, sometimes course titles and content may change to respond to the current requirements of the University of the ISBE.
The School of Education at Saint Xavier University prepares educators who are broadly and liberally educated, competent in content and methodologies, and skillful in teaching all children in contemporary schools.
The program in secondary education is approved by the Illinois State Board of Education and is accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education. This information sheet outlines requirements for an initial secondary education certificate in the state of Illinois as well as the requirements for the master of arts degree in education.
Major Areas with Approved Programs
- Art
- Science
- English/Language Art
- Social Science
- History
- Mathematics
Middle Grade Endorsement
To earn this endorsement, candidates are required to have the equivalent of three semester hours of middle grade philosophy, curriculum, instruction and methods, and to 3 credit hours of advanced adolescent psychology in addition to 18 credit hours in one subject area.
Graduation Requirements
33 credit hours for certification plus 9 or 12 credit hours for degree.
All coursework must be completed within five years of admission. A cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.0 must be maintained; a grade of D is not acceptable toward satisfying degree or certification requirements. Not more than 6 credit hours of appropriate graduate credit, taken prior to being admitted to Saint Xavier University and taken within the past five years, may be transferred from another institution.
The individualized program is designed for graduate students who are interested in coursework leading to a master of arts degree. Student's enrolled in this program must take the core courses 511, 512, 513, and either 514 or two graduate courses in the School of Education at Saint Xavier.
The graduate program in science education is a strand of the individualized program. This program is designed for junior of high school science teachers. Graduate students who complete the programs in science education may choose to continue their education toward a master of arts degree through completing the individualized program. Completing this program does not lead to any certification.
Sequence of Courses in Science include:
- EDGIP 520: Teaching Molecular Science Concepts
- EDGIP 521: Teaching Physical Science Concepts
- EDGIP 522: Teaching Ethical Issues in Science
- EDGIP 523: Alternative Energy Issues for the 21st Century
Additionally, candidates enrolled in this program must complete the following sequence of courses:
- EDGCI: Curriculum Integration of Educational Technology
- EDGCI 521: Principles of Curriculum and Instructional Methods
- EDGIP 550: Literacy in the Content Area
The individualized program is designed for graduate students who are interested in coursework leading to a master of arts degree. Student's enrolled in this program must take the core courses 511, 512, 513, and either 514 or two graduate courses in the School of Education at Saint Xavier.
The educational technology strand of the Individualized Track program is designed for teachers or individuals interested in educational technology professions in K-12 schools, higher education, or other organizations. Graduate students who complete the programs in educational technology may choose to continue their education toward a master of arts degree through completing the individualized track program. Completing this program for certified teachers leads to an endorsement in educational technology.
Required coursework for educational technology strand include:
- EDGIP 531: Foundations of Educational Technology
- EDGIP 532: Instructioal Design Foundations
- EDGIP 533: Computers, Critical Thinking & Problem Solving in the Content Area
- EDGIP 534: Emerging Technology Trends in Education
- EDGIP 535: Administration and management of Educational Technology
- EDGIP 536: 21st Century Literacies and Professional Development
- EDGIP 537: Educational Computers and Network Applications
The individualized program is designed for graduate students who are interested in coursework leading to a master of arts degree. Student's enrolled in this program must take the core courses 511, 512, 513, and either 514 or two graduate courses in the School of Education at Saint Xavier.
The iSTEM (Integrative STEM) strand of the Individualized program is designed for elementary education teachers interested in enhancing their knowledge and performance in the area of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). Graduate students who complete the programs in iSTEM or Interactive STEM may choose to continue their education toward a master of arts degree through completing the individualized program. Completing this program does not lead to any certification.
Required courses for the iSTEM strand include:
- EDGIP 540: Integrative STEM Education Foundations
- EDGIP: Integrative STEM Pedagogies
- EDGIP 542: Integrative STEM Curriculum and Development
- EDGIP 543: Integrative STEM Education Trends and Issues
- EDGIP 544: Curriculum Practicum in the Subject Area
- EDGIP 550: Literacy in the Content Area
Additional graduate level courses are required for the degree.
The individualized track program is designed for graduate students who are interested in coursework leading to a master of arts degree. Student's enrolled in this program must take the core courses 511, 512, 513, and either 514 or two graduate courses in the School of Education at Saint Xavier.
Graduate students who complete the programs in English as a second language (ESL), may choose to continue their education toward a master of arts degree through completing the individualized track program. Completing this program does not lead to any certification.
Coursework required for the ESL strand of the Individualized program include:
- EDGIP 478: Theoretical Foundations of Teaching ESL and Bilingual Education
- EDGIP 480: Methods and Materials for Teaching ESL
- EDGIP 481: Cross Cultural Studies in a Bilingual Program
- EDGIP 482: Methods and Materials for Teaching English in a Bilingual Program
- EDGIP 483: Linguistics for Educators
- EDGIP 484: Assessment of Bilingual Students
Completion of these six courses leads to a letter of approval. Passing a proficiency exam in the content area leads to a bilingual approval.
This program is designed for certified, employed education personnel who desire to enhance their competencies as practitioners in school settings.
The teaching and leadership program is an off campus master's program and offered in an off campus model. It is designed to provide the credit-hours and student contact time of a conventional campus-based master's degree program in education under conditions that are convenient to practicing educators. The site-based program is a sequence of courses that examines the research on effective schools, instruction and staff development while building competence in the use of applied research methodologies. The program is offered at a limited number of sites approved by the Illinois Board of Higher Education and the Wisconsin Board of Higher Education.
The individualized program is designed for graduate students who are interested in coursework leading to a master of arts degree. Student's enrolled in this program must take the core courses 511, 512, 513, and either 514 or two graduate courses in the School of Education at Saint Xavier.
The individualized program includes different strands, such as educational technology, science education, integrative STEM (i STEM), English as a second language (ESL) and reading teacher endorsement.
Graduate students can also work with their advisor to develop a plan that meets their academic and educational needs.
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