Simmons School of Education and Human Development
(2010 Graduate Catalog)
General Information
The Annette Caldwell Simmons School of Education and Human Development comprises research institutes, undergraduate and graduate programs, and community service centers that concern the areas of professional education, dispute resolution, counseling, applied physiology, wellness, liberal studies and lifelong learning. The mission of the school is to integrate theory, research and practice of education and human development; promote academic rigor and interdisciplinary study; educate students for initial certification and professional practice; and nurture collaboration across the academic community.
Undergraduate programs include a major and three minors in applied physiology and sport management and a minor in education. The school offers one school-wide doctoral program as well as eight Master's degrees and a number of graduate certification programs through five academic departments, which include Teaching and Learning, Education Policy and Leadership, Dispute Resolution and Counseling, Applied Physiology and Wellness, and Lifelong Learning.
The professional education programs fall under the auspices of the
Department of Teaching and Learning and represent SMU's commitment to the professional development of educators through innovative and research-based undergraduate, graduate and continuing education programs. The undergraduate curriculum prepares students for initial teacher certification. Graduate programs – which include a Ph.D., Master's degrees and graduate-level certifications – focus on research, literacy and language acquisition; teaching and learning; giftedness; mathematics; science; and technology. A variety of enrichment opportunities serve the continuing education needs of practicing educators. The school promotes high-quality research that combines quantitative and qualitative methodologies, generates new hypotheses, and influences pedagogical practices in early childhood (or "EC") through grade-12 schools. The department's research efforts are supported by the Institute for Reading Research, one of the most productive literacy research centers in the nation. The Institute for Reading Research performs research concerning reading and reading disabilities, language acquisition, and teaching and learning. A second institute housed in the department, the Gifted Students Institute, was founded on the premise that "giftedness" is a resource that should be nurtured for the benefit of all. The Gifted Students Institute focuses on professional development for teachers and is an integral part of the department’s focus on differentiated instruction.
The
Department of Education Policy and Leadership focuses on preparing educators for leadership roles in complex school settings. Coursework and systematic applications of knowledge are designed to ensure that the education leaders of tomorrow are able to develop and support effective teachers and other education service providers; select and implement effective curricula and instructional programs; and identify, implement and sustain effective organizational practices to ensure high levels of student learning and achievement. In service to this mission, the department offers a Master of Education in educational leadership. The department is also dedicated to the preparation and continued education of education policy leaders. The department seeks to improve the quality and rigor of education policy research, development and analysis, and to encourage and facilitate the translation of research into policy and practice at local, state, national and international levels.
The
Department of Dispute Resolution and Counseling offers an M.S. in counseling, an M.A. in dispute resolution and a graduate certificate in dispute resolution – all of which draw on social and behavioral science theories to teach the communication skills necessary for the resolution of personal and interpersonal conflicts. Additionally, the department operates three community resource centers: the SMU Conflict Resolution Center and two centers for family counseling.
The
Department of Lifelong Learning promotes personal enrichment and achievement of potential through a broad interdisciplinary curriculum. Its credit and noncredit offerings broaden students' perspectives, insights and understandings of the world by exposing them to the ideas and events that constitute the human experience. At the heart of the Lifelong Learning programs – which include the Master of Liberal Studies, Professional Development, Informal Courses and Nondegree Credit Studies – is the belief that people can continue to grow personally and professionally throughout their lives.
The
Department of Applied Physiology and Wellness offers a B.S. in applied physiology and sport management and the Choices for Living courses, two of which must be completed to earn a baccalaureate degree at SMU. The Choices for Living courses reflect the University’s philosophy that a well-rounded education should enhance the physical and mental well-being of the student.
Except where noted below, policies and procedures are the same for all of the graduate programs within the Annette Caldwell Simmons School of Education and Human Development.
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Except in the case of the Graduate Teacher Certification programs (all of which share the same admission procedures), admission requirements differ among programs within the Annette Caldwell Simmons School of Education and Human Development. Refer to the individual program sections in this catalog for information regarding each program’s respective admission procedures.
Transfer Policy. Ordinarily, students will not be allowed to transfer more than six credit hours from other institutions. Only courses with grades of A or B may be transferred, and all are subject to the approval of the academic department. An official record of such work must be on file in the student’s department office by the end of the first term of study. All transferred work must be completed within six years prior to entering a graduate program. Any exceptions to these requirements and policies must have the approval of the dean of the Annette Caldwell Simmons School of Education and Human Development.
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Degree requirements differ among the Annette Caldwell Simmons School of Education and Human Development’s graduate degree programs. Refer to the individual program sections for specific requirements.
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