Master of Education

The Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree at Southern Methodist University is designed to meet the needs of practicing teachers.  The program offers maximum flexibility for the educator whose interest lies in broadening both academic preparation and classroom skills.  The program can be individualized for teachers at all levels, pre-kindergarten through grade 12.

Teachers in the degree program have the opportunity to earn certificates including the Master Reading Teacher, Bilingual, Gifted/Talented, Master Math Teacher, Master Technology Teacher, Master Science Teacher, and ESL.  The education core courses refine pedagogical skills and expand knowledge of education in its psychological, social, and cultural context.

How is the program structured?

The M.Ed. has three modules of study--a specialization module, a core module, and an elective module. Modules consist of 12 or 14 credit hours.  The specialization module focuses on courses that "specialize" in one of the following areas: reading (MRT), math (MMT), technology (MTT), science (MST), bilingual education (Bilingual Supplemental Certification), English as a Second Language (ESL Certification), or gifted education (Gifted and Talented Supplemental Certification).  The core module (see below) comprises courses in the areas of research, philosophy, urban studies, and psychology.  The elective module allows each student to choose courses that best fit their interests/needs.

Core Courses (click on titles to link to descriptions)

EDU 6322 and EDU 6304 must be taken in the first two semesters of this master's degree.

Who comprises the faculty?

Faculty is drawn from professors in the Annette Caldwell Simmons School of Education and Human Development.  Visiting professors and lecturers also contribute to the offerings of the program.

What are the admission requirements?

  • A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution
  • A preferred minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale). NOTE: Applicants whose GPAs fall below 3.0 may request an exemption to this requirement by attaching a letter explaining why an exception should be made (such as long-term experience, expertise in a related specialized field, or a satisfactory Graduate Record Examination score).
  • Applicants from countries where the predominant language is not English are required to supply scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) administered by the Educational Testing Service. The minimum score for admission is 550 on a pencil and paper test or 83 on the internet-based test. For more information about admission of foreign students, please click here.
  • Demonstration of competence in speaking and writing the English language and the ability to think critically. These competencies will be demonstrated through the submission of a Masters’ Program Admission Essay. Beginning  October 1, 2010, all applicants from the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex will come to the main campus of Southern Methodist University to write the Essay. Applicants from outside the metroplex should contact the Department of Teaching and Learning (214-768-2346) to arrange a proctored writing sample. NOTE: Satisfactory completion of an interview with one or more faculty members of the Simmons School of Education and Human Development may be required.
  • Recommendations and evidence of a high degree of support from the school of employment

Applicants should not expect to receive more than six hours of transfer credit from other institutions.  Students will need to submit a letter requesting transfer credit describing the course content along with an official transcript with these hours during the first semester of enrollment.  Only courses with a grade of B or above can be transferred.  Generally, no credit will be allowed toward the Master's degree for courses taken more than six years before acceptance into the program.  Any exceptions to the requirements and policies stated above must have the approval of the Dean of the Annette Caldwell Simmons School of Education and Human Development.

When Are Application Deadlines?

Fall semesters April 1
Spring semesters October 1
Summer sessions March 1

How do I apply?

Click here to apply to the Master of Education program.  The application fee is $75.  Click here to view a schedule of courses.

How much will the program cost?

Graduate students in the program take advantage of SMU's reduced tuition rate for educators.  The tuition rate for Academic Year 2009-10 is $435 per credit hour; and for 2010-11 Academic Year $460 per credit hour. Participants are encouraged to seek financial assistance from their school districts.  There is an additional fee for parking.  Click here to view parking fees.

Financial Aid

Students who are admitted to a degree program (M.Ed., M.Ed. with Certification, M.Ed. in Reading and Writing, or the M.B.E.) and who enroll for a minimum of 6 hours in any one term may be eligible to apply for federal financial aid.  Applicants may submit forms to financial aid before being accepted into the program.  Click here for more information about financial aid. 

Walker Merit Scholarship Program

The endowment for the Arthur and Ruth Walker Scholarship Fund came from Mrs. Margaret Wheeler, who established the endowment in 2000 in memory of her brother and sister, Arthur and Ruth Walker. The Walker children (Arthur, Ruth, and Margaret) grew up on a Texas cotton farm during the early part of the last century and attended school in a one-room schoolhouse. Theirs was the story of a pre-depression era family that struggled to survive during desperate times and succeeded despite the odds. Arthur Walker ultimately became a Distinguished Professor at a university in Virginia and an early innovator of the MBA curriculum, and Ruth Walker taught economics during the Depression.  Margaret Wheeler made her money in real estate development in the 1960s.

These scholarships are highly competitive.  Please click here for more information about this scholarship program.

Master's Comprehensive Exam 2009 Dates

  • April 10, 2010          
  • July 17, 2010           

The comprehensive exam will be located in Fondren Library West 103B, 103C from 9:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Please click here for more information on the comprehensive exams.

Who can give me additional information?

Please click here to read the Master's Degrees handbook.

For additional information, please call the Department of Teaching and Learning at 214-768-2346 or e-mail teachlearn@smu.edu.