Interdisciplinary - Education M.Ed.

All students must meet the Requirements for the Master of Education Degree

Overview

Interdisciplinary studies provide tools to deepen research, theory, and practice for those seeking academic advancement, professional development, and/or lifelong learning. This degree includes a strand in social justice education and a strand for individually-designed programs in consultation with an advisor. Many students pursue graduate certificates in Disability Studies, Education for Sustainability, and/or Resiliency-Based Approaches with Families, Schools, and Communities. Students may include graduate courses from other departments within the college and the university.

Specific Requirements

Requirements for Admission to Graduate Studies for the Degree of Master of Education

Applicants should have a clear understanding of how the Interdisciplinary graduate program will serve their career goals. For this reason, major emphasis in admissions is placed upon the applicant's Statement of Purpose. Detailed information about admission criteria is as follows:

  • Applicants are welcome to schedule an interview or correspond via email with the director.
  • Submit three letters of reference, at least one of which should be an academic reference. Because some students have been out of college for a number of years (even decades), professional workplace references are also accepted.
  • Transcripts are required from all previous institutions attended.
  • A writing sample is required only if requested.
  • There is no Graduate Record Examination (GRE) requirement.
  • There is no deadline for application, the program has a rolling admissions policy that is in effect 12 months a year.
  • Up to 9 graduate credits previously earned within a 5-year period can be transferred into the program.

Minimum Degree Requirements

The Interdisciplinary degree may focus on social justice education or a largely self-designed curriculum. All programs are worked out under the supervision of the program director. All programs are subject to student modification at any time depending on the changing personal, academic, and professional interests of the student. Here are the basic curriculum requirements:

  • 30 credits are required. There is a 5-year time period to finish the degree. All courses are offered once a week in the evening, usually online. Most summer courses run daily for two weeks, 4 1/2 hours at a time. The average number of years that students take to complete the Interdisciplinary program is currently 3 years. The majority of students are part-time.
  • A minimum of 3 core courses are required, to be chosen from 4 potential core courses: EDFS 6020 Philosophy of Education,  EDFS 6010 Introduction to Interdisciplinary Studies, EDLP 6008 Inequalities and Educational Policy, and EDCI 6008 Curriculum Theory. 
  • A minimum of 18 graduate level credits must be taken in the College of Education and Social Services. The other remaining 12 graduate-level credits can be taken anywhere in the University of Vermont (if desired). 9 graduate credits can be taken outside the University of Vermont and transferred into the Interdisciplinary studies program. All courses must be graduate-level courses and must be directly relevant to each student’s overall goals and purposes.
  • The Interdisciplinary program has a 6-credit thesis option. These 6 credits replace 6 course credits. 

Comprehensive Examination

All College of Education and Social Services graduate programs have a no-credit comprehensive examination requirement for graduation. This requirement includes a portfolio of papers and reflection and is designed according to the unique professional needs of the student and is worked out with the program director.

Requirements for Advancement to Candidacy for the Degree of Master of Education

Successful completion of any prerequisite courses, and at least 15 graded graduate credits with a 3.00 GPA or better, including all core courses.