Graduate Catalog 2010-12

Technology and Engineering Education

Faculty

James DeLaura (Chair, Copernicus 2350900, delaura@ccsu.edu); Michele Dischino, Patrick Foster, David Sianez, Michael Vincenti (Dept. phone: 860-832-1850)

Department Overview

The graduate programs in Technology and Engineering Education are designed to meet the needs of teachers who have completed an undergraduate program in technology education. However, individuals with technical or engineering degrees who are interested in teaching in industry or at a community college or university would benefit by completing a graduate degree in technology and engineering education. In addition, elementary educators interested in integrating educational disciplines (especially the integration of mathematics, science, technology and social science) would find a graduate degree in technology and engineering education very suitable. The programs provide a maximum amount of flexibility. Students, in consultation with their advisors, may plan programs of study uniquely fitted to their needs.

Many of the graduate students pursuing a master's degree in Technology and Engineering Education are employed as technology education instructors in secondary schools; instructors/supervisors in industry education programs; instructors in community colleges and technical schools; instructors/supervisors in government agencies; and technology education instructors in overseas dependent schools.

The Department of Technology and Engineering Education offers graduate programs in the following areas.

Programs

Master of Science in Technology and Engineering Education

Program Rationale:

The Master of Science in Technology and Engineering Education is designed to develop the professional competencies of technology and engineering educators so that they may successfully progress in their professions.

The program is a balance of liberal arts, research, and professional and technology education courses leading to a Master of Science in Technology and Engineering Education degree. A minimum of 30 credits of study in approved graduate courses is required. The program is designed for flexibility in meeting the needs of the individual students. Programs of study are individualized through electives and independent study.

The primary purpose of the program is to develop the professional competencies of technology education instructors so that they may successfully progress in their chosen fields.

Program Learning Outcomes:

Technology and Engineering Education graduate students will be expected to:

identify and document an area of technical expertise;
develop technical research skills;
demonstrate areas of professional competencies by taking two of three professional education courses from a recommended list;
update their technical competencies and understandings in their major areas;
analyze and evaluate recent issues in their fields, such as curriculum innovations and strategies for program improvement and/or implementation; and
explain how the relationship between their fields and the academic disciplines impacts the development of their students.

With the guidance of an advisor, students select from the following plans: Plan A (30 credits including a thesis); Plan B (30 credits and comprehensive examination), or Plan C (30 credits including a special project).

Course and Capstone Requirements:

Professional Education (6-9 credits):

One of the following:

EDF 500 Contemporary Educational Issues 3

EDF 516 School and Society 3

EDF 524 Foundations of Contemporary Theories of Curriculum 3

EDF 525 History of American Education 3

EDF 538 The Politics of Education 3

EDF 583 Sociological Foundations of Education 3

and

Additional electives as approved by the faculty advisor - students may focus on instruction, curriculum development, administration/supervision, special education, or research.

Technology and Engineering Education offerings approved by advisor (12-21 credits)

Research (3-6 credits):

TE 598 Research in Technology Education
(required as part of first 12 credits of the graduate program)

ED 599 Thesis (for Plan A)

TE 596 Special Projects in Technology Education (for Plan C)

Comprehensive Examination (for Plan B)

Note: No more than nine credits at the 400 level, as approved by the graduate advisor, may be counted toward the graduate planned program of study, for the M.S. degree.

Technology and Engineering Education Certification Program for College Graduates

This post-baccalaureate certification program provides courses for college graduates, regardless of previous major, to teach technology and engineering education. This program, comprised of technical and professional courses, is offered in the late afternoon and evenings. The number of courses required to complete the program is contingent upon each student's previous industrial experience and formal degree work.

This program provides a unique opportunity for individuals seeking a career change. A minimum undergraduate cumulative grade point average of 2.70 is required for admission to this program. All students must first apply to the Graduate Admission Office. Once the student is accepted into the certification program, an advisor will be assigned who will assist in planning a program of graduate and undergraduate courses which incorporate certification requirements of the state of Connecticut. For additional information please contact the Chair, Department of Technology and Engineering Education.

Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT): Teacher Education with Specializations in Mathematics (7-12), Sciences (7-12), Spanish (7-12), English (7-12), and Technology and Engineering Education (PK-12)

The Department of Teacher Education offers a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT): Teacher Education with specializations in Mathematics, Sciences, Spanish, English, and Technology and Engineering Education. Candidates with documented content knowledge will complete 13 months of full-time study, earning teacher certification and the MAT degree. The program is designed to cross disciplines wherever possible, encouraging candidates to build content teaching expertise in their specializations and relate each discipline to the larger school curriculum. See the Teacher Education program, linked here, for a description of the program.

Post-Master's Study

The student must have an appropriate master's degree and consult with a TE graduate advisor to plan a program of advanced study.