Program Director: Deborah Waggett, Ph.D.
Email: deborah.waggett@vermontstate.edu
Program Description
The Educational Research (MS) program is a course of study designed to promote the use of action research to inform classroom practice and educate teachers about research methodologies to activate change in public education.
This degree is intended for candidates who already have their initial license and at least 3 years of teaching experience in PreK-12 public schools. Candidates who are not planning to obtain a teaching license may also pursue this degree.
The program develops professional scholar-practitioners who are well-versed in current educational theory and practice. The Research Core Sequence includes an introduction to research methods, specific instruction in framing research questions, and qualitative and quantitative data collection and management. During the program, students acquire the skills to conduct classroom research. They collect and analyze data and present the results of their research. Faculty offer each candidate individualized support as they write their thesis.
In addition to the core research courses, participants complete an interdisciplinary sequence in Educational Studies that provides contextual study of the profession and demonstrations of distinct methods of applied inquiry such as critical reflective analysis, narrative analysis, autoethnography, and critical diversity studies. Participants also select electives in consultation with an advisor to form a Focus Area. This flexibility allows candidates to explore topics relevant to their schools and society.
Up to 12 degree-ready graduate credits from regionally accredited institutions, or authorized VTSU electives, may be considered for transfer if they support a focus area and are approved by the faculty advisor or program director.
Many courses are available online. A few are scheduled for in-person attendance on select Saturdays throughout the semester. Courses are available in the fall, spring, and summer.
Program Outcomes
Students in Education programs gain both an understanding of the discipline of education and a practical grasp of effective professional practice. Connecting these two realms provides a foundation for achieving the department’s objectives for each student, including:
1.The use of academic study in the formation of content-specific professional knowledge,
2. The use of practitioner inquiry to design effective pedagogical strategies,
3.The use of critical theory to confidently serve as a progressive colleague and advocate, and
4. The use of transformative reflection in pursuit of continuous personal growth.
