Purpose

The graduate programs in education exist to carry out the educational mission of Spring Arbor University by means of an academic program that promotes scholarship, integrity, the Christian ethic, an enrichment of the liberal arts experience and a life of meaningful service in educational endeavors for the participants.

In applying the goals and objectives of the programs to the graduate study of education professionals, Spring Arbor University attempts to provide personalized education in the environment of a Christian liberal arts university that will further the development of the individual in such a way as to make that person a more effective educator. The programs are planned to promote collaboration among education professionals and their community, and to meet the needs of candidates who are interested in professional growth and advancement in elementary, secondary, or special education.

Philosophy

The Spring Arbor University graduate programs in education are committed to the highest quality education in the environment of a Christian institution. The graduate special education program is designed for those who have an undergraduate endorsement from Spring Arbor in learning disabilities and wish to complete a graduate degree in this area. The graduate general education program is designed not only for those who wish to obtain a master’s degree, but also for those who wish to complete an 18-hr planned program for the Michigan Professional Certificate and for those who wish to meet recertification requirements or broaden or refresh their knowledge in areas of professional education.

The graduate programs in education should promote traits in the participants that include integrity, respect for self and others, disciplined judgment in the achieving of factual knowledge and technical skills needed for effective performance in the work place, and the Christian attitude. The programs should be concerned with the development of individual educators who will not only be able to demonstrate a high level of academic ability but will develop the effective interpersonal, collaborative, motivational, instructional and leadership skills required for the successful education professional. There should be a balance between the practical and applied, on one hand, and the theoretical and research-oriented studies on the other.

Participants should be assisted in developing the attitudes and skills necessary to effectively improve their performance in current positions or to effectively move into new career positions. The graduate programs in education should provide education professionals with experiences that supplement and update previous training and experience, as well as provide for development in new areas.

Click here to view the Master of Arts in Education online program brochure [PDF].