IX. The College of Education

Dr. Mary Susan Fishbaugh, Acting Dean
COE 106, 406-657-2285

The College of Education provides an array of undergraduate and graduate programs in education.  Degree programs and specific courses are designed to ensure the comprehensive development of practitioners able to serve children and adults in a variety of settings.  The focus of the College of Education is on the preparation of educators who fill a variety of roles, both in schools and other settings.

The College of Education includes the following units:

1. Department of Educational Theory and Practice
2. Department of Special Education, Counseling, Reading, and Early Childhood
3. Montana Center on DisabilitiesField Experiences
Clinical Practice

Graduate Degree Programs

Master of Education Degree (M.Ed.) with Options in:

• Curriculum and Instruction (K-8)
• Early Childhood
• Educational Technology
• Interdisciplinary Studies (Students may work with college faculty to design a program of study individualized to their needs. Interdisciplinary Studies by definition involves more than one program area.)
  
• Reading
• School Counseling (K-12)

Master of Science in Special Education Degree (M.S.S.E.) with Options in:

• Advanced Studies
• Generalist

Other Programs

Endorsement Program in School Counseling:  A post-master’s, non-degree program leading to the endorsement in School Counseling.

Supervisory Endorsement Program:  A post-master’s, non-degree program leading to advanced endorsements as Supervisor in Reading or Special Education Supervisor.

Certificate of Teaching and Learning Online

Doctoral Minor in Special Education: In collaboration with the School of Education and Human Development at MSU-Bozeman, the College of Education offers a special education minor in the Montana State University education doctoral programs.

Mission

The Mission of the College of Education is to:

• Provide undergraduate and graduate education that prepares competent, caring, and committed educators;
• Provide graduate education designed for the continuing development of clinical and research skills of practicing professionals;
• Provide community services aimed at improving the quality of life experienced by Montanans; and
• Prepare all students for leadership, lifelong learning, and a commitment to service.

Operating Principles

In order to successfully implement the College’s mission, the faculty and staff adhere to the following operating principles:

• All people are entitled to education programs committed to helping the individual develop a knowledge of self and designed to promote physical, social, mental, intellectual and spiritual health, delivered in a manner which enhances dignity and respect.
• Education programs are designed to enable students to think critically and analytically, make independent decisions, develop social consciousness, and recognize the importance of making productive contributions to a multicultural society.
• Educators are committed to the ethical principles of the profession.
• Teachers are prepared as facilitators of learning, able to assist and direct the learning processes of their students.
• Professional preparation programs include supervised field experiences to allow for the guided demonstration of skills.
• Faculty are actively engaged in community education and service programs to assist with the implementation of current, empirically validated practices in support of lifelong learning of professionals.

NEXT: General Structure of Graduate Degree Programs in the College of Education