The Clarke University Education Department offers two Master of Arts in Education degree programs for professional educators. The Experienced Professionals program is a collaborative effort between the Archdiocese of Dubuque and Clarke University. This program offers two tracks, the Instructional Leadership Track and Reading Specialist Track. Each provides a solid foundation of integrated theory and practice that enhances the knowledge, skills, and values of professional educators.
The Partner Professional Program is designed for Clarke University students completing their undergraduate degree with a major or licensure in education and addresses the needs of educators beginning their careers to ensure success and sustain ongoing commitment to the teaching profession. This program provides the new teacher with a supportive environment while enhancing the new teacher’s pre-professional experience, knowledge, skills and instructional strategies.
THE EXPERIENCED PROFESSIONALS PROGRAM
Requirements for Admission to Graduate Study at Clarke University
A student interested in the Master of Arts in Education (MAE) program at Clarke University must submit the following to Graduate Studies Office, 1550 Clarke Drive, Dubuque, Iowa 52001:
- A completed graduate application form. Complete the online application form now, or print and complete the form and mail with application fee.
- A $35 application fee (waived for Clarke University graduates). Please make checks payable to Clarke University. If paying with credit card, please call (563)588-6635 with your credit card number and expiration date.
- Official academic transcripts. These transcripts must document:
- Completion of an undergraduate program from an accredited college or university.
- GPA of at least 2.75 on a 4.0 scale.
- A photocopy of all teaching certificates and licenses.
- Two completed recommendation forms, at least one of which relates to academic ability.
- A statement of goals for graduate education and subsequent career plans.
- A minimum TOEFL score of 550 if English is not a first language.
Interview: Applicants must also complete an interview that is scheduled when all materials and documents have been received.
Note: All entrance requirements must be completed prior to acceptance and registration. No financial aid is available without acceptance to the program.
A student interested in the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) can contact the Chairperson of the Education Department for information.
Transfer of Graduate Courses
Students may transfer up to 6 credits of graduate study in this field with an earned 3.00 or better (on a 4.00 scale) in each course from another accredited graduate program. Ordinarily, documented transfer of credits are evaluated and posted at the time of matriculation or in the first semester of study at Clarke.
Archdiocesan Forgivable Loan Program
A forgivable loan program is available to MAE students who currently teach within the Archdiocese of Dubuque. Contact the graduate studies office for more information.
EXPERIENCED PROFESSIONAL CURRICULUM
Curricula for Two Distinct Tracks for Experienced Professional Teachers in the Archdiocese of Dubuque
Track 1: Instructional Leadership (36 credits)
(Archdiocesan TCL Courses*)
- Research Core
- EDGR 500 Introduction to Graduate Research (3)
- EDGR 585-I Action Research, Part One* (3)
- EDGR 585-II Action Research, Part Two* (3)
- Instructional Core
- EDGR 503 Brain-Based Learning* (3)
- EDGR 510 Teacher as Leader (3)
- EDGR 513 Problem-Based Learning* (3)
- Areas of Emphasis
- EDGR 514 The Reflective Educator (3)
- EDGR 523 Teaching Diverse Learners (3)
- EDGR 532 Leadership & Vision for Technology * (3)
- EDGR 534 Mentoring & Induction of New Teachers (3)
- EDGR 553 Reading Research Seminar (3)
- EDGR 580 Special Topics (3)
Track 2: Literacy/Reading (36 credits)
(For Archdiocesan teachers who can complete one summer of practicum-based work in Dubuque)
(Archdiocesan TCL Courses*)
- Research Core
- EDGR 500 Introduction to Graduate Research (3)
- EDGR 585-I Action Research, Part One* (3)
- EDGR 585-II Action Research, Part Two* (3)
- Instructional Core
- EDGR 503 Brain-Based Learning* (3)
- EDGR 510 Teacher as Leader (3)
- EDGR 513 Problem-Based Learning* (3)
- Areas of Emphasis
Mandatory course:
- Summer reading block:
- EDGR 545 Foundations of Reading (3
- EDGR 548 Emergent Literacy (3
- EDGR 549 Reading Interventions (3
- EDGR 550 Advanced Practicum & Instruction in Reading (3
- One additional course depending upon the student’s point of entry into the summer rotation:
- EDGR 553 Reading Research Seminar (3)
- EDGR 514 The Reflective Educator (3)
- EDGR 523 Teaching Diverse Learners (3)
- EDGR 580 Special Topics (3)
THE PARTNER PROFESSIONALS PROGRAM
The Partner Professionals Program is designed for Clarke University undergraduate students who are interested in pursuing admission into the graduate Partners Professionals Program. Admission to this program is competitive and will be granted to the most qualified candidates.
A student interested in the Master of Arts in Education (MAE) Partner Professionals program at Clarke University must submit the following to Graduate Studies Office, 1550 Clarke Drive, Dubuque, Iowa 52001:
Requirements for Admission to Graduate Study at Clarke University
- Official academic transcripts. These transcripts document:
- Cumulative GPA of 3.25 or above for all coursework.
- Grade of B+ or above in all clinical courses.
- Successful progress toward completion of education or teaching major
- One letter of recommendation rated “Exceptional” from Clarke education department faculty familiar with applicant’s clinical work. Recommendation form.
- One letter of recommendation rated “Exceptional” from any Clarke faculty or staff member outside the education department. Recommendation form.
- Disposition forms demonstrating consistently high ratings (3-4 in all indicators).
- Evidence of co-curricular involvement, leadership, collaboration, and breadth of curricular study.
- A minimum TOEFL score of 550 if English is not the first language. Written performance assessment (30 minutes, scheduled in late April).
- Applicants must also complete an interview (ordinarily the interview is scheduled when all materials and documents have been received).
- Presentation to the district administrative staff (late April).
Note: All entrance requirements must be completed prior to acceptance and registration.
- Applications with all supporting materials must be submitted in April of the junior year or year prior to graduation.
The Partner Professionals Program is for Clarke University education majors only. Approximately twenty students per year are admitted as first-year students to the Pre-Partner Professionals. Students who have successfully completed five semesters and meet the admissions requirements will be considered for the maximum of fifteen openings in the Partner Professionals Program.
Professional Phase Admission Requirements
Senior Year
- A completed graduate application form. Complete the online application form now, or print and complete the form and mail with application fee.
- Deposit due October 1.
Post-Graduation
- Official transcript documenting completion of baccalaureate degree.
- Photocopy of all teaching certificates and licenses.
Official transcript documenting completion of baccalaureate degree.
Photocopy of all teaching certificates and licenses.
PARTNER PROFESSIONAL CURRICULUM
- Instructional Core (12 credit hours)
- EDGR 523 Teaching Diverse Learners (3)
- EDGR 514 Reflective Educator (3)
- EDGR 525 Motivation & Management (3)
- EDGR 530 Planning & Designing Student Centered Learning Environments (3)
- Practicum (18 credit hours)
- EDGR 561 Practicum I (9)
- EDGR 562 Practicum II (9)
- Reflective Integration (6 credit hours)
- EDGR 583 Evidence-Based Instruction (3)
- EDGR 584 Evidence-Based Application (3)