Elementary Education (Talent Development) (MA - MEd)

The M.A. and M.Ed. degree programs in Elementary Education with a concentration in Talent Development equip students with skills and conceptual knowledge for advanced teaching, mentoring, leadership roles in classrooms, educational systems, or communities. Students may choose one of two emphasis options: (a) fostering educator and student transformative learning, creativity, and talent, or (b) teaching and transforming advanced and gifted education. Graduates of these versatile degree programs are well-positioned for an array of job opportunities such as mentoring program leader; teacher of advanced, gifted, and honors classes; instructional coordinator; talent development coach; classroom teacher with enhanced creativity skills; and community-based education specialist. The programs also provide a foundation for doctoral studies in education. 

Course Work

Students may pursue the 30-credit M.A. (thesis option) or the 30-credit M.Ed. (non-thesis option). It is possible for students to complete either of the master’s programs online. 

In either emphasis option within the M.A. and the M.Ed. programs, students explore learning, creativity, talent development, research-informed practices, and the transformation of practices, possibilities, policies, and assumptions. Students critically consider big ideas while building useful skills for fostering flourishing and for meaningfully addressing the educational complexities of their current or future work and today’s educational issues. 

The course options and electives that are integrated into these degree programs offer valuable opportunities for additional depth or breadth according to students’ goals and interests.  

Program Details

The degree programs do not require teacher licensure or prior courses in specific areas for admission.

Program Mission

The Talent Development graduate program co-creates and shares knowledge related to creativity, talent, and transformation. The M.A. and M.Ed. programs prepare graduate students for equitably fostering flourishing and for advanced careers related to (a) fostering student and educator talent development, creativity, and transformative learning and (b) teaching and transforming advanced and gifted education. 

Career Options

Graduates are well-positioned for job opportunities such as mentoring program leader; teacher of advanced, gifted, and honors classes; instructional coordinator; classroom teacher with enhanced creativity skills; talent development coach; community-based education specialist; and undergraduate-level course instructor. These programs also provide a foundation for doctoral studies in education. . 

Program Faculty

Faculty bring valuable and diverse experiences, perspectives, and expertise areas to their teaching. Faculty research interests include: transformative teaching and learning, creativity, educational equity, educational policy, philosophical issues in education, and gifted education conceptual frameworks and assumptions.