M.Ed., Concentration in Gifted Studies

Program Philosophy

The philosophy for the graduate program in Gifted Studies is based upon the belief that educators who work specifically with gifted/talented students should hold a Master’s Degree in the field and should develop a variety of special competencies for teaching this population. The professional standards jointly agreed upon by the two national governing bodies of gifted education, The National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) and The Association for the Gifted (TAG), state that degree programs with a major emphasis in gifted education should be offered only at the graduate level.

Master of Education in Gifted Studies Requirements

The graduate program in Gifted Studies builds on the knowledge and skills acquired at the baccalaureate level. Gifted Studies coursework and practical experiences are designed to prepare the graduate student to recognize and meet the unique cognitive and affective needs of gifted students. Graduate students in Gifted Studies must take a minimum of 33 semester hours of graduate coursework in the following areas: The Graduate Core, Studies of the Gifted, and Electives.

The master’s degree in Gifted Studies provides special advanced training and leadership experiences for professionals who are committed to more purposeful and comprehensive programming for gifted students. The Graduate faculty believe that information concerning gifted students is beneficial to all teachers, administrators, parents, counselors, and other interested persons.