Catalog 2024–2025

Master of Education (M.Ed.)

Program Chair: Tobias Irish, Ph.D
Website: hilo.hawaii.edu/depts/education/

Program Description

The Master of Education degree (M.Ed.) program prepares teacher leaders to serve their schools and communities in Hawaii and throughout the Pacific Rim. The program is aligned to Teacher Leader Model Standards. It is a 30-semester-hour, cohort-based program that may be completed in four semesters and two summers. Courses are offered primarily through a distance-learning format. As teacher leaders, graduates will be prepared to bring a culturally-responsive, research-based approach to school improvement efforts.

Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the program will be able to:

  1. Design and conduct action research by exploring instructional and professional topics relevant to school and student performance;
  2. Critically examine and analyze current trends and issues in education and apply this knowledge by demonstrating teacher leader competencies within the profession.

Admission Requirements

Admission is based upon previous preparation and requires completion of a baccalaureate degree and evidence of eligibility for the initial basic license to teach as defined by the UH Hilo School of Education and guided by the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board. Applications and a detailed description of requirements are available from the School of Education or from the UH Hilo Graduate Office of Admissions. Interested potential students may contact the School of Education Advisor at (808) 932-7102 for more information.

Following are the major requirements for admission:

  1. Baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution;
  2. A cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (4.0 = A scale) or the equivalent in the last four semesters or approximately 60 semester credits of the undergraduate record and in all post-baccalaureate work;
  3. Evidence of eligibility for an Initial Hawaiʻi Basic License to teach; 1
  4. Three letters of recommendation from references who have observed or supervised the applicant’s performance and are able to comment on the quality of the applicant’s teaching experience, ability to pursue graduate study, and general character.

The UH Hilo School of Education M.Ed. Admissions Committee will evaluate above evidence submitted as one of the components in the M.Ed. application.

Application packets will be reviewed only when they are complete. International applicants also must provide verification of financial status. An official TOEFL score report may be required for international applicants.

The UH Hilo M.Ed. Program does not lead to licensure in the State of Hawaiʻi.

Course and Graduation Requirements

M. Ed. Course Requirements

  • ED 600 Ed Of Ethnic Groups in Hawaii (3)
  • ED 602 Technology in Education (3)
  • ED 608A Action Research I (3)
  • ED 608B Action Research II (3)
  • ED 608C Action Research III (3)
  • ED 610 Foundations Of Education (3)
  • ED 616 Assess & Evaluation in Ed (3)
  • ED 622 School Curriculum (3)
  • ED 625 Seminar in Teaching Fld (3)
  • ED 635 Adv Instructional Strategies (3)

M. Ed. Graduation Requirements

  • Students must complete all program courses.
  • To remain eligible for continuance in the M.Ed. and to be awarded the graduate degree, students must maintain progress toward completion of the program and may earn no grade lower than a B- in any individual class, and maintain a B average (3.0 GPA) for all courses completed in the program.
  • Each student must complete a culminating experience; this is an independent project that integrates what he or she has learned during the program.

Cohort and Other Requirements

  • Students enroll in the M.Ed. program as members of a cohort which is expected to complete all requirements in four semesters and two summers.
  • Courses are offered during the evening and/or on Saturdays, and during the summer.
  • Typically, all students in a cohort will take courses together and in sequence.
  • New cohorts will be established based on student demand and available resources.
  • Students must remain continuously enrolled while in the M.Ed. program.

Faculty Advising and Guidance

Each student will be assigned a faculty advisor who will meet with the individual student to provide guidance for the culminating project.

  1. Applicants who do not hold a license to teach should meet with the School of Education Advisor ((808) 932-7102 for appointment) prior to submitting documentation for admission to the M.Ed. Program. Applicants must submit evidence of their eligibility by documenting the following: a) development of knowledge, skills, and dispositions described in the Hawaiʻi Teacher Standards Board’s Teacher Performance Standards, b) teaching experience, and c) ability to participate in the study of education at the level required in a graduate program.