Master of Arts (M.A.)

Gifted Education

with Endorsement

Online 30 major credits * 2 years

Affordable Tuition

$173/mo

*if using financial aid

How to Pay

Program Highlights & Benefits

Classes meet in an online format

2 year completion time, including holiday breaks

One course completed every 8 weeks

Transfer credits considered

Program Objectives

The Master of Arts degree in Gifted Education with Endorsement is designed for educators with who are interested in developing an understanding of and developing programs for High Achieving, Gifted and Talented students. This program supports educators in becoming experts who can meet the needs of all learners through the lens of gifted education. It prepares educators to serve as teacher leaders in planning and implementing programs that address the specific needs of gifted and talented students. The Master’s in Gifted Education offers teachers the opportunity to complete 30 hours of coursework, of which 24 hours will lead to an endorsement. The MA degree requires two additional courses in addition to completing the endorsement requirements; these courses are a technology course and a seminar course.

Candidates who are admitted to this program will be able to:

  • Think critically and analytically about gifted education and the role gifted programs play in the development of students identified as gifted and talented.
  • Develop curriculum and utilize instructional strategies that are differentiated and meet the learning needs of all students.
  • Provide leadership in schools with gifted programs through program development and coaching.
  • Promote an understanding of gifted learners and gifted education that leads to effective programming that includes: identification, assessment, technology, social and emotional learning, differentiated instructional practices, and effective learning environments.

Program Requirements

  • Full admission acceptance into the Gifted Education Program
  • Completion of the Gifted Education coursework
  • Successful completion of the program practicum

Program Outcomes

  • This program prepares candidates to take the IL state Gifted Teacher Examination, Gifted Education 312
  • This program provides a Gifted Teacher endorsement that matches the grade level on the student’s existing Professional Educator’s License (PEL)

Areas of Study

CourseTitleHours
EDU 6710Gifted Research: Issues, Policy and Research*3
EDU 6720Identification, Assessment, and Evaluation*3
EDU 6730Learning Environments for Gifted Education*3
EDU 6760Social & Emotional Needs of Gifted and Talented Learners*3
EDU 6715Curriculum Development for Gifted and Talented Learners*3
EDU 6725Differentiated Instruction for Gifted and Talented Learners*3
EDU 6735Assessing Gifted and Talented Students*3
EDU 6745Gifted & Talented Practicum (P-12)*3
EDU 6740Technology in Gifted Education3
EDI 6041Seminar in Gifted Education3
 Total Semester Hours:30

*Required courses for the Illinois Gifted Education Endorsement; Gifted Education Endorsement Only option available.

Practicum

The practicum consists of an approved eight-week field experience in a P-12 setting that offers programs for gifted students. The field experience provides candidates opportunities to provide professional development, leadership, and to practice using instructional strategies and materials as well as model an appropriate mindset for meeting the needs to students who are gifted or talented.

Program and course requirements are subject to change to comply with university policy.