Presentation
The University’s Directed Independent Study modality recognizes that education is an individual process where individuals with different learning needs and study schedules can be accommodated. It emphasizes learning that is meaningful, where individuals enjoy the learning process, and acquire knowledge to better understand and manage their own careers. The Program’s Faculty Members support the student’s independent-study learning role by guiding and stimulating the learning process in one-on-one interaction with no mandatory discussion groups. Our faculty mentors recognize individual learning styles and emphasize the relevance of the material to the individual’s situation.
Each course in the Program contains a series of lesson assignments generally consisting of reading requirements and research projects. Students are evaluated through examinations and/or research assignments which are submitted for faculty evaluation. All assignments are submitted electronically. As set forth in the University’s General Catalog, Internet access and minimum computer requirements and skills are required as a condition of admittance. The first three courses in the curriculum are known as qualifying courses. A student must take and pass a Qualifying Examination before a student can earn academic credit for a core course. The Qualifying Examination is a three hour proctored test that covers material covered in the qualifying courses. It consists of a combination of objective and subjective questions.
Curriculum
To earn the Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree, a student must complete the courses outlined below in good academic standing and pass both the Qualifying and Comprehensive Examinations, all with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.00. The requirements may be completed in as little as 27 months. All requirements must be completed within five years from the date of initial enrollment. The following courses are required for the Education Specialist with a concentration in Educational Technology.
EDU501
Educational Administration
4 units
EDU503
Leadership in Institutional Settings
4 units
EDU507
Educational Finance
4 units
Qualifying Exam
pass/no pass
EDU506
Organizational Behavior in the Educational Setting
4 units
EDU610
Online Learning Instructional Design and Methods
4 units
EDU611
Technology Management in Education
3 units
EDU612
The Laws and Ethics of Educational Technology
4 units
EDU613
Emerging Educational Technologies
3 units
EDU700
Comprehensive Examination
Pass/Fail
Total Semester Units Required for Graduation: 30
Admission Policies and Requirements
To be admitted to the Program, applicants must possess a master’s degree in education or a master’s degree in another discipline and a teaching or administrative credential. In either case the degrees must be from appropriately accredited institutions and the applicant must have a minimum of two years of teaching or administrative experience in an educational setting from elementary through higher education. Other factors affecting admission include the strength of the applicant’s personal statement (the importance of demonstrating graduate level writing skills cannot be over emphasized), references, record of involvement in professional organizations and associations, an aptitude for leadership based in part on employment and educational background.
An applicant may be conditionally admitted into the Program based on a completed Application for Admission, receipt of the $75.00 Application Fee, student copies of transcripts reflecting the applicant’s highest relevant degree, documentation of the applicant’s professional work experience, and the receipt of two Professional Reference Letters. Official copies of all relevant college level credits received directly from the institution of origin will be required within 60 days of enrollment.
The vast majority of the institution’s applicants are mature adults working in a variety of professional settings. Many have not attended college for several years. Consequently, prior class rank and grade point average are not significant factors in the admission process. Should additional information be required the applicant will be contacted.
All payments must be payable in U.S. dollars. Payments may be made by MasterCard®,Visa®, American Express® or Discover®.
Foreign Applicants and Applicants with International Credentials
It may be necessary for applicants who have attended colleges or universities outside of the United States to obtain an evaluation of their education from a credential evaluation service approved by the University. Upon request, the Admissions Office will provide a list of approved evaluators. In addition, applicants who do not possess a degree from a postsecondary institution where English is the principal language of instruction must receive a minimum score of 550 on the paper-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL PBT) or 80 on the Internet Based Test (iBT) or 6.5 on the International English Language Test (IELTS). For more information on TOEFL visit the website: www.ets.org/toefl.
Transfer Credit
The acceptance of transfer credits between academic institutions lies within the discretion of the receiving college or university. Credits earned at William Howard Taft University may or may not be accepted by another institution depending upon its own programs, policies, and regulations.
The University does not accept Transfer Credit or credit for experiential learning (Portfolio Credit) in the Education Specialist programs.
Financial Information
Tuition is billed at the rate of $420.00 per month during the term of enrollment. The obligation of students to pay tuition shall continue until the earliest of the following events:
- satisfaction of all degree requirements;
- 48 billing months (four years);
- withdrawal from the Program;
- academic dismissal from the Program.
Additional information on financial aid and tuition financing can be found under Tuition, Financial Aid and Financing.
The cost of books and materials, other than each course syllabus, is not included in the tuition. The University does not sell books or materials. Most books and materials may be purchased at local colleges, retail bookstores, directly from publishers or over the Internet. The cost is estimated to average approximately $150.00 per course. Students are always provided with a mail or Internet source for acquiring all required materials.
[The following information applies to California Residents only.] *
California Student Tuition Recovery Fund
The Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) is a fund administered by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (Bureau) that relieves or mitigates economic loss suffered by a student while enrolled in a qualifying institution – generally one that is approved or registered by the Bureau. At the time of his or her enrollment, the student must have been a California resident or enrolled in a California residency program, prepaid tuition, and suffered economic loss.
STRF REQUIREMENTS
- “You must pay the state-imposed assessment for the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) if all of the following applies to you:
- You are a student in an educational program, who is a California resident, or are enrolled in a residency program, and prepay all or part of your tuition either by cash, guaranteed student loans, or personal loans, and
- Your total charges are not paid by any third-party payer such as an employer, government program or other payer unless you have a separate agreement to repay the third party.
- You are not eligible for protection from the STRF and you are not required to pay the STRF assessment, if the following applies:
- You are not a California resident, or are not enrolled in a residency program.”
- “The State of California created the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) to relieve or mitigate economic losses suffered by students in educational programs who are California residents, or are enrolled in a residency programs attending certain schools regulated by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education.
- You may be eligible for STRF if you are a California resident or are enrolled in a residency program, prepaid tuition, paid the STRF assessment, and suffered an economic loss as a result of any of the following:
- The school closed before the course of instruction was completed.
- The school’s failure to pay refunds or charges on behalf of a student to a third party for license fees or any other purpose, or to provide equipment or materials for which a charge was collected within 180 days before the closure of the school.
- The school’s failure to pay or reimburse loan proceeds under a federally guaranteed student loan program as required by law or to pay or reimburse proceeds received by the school prior to closure in excess of tuition and other costs.
- There was a material failure to comply with the Act or this Division within 30 days before the school closed or, if the material failure began earlier than 30 days prior to closure, the period determined by the Bureau.
- An inability after diligent efforts to prosecute, prove, and collect on a judgment against the institution for a violation of the Act.”
Application Fee
(Non-Refundable)
Registration and Orientation Fee
This one-time fee is charged at the time of a student’s initial enrollment and is related to the costs associated with setting-up the student’s file and developing a Degree Completion Plan.
(Non-Refundable)
Continuation Fee (Per Month)
Students who have not completed all degree requirements after four full years of active enrollment in the Program will be assessed a monthly continuation fee for the balance of the enrollment period or until they have satisfied all degree requirements.
(This is in lieu of tuition.)
Graduation Check/Diploma Fee
(Non-Refundable)
Transcript Fee
(Two Provided at No Cost)
Late Payment Fee
(Returned Check/Declined Credit Card/ACH) (Per Item)
Student Tuition Recovery Fund *
(California Residents Only)
How to Enroll
If the applicant is accepted for admission to the Program, a formal enrollment agreement will be prepared and sent to the applicant for review and signature. Students may elect to begin the Program on the 1st day of any month. All payments submitted for tuition and fees must be payable in U.S. dollars. Payments may be made by MasterCard® / Visa® / American Express® or Discover®. Applicants are encouraged to call the Admissions Office if there are any questions regarding enrollment procedures.
Course Descriptions
- EDU501 - Educational Administration (4 Units)
- EDU503 - Leadership in Institutional Settings (4 Units)
- EDU506 - Organizational Behavior in the Educational Setting (4 Units)
- EDU507 - Educational Finance (4 Units)
- EDU610 - Online Learning Instructional Design and Methods
- EDU611 - Technology Management in Education
- EDU612 - The Laws and Ethics of Educational Technology
- EDU613 - Emerging Educational Technologies
- EDU700 - Comprehensive Examination (Pass/Fail)
EDU501 - Educational Administration (4 Units)
This course examines conceptual foundations of educational administration with the aim of using theory and research to solve the problems of practice. The focus of this course is on the school as a social system with special emphasis on structure, politics, decision making, and quality outcomes. Course objectives underscore a belief in the value of informed “reflection on Practice” both individually and collectively. Prerequisites: None.
EDU503 - Leadership in Institutional Settings (4 Units)
This course explores concepts of leadership and leadership styles in the context of educational administration. Students examine the role of institutional leader, as well as factors that influence decision making, initiating change, psychological constraints, and techniques for establishing and maintaining a unique culture in the institutional setting. Prerequisites: None.
EDU506 - Organizational Behavior in the Educational Setting (4 Units)
This course studies theory, strategies and techniques of effective organizational behavior in educational/institutional settings. Intervention techniques will be studied to improve organization effectiveness. Prerequisites: Completion of Qualifying Courses
EDU507 - Educational Finance (4 Units)
This course explores the economic theories of institutional finance. Emphasis on the management and evaluation of fiscal operations in an institutional setting. Prerequisites: None.
EDU610 - Online Learning Instructional Design and Methods
This course presents the learner with tools, skills, methods, research and related knowledge to design and manage curriculum for online learners in a variety of educational settings, including K-12, Post-secondary, and corporate environments.
EDU611 - Technology Management in Education
This course presents theory and practical applications of managing educational technology and integrating technology into the curriculum, in face-to-face, and in online education environments.
EDU612 - The Laws and Ethics of Educational Technology
This course presents relevant information related to laws, policies, ethics and safety within schools, with an emphasis on issues related to 21st century learning with technology and the Internet.
EDU613 - Emerging Educational Technologies
This course presents emerging technologies and engages educators in applying emerging technologies, while preparing for perceived changes in the future, with an aim to structure more student-centered lesson plans which are adaptable to the devices and mobility available to them.
EDU700 - Comprehensive Examination (Pass/Fail)
This proctored examination, which can be taken anytime between the completion of the core courses and the Dissertation Proposal, is designed to measure a student’s knowledge and understanding of the curriculum content that has been covered in the Program. Students must pass the examination prior to advancement to candidacy. Prerequisites: Successful Completion of all Required Courses.
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