CUSTOMIZED MASTERS DEGREE – The Master of Science (MS) Degree in Education Improvement & Transformation
Drexel University School of Education
Drexel University’s Master of Science (MS) in Education Improvement and Transformation (EIT), a fully online degree program, empowers students to customize a program to meet their individual professional needs. Students self-design a course of study, within a degree framework, that allows them the flexibility to study the topics most relevant to their own career growth.
Whether you are looking to enter the field of education, are in the early stages of an education career, or are mid-career, the EIT MS can be the right choice. By choosing from among the many available concentrations and certificates, you can gain exposure to areas of study and topics that are cutting edge and can enhance existing knowledge and skills or introduce you to new ones necessary for making a positive impact as an educator.
There is an exciting extra benefit that, to our knowledge is unique among programs offered by schools of education in the US – students can earn up to three Post Baccalaureate Certificates (PBCs) – choosing from among five options – while accumulating credits toward the MS degree.
Students who enroll in the EIT MS come from a wide range of employment settings, with the goal of advancing themselves in their current track or switching careers, and after completing the EIT degree are positioned for employment in the K-12, post-secondary, non-profit, government, business, and other sectors.
Graduate students work closely with academic advisors to create a plan of study that supports their career objectives. Our advisors counsel their students in managing coursework, meeting program requirements and ensuring completion of the program. If you would like to speak to the academic advisor for this program, please visit the Academic Advisor Directory.
The EIT MS is a 45-credit program structured around professional development concentrations in a variety of topics; three elective courses; and a capstone sequence. To qualify for a master’s degree, students must complete three (3) of the 12 professional development concentrations:
- Collaborative Special Education Law & Process
- Creativity & Innovation
- Education Policy
- Entrepreneurship
- Evaluation & Assessment
- Higher Education Leadership
- Instructional Design for eLearning
- Leadership in Educational Settings
- Learning Analytics
- Mind, Brain & Learning
- Organization and Talent Devlopment
- Urban Education
Alternatively, they may choose to pursue up to three PBCs in the following areas:
- Creativity Tools and Techniques for the Classroom and Workplace
- Instructional Design for e-Learning
- Learning Analyticsp
- Organization and Talent Development
- U.S. Education Policy
With such a wide range of options, a student interested in pursuing an education career but uncertain of the exact track can sample four different areas of learning. Conversely, a mid-career professional can gain exposure to topics of practice that will enhance their already substantial knowledge base and skill set.
Capstone Courses
In addition to the coursework described above, students in the MS in EIT program complete a capstone research course where they are introduced to various types of research designs and learn to be both consumers and producers of research. Following completion of the research course, students will complete a two-course applied capstone experience. Students will select a capstone project that best suits their professional and academic goals and ties in their unique areas of study. Sample capstone projects include: a thesis, a reform initiative narrative, a program or grant proposal, a white paper or policy analysis, and a program evaluation.
For the full MS in Education Improvement and Transformation curriculum, please see the Drexel University Course Catalog.
The MS in Education Improvement & Transformation program is offered 100% online and enrolls new students in the fall and spring quarters. You can get started by filling out the Drexel Online application.
Admissions Criteria
- A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Graduate degree GPAs will be considered along with the undergraduate GPA
Required Documents
With multiple ways to submit documents, Drexel makes it easy to complete your application. Learn more by visiting Drexel Online's Completing Your Application Guide.
- A completed application
- Official transcripts from all universities or colleges and other post-secondary educational institutions (including trade schools) attended
- Two professional letters of recommendation
- Personal Statement (500 - 750 words) describing your interest in the program. Specifically:
- How the program relates to your previous educational and professional activities
- If changing course, why you are moving in this new direction with your educational goals
- How the program relates to your current line of work
- How you plan to apply the program to your future goals
- Additional requirements for International Students
Alumni Spotlight
Colleen Curren currently works as a special education teacher at Triton Regional High School. Colleen enrolled in Drexel's online Education Improvement and Transformation program while working full-time at a teacher. Colleen says, "The flexibility of the online format for me as a working professional also had a large impact on my decision to attend Drexel." The flexibility of the EIT program allowed Colleen to complete assignments on her own schedule and applied what she learned directly to her workplace. Colleen hopes to become more active in shaping educational policy at the local, state, and national level in the future. She credits Drexel by saying, "I believe that my education in Drexel's EIT program and continued opportunities the program provides me as a graduate will help me to do so."