Frequently Asked Questions
Elementary Education - Master of Arts
Elementary Education | College of Education 

Which is better for me, the Fast-Track or the traditional program?

Both are strong programs with the same goals. The table below outlines some of the main difference:

 

I am a substitute teacher.  Can I count this experience to replace required observation hours?

Unfortunately, no.  Pre-practicum hours are associated with particular classes and must be completed in conjunction with the specific requirements and assignments of the course.

Can I take undergraduate general education courses at a community college?

Yes you can, but please note that Roosevelt University offers a very large tuition discount to graduate education students who complete undergraduate general education requirements are Roosevelt.  The tuition is comparable to that of community colleges and is approximately $100 per semester hour.  See your advisor to take advantage of this opportunity to complete all of your certification and graduation requirements at one location.

In financial aid available for graduate students?

Although federal and state grants are primarily available only to those seeking an initial degree, Roosevelt offers scholarships and loans that may help defray some of the cost of graduate education.  For further information contact the Student Financial Center at 312-341-3566 in Chicago and 847-619-8600 at the Robin campus in Schaumburg.

How long will it take me to finish the program?

The time varies depending on how many classes you take each term, if you are willing to go to summer school and if you have general education deficiencies.  

Can I graduate if I decide not to pursue student teaching and teaching certification?

Yes, if you discover that teaching is not your calling, you can still earn a master’s degree without certification.  Speak to your advisor about the details.  Typically this involves enrolling in six semester hours of education electives in lieu of student teaching.

Are classes offered at night?

The graduate program is an evening, Saturday, and online program.  You should be able to complete your entire program other than student teaching without taking weekday courses.

Can I observe in the school where I work?

Since you are required to have a variety of experiences in terms of age level, population and students, you must vary the location of your clinical hours.  For some courses you are able to complete up to half of the hours in a school where you work as long as you observe in a classroom other than your own and on your free time. 

Can I student teach in a middle school or junior high?

Students receiving a Type 03 certificate are certified to teach multiple content areas at the K-9 level.  Most middle schools and/or junior high schools hire teachers to teach in one or possibly two content areas.  For this reason, Roosevelt places student teachers only in elementary school settings.  We will, however, place you in an upper grade classroom.

Will I need to travel to both campuses in order to complete the program?

Generally, no .  The program in its entirety is offered at both campuses.  With careful advisement you should be able to complete the program at one campus or the other without needing to commute.  However, we do encourage you to take a class or two at the second campus just to have the experience of a class in Chicago if you are a suburban student or one in the suburbs if you are a Chicago student.

If I have completed all of the graduation requirements at Roosevelt, will I automatically have completed all of the certification requirements?

Not necessarily.  For this reason you are strongly advised to meet with a faculty member from the Department of Elementary Education each term prior to registration so that you can be assured that at the time of graduation you will have met all requirements for both the bachelor’s degree and certification.

Is it better to have my master’s degree before applying for a job?  Or is it better to secure a job and then complete my master’s degree?

The answer to this question depends on the district to which you are applying and on the state of the economy when you apply.  There is little difference in pay between a first year teacher with and without a master’s degree.  However, some districts prefer to hire inexperienced individuals at the lower rate of pay.  Other districts consider it a point of honor to hire as many teachers as possible with a master’s degree. So, it is difficult to predict.  The best course of action might be to talk with individuals within the district where you would prefer to work to get their perspective.  You have six years from the beginning of a graduate program to complete your degree.  Your decision may depend on the district or on your own life situation.  If you plan to move out of state or out of the area, you may just want to complete the degree while you can.