The School of Education offers Learners the opportunity to pursue an area of specialization within a degree program. Learners who complete at least 18 semester credits in a specific specialization may elect to have the specialization recorded on their transcript and diploma. A specialization is not required.

There is a great deal of flexibility for Learners as they accomplish fulfilling the number of credits needed for their degree. You can even customize your learning plan. These are the specializations offered:

Curriculum and Teaching
The nature and purpose of the Curriculum and Teaching specialization is to provide Teacher Learners the knowledge, skill sets, and professional competencies that will enhance their instructional practice and expand their professional awareness. Learners have the opportunity to explore, examine, and evaluate contemporary teaching and instructional practices. Effective teaching methods are aligned to effective curricula design and development. Effective learning outcomes and student achievement are aligned to effective curricula implementation and assessment. This specialization offers Learners a comprehensive program of study aimed to improve their classroom performance and practice.

Learners will submit a portfolio/project to satisfy degree requirements.

Educational Leadership
The School of Education at NCU is committed to preparing Educational Leaders and scholars through a comprehensive program of study in Educational Leadership (EL) addressing the ever-changing conditions and emerging issues within the context of education. Dedicated to the University's mission of providing excellence in teaching, research, and service the Program promotes a broad array of values, knowledge, and skills essential to renew and improve education in the 21st Century. Learners pursuing the specialization in Educational Leadership engage in study related to the setting in which they are interested in working. The specialization in Educational Leadership allows Learners to pursue a coherent set of structured learning experiences including traditional coursework, research, and professional practice to achieve learning outcomes.

Learners may select from either the Leadership Academy or the Action Research Project as their capstone.

Education Technology Management
Education Technology Management (LTM) is designed for education professionals who are developing their leadership role in the field of educational technology. Focus of the program is in establishing a knowledge-base and application of new technologies, current research in the field and designing curriculum and instruction through technology integration and instructional planning. Learners will develop skills and knowledge to advance their instructional effectiveness in varied settings through application of technology theory and practice.

Education Technology Management is designed for educational trainers, teachers and supervisors. Learners pursuing their M.Ed. may select from either the Leadership Academy or the Action Research Project as their capstone.

E-Learning and Teaching Online
Online teaching requires that instructors develop a new set of skills in order to teach effectively via the World Wide Web. Participants will develop an understanding of online course development and management, as well as gain an understanding of the unique needs of an online learner.

English as a Second Language (ESL)/English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
Teaching English to speakers of other languages is a truly specialized area of pedagogy and one that is increasingly demanded of educational institutions and training programs. This English as a Second Language/English for Speakers of Other Language program conveys the expertise and skills set education practitioners need to excel in this vital and growing field. (N.B.: If you plan on using these courses for ESOL/ESL certification in your state request approval by your state office of education before registering.)

Exceptional Student Education
The Exceptional Student Education (ESE) specialization is designed to prepare graduates to teach and work with individuals with various types of disabilities. The specialized curriculum prepares Learners to teach students with mental, physical, behavioral and learning disabilities, as well as work in a variety of related fields. The course offerings within the ESE specialization covers a wide spectrum of issues relating to individuals with disabilities, including the development and characteristics of learners, individual learning differences, instructional strategies, social development, and language development.

The curriculum encompasses learning environments, instructional planning, assessment, professional and ethical practices, and collaboration. Learners pursuing the ESE specialization may select from either the Leadership Academy or the Action Research Project as their capstone.

Gifted and Talented Education
The NCU Gifted and Talented Education (GTE) Specialization provides present and future education professionals with the most current research and skills necessary to foster educational reform in this field. These questions answered for Learners will help develop professionals who will serve as advocates for gifted and talented populations.

Higher Education Leadership
The specialization in Higher Education Leadership (LHE) offers M.Ed. Learners with an opportunity to pursue studies in higher education. Learners pursuing the higher education specialization are usually seeking to develop their leadership skills and/or desire to move into faculty roles in higher education. They may already work at a community college or university and are seeking job advancement. They may wish to pursue a faculty position by continuing their studies at the doctoral level.

Coursework may be tailored to complement interests and professional aspirations within the higher education environment. Learners may select from either the Leadership Academy or the Action Research Project as their capstone.

Instructional and Curriculum Leadership
The specialization in Instructional Leadership (IL) and Supervision at NCU provides a solid foundation for Learners with the desire to improve the instructional capacity of schools and increase student achievement. Instructional leadership, not just by the principal but by others in both formal and informal leadership roles play a pivotal role in leading instructional improvements to enhance student learning and achievement.

Upon graduating from the M.Ed. Learners are prepared to be reflective decision makers through teaching and research; and instructional leaders who promote the values, knowledge, and skills needed to renew and improve education across the state, region, and nation.

Learners may choose between the Leadership Academy or the Action Research Project for their Capstone experience.

Organizational Leadership
Organizational Leadership (OL) appeals to Learners who are focused on developing the competencies required of organizational leaders. The strategically crafted courses serve to enhance Learner’s commitment to the understanding and practice of leadership. Grounded in research, facilitated by leadership practitioner faculty and customized for maximum professional impact, the NCU Leadership course of study is designed for those who aspire to become collaborative change agents.

M.Ed. Learners may select from the Leadership Academy or the Action Research Project as their capstone.

School Improvement Leadership
The School Improvement Leadership (SIL) specialization guides individuals with leadership responsibilities within schools toward a deeper understanding of the need for the development, implementation, and regular review of improvement plans and strategies. Learners will increase their knowledge and practical experience as leaders of school improvement, through effective communication and reflective practice, while gaining a deeper understanding of the range of school improvement approaches.

Sports Management and Leadership
The Sports Management & Leadership specialization was created to meet the needs of a rapidly expanding and changing multi-billion dollar sports industry, providing Learners an opportunity to expand their knowledge. NCU's programs are delivered completely online to meet today's hectic schedules of educators and administrators.

Dr. Lynn Lashbrook, President and Founder of Sports Management Worldwide (SMWW) serves as a faculty mentor. Sports leaders are invited by Dr.Lashbrook, throughout the year to participate in audio chats, giving the students the opportunity to learn firsthand about the real world of sports. For information regarding Sports Management Worldwide:
www.smww.com

This link will take you to the SMWW Landing page where you will find more information on the program and the application process: www.ncu.edu

Teacher Leadership
The specialization in Teacher Leadership (TL) prepares Learners with a knowledge base, skill set, and competencies necessary to assume diverse leadership roles in the educational enterprise. Teacher Leadership is about energizing and mobilizing the "sleeping giant" – the untapped attributes and contributions of teachers to strengthen student performance and increase student achievement.

Teacher Leadership offers Learners the opportunity to develop their understanding of teaching and learning; to augment their understanding of school culture; to challenge the barriers to school reform and change; to build collaborative coalitions, and to create new system paradigms. Teacher Leadership is geared to Learners who wish to extend their professional influence beyond their classrooms without leaving the teaching profession.

Learners may select from either the Leadership Academy or the Action Research Project as their capstone.

Training and Development Leadership
The preparation of trainers, consultants, human resource educators, and program developers is addressed in this dynamic, integrative specialization. Theoretical and practical information from Organizational Leadership, Adult Education, Systems and Human Resource areas serve as the foundation and framework for this specialization. The Training and Development specialization prepares individuals to identify emerging workplace/workforce issues and to translate these issues into effective, comprehensive action-oriented learning agendas for their organization.

M.Ed. Learners may select from the Leadership Academy or the Action Research Project as their capstone.