Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind of Program Is It?

Walden University's online M.S. in Education program with a specialization in Middle Level Education (Grades 5-8) emphasizes the development of teaching and evaluation skills designed to aid in educating and understanding students between the ages of 10 and 14. Specialization courses address early adolescent social and emotional development, middle level learning theories, curriculum design processes, instructional methods, educational technology applications, and online tools. You will then choose two courses focusing on specific areas of teaching for middle level grades, including science, social studies, and language arts. The program is designed to reflect professional guidelines published by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and the National Middle School Association in the field of education.

What Are the Prerequisites?

You should currently hold a state teaching license and be employed as a middle school teacher before enrolling in Walden University's M.S. in Education program with a specialization in Middle Level Education (Grades 5-8). It is helpful to have an academic background in education. Applicants to Walden University's master's programs must have a bachelor's degree and may need to complete additional requirements for some programs.

What Are the Program Requirements?

Degree program curriculum and credits are subject to change, and you should contact Walden University for the most current information before enrolling in a program. You must complete 33 semester credits to earn the M.S. in Education with a specialization in Middle Level Education (Grades 5-8) from Walden University. This total consists of 24credits in specialization courses, six credits in specific teaching-content courses, and a three-credit capstone.

Specialization Courses

• Success Strategies in the Online Environment
• Concepts of Technology
• Young Adolescent Development and Implications in a Global Society
• Organizational Structures for High-Performing Middle Grades Schools
• The Middle Grades Curriculum Continuum
• Pedagogy and Exemplary Practices for Learning in the Middle Grades
• Assessment and Evaluation as Tools for Student Success
• Arts Education for the Middle Level Educator

Teaching Fields Content

• Choose two of the following:
  • Mathematics for Middle Level Teachers
  • Understanding and Teaching the Language Arts
  • Science for Middle Level Teachers
  • Understanding and Teaching the Social Studies

Capstone Course

• Middle Level Professional Roles

What Could I Do After I Graduate?

Career Opportunities

Upon completion of Walden University's M.S. in Education program with a specialization in Middle Level Education (Grades 5-8), you could apply organizational skills, teaching strategies, and assessment methods you learned in the program to your current classroom or seek new opportunities in the middle level education field. Positions you could pursue include:

• Middle school mathematics teacher
• Middle school social studies teacher
• Middle school language arts teacher
• Middle school science teacher

Walden offers both state-approved educator licensure programs as well as programs and courses that do not lead to licensure or endorsements. Prospective students must review their state licensure requirements prior to enrolling. For more information, please refer to www.WaldenU.edu/educlicensure.

Prospective Alabama students: Contact the Teacher Education and Certification Division of the Alabama State Department of Education at 1-334-242-9935 or www.alsde.edu to verify that these programs qualify for teacher certification, endorsement, and/or salary benefits.

Prospective Washington state students are advised to contact the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction at 1-360-725-6275 or prof.educ@k12.wa.us to determine whether Walden's programs in the field of education are approved for teacher certification or endorsements in Washington state. Additionally, teachers are advised to contact their individual school district as to whether this program may qualify for salary advancement.