graduate school - Gardner

FaithGRADUATE
Service SCHOOL
Leadership
GARDNER-WEBB UNIVERSITY
QUICK FACTS
ACCREDITATION
Gardner-Webb University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern
Association of Colleges and Schools. The School of Education is accredited by the North
Carolina Department of Public Instruction and the National Council for Accreditation of
Teacher Education (NCATE). The University is authorized by the immigration authorities
of the United States for the training of foreign students.
PRESIDENT
Dr. Frank Bonner
July 1, 2005 – present
HISTORY HIGHLIGHTS
Founded in 1905 as Boiling Springs High School, it became Boiling Springs Junior
College in 1928, and was renamed Gardner-Webb College in 1942 in honor of
Governor O. Max Gardner and his wife, Fay Webb Gardner. GWU became a university
in 1993 and added Doctor of Education programs in 2004. Gardner-Webb
celebrated 100 years of educational service in 2005.
FACULTY
46 Full-Time Faculty; 100% with Doctorate
LOCATION
50 miles west of Charlotte in the Piedmont area of Western North Carolina. Main
campus of 200 acres is located in Boiling Springs, NC.
CURRICULUM
CONTACT
ENROLLMENT
The Graduate School
offers ten degree
programs and three
post master’s licensure
or certificate programs.
Graduate Admissions
PO Box 7256
Boiling Springs, NC
28017
(704) 406-4723
Average fall enrollment
for all Graduate
Programs is over 1,500
students.
32% male
68% female
gradschool@gardner-webb.edu
gardner-webb.edu/gradschool
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GARDNER WEBB UNIVERSITY|Graduate School
Geographic Distribution:
14 states
15 foreign counties
SCHOOL OF EDUCATION
A NOTE FROM THE DEAN
We invite you to become a part of our unique
“community of learners.”
We challenge you to forge meaningful and symbiotic relationships with your
peers and professors as you expand your intellectual and professional horizons.
We look forward to partnering with you, as you prepare to make significant
contributions to God and humanity in an ever-changing global community.
Dr. Franki Burch
Dean|Graduate School
GraduateAdmissionsGWU
GradAdmGWU
Gardner-Webb Graduate Admissions
Faith Service
Leadership
www.gardner-webb.edu/gradschool
Faith
Service
Leadership
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GARDNER-WEBB UNIVERSITY
EDUCATION DISTINCTIVES
) CHRISTIAN HERITAGE
Acknowledging One God—Creator and
Sustainer of life, and Jesus Christ as Savior
and Lord; committing to self-giving service
displayed in Christ-like moral action that
respects the dignity and value of every
person.
)ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
Encouraging visible enthusiasm for
knowledge, intellectual challenge, continuous
learning, and scholarly endeavors; inviting
pursuit of educational opportunities within
and beyond the classroom for the joy of
discovery; and inspiring accomplishment
within one’s field of study.
)TEAMWORK
Working collaboratively to support
and promote shared goals, assuming
responsibility willingly, meeting commitments
dependably, handling disagreement
constructively, and persevering despite
distraction and adversity.
) STUDENT-CENTERED FOCUS
Providing students an environment that
fosters intellectual and spiritual growth;
encourages service, social and cultural
enrichment; strengthens and develops
moral character; and respects the value
and individuality of every student.
)COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Assisting campus, local, national, and
global communities through education,
outreach, and research; fostering dialogue
and action in support of human welfare and
environmental stewardship.
)DIVERSITY
Studying and celebrating our world’s rich
mix of cultures, ideologies, and ethnicities;
respecting and welcoming students
without regard to ethnicity, gender, religious
commitment, national origin, or disability.
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GARDNER WEBB UNIVERSITY|Graduate School
GARDNER-WEBB GRADUATE SCHOOL
OVERVIEW & MISSION
OVERVIEW
An elementary school teacher. A high school guidance counselor. A middle school sports
team coach. Each requires a different set of information and skills to make the critical
decisions that shape the way our children learn and inform the methods used in our
schools and communities. The Graduate School offers several options of graduate study.
Whether you are a teacher, a coach, or a counselor, you will discover the Graduate School
can assist you in fulfilling your educational aspirations and career goals.
PROGRAM OFFERINGS
) Master of Arts/Education Specialist in Mental Health Counseling
) Master of Arts in School Counseling
) Master of Arts in English
) Master of Arts in English Education
) Master of Arts in Sports Science & Pedagogy
) Master of Arts in Elementary Education
) Master of Arts in Middle Grades Education
) Master of Arts in Religion
) Master of Arts in Executive Leadership Studies
) Add-On Licensure in School Administration
MISSION
Gardner-Webb University’s mission is to provide opportunities for high quality advanced
study to individuals holding bachelor’s degrees from regionally accredited institutions,
within a context that embraces faith and intellectual freedom, balances conviction with
compassion, and inspires in students love of learning, service and leadership. The curricula
- which for the most part are designed to meet the needs of full-time teachers, counselors,
and school administrators working in their fields - emphasize independent, critical thinking;
effective communication, and the importance of the scholar, professional educator and
counselor as theorist and practitioner.
PURPOSE
Gardner-Webb University strives to develop lifelong learners grounded in faith, service, and
leadership. The Graduate School of our multi-campus private university—whose motto is
“For God and Humanity”—provides innovative graduate education that contributes to the
improvement of society through development of the individual. While our Graduate School’s
hallmark is a family-oriented culture, its nationally accredited programs prepare a diverse
student population for leadership and service as world citizens.
PROGRAM SITES
The Graduate School offers a variety of programs on and off Gardner-Webb University’s
main campus, including online education in some areas. For more information about the
graduate programs, locations and program-specific admission requirements, visit:
www.gardner-webb.edu/gradschool
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GARDNER-WEBB GRADUATE SCHOOL
MASTER OF ARTS IN PSYCHOLOGY & COUNSELING
M.A.|ED.S. MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING
The M.A./Ed.S. program in Mental Health Counseling is designed to develop skilled clinicians
and well-educated leaders in the field of mental health. Within a caring and challenging
environment, the program strives to facilitate the acquisition and application of knowledge
and skills which will help graduate students to make appropriate contributions to diverse
clients, institutions, and society. The program is designed to provide graduate-level
preparation for students who seek advanced educational experiences and clinical training
leading to certification and/or licensure for professional positions in the Mental Health
Counseling field. Graduate students will experience an advanced curriculum which involves
the application of principles in mental health counseling, human development, treatment
planning, group dynamics and the assessment of mental illness and dysfunctional behavior.
Upon graduation, the student will have satisfied the educational requirements for pursuit of
the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) licensure.
HOURS:
60 semester hours
PREREQUISITES:
Minimum of 18 hours of psychology or related areas to include general, abnormal,
psychopathology, personality theory and developmental.
M.A. SCHOOL COUNSELING
The School Counseling Program prepares graduate students to fulfill the diverse roles required
of school counselors who are both theorists and practitioners in a multicultural society.
Graduate students are prepared to develop comprehensive school counseling programs
which align with the ASCA National Model and to collaborate with parents, school personnel,
and others in assisting students with academic, career, personal, and social concerns. The
School Counseling Program stresses developmental, preventative, and remedial services.
Additional emphasis is given to acquisition and application of knowledge and skills, critical
thinking and decision making, appreciation of diversity, demonstration of professional, ethical
and legal practices, and an understanding of the educational process within the complex
school environment. The examination of personal values and experiences and their potential
influence in a variety of counseling situations is encouraged. The School Counseling Program
culminates in a school-based practicum and internship experience designed to solidify the
graduate student’s identity as a professional school counselor.
HOURS:
48 semester hours
PREREQUISITES:
Undergraduate courses (9 hours) including classroom management, developmental
psychology, and psychopathology.
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GARDNER-WEBB UNIVERSITY|Graduate School
GRADUATE SCHOOL OF PSYCHOLOGY AND COUNSELING
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Admission to the School of Psychology and Counseling is selective. Admission decision is based
on a balanced appraisal of applicant’s total admission and academic record.
) Submit an application. Application fee is waived if applying online. A $40 non-refundable
application fee is required if submitting a paper application.
) Submit all official transcripts from regionally accredited higher education institutions.
) Submit official score reports. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Miller Analogies Test
(MAT) is accepted.
) Proof of satisfactory criminal background record check for states of residence for the past five
years.
) A successful interview by program faculty. The Mental Health Counseling Program requires a
questionnaire to be completed in addition to the interview.
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GARDNER-WEBB GRADUATE SCHOOL
MASTER OF ARTS IN EDUCATION
M.A. ELEMENTARY EDUCATION (K-6)
Graduates of the Master of Arts in Elementary Education program are encouraged to be
self-reflective, lifelong learners who design, implement, and evaluate elementary school
curriculum and instruction; interpret and apply current research findings; and conduct
relevant classroom research. The program culminates with a capstone experience requiring
synthesis of a student’s products of learning in conjunction with an innovative project
designed collaboratively by the student and graduate committee.
The master’s program in Elementary Education includes 30 semester hours in four
components: professional, instructional, elective, and capstone. This program builds upon
the most current body of knowledge of best practice and theory relevant to teaching in K-6. In
order to obtain graduate level licensure, students must have or be eligible for initial licensure
in Elementary Education.
M.A. MIDDLE GRADES EDUCATION
Graduate courses in the Middle Grades Education curriculum are designed to assist in the
advanced preparation of individuals who teach or desire to teach in a middle school. The
Middle Grades Program allows learners to improve professional skills, wrap theory in practice,
and gain expertise in math, social studies, communication skills, or science. Students will
benefit from a synthesis of current research and classroom applications. This program
culminates in a capstone experience requiring an innovative project designed collaboratively
by the student and the student’s committee.
The Master’s Degree in Middle Grades Education includes 30 semester hours in five
components: professional, instructional, content area, elective, and capstone. The primary
focus of the program is to enhance middle level teachers’ understanding and knowledge of the
theoretical base, research, and exemplary practices of middle level education including, but
not limited to, the nature of the young adolescent, developmentally appropriate instruction,
and advanced content area knowledge. The program leads to recommendation for graduate
level state licensure.
M.A. EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP STUDIES (K-12)
The purpose of the Master of Arts in Executive Leadership Studies (K-12) is to develop
educational leaders through courses, research, seminars, and internships conducted in an
environment based on Christian principles and values. The program is available online and
at several campuses.
The focus of the Executive Leadership Studies (K-12) program is to prepare experienced
teachers to serve as educational leaders; it is designed to relate to the needs of educators
in both theory and practice. Those with bachelor’s degrees may enter the two-year program
leading to a Master of Arts degree in School Administration (K-12), which is a 36-semesterhour program including a 6-hour internship.
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GARDNER-WEBB UNIVERSITY|Graduate School
GRADUATE SCHOOL OF EDUCATION
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
If applying for initial admission to the School of Education programs, students should:
) Submit an application. Application fee is waived if applying online. A $40 non-refundable application
fee is required if submitting a paper application.
)
Submit all official transcripts from regionally accredited higher education institutions.
) Submit official score reports. The PRAXIS II,
Test (MAT) is accepted.
Graduate Record Examination (GRE), or Miller Analogies
) Three positive letters of reference.
)
Submit “A” level N.C. Teacher’s license or equivalent.
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GARDNER-WEBB GRADUATE SCHOOL
MASTER OF ARTS
M.A. ENGLISH
The Master of Arts in English Program offers students an opportunity to advance their skills in
literary analysis and to expand their knowledge in literature, writing, and literary theory. The
program will prepare students to be scholars who have not only mastered a body of knowledge
in their field but who have also developed the research skills to be self-educating learners. In
addition, a Master’s degree in English can prepare a student for doctoral studies or for being
an instructor at the community college level. With small classes and a dedication to fostering
faculty-student relationships, the English Department will provide graduate students with the
personal instruction that is a hallmark of the Gardner-Webb experience. Faculty are active
scholars in their fields.
Coursework includes seminars in American, British, and World Literature, and recent courses
have included African-American Literature, Literature and Religion in 19th Century England,
Literary Theory, Shakespeare, Film as Narrative Art, Young Adult Literature, and Diaspora and
Travel in Caribbean and Indian Literature. Students seeking NC Teaching Licensure, either
initial or graduate, should consult the Graduate Coordinator for the M.A. in English Education
Program.
The Master of Arts in English Program is designed to include two options: either 24 hours
of course credit plus 6 hours of thesis credit, or 30 hours of course credit with no thesis. In
either case the candidate must take comprehensive exams either during or following the last
semester of course work.
M.A. ENGLISH EDUCATION (9-12)
The purpose of the Master of Arts in English Education (9-12) is to support the professional
development of teachers of English who contribute to the community in which they teach
through effective communications skills, through understanding and appreciation of literature
of diverse cultures, through understanding of the importance of critical and independent
thinking, through action research, and through knowledge of and reflection on effective teaching
practices and strategies, including the use of appropriate technology.
The M.A. in English Education program (9-12) includes 30 semester hours in professional and
content area studies. It leads to a recommendation for a graduate-level NC Teaching License
for those who possess initial licensure in 9-12 English. Students must be teaching some
aspect of the discipline of English in a real-world context in order to complete the requirements
of this program.
M.A. SPORTS SCIENCE & PEDAGOGY
The Master of Arts in Sport Science and Pedagogy program curriculum is designed to assist
in the advanced preparation of individuals who are involved with sport and fitness-related
endeavors. These may include physical education programs, coaching environments, fitness
centers, sport clubs, and other physical activity settings. The development of skills will be
accomplished through coursework, research, and pedagogical experience. Students will benefit
from a synthesis of current and applicable information derived from both theory and practice.
The program consists of 30 semester hours in five carefully chosen components: methodology,
science, socio-culture, administration, and elective. The primary focus of the program is
instructional expertise in sport-related settings. The elective component of the program consists
of six hours of subject area that may be programmed to meet the specific needs of individual
students. This program does not include recommendation for graduate level state teaching
licensure or equivalent.
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GARDNER-WEBB UNIVERSITY|Graduate School
GRADUATE SCHOOL
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Students may enter at the beginning of any semester or summer term. If applying for initial admission
to the Master of Arts in English, Master of Arts in English Education, or Master of Arts in Sports Science
and Pedagogy, students should:
)
Submit an application. Application fee is waived if applying online. A $40 non-refundable application
fee is required if submitting a paper application.
)
)
Submit all official transcripts from regionally accredited higher education institutions.
Submit official score reports. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Miller Analogies Test (MAT) is
accepted. Praxis II scores are accepted for English Education.
)
)
)
Submit three positive letters of reference on GWU form.
Submit a 250 word Statement of Purpose.
Applicants for the M.A. in English and M.A. in English Education are required to submit a writing
sample.
)
Applicants for the M.A. in English Education should submit “A” level N.C. Teacher’s License.
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GARDNER-WEBB GRADUATE SCHOOL
MASTER OF ARTS
M.A. RELIGION
The M.A. in Religion is a thirty-six semester-hour program. It includes eighteen hours taken from
a common core offered by the Department of Religion Studies and Philosophy. Students select
an additional twelve hours in the department in a Biblical Studies/Languages concentration, or
they select a concentration outside the department in the School of Psychology and Counseling,
Department of English Language and Literature, School of Divinity, or School of Education. The
Department of Religious Studies and Philosophy must approve these concentrations. Students
must also meet all requirements established by the departments/schools involved for taking
courses outside of the Department of Religious Studies. Students also select six hours from
one of two tracks: the research track (thesis research and writing) or the teaching track (a
pedagogy course and an internship in university teaching).
M.DIV./M.A. IN RELIGION DEGREE
Gardner-Webb offers a combined M.DIV./M.A. in Religion degree. The M.Div. /M.A. in Religion
is housed in the School of Divinity. Students wishing to pursue the dual degree of Master of
Divinity and a Master of Arts in Religion must have the concentration in Biblical Studies/
languages within the Department of Religious Studies and Philosophy. The M.Div. /M.A. in
Religion requires completion of the 60 hour core, 6 hours of biblical studies electives, 3 hours
of historical and theological studies electives, 3 hours of practical ministry electives of the
M.Div. degree, and the 36 hour M.A. in Religion for a total of 108 hours. Students must also
meet all requirements established by the departments/schools involved for taking courses
outside of the Department of Religious Studies and Philosophy. Students also select six hours
from one of two tracks: the research track (thesis research and writing) or the teaching track (a
pedagogy course and an internship in university teaching).
Dual degree students must apply to the Graduate School as well as to the School of Divinity,
following the admission requirements of the respective programs, and be accepted to each in
order to pursue both degrees. Also, when academic policies and standards differ between the
two schools (e.g., grades required for maintaining good academic standing and for graduation),
the policies and standards of the appropriate school apply to the respective portion of the dual
degree.
M.A. IN RELIGION
ADDITIONAL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
In addition to the basic requirements for admission to the University’s Graduate School, full
admission is granted to students who have met the following requirements:
) Demonstrated proficiency in the biblical languages (normally this proficiency will be achieved
through three semesters of Greek and three semesters of Hebrew with a “C” or better in all
language courses);
) A major in religious studies or the equivalent with a GPA of 2.75 or greater;
) Submit a 15-20 page research paper with documented research on a topic in the field of
Religious Studies. This essay can be something the applicant has written previously for an
academic assignment. The essay must be submitted electronically in Rich Text Format by
email to the Graduate School;
) A successful departmental interview to determine academic preparation and vocational
appropriateness of the degree for the prospective student (students desiring to work
in pastoral ministry are directed to a Master of Divinity program rather than the M.A. in
Religion).
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GARDNER-WEBB UNIVERSITY|Graduate School
GRADUATE SCHOOL
OUTCOMES
M.A. ENGLISH EDUCATION
My experience in the master’s
program in English and through the
doctoral program in education has
been phenomenal. The instructors
are first-rate experts in their fields-and are always incredibly helpful
and encouraging. I would strongly
recommend these programs to anyone.
Dustin Bridges
Assistant Principal of
Curriculum & Instruction
M.A. English Education
M.A. SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION (Now MELS)
It has always been my plan to educate
others. Early on, I taught swimming
lessons, baby-sat, and worked as a
counselor at the YMCA. I was around
children a lot and saw teaching as
a future. I had always planned to
further my education. GWU offered a
wonderful opportunity for me to grow
as a teacher. The degree has helped me
with leadership skills in the classroom. I
am merely a reflection of all those who
taught me and the wonderful school
system I am a part of.
Sherri Hartley|Kindergarten Teacher
Teacher of the Year
2008-09 Davidson Co.
M.A. School Administration
GRADUATE SCHOOL
Faith
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GARDNER-WEBB UNIVERSITY
AFFORDING YOUR EDUCATION
) EMPLOYER ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
Some school systems, medical facilities, and
businesses provide financial assistance to GardnerWebb students. Prospective students should confer
with their central offices as to the availability of such
funds.
) PRIVATE SOURCES
Many companies and foundations offer assistance to
students based on various qualifications. Students
should investigate policies of their employers as well
as with local civic organizations to determine the
availability of such funds.
) MILITARY/VETERAN’S BENEFIT
The veteran’s benefit is awarded to eligible personnel.
A DD-214 and a VA Application for Education Benefits
must be submitted to the University’s VA Coordinator.
) FEDERAL AID
The Federal Direct Stafford Loan, subsidized or
unsubsidized, is available to undergraduate and
graduate students.
) GRADUATE
Scholarship
EDUCATION
The Graduate School awards a scholarship each
fall to a qualified new student enrolled in one of the
education master’s programs. The scholarship provides
full tuition remission.
) HELPFUL LINKS
FEDERAL STUDENT AID
COLLEGE FOUNDATION
FINAID
FASTWEB
www.fafsa.ed.gov
www.cfnc.org
ZZZÀQDLGRUJ
www.fastweb.com
gardner-webb.edu/gradschool
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GARDNER-WEBB UNIVERSITY|Graduate School
ABOUT
Gardner-Webb University is
committed to the liberal arts as
the best preparation students can
have for rewarding, meaningful
lives. In addition, the University
offers programs in career-oriented
fields to prepare students for
specialized work. All of the
programs at Gardner-Webb
are evaluated periodically by
accrediting agencies to insure
that standards of quality are
maintained.
Complementing the academic
program at Gardner-Webb
University is a broad range
of student life programs and
activities designed to enable
students to develop their personal
identities and to create lifetime
friendships.
GRADUATE SCHOOL
TESTING INFORMATION
MAT TESTING
www.milleranalogies.com
GRE TESTING
www.ets.org
GRADUATE ADMISSION
RESOURCES
www.petersons.com
www.princetonreview.com
INTERNATIONAL
COURSE EVALUATIONS
www.wes.org
GARDNER-WEBB UNIVERSITY
OUR LOCATION
Gardner-Webb University is situated on over 200 acres in the Piedmont section of western North
Carolina, one of the most desirable and rapidly developing areas of our nation. Boiling Springs is a
small rural town. Nearby Shelby, a city of 22,000, is noted for its support of the arts and as the home of
state and national leaders. Fifty miles east of Gardner-Webb is the thriving city of Charlotte, the largest
city in the Carolinas. Less than one hour away to the south is the city of Spartanburg, South Carolina.
WV
KY
Roanoke
I-81
VA
Hickory
GWUCharlotte
I-77
I-74
I-85
I-77
TN
I-85
I-40
Raleigh
Asheville
Charlotte
I-40
NC
I-26
Greenville
Gaffney
Spartanburg
I-26
Greenville
GA
SC
I-95
Wilmington
Columbia
Yes, I want to learn more about GWU’s
Graduate
Graduate School.
School. Please send me information!
ELEMENTARY EDUCATION
Name
____________________________________
DOB____________
Degree
Completion Program
Address __________________________________________________
City __________________________ State_________ Zip____________
Home Phone (_____) _______________________________________
Cell/Work Phone (_____)_____________________________________
Email ___________________________________________________
College/University __________________________________________
Degrees Held ______________________________________________
(877) GWU-GRAD|
GWU-GRAD|www.gardner-webb.edu/gradschool
SC
P.O. Box 7256 | 110 S. Main St.
Boiling Springs, NC 28017
(877) 498-4723
(704) 406-4723
PROGRAMS
T Elementary Education
TEnglish
TEnglish Education (9-12)
TMental Health Counseling
Elementary Education
TMiddle Grades Education
English
TExecutive Leadership Studies
English Education (9-12)
TSchool
MentalAdministration
Health Counseling
Add-On
Middle Licensure
Grades Education
TSchool
SchoolCounseling
Administration
TSports
and Pedagogy
SchoolScience
Administration
Add-On Licensure
TReligion
PROGRAMS
School Counseling
Sports Science and Pedagogy
TERM
Religion
TFall
TSpring
TSummer
Fall
_________
Year
TERM
Spring
Summer
_________ Year
Faith
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