Purpose

The graduate program in education exists to carry out the educational mission of Spring Arbor University by means of an academic program that promotes scholarship, integrity, the Christian ethic, an enrichment of the liberal arts experience and a life of meaningful service in educational endeavors for the participants. In applying the goals and objectives of the program to the graduate study of education professionals, Spring Arbor University attempts to provide personalized education in the environment of a Christian liberal arts university that will further the development of the individual in such a way as to make that person a more effective educator. The program is planned to promote collaboration among education professionals and their community, and to meet the needs of candidates who are interested in professional growth and advancement in elementary or secondary education.

Philosophy

The Spring Arbor University graduate program in education is committed to the highest quality education in the environment of a Christian institution. The program is designed not only for those who wish to obtain a master’s degree, but also for those who wish to meet certification requirements in additional areas, who wish to meet provisional or professional education certificate requirements or who wish to broaden or refresh their knowledge in areas of professional education. 

The graduate program in education seeks to promote integrity, respect for self and others, disciplined judgment in the achieving of factual knowledge, technical skills needed for effective performance in the work place, and the Christian attitude. The program works to develop individual educators who will not only be able to demonstrate a high level of academic ability but will develop the effective interpersonal, collaborative, motivational, instructional and leadership skills required for the successful education professional. There should be a balance between the practical and applied, on one hand, and the theoretical and research-oriented studies on the other. Participants should be assisted in developing the attitudes and skills necessary to effectively improve their performance in current positions or to effectively move into new career positions. The graduate program in education should provide education professionals with experiences that supplement and update previous training and experience, as well as provide for development in new areas.

Click here to view the Master of Arts in Education brochure [PDF].