Home

Master of Applied Science in Assessment:
Learning Improvement Option

The Master of Applied Science (MAS) in Assessment is a unique interdisciplinary degree that focuses upon research and data-driven decision-making to facilitate improvement within organizations. The 33-credit hour masters degree consists of an 18 credit hour core of assessment and 15 credit hour options that allow for specialization within select professional fields. Although the initial offering includes options for educators and literacy providers, additional options may address other professional fields such as not-for-profits and health care.

General Information

1. Who should enroll in this option?
2. What are the admission requirements?
3. How do I apply?
4. How is this different from a traditional master’s degree?
5. Why is it important to gain expertise in assessment and data-driven decision-making?
6. How much is tuition?
7. What about scholarships/fellowships?
8. Is housing available?
9. When are classes held?
10. Do I have the option of full- or part-time?
11. Where are classes held?
12. Who teaches the courses in this option?

Who should enroll in this option?
The MAS in Assessment – Learning Improvement Option degree is designed for conscientious teachers who want to improve their craft and to increase student learning through understanding of the political and practical constraints of teaching and the use of data to make decisions and secure support for change.

What are the admission requirements?
To be admitted to graduate studies at Missouri Western State University, an applicant must complete an Application for Graduate Admission. Admission to graduate programs at Missouri Western State University is based upon the following:

1. A bachelor’s degree or master’s degree from an accredited college or university.
2. A minimum 3.0 undergraduate grade point average (GPA).
3. Minimum graduate-level entrance exam score, as designated by the department or graduate program.
4. Resumė, letters of recommendation, and interview as required by the admitting program.
5. Degree-seeking students admitted to a graduate program must enroll and begin classes at Missouri Western State University within one academic year after receiving official notice of acceptance from the Graduate Office.
6. Applicants who are not citizens of the United States must receive a score of 550 or above on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), unless the applicant is from a country where English is the native language or they possess a baccalaureate degree from a college or university in which the primary language of instruction was English.
7. Admission to the MAS in Assessment – Learning Improvement Option degree program requires successful completion of a baccalaureate degree with teacher certification; at least one year successful teaching in a P-16 setting or sufficient documentation of equivalent teaching experience; a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0; approval of the Education Graduate Admissions Committee; and an official record of completion of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or other appropriate test scores. Applicants with a GPA from 2.75-2.99 may be given provisional enrollment with the requirement to successfully complete (B or better) the first two MWSU courses in the program.

How do I apply?
Fill out an application online. For more information, contact the Graduate Studies Office
or the Education Department.

How is this different from a traditional master’s degree?
The MAS in Assessment degree at Missouri Western State University is degree is unique because of the applied nature of its curriculum. Students will work hand-in-hand within their professional field to collect data about programs, personnel and methods; analyze and interpret the information; seek support in the form of partnerships and funding, and develop plans to improve professional performance and outcomes.

Why is it important to gain expertise in assessment and data-driven decision-making?
In “A Decade of Standards” in Teacher Magazine, Lynn Olson stated that “When teachers collaborate to really examine the quality of student work, and what students are or are not learning, and readjust their teaching accordingly, then I think we’re seeing standards-based education the way it should be.” The process she is describing is well on its way to becoming an established piece within many teacher education programs and is usually described as learning by examining student (K-12) work samples. In fact, Missouri Western State University has been recognized by NCATE as excelling in this work as we have been one of only four institutions in the nation asked to present in national workshops for four years in a row.

Classroom teachers need a more rigorous program and extended time for learning the habits of mind, contextual influences, research methods, and resources available in order to master this very important work of making data driven decisions at the classroom, building, and district level. The Masters of Applied Science in Assessment - Learning Improvement Option is uniquely designed to provide the kind of masters level applied education that will equip teachers to master 21st century challenges of assessment of learning and learning improvement.

How much is tuition?
Tuition for the academic year 2007/08 is $193 per credit hour for Missouri residents and $353 per credit hour for non-Missouri residents. For a complete chart of tuition and fees, click here.

What about scholarships/fellowships?
A Western offers a number of scholarships to assist graduate students in financing their education. These scholarships are described at the following web address: http://www.missouriwestern.edu/Graduate/financing.html.

Is housing available?
Housing is not available at this time. However, if a student has a need for housing, contact the Graduate Studies Office, and arrangements may be made.

When are classes held?
Class offering days and times are to be determined from results of surveys of area teachers. All classes will be scheduled to accommodate teachers who may already be engaged in full-time employment.

Do I have the option of full- or part-time?
Most students should plan to complete the degree within five academic semesters or less, taking 6-9 credits of course work each semester. A minimum of 33 total credits are needed for degree completion. Enrollment is considered full-time when taking 9 credits per semester. 

Where are classes held?
Classes will be held on the main campus of Missouri Western State University in Murphy Hall.

Who teaches the courses in this option?
Most courses required of this graduate degree program will be taught by full-time Ph.D. faculty members approved for graduate faculty status by Missouri Western State University. It is anticipated that adjunct graduate faculty may be used to teach selected applied and professional courses, and will be required to meet established university criteria for graduate faculty status.