Middle Level Education (M.Ed. and C.A.S.)

Become a Middle Level Specialist

We have designed two Middle Level Education degree programs just for you–a Master of Education (M.Ed.) and a Certificate of Advanced Study (C.A.S.). If you currently have a teaching certificate and want a Master’s Degree, the M.Ed. is the program for you. If you already have your certification plus a master's degree and want to advance your studies, the C.A.S. program is the better choice. The classes in these programs will refresh your skills as an educator and deepen your understanding of the unique developmental needs of your young adolescent students and young adolescent culture.

We have an expert middle level faculty teaching our innovative curriculum. Some are currently middle school teachers or principals from exemplary middle level schools. As a graduate student in one of our Middle Level Programs, you will join other educators who are dedicated to young adolescents and will work collaboratively with community agencies, fine arts agencies, museum staff, young adolescents and other Middle Level specialists. You will answer some of your own essential questions concerning best Middle Level practices, curriculum organizational models, technology in the classroom, meeting the individual needs of your students and teaming techniques to use and share with your colleagues.

You will enjoy learning about the young adolescent culture of today and will examine the influence of technology, media, cultural diversities, gender, health and popular culture and the impact that each of these topics has on young adolescent learning. Action research projects with your students will bring ideas addressed in our classes to direct application with your own students. 

Middle Level State Endorsement Classes

Students take the state Middle Level Endorsement classes as part the M.Ed. or C.A.S. Middle Level program. Those students who have previously taken the state Middle Level endorsement classes will be required to take 6 semester hours (sh) of electives approved by a Middle Level advisor. 

A Clust 2+1 Model

The Middle Level Education degree programs are a cluster 2+1 model. As cluster programs, pre-arranged courses of study are developed for groups of students who wish to complete a Master of Education degree  (M.Ed.) or a Certificate of Advanced Study (C.A.S.). A 2+1 cluster model means that for every two hours (2) you spend in class, you will be expected to demonstrate one hour (1) of specific application in your school/classroom. In the clusters, the Middle Level Education program classes are one night per week during the school year for four terms plus summer term. Other, non-Middle Level classes, are taken as needed by individual students.

Admission Requirements

All applicants must meet NLU's general admission requirements. Refer to the appropriate application checklist available online at www.nl.edu/applyonline.