Montessori Education, M.Ed.

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Purpose and Scope

The goal of the graduate program in Montessori education is to guide adults as they prepare for the work and the responsibility of helping each child to develop the fullness of his or her potential. The program provides students with opportunities to develop an understanding of a child's stages of development and the different conditions and strategies necessary to support development at each stage.

The Washington Montessori Institute (WMI) at Loyola University Maryland offers students the choice of specialized graduate study in Montessori Education at either the primary (ages 3-6) or elementary (ages 6-12) level. Graduates receive both the internationally recognized Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) diploma and the Master of Education (M.Ed.). The program is offered in a full-time academic year or multi-summer format (over three or four consecutive summers). The program is also offered in collaboration with affiliate AMI institutes.

A master's degree in Montessori education does not lead directly to state certification. Students must submit official transcripts and course descriptions directly to their respective State Departments of Education to determine if courses satisfy specific certification requirements.

Admission Criteria

Students seeking admission to the degree program in Montessori education must meet departmental admission criteria. In addition, demonstrated professional competence and/or academic ability as evidenced by letters of recommendation is required. A personal interview may also be requested. The program admits full-time students only.

Detailed admission information (application procedures, required documents, deadlines, etc.) can be found under Admission .

Prerequisite Course

Candidates for the Montessori elementary program must either have an AMI primary diploma or must successfully complete the prerequisite course. The prerequisite course (MO 599 ) is not part of the credit hour requirements of the M.Ed. and requires an additional fee.

Program of Study

The M.Ed. in Montessori Education consists of 36 graduate credits plus written and oral comprehensive examinations. The coursework is divided into two parts. The Montessori courses comprise the requirements for the AMI diploma. These courses total 27 credit hours and are listed in the catalogue with the MO course key. The education core courses are designed to broaden the student's knowledge of research and trends in the field of education. These courses total nine credit hours and are listed with ED or SE course keys.

Montessori Courses (AMI)

During the first two semesters, students are fully engaged in Montessori study, as they complete all AMI requirements. Although Montessori courses are listed as discrete courses for purposes of registration, the actual program during these two semesters is presented as an integrated program of child development, methodology, practice, observation, and practice teaching.

The AMI diploma is awarded at the end of these two semesters if the AMI written and oral examinations are passed and all requirements to date have been completed.

Education Core Courses

The three core courses are offered in a special intensive summer session. Students must complete two independent study papers as part of Advanced Study in Education (ED 625 ). Students have the option of taking the three education core courses in any combination during the regular course schedule. All core courses must be completed within four semesters following completion of the Montessori courses.

Catalogue

Montessori Education, M.Ed.

Purpose and Scope

Admission Criteria

Prerequisite Course

Program of Study

Montessori Courses (AMI)

Education Core Courses

M.Ed., Montessori Infant Education (Birth to Age 3)

Notes:

M.Ed., Montessori Primary Education (Ages 3-6)

M.Ed., Montessori Elementary Education (Ages 6-12)