WESTERN NEW MEXICO UNIVERSITY
CATALOG
2003-04
GRADUATE STUDIES
Policies and Procedures
WNMU offers the Master of Arts, the Master of Arts in Teaching, and the Master
of Business Administration degrees. The Graduate Division of WNMU provides an
opportunity for advanced study, for meaningful research, and for development
of mature scholarship. Programs are intended to serve those students with maturity,
professional motivation, and enhanced intellectual curiosity.
Western New Mexico University is fully accredited by the North Central Association
of Colleges and Secondary Schools, the Professional Standards Commission of
the State of New Mexico, and the National Council for Accredation of Teacher
Education (NCATE). The student who has completed the teacher education program
is fully prepared to teach in public schools. Western New Mexico University,
through its Department of Business Administration and Criminal Justice is nationally
accredited by the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs to
offer the Master of Business Administration degree.
The Graduate Council develops policy for the Graduate Division and acts as an
advisory body to the Director of the Graduate Division. The Director of the
Graduate Division administers overall graduate policy. Graduate programs are
administered by the chairs of the departments offering the programs and the
Dean of the School of Education. Each graduate student works under the supervision
of an advisor, who is appointed by the department chair or Dean.
Graduate students enrolled in the Gallup Graduate Studies Center are bound by
the same degree and program requirements as stated in this catalog. Information
and applications may be secured by contacting the Center in Gallup at (505)
722-3389.
M.A. and M.A.T. graduate work at WNMU continues throughout the year. In certain
programs, graduate work is concentrated during summer sessions. M.B.A. graduate
work at WNMU continues throughout the year with the majority of the course work
provided during the fall and spring semesters and a limited number of courses
offered during summer sessions. Graduate students should be familiar with the
requirements of the 500 level graduate courses in their areas of specialization.
Procedures for Completing a Graduate Degree
A student seeking to obtain a graduate degree at Western New Mexico University
should follow these steps:
1. Apply for admission to the Graduate Division through the Admissions Office.
2. Comply with the provisions outlined under Graduate Admission. This includes
passing the required entry exams by no later than the end of the first semester
of attendance.
3. Develop a graduate degree plan with the assigned graduate advisor. The advisor
will forward the degree plan to the Department Chair/Dean for review. The Department
Chair/Dean then sends it to the Graduate Division Office for final approval.
A copy of the degree plan is then sent to the Registrar’s Office. Progress
on degree plans of all graduate students are reviewed at the end of each semester
and summer sessions by the Graduate Division Office, by the respective advisor,
and by the Department Chair/Dean. A non-thesis graduate degree plan requires
a minimum of 36 credit hours of graduate course work (MA in Counseling requires
48 credit hours); a thesis graduate degree plan requires a minimum of 30 credit
hours of graduate course work, except for the Interdisciplinary major which
requires a minimum of 33 credit hours of graduate course work, and a thesis
of six credit hours.
4. Submit application for a degree audit to the Registrar’s Office, the
semester before expected graduation date (see class schedule for deadlines).
The student will be advised in writing of the results.
5. Apply for permission to take the comprehensive examination at the beginning
of the semester in which the examination is to be scheduled. A minimum of 30
semester hours of graduate credit must have been completed or in progress during
the semester in which the examination is scheduled. The examination shall include
six questions from six different courses; its administration will be the responsibility
of the Dean and/or Department Chair and the student’s advisor. Students
seeking degrees in the area of Reading: The NMTA Content Knowledge Reading Test
will be taken in lieu of the written comprehensive examination. This examination
may be repeated only once. Written comprehensives are scheduled three times
a year in Spring, Summer and Fall.
6. Pass a comprehensive examination over the graduate program. A specialty test
may be taken in lieu of university administered written comprehensives in some
areas; students should check with their advisors for clarification. Students
seeking degrees in the area of Educational Leadership, Elementary Education,
Secondary Education, and Counseling may achieve the state minimum score on the
National Teacher Examination (NTE) or Praxis Specialty Exam. An original copy
of the Praxis scores will be provided to the Registrar’s Office by the
student. This examination should be taken the semester before the student expects
to graduate. Students seeking a degree in Counseling may pass the National Counselor
Exam (NCE) in lieu of the comprehensive exams or Praxis.
NOTE: Steps 5-6 apply to M.A. and M.A.T. candidates only.
7. The student must file an advisor approved degree plan with the Registrar’s
Office and an application for a degree audit and pay graduation fees of $55
in the Business Office by the deadline listed in class schedule. Completion
of the degree audit prepares the student for receiving the graduate degree.
8. The student must have removed any indebtedness to WNMU and completed all
coursework and required examinations prior to the last day of the semester.
NTE and comprehensive test scores must be posted in the Registrar’s Office
by the last day of the semester in which the student wishes to graduate.
Graduate Degrees
The Master of Arts (M.A.) offers specialized study beyond the
baccalaureate degree. The M.A. is offered in a variety of disciplines. The M.A.
may be completed with or without a thesis.
The Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) is a non thesis degree.
The purpose of the program is to add to the competence of educators in academic,
pedagogical and research skills. Previous teaching experience is not required
for the M.A.T. program.
The Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) is designed
for persons who wish to become management generalists. The M.B.A. program does
not require a thesis.
School of Education
The purpose of programs within the School of Education at WNMU is “to
ignite and nurture a spirit of learning for both educator and student.”
Western New Mexico University is committed to preparing professional educators.
The curriculum that prospective teachers, counselors and administrators in the
WNMU graduate program follow is organized around two tenets:
1) maximize opportunities for student thinking and achievement
2) facilitate active, participatory decision making.
The continued professional development needs of educators is at the forefront
of the graduate programs at WNMU. Developing advanced knowledge in content and
pedagogy is one function of the WNMU graduate education programs. The advanced
program emphasizes action or applied research. Graduate students are expected
to take a leadership role in efforts to bridge differences through collaboration
among the greater learning community.
The courses offered within the School of Education at the graduate level are
designed to enhance expertise in teaching, administration, and counseling. The
master’s degree curriculum allows the student to meet competencies related
to an advanced degree in the chosen field.
Six graduate degree programs are available:
The Master of Arts degree (MA) in Counseling.
The Master of Arts degree (MA) in Educational Leadership
The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) - Elementary Education
The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) - Secondary Education
The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) - Special Education K-12
The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) - Reading Education
School of Education Additional Policies and Procedures
All students must meet regular admission requirements in the WNMU graduate program
as described in this catalog. The School of Education has the following additional
requirements:
1. The New Mexico Teacher Assessments (NMTA) tests comprise of three tests and
must be taken in the following sequence in order for the student to continue
in the Teacher Education Program. The Basic Skills test must be taken during
the Foundation block and passed before entering the Application block. The Teacher
Competency test and the appropriate Content Knowledge test must be taken and
passed before graduation. Students may take the tests earlier than required
by the Teacher Education Program.
2. Students seeking provisional admittance to the graduate division must meet
the expectations for provisional admission for the M.A. and M.A.T. as described
in this catalog and have approval from the Director of the Graduate Division.
3. Students who do not meet entry requirements, or who are denied admission
following the initial enrollment semester, must petition the SOE Professional
Education Committee for provisional admittance. The petition must be in the
form of a written request. The committee will mandate numerous activities which
include, but are not limited to, additional coursework, tutoring, additional
advisement, career counseling, test coaching, additional documentation, retesting,
volunteer field experience, and a reflective log of activities. The response
provided by the admission committee is a plan of action for remediating any
weaknesses identified through the admissions process and must be approved by
the Director of the Graduate Division.
Graduate Admission
Regular Graduate Student Admission
A regular graduate student is one who meets all Graduate Division and program
requirements for admission as a graduate student.
To be admitted as a regular graduate student, an applicant must do the following:
1. Complete the form, “Application for Graduate Admission to the University”
through the Admissions Office;
2. Provide the Admissions Office with copies of official transcripts showing the
award of a bachelor’s/master’s degree from an accredited institution
recognized by The Commission on Recognition of Post-Secondary Accreditation (CORPA).
These transcripts must be on file before an applicant is admitted to graduate
study;
3. M.A. and M.A.T. applicants with an overall grade-point average of at least
3.20 for the last 64 credit hours of undergraduate/graduate work will be admitted
on REGULAR status and will not be required to take the Graduate Record Examination
(GRE).
Applicants who have a GPA of between 3.00 and 3.19 for the last 64/36 credit hours
of undergraduate/graduate work will be admitted on regular status if they provide
evidence of having earned combined scores of at least 720 on the GRE.
Applicants who have a GPA of between 2.75 and 2.99 for the last 64/36 credit hours
of undergraduate/graduate work will be admitted on provisional status. A student
may take up to nine credit hours while on provisional status and must take the
GRE and earn a score of at least 720. Upon completion of nine hours of graduate
work with a grade of B or better in each course and submission of GRE scores,
the student must request a review of his/her admission status.
M.A. and M.A.T. applicants who have completed an advanced degree will be admitted
on REGULAR status and will not be required to take the Graduate Record Examination
(GRE). Students must provide the Admissions Office with an official transcript
showing the award of a Master’s Degree from an accredited institution recognized
by CORPA.
4. M.B.A. program. M.B.A. applicants must provide evidence of
having earned a minimum score of 400 on the Graduate Management Admissions Test
(GMAT). The GMAT score must be on file with the Graduate Division and the Business
Department office before an applicant will be admitted to graduate study or permitted
to enroll in any 500 level M.B.A. courses that apply toward the M.B.A. degree.
Generally, acceptance to the program is based on the following formula:Undergraduate
G.P.A. x 200 + GMAT score = 950 or higher.
At the discretion of the M.B.A. advisor, a GRE score less than six years old may
be submitted in lieu of the GMAT score for entry into the M.B.A. program. The
minimum acceptable GRE score will be in the same percentile as a comparable quantitative
and verbal GMAT score of 400.
Applicants who do not meet the above criteria may petition the Department of Business
Administration Graduate Admissions Committee to be admitted on special consideration.
The petition must include a written statement as to why the applicant believes
that he/she will be able to complete the M.B.A. program. M.B.A. applicants who
do not meet the 950 qualifying score requirement must meet with the M.B.A. Graduate
Admissions Committee for a personal interview.The purpose of the interview is
to enable the Committee to assess the applicant’s potential for successfully
completing the M.B.A. program. No more than 20% of candidates selected for the
M.B.A. program will be admitted with a qualifying score lower than 950/ in any
one year.
Provisional and Conditional Graduate Student Admission
Provisional - M.A. and M.A.T.
A provisional graduate student is one who does not meet the regular graduate admissions
standards of the Graduate Division. This classification is for a beginning graduate
student who lacks a grade-point average of at least 3.19 out of a possible 4.0
for the last 64/36 credit hours of undergraduate and graduate work, but whose
grade-point average is at least 2.75. To remedy a grade-point deficiency, the
student who has completed the bachelor’s degree requirement 3 (see above
for regular graduate student admission), must complete nine credits of graduate
work designated by his or her graduate advisor with a grade of B or better in
each course, and provide the designated GRE score. Failure to meet these requirements
will preclude further progress toward a graduate degree.
Once the student has completed the nine credits of graduate work designated by
his or her graduate advisor with a grade of B or better in each course, and submitted
appropriate GRE scores, the student must request, in writing, to have the file
reviewed by the Director of the Graduate Division for a change in status. A maximum
of nine credit hours of graduate work with a grade of B or better while on provisional
status may be counted toward a master’s degree at WNMU.
Conditional - M.A. and M.A.T.
A conditional graduate student is one whose file is not complete.
An M.A. or M.A.T. student may take a maximum of nine hours of course work in the
first semester of attendance while on conditional status. The student may not
register for additional course work until the file is complete and student has
met all requirements for regular graduate admission (see Regular Graduate Student
Admission 1-4).
Provisional & Conditional M.B.A.
There is no provisional graduate student admission for the M.B.A. program.
M.B.A. students who have not submitted GMAT scores will be admitted conditionally
until GMAT scores are on file with the Graduate Division. Failure to do so within
the first semester of enrollment will preclude further progress toward the M.B.A.
degree.
Non-degree Graduate Student Admission
A non degree student is one who is not admitted to a graduate degree program at
WNMU. If a non degree graduate student later chooses to transfer to a graduate
degree program, he or she must apply to the Graduate Division. When such a transfer
is accomplished and has been approved by an advisor, a maximum of six credit hours
of graduate work earned as a non degree graduate student may be applied toward
a master’s degree. Courses taken to raise the GPA in the last 64/36 for
admission cannot count towards a Master’s degree.
To be admitted as a non degree graduate student, an applicant must do the following:
1. Complete the form, “Application for Graduate Admission to the University”
through the Admissions Office;
2. Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution recognized by
the Council on Post-Secondary Accreditation (COPA).
3. Provide the Admissions Office with copies of official transcripts showing the
award of a baccalaureate/master’s degree from an accredited institution
recognized by The Commission on Recognition of Post-Secondary Accreditation (CORPA).
International Students
The general policies of the University, as outlined in this catalog, apply to
international students as well as students who are United States citizens. Certain
policies necessitated by federal laws are applicable only to international students.
An international student is any individual attending WNMU who holds an F-1 or
M-1 non-immigrant visa. Legally admitted immigrants and refugees are not considered
international students.
Information and application materials for admission to WNMU as an international
student are available from the Admissions Office.
English Proficiency. WNMU requires a score of at least 550 written
or 213 on computer-based version on the Test of English as a Foreign Language
(TOEFL) for all international students.
Admissions. All application materials, including the application
for admission and letters of recommendation; all transcripts or national examination
scores and/or transcripts from colleges or universities (with an English translation);
all test scores, including the TOEFL; proof of adequate financial support; and
health examination form must be on file in the Admissions Office by the following
dates:
Fall semester May 1
Spring semester September 1
Applications not received by the cutoff dates will be processed for the following
semester.
International students are required to show proof of adequate health insurance
or to purchase such insurance. The policy must include emergency evacuation or
repatriation to their home country.
Readmission
A student wishing to be readmitted to a WNMU graduate program must complete the
Application for Readmission form, available at the Admissions Office, and any
other necessary requirement as directed by that office.
Any student who has attended other colleges or universities prior to application
for readmission to WNMU must submit complete academic transcripts from those institutions
to the Admissions Office as part of the application procedure. Students should
provide the Admissions Office with a copy of relevant pages of each institution’s
catalog to match the transcripts.
Graduate General Information
Advisement
1. Advisement with regard to the student’s major is provided by a faculty
advisor in the department or school in which the program is offered.
2. The graduate student and his/her assigned advisor will develop the student’s
degree plan, which must be approved by the advisor, the Department chair/Dean,
and the Director of the Graduate Division.The plan is a working agreement among
the respective parties. Copies of the signed degree plan will be filed in the
offices of the Director of the Graduate Division, the Registrar, and the major
department or school. A copy will be returned to the student.
3. An approved degree plan must be filed at the Graduate Office prior to the completion
of the first 15 hours of graduate work.
Course Load
WNMU certifies a student’s enrollment status as to full-time or part-time,
according to the guidelines below. The guidelines are used primarily to verify
graduate assistantships, financial aid and loan deferments.
Course-load guidelines:
I.Academic Year
Graduates
a. Full-time: 9 or more graduate credit hours per semester
b. Part-time: 1-8 graduate credit hours per semester
II.Summer Session
Graduates
a. Full-time: 6 or more graduate credit hours per semester
b. Part-time: 1-5 graduate credit hours per semester
Course Load Limitations
The graduate student is limited to taking 12 credit hours during each semester
of the regular academic year. During the summer semester, the student is limited
to nine credit hours. Graduate assistants are limited to between six and twelve
graduate credit hours during a regular term.
Earning a Second Master’s Degree
A second master’s degree requires completion of at least 30 credit hours
beyond the original master’s degree. Students who have earned an advanced
degree are not required to submit GRE scores.
Grade Requirements
No more than three credit hours with a grade of C will count toward fulfillment
of the requirements for the master’s degree. A cumulative grade point average
of 3.0 is required for graduation.
Graduate students may enroll in workshops, independent studies, and regular courses
that are not core courses in the master’s degree program on a pass/fail
grading basis for up to six credit hours.
Academic Disqualification — The academic records of all
graduate students are reviewed at the end of each semester and summer session.
A student whose cumulative grade-point average at the end of any semester or summer
session is less than a 3.0 will be warned and placed on probationary status. If
the student fails to maintain a 3.0 average and to show substantial improvement
in the quality of work, as determined by the Director of the Graduate Division
during the next enrollment period after warning, will be disqualified from Graduate
School.
A student who receives more than two grades of C or lower in his/her graduate
work will be disqualified from the Graduate School. To be readmitted, students
must petition the Director of the Graduate School.
A student who is disqualified from a graduate program must serve a one calendar
year suspension prior to being admitted into another program. Once disqualified,
a student cannot re-enter the same program of study.
Students who are pursuing two programs at the time of their disqualification must
serve the one year suspension prior to working on either degree.
Graduate Assistant Program
The purpose of the Graduate Assistant (GA) program at WNMU is to provide graduate
students with a supplemental learning experience which enhances their graduate
education program.
Graduate students who have been admitted as regular students to the graduate school
are eligible to apply for a GA position. In addition to meeting the Graduate School’s
academic standards, a GA must also achieve a 3.0 GPA each semester. Failure to
maintain a 3.0 GPA jeopardizes the graduate assistantship, which may be revoked
upon review by the Director of the Graduate Division.
Graduate assistantships are offered in two categories: academic (nine-month contracts
usually beginning in the fall semester); and administrative (twelve-month contracts
beginning at the start of the fiscal year, July 1). Graduate Assistants normally
enroll for nine graduate credit hours, and may not take more than 12 or fewer
than six graduate credit hours each regular semester. Final approval of graduate
assistants and terms and conditions are approved by the Director of the Graduate
Division.
Enrollment for only six graduate credit hours results in reduced remuneration
for the graduate assistant. Enrollment in nine graduate credit hours for the summer
semester is required to maintain a graduate assistantship.
Graduate Credit
Only graduate students can take 500-level courses. Seniors at WNMU who need fewer
than 12 credit hours to complete the bachelor’s degree who have a grade
point average of 3.20, and expect to complete the bachelor’s degree during
the same semester may petition to enroll in 500 level classes. Students may take
a maximum of six graduate credit hours while completing the undergraduate degree.
Students who are deficient in certain undergraduate courses in the major field
will be expected to remove these deficiencies without graduate credit. When it
is apparent that further work in auxiliary subjects may make a substantial contribution
to the M.A. and M.A.T. graduate program, the student may be allowed to take up
to six credit hours of courses at the undergraduate 400-level. Registration for
such courses must have the approval of the student’s advisor, the Department
Chair/Dean in which the courses are offered, and the Director of the Graduate
Division. The instructor is required to submit to the Dean of the Graduate School
an outline of all extra work undertaken by the graduate student to justify graduate
credit in a 400 level course.
When students register for a course numbered below 500 for graduate credit, they
must make certain that the registration form carries official notation of the
fact.
Independent Study Courses
Independent study courses may be made available by special arrangement between
the individual student and the professor.
There are three types of arranged independent study.
1. A Directed Study is to be used when the student wishes to study some subject
not regularly offered (this course is numbered 585).
2. A Directed Research course is to be used when the student is performing research
under the direction of a faculty member (this course is numbered 590).
3. A Tutorial Reading is to be used when a student must take a regularly offered
class on an independent basis (this course is numbered 595).
Independent Studies (Directed Studies, Directed Research, and Tutorial Reading)
shall be used primarily for the purpose of academic enrichment. The assignment
and approval of Independent Studies for other reasons shall be strictly limited
to emergency situations.
Professional Development Credit (School of Education)
Professional Development Credit (PDC) will be offered by Western New Mexico University
(WNMU) for the purpose of professional development, enrichment, and salary advancement
credit (T & E.). PDC will be accepted only in special cases, for a maximum
of six hours of WNMU degree credit toward program electives, with prior approval
from the Professional Education Committee (PEC), the Dean of the School of Education,
and the Vice President for Academic Affairs. PDC courses are not part of WNMU’s
approved programs nor are they appropriate substitutes. Professional Development
Credits are not recommended for licensure and endorsement purposes. Transcript
credit will identify PDC by the numbers 444 (undergraduate credit) or 544 (graduate
credit) and a listing of the course title as Professional Development: “Title
of Course.”
Registration
The University’s academic year is divided into two semesters and one summer
session. Graduate students may enter the Graduate Division at the beginning of
any period. They are expected to register prior to or on the days set aside for
that purpose. Late registration and absences are counted from the day of registration.
Residence Requirement
The minimum residence requirement for the completion of the M.A. degree is one
academic year or two semesters. Five five-week summer sessions will be accepted
as equivalent to two semesters. All 36 hours of credit except the permitted transfer
of six credit hours must be earned in residence.
Time Limit
All graduate credit, including transfer credit, must have been earned within the
seven years prior to issuance of the graduate degree.
Tour Credit Hours (Graduate)
A maximum of six graduate credit hours of tour credit may be applied toward a
Master’s degree.
Transfer Credit
A maximum of six credit hours of graduate work may be transferred and applied
toward the master’s degree at WNMU. Continuing education and extension courses
are excluded. Correspondence work will not be accepted for graduate credit. Web
based courses are not considered correspondence courses. The work accepted must
be approved by the advisor and department chair/Dean based upon its appropriateness
to the student’s degree plan; and must have been earned no more than seven
years prior to the issuance of the graduate degree.
Graduate Degree Requirements
INTERDISCIPLINARY MAJOR
A minimum of 36 hours is required for the degree, with at least 18 non-thesis
hours in each of the two disciplines. A minimum of 39 hours is required for
the degree, if a thesis is written. The degree plan requires signatures from
the department Chair/Dean of the primary and supplementary disciplines. Oral
or written comprehensive examinations are required in the primary and supplementary
disciplines.
The Expressive Arts Department offers curricular support for the interdisciplinary
masters degree program in Art and Music. For Graduate Admission in Art, students
must demonstrate proficiency in art by submission of a portfolio to the Expressive
Arts Department. Students must have a BA/BS in studio art, or its equivalent.
Prospective students should select a fulltime Art professor to serve as their
art advisor to assist them with the Interdisciplinary Masters Degree.
The Art portion of the Interdisciplinary Masters Degree requires a minimum of
18 credit hours. Students may repeat any graduate studio courses up to three
times. The graduate art courses are taught concurrently with advanced undergraduate
course. Prior to enrolling in any graduate art course, graduate students must
devise a course plan and attain permission from the instructor.
Graduate Art Core Requirements:
ART ___ Specialization - studio/workshop 3-9
ART 577 Graduate Seminar (repeat once) 2
ART 593 Graduate Exhibit and Final Portfolio Review 1
Total Art Core Requirement 6-12
Graduate studio art electives (Select 4):
ART 579 Clay 3
ART 583 Painting 3
ART 584 Printmaking 3
ART 586 Drawing 3
ART 587 Sculpture 3
ART 588 Photography 3
ART 589 Papermaking 3
Total Graduate Art Electives 12
Total Art Portion - Interdisciplinary Masters Degree 19-23
Department of Business Administration & Criminal Justice portion offers
curriculum support for interdisciplinary masters degree programs in fields of
study in which business administration and management studies will enhance marketability.
A minimum score of 400 is required on the Graduate Management Aptitude Test
for admission to this program.
BSAD 500 Survey of Business I 3
BSAD 501 Survey of Business II 3
BSAD 540 Analysis for Marketing Planning 3
BSAD 550 Management and Organizational Theory 3
Business or Economics Electives 6
Total Business Administration Portion 18
MASTER OF ARTS
(non-thesis)
Core Requirements
EDUC 500 Methods of Research 3
EDUC 506 History and Philosophy of Education 3
PSY 505 Psychology of Learning 3
Major Requirements
Select a minimum of 27 credit hours in major subject area 27
Total minimum credit hours 36
MASTER OF ARTS
(thesis)
Core Requirements
EDUC 500 Methods of Research 3
EDUC 506 History and Philosophy of Education 3
PSY 505 Psychology of Learning 3
Major Requirements
Select a minimum of 27 credit hours in major subject area 27
Thesis (see details below) 6
Total minimum credit hours 42
Thesis Information
1. Candidates for the M.A. will confer with their major advisor and select a thesis
topic before completing 24 credit hours.
2. The M.A. thesis committee is appointed by the Department Chair/Dean. The student
is responsible for completing the following:
a. Identifying two instructors who agree to serve as additional members of the
committee;
b. Obtaining in writing the Department Chair/Dean’s approval of the M.A.
thesis committee. Forwarding the recommended thesis committee to the Director
of the Graduate Division for approval;
c. Submitting to the advisor the thesis outline six months prior to anticipated
completion of the graduate program;
d. Submitting to the advisor the first draft of the thesis in word processor form
90 days prior to the date of graduation;
e. Submitting the final copies and abstracts 30 days before the graduation date
two copies of the thesis must be submitted to the Director of the Graduate Division
for library reference on sixteen-pound bond or heavier weight paper;
f. Submitting ten copies of a 200-word thesis abstract at the time of submission
of the thesis;
g. Passing satisfactorily an oral examination on the thesis, as well as other
examinations which may be required.
MASTER OF ARTS IN COUNSELING
This degree is available at both the Silver City Campus and the Gallup
Graduate Center
The MA program in Counseling is offered with field experience (internship) in
either agency or school counseling. Students should meet with their advisor during
the first semester of enrollment to begin planning their field experiences. In
addition to all Graduate School Admission requirements, the student in this program
must also:
1. Provide three letters of recommendation by persons who are prepared to evaluate
the prospective student in terms of suitability to the field of counseling. The
letters are to be received by the School of Education prior to scheduling the
intake interview.
2. Schedule a structured intake interview with two or more members of the graduate
faculty, including at least one counseling program advisor. The student will be
notified within a week of the intake interview as to its outcome.
3. Enroll in COUN 501, Introduction to the Profession of Counseling, during the
first semester. The intake interview is generally not scheduled until the latter
part of the first semester, when the student has become well versed in ethical
and legal issues of counseling.
4. Provide a writing sample.
All entrance requirements must be completed before a degree plan may be approved.
Until all entrance requirements are met, students are considered “conditionally
admitted.” “Conditionally admitted” students must meet all entrance
requirements prior to completing a total of 15 credit hours in the program. Students
who have not completed all entrance requirements prior to completing 15 credit
hours will be placed on registration hold until all requirements are met.
Students must complete COUN 501, Introduction to the Profession of Counseling,
and at least twelve other required credit hours in the Counseling program before
enrolling in COUN 507 Internship. Satisfactory completion of the internship experience
will determine continued eligibility in the Counseling program.
COUN 581 The Advanced Counseling Internship, follows the completion of a minimum
of 27 credit hours of course work in the program and is generally taken in the
final semester. It represents a culmination of the field experience in the counseling
program.
Internship placement should be arranged and approved by the internship instructor
by November 15 for the spring semester and by April 15 for the fall semester.
Students must pass either a written comprehensive examination, the National Counselors
Exam (NCE), or the Praxis Specialty Examination for Guidance Counselors. These
exams are normally completed during the final semester or summer session of course
work. In addition to the degree, three years experience in either teaching, educational
administration or counseling is required for licensure as a school counselor.
MASTER OF ARTS IN COUNSELING
(48 credit hours)
Prerequisites
*PSY 412/512 Psychopathology 3
*PSY 420/520 Diagnostics and Evaluation 3
*PSY 425/525 Theories of Personality 3
Total credit hours 9
Graduate core
COUN 500 Methods of Research 3
COUN 501 Introduction to the Profession of Counseling 3
COUN 505 Multicultural Counseling 3
COUN 507 Internship in Counseling 3
Total credit hours 12
Counseling Core Requirements
COUN 531 Theories/Techniques of Counseling 3
COUN 532 Program Development and Management 3
COUN 534 Life Themes and Stages 3
COUN 535 Topics in Counseling 3
COUN 581 Advanced Internship in Counseling 6
COUN 586 Vocational Guidance/Career Development 3
COUN 587 Seminar in Group Processes 3
COUN 596 Marriage and Family Counseling 3
Total credit hours 27
Degree Total 48
*NOTE: If the prerequisite courses have not been completed as an undergraduate,
they must be taken for graduate credit. Students who are not seeking to become
a National Certified Counselor (NCC) or a New Mexico Licensed Mental Health Counselor
and who have completed the prerequisite psychology requirements at the undergraduate
level must complete at least the other 39 hours of graduate counseling courses
which are listed above to receive their degree. Students who are seeking to become
a National Certified Counselor (NCC) or a New Mexico Licensed Mental Health Counselor
must take a minimum of 48 graduate hours as one of their requirements to become
nationally certified or state licensed. Therefore, students who have completed
the prerequisites at the undergraduate level and who intend to pursue national
certification or a state license in mental health counseling must complete an
additional nine hours at the graduate level in counseling and/or related areas.
Additional graduate credits are available via additional Advanced Internship,
the Drug and Alcohol Institute, special courses and workshops, independent studies,
and other advisor approved related courses.
MASTER OF ARTS IN EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP
This degree is available at both the Silver City Campus and the Gallup
Graduate Center
The 36 credit hour Master of Arts in Educational Leadership is designed “to
ignite and nurture a spirit of learning...”. It prepares teachers and other
education professionals for New Mexico state licensure as school administrators
by building increased awareness, knowledge, and skills for a variety of leadership
roles. Leadership, communication, curriculum, assessment, teacher evaluation,
and the use of technology will be taught by way of active student participation.
The State of New Mexico Administrator Competencies and best education-leadership
practices developed by the National Association for Supervision and Curriculum
Development (ASCD), as well as other learned educational societies, will be met.
NOTE: An applicant for administrative licensure in New Mexico must hold a level
II teaching license. (Minimum of three years teaching experience).
In addition to Graduate School Admission requirements, the graduate candidate
in this program must:
1. Develop an Admission Portfolio, including:
a) the Letter of Graduate School Admission (Regular or Provisional );
b) three letters of recommendation from current principal, supervisor, colleagues,
and other persons who are qualified to assess the leadership, scholarship, and
professional potential of the graduate candidate; and
c) a writing sample to be taken on-site at WNMU.
2. The EDL 581 and EDL 582 Internships are the culminating courses in the program
with a minimum of 180 hours of supervised field work. The graduate candidate must
have completed at least 18 credits of the required EDL courses to qualify for
the internship. The graduate candidate in Educational Leadership must successfully
complete a formal interview and orientation as part of the application for the
internship experience. No thesis is required, but candidates must successfully
complete the licensing program, including research and leadership course work,
a comprehensive portfolio assessment, the NTE Praxis test for Educational Leadership
or the WNMU comprehensive Graduate Exams, and the NTE Praxis Core Battery (for
New Mexico administrative certification).
MASTER OF ARTS IN EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP
(36 credit hours)
Graduate Core Requirements
EDUC 500 Methods of Research 3
EDUC 506 History and Philosophy of Education 3
PSY 505 Psychology of Learning 3
Total credit hours 9
Educational Leadership Core Requirements
Select six of the following
EDL 520 Curriculum, Instruction, and Program Leadership 3
EDL 523 Professional Development and Assessment 3
EDL 524 Characteristics of Effective Leadership 3
EDL 525 Education in a Pluralistic Society 3
EDL 526 Educational Leadership in the Public Domain 3
EDL 530 Resource Management 3
EDL 545 Current Educational Trends and Issues 3
EDL 560 Legal Aspects of Education 3
Total credit hours 18
Culminating courses
EDL 581 Beginning Internship in Educational Leadership 3
EDL 582 Advanced Internship in Educational Leadership 3
Total credit hours 6
Guided Electives
Choose a seventh EDL course or any pre-approved 500-level course in BLED, BSAD,
COUN, RDG, or SPED 3
Degree Total 36
Master of Arts in Teaching
-
(for students who have no undergraduate professional education preparation
or whose undergraduate preparation was in a professional education major area
other than the one pursued for the MAT degree)
This degree is designed for students who hold a bachelor’s degree in a field
other than professional education or in a professional education major area other
than the one pursued for the MAT degree. The student can earn an MAT degree and
simultaneously qualify for teacher licensure. Students who have undergraduate
equivalent courses must substitute advisor-approved courses. Students considering
this program should have their transcripts audited by the New Mexico State Department
of Education for licensure requirements in a specific field. If deficiencies are
identified they should be included as addenda to the planned course of study in
order to assure eligibility for licensure. Each teaching field requires 24-36
competency-based credit hours. The MAT degree and licensure in New Mexico require
successful completion of the New Mexico Teacher Assessment. A third test, Content
Knowledge Assessment, will be required for licensure in some areas beginning July
1, 2002.
MASTER OF ARTS IN TEACHING (MAT)
ELEMENTARY EDUCATION
(42 credit hours)
Contextual Knowledge (15)
EDUC 500 Methods of Research 3
EDUC 506 History and Philosophy of Education 3
PSY 505 Psychology of Learning 3
BLED 514 Multicultural Education 3
SPED 508 Introduction to Exceptional Children 3
Professional Education Requirements (27)
Foundation (4)
EDUC 505 Exploratory Field Experience - Elementary 1
EDUC 534 Integration of Technology into Curriculum 3
Application (11)
RDG 510 Teaching of Reading 3
EDUC 570 Elementary Curriculum & Instruction 8
Reinforcement (6)
RDG 511 Corrective Reading Instruction 3
SPED 528 Curriculum & Methods in Special Education 3
All other core/professional courses must be completed prior to the last block
of hours, Capstone. EDUC 536 and EDUC 592 are to be taken concurrently.
Capstone (6)
EDUC 536 Classroom Management 3
EDUC 592 Practice Teaching - Elementary 3
Elementary Education Teaching Endorsement Fields
For New Mexico State Licensure, students must qualify for a competency based teaching
field (24-36 credits).
MASTER OF ARTS IN TEACHING SECONDARY EDUCATION
(37 credit hours)
(for students who have no undergraduate professional education preparation
or whose undergraduate preparation was in a professional education major area
other than the one pursued for the MAT degree)
Contextual Knowledge (15)
EDUC 500 Methods of Research 3
EDUC 506 History and Philosophy of Education 3
PSY 505 Psychology of Learning 3
BLED 514 Multicultural Education 3
SPED 508 Introduction to Exceptional Children 3
Professional Education Requirements (22)
Foundation (4)
EDUC 507 Exploratory Field Experience - Secondary 1
EDUC 534 Integration of Technology into Curriculum 3
Application & Reinforcement (12)
EDUC 571 Secondary Curriculum & Instruction 3
EDUC 574 Classroom Assessment 3
EDUC 580 Education Workshop 3
RDG 560 Reading Skills in Secondary Education 3
All other core/professional courses must be completed prior to the last block
of hours, Capstone. EDUC 536 and EDUC 594 are to be taken concurrently.
Capstone (6)
EDUC 536 Classroom Management 3
EDUC 594 Practice Teaching - Secondary 3
Secondary Education Teaching Endorsement Fields
For New Mexico State Licensure, students must qualify for a competency based teaching
field (24-36 credits, including 12 upper division credits).
MASTER OF ARTS IN TEACHING SPECIAL EDUCATION
(45 credit hours)
(for students who have no undergraduate professional education preparation
or whose undergraduate preparation was in a professional education major area
other than the one pursed for the MAT degree)
Contextual Knowledge (15)
EDUC 500 Methods of Research 3
EDUC 506 History and Philosophy of Education 3
PSY 505 Psychology of Learning 3
RDG 510 Teaching of Reading 3
RDG 511 Corrective Reading Instruction 3
Professional Education Requirements (30)
Foundation (9)
EDUC 534 Integration of Technology into Curriculum 3
SPED 508 Introduction to Exceptional Children 3
SPED 570 Nature & Needs of Persons with Learning Disabilities 3
Application & Reinforcement (15)
SPED 528 Curriculum and Methods in Special Education 3
SPED 552 Families, School, Community Rel & Exceptional Child 3
SPED 554 Evaluation & Assessment of Exceptional Children 3
SPED 556 Culturally Diverse Exceptional Children 3
SPED 569 Nature & Needs of Persons with Mental Retardation or SPED 576 Nature
& Needs of Pers/ Emotional & Behavior Disorders 3
All other core/professional courses must be completed prior to the last block
of hours, Capstone. SPED 541 and SPED 551 are to be taken concurrently.
Capstone (6)
SPED 541 Practice Teaching - Special Education 3
SPED 551 Behavior Management App. with Exceptional Children 3
Special Education Teaching Endorsement Fields
For New Mexico State Licensure, students must qualify for a competency based teaching
field (24-36 credits); requirements must be determined by the NM State Department
of Education.
Master of Arts in Teaching -
(for students who have appropriate undergraduate professional education
preparation)
MASTER OF ARTS IN TEACHING (MAT)
ELEMENTARY EDUCATION
(36 credit hours)
Education Core Requirements
EDUC 500 Methods of Research 3
EDUC 506 History and Philosophy of Education 3
PSY 505 Psychology of Learning 3
Total credit hours 9
Elementary Education Requirements
Major Teaching Field courses 15
Second Teaching Field or related areas 12
Total credit hours 27
Degree total 36
MASTER OF ARTS IN TEACHING (MAT)
SECONDARY EDUCATION
(36 credit hours)
Teachers pursuing a degree in Secondary Education must complete the nine credit
hour education core and 20-21 credit hours in one subject area. The remaining
six to seven hours must be advisor approved electives. Subject area concentrations
include art, business marketing, language arts, history, mathematics education,
music, social sciences, psychology, TESOL, bilingual and movement science. The
student will have an advisor in the School of Education and an advisor from the
department of the teaching field.
Education Core Requirements
EDUC 500 Methods of Research 3
EDUC 506 History and Philosophy of Education 3
PSY 505 Psychology of Learning 3
Total credit hours 9
Secondary Education Requirements
Major Teaching Field courses 21
Advisor approved electives 6
Total credit hours 27
Degree total 36
MASTER OF ARTS IN TEACHING (MAT)
SPECIAL EDUCATION
(39 credit hours)
(for students who have appropriate undergraduate professional education
preparation)
Teachers pursuing a degree in Special Education must complete the nine credit
hour education core and 30 graduate credit hours in Special Education. The Master
of Arts in Teaching is awarded after successful completion of the 39 credit hours
listed below. The program includes the required list of courses for state licensure
in Special Education. Students must follow regular policies and procedures for
admission to graduate school, and must consult with a Special Education advisor
to file a degree plan. Special Education courses may be used as part of the MA
Interdisciplinary degree. Check with your advisor for specific courses.
Education Core Requirements
EDUC 500 Methods of Research 3
EDUC 506 History and Philosophy of Education 3
PSY 505 Psychology of Learning 3
Total credit hours 9
Special Education Requirements
SPED 508 Introduction to Exceptional Children 3
SPED 528 Curriculum and Methods in Special Education 3
SPED 551 Behavior Management App. with Exceptional Children 3
SPED 552 Families, School, Community Rel & Exceptional Child 3
SPED 554 Evaluation & Assessment of Exceptional Children 3
SPED 556 Culturally Diverse Exceptional Children 3
SPED 569 Nature & Needs of Persons with Mental Retardation 3
SPED 570 Nature & Needs of Persons with Learning Disabilities 3
SPED 576 Nature & Needs of Pers/ Emotional & Behavior Disorders 3
SPED 581 Practicum in Special Education 3
Total credit hours 30
Degree total 39
MASTER OF ARTS IN TEACHING (MAT)
READING EDUCATION
(39 credit hours)
(for students who have appropriate undergraduate professional education
preparation)
The Master of Arts in Teaching is awarded after successful completion of the 39
credit hours listed below. Courses reflect the broad area of the state-adopted
competencies. Flexibility in selections of the electives affords the graduate
student the opportunity to pursue subjects of interest or need within the several
facets of reading. Students who pursue a master’s degree in reading must
complete the nine credit hour graduate core, and the 30 credit hours in the Reading
Education Core. In lieu of written comprehensives, the graduate student will take
the NMTA Content Knowledge Reading exam during the semester before graduation.
Required reading core may be used as part of the MA Interdisciplinary degree.
Education Core Requirements
EDUC 500 Methods of Research 3
EDUC 506 History and Philosophy of Education 3
PSY 505 Psychology of Learning 3
Total credit hours 9
Reading Education Core Requirements
RDG 453 Children’s Literature 3
RDG 510 Teaching of Reading 3
RDG 511 Corrective Reading Instruction 3
RDG 514 Theoretical Models of Reading 3
RDG 515 Remedial Reading 3
RDG 517 Early Childhood Reading 3
RDG 560 Reading Skills in Secondary Education 3
RDG 579 Seminar in Reading 3
RDG 580 Reading Workshop 3
RDG 581 Practicum in Reading 3
Total credit hours 30
Degree total 39
Additional Reading Courses: (required in the Elementary Language Arts endorsement/teaching
field and may be used as substitutes in the Reading Education Program if warranted)
RDG 512 Diag & Prescription of Reading for Diverse Learners 3
RDG 537 Literacy: Teaching Applications 3
Master of Business Administration
Western New Mexico University, through its Department of Business Administration
and Criminal Justice, is nationally accredited by the Association of Collegiate
Business Schools and Programs to offer the Master of Business Administration degree
(M.B.A.).
The M.B.A. degree is designed for persons intending to pursue careers as management
generalists. The graduate courses in Business Administration are designed to develop
analytical skills and provide in-depth knowledge of modern business management.
The case method is emphasized to better prepare students for responsible positions
in the business environment.
The following policies apply to the M.B.A. program:
1. No area of specialization or concentration is available under the M.B.A. program.
2. The M.B.A. program does not require a thesis.
3. No more than three credit hours with a grade of C can count toward the M.B.A.
degree.
4. Two grades of C or lower will result in dismissal from the program.
5. The M.B.A. Program accepts students with or without prior business administration
coursework. Two options are available to students entering the M.B.A. program.
Option 1. An undergraduate degree that includes the following
courses or equivalents:
BSAD 230 Principles of Financial Accounting
BSAD 231 Principles of Managerial Accounting
BSAD 340 Principles of Marketing
BSAD 350 Principles of Management
BSAD 370 Principles of Finance
ECON 201 Principles of Macroeconomics
ECON 202 Principles of Microeconomics
MATH 321 Statistics
Proficiency in basic word processing, College Algebra, basic elements of Calculus
and spreadsheet programs is expected.
Option 2 An undergraduate degree in a non-business field.
The Master’s degree programs in business require a minimum of 36 semester
credit hours of graduate level work beyond the common professional component.
The common professional component may be completed in either undergraduate courses
as in Option 1 above or graduate courses. With the advice of the M.B.A. advisor
the common professional component requirement can be met with a combination of
graduate and undergraduate courses and in unusual situations by work experience
and CLEP tests.The following graduate courses are designed to meet common core
course requirements:
BSAD 500 Survey of Business I 3
BSAD 501 Survey of Business II 3
BSAD 502 Survey of Math and Statistics for MBA’s 3
ECON 500 Economic Analysis 3
Courses above are graduate level courses but will not count toward the 36 hours
required for the M.B.A.
MASTERS OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (MBA)
(36 credit hours)
Business Administration Core Requirements
BSAD 510 Social Responsibility and Business Ethics 3
BSAD 530 Advanced Managerial Accounting 3
BSAD 540 Analysis for Marketing Planning 3
BSAD 550 Management and Organizational Theory 3
BSAD 552 Human Resource Management 3
BSAD 556 Production and Operation Analysis 3
BSAD 560 Advanced Business Statistics 3
BSAD 570 Managerial Finance in Theory and Practice 3
BSAD 586 Advanced International Business 3
BSAD 597 Managerial Policy and Strategy 3
ECON 512 Comparative Analysis Using Managerial Economics 3
Total credit hours 33
Guided Electives
Graduate Electives approved by advisor 3
Degree Total 36
School Psychology
Western New Mexico University offers a School Psychology licensure program for
entry level school psychologists in the state of New Mexico. The program is an
interdepartmental collaborative effort between the School of Education and the
Department of Social Sciences.
The interdisciplinary master’s degree may be obtained by combining the psychology,
special education, or counseling coursework generated in route to a school psychology
licensure.
Please consult with a school psychology advisor in either the School of Education
or the Department of Social Sciences for more information.
SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY LICENSURE
(60 credit hours)
School Psychology Core Requirements
COUN 500 Methods of Research 3
COUN 505 Multicultural Counseling or PSY 501 Comparative Multicultural Social
Studies 3
COUN 531 Theories and Techniques of Counseling 3
COUN 587 Seminar in Group Processes 3
EDL 520 Curriculum, Instruction, and Program Leadership or EDL 526 Educational
Leadership in the Public Domain 3
PSY 506 Social Psychology 3
PSY 512 Psychopathology 3
PSY 520 Diagnostics and Evaluation 3
PSY 521 Advanced Clinical Seminar 3
PSY 523 Child Clinical Psychology 3
PSY 526 Introduction to School Psychology 3
PSY 534 School Psychology Internship (3 minimum - 3 cr. each) 9
SPED 508 Introduction to Exceptional Children 3
SPED 551 Behavioral Management Approaches with Except. Childrn 3
SPED 552 Families, School, Community Relations & Except. Child 3
SPED 554 Evaluation and Assessment of Exceptional Children 3
SPED 556 Culturally Diverse Exceptional Children 3
SPED 576 Nature & Needs of Pers/Emotional & Behavior Disorders 3
Total credit hours 60
Gallup Graduate Studies Center
Since 1985, WNMU has made the commitment to deliver nationally-accredited, affordable,
and culturally relevant graduate education programs to northwestern New Mexico
and northeastern Arizona through the Gallup Graduate Studies Center. The School
of Education at the Gallup Center offers the following programs:
The Master of Arts degree (MA) in Counseling.
The Master of Arts degree (MA) in Educational Leadership
The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) - Elementary Education
The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) - Secondary Education
The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) - Special Education K-12
Teaching endorsements in Bilingual Education and TESOL
Licensure Program in School Psychology
Courses leading to New Mexico Alternative Teaching Licensure - in Elementary,
Secondary, and Special Education.
Students enrolled at the Gallup Graduate Studies Center are under the same university
and School of Education policies as students enrolled in Silver City. Furthermore,
the academic coursework at the Gallup center is represented by the same course
numbers, titles, descriptions, and prerequisites as the Silver City campus.
The GGSC programs in the Master of Arts in Counseling, Master of Arts in Educational
Leadership, and Master of Arts in Teaching - Special Education K-12 are identical
to Silver City campus programs. The Master of Arts in Teaching - Elementary and
Secondary programs have minor variations from the Silver City campus, which are
listed in the following:
MASTER OF ARTS IN TEACHING (MAT)
ELEMENTARY EDUCATION
Gallup
Program (42 credit hours)
Contextual Knowledge (15)
EDUC 500 Methods of Research 3
EDUC 506 History and Philosophy of Education 3
PSY 505 Psychology of Learning 3
BLED 514 Multicultural Education 3
SPED 508 Introduction to Exceptional Children 3
Professional Education Requirements (27)
Foundation (6)
EDUC 505 Exploratory Field Experience - Elementary 3
EDUC 534 Integration of Technology into Curriculum 3
Application (9)
RDG 510 Teaching of Reading 3
EDUC 570 Elementary Curriculum & Instruction 6 Reinforcement (6)
RDG 511 Corrective Reading Instruction 3
EDUC 574 Classroom Assessment 3
All other core/professional courses must be completed prior to the last block
of hours, Capstone. EDUC 536 and EDUC 592 are to be taken concurrently.
Capstone (6)
EDUC 536 Classroom Management 3
EDUC 592 Practice Teaching - Elementary 3
Elementary Education Teaching Endorsement Fields
For New Mexico State Licensure, students must qualify for a competency based teaching
field (24-36 credits).
MASTER OF ARTS IN TEACHING SECONDARY EDUCATION
Gallup
Program (37 credit hours)
Contextual Knowledge (13)
EDUC 500 Methods of Research 3
EDUC 506 History and Philosophy of Education 3
EDUC 580 Education Workshop 1
PSY 505 Psychology of Learning 3
BLED 514 Multicultural Education 3
Professional Education Requirements (24)
Foundation (9)
EDUC 507 Exploratory Field Experience - Secondary 3
EDUC 534 Integration of Technology into Curriculum 3
SPED 508 Introduction to Exceptional Children 3
Application & Reinforcement (9)
EDUC 571 Secondary Curriculum & Instruction 3
EDUC 574 Classroom Assessment 3
RDG 560 Reading Skills in Secondary Education 3
All other core/professional courses must be completed prior to the last block
of hours, Capstone. EDUC 536 and EDUC 594 are to be taken concurrently.
Capstone (6)
EDUC 536 Classroom Management 3
EDUC 594 Practice Teaching - Secondary 3
Secondary Education Teaching Endorsement Fields
For New Mexico State Licensure, students must qualify for a competency based teaching
field (24-36 credits, including 12 upper division credits).
New Mexico Teacher Alternative Licensure Program
The New Mexico State Legislature authorizes the state Board of Education to provide
alternative routes to New Mexico teacher licensure for persons who hold at least
a baccalaureate degree but have not completed a traditional educator preparation
program.
The WNMU School of Education offers a state approved alternative licensure program
at its Silver City and Gallup campuses in elementary, secondary, and special education.
WNMU Alternative Licensure may be applied to an appropriate MAT program if all
admissions criteria are met.
Co/Prerequisites
1. At least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with an appropriate
endorsement field Teaching field requirements are determined by the NM State Department
of Education.
2. Cumulative GPA of 2.75 from baccalaureate degrees or meet the graduate admission
requirements.
3. Employment by an accredited private or public school in a teaching position
with a state approved mentorship program.
4. The Basic Skills and General Knowledge subsection of the NMTA must be passed
during the first semester of enrollment or before participation in Reading coursework.
Exit Requirements
1. Passage of the Teacher Competency and Content subsections of the NMTA.
2. Successful completion of a portfolio during practice teaching that demonstrates
with artifacts that all state competencies have been met.
Alternative Licensure Plan
ELEMENTARY EDUCATION
(21 credit hours)
Foundation (4)
EDUC 505 Exploratory Field Experience - Elementary 1
EDUC 536 Classroom Management 3
Application & Reinforcement (15)
EDUC 534 Integration of Technology into Curriculum 3
EDUC 570 Elementary Curriculum & Instruction 6
RDG 510 Teaching of Reading 3
RDG 511 Corrective Reading Instruction 3
Capstone (2)
EDUC 592 Practice Teaching - Elementary 2
Alternative Licensure Plan
SECONDARY EDUCATION
(19 credit hours)
Foundation (4)
EDUC 507 Exploratory Field Experience - Secondary 1
EDUC 536 Classroom Management 3
Application & Reinforcement (12)
EDUC 534 Integration of Technology into Curriculum 3
EDUC 571 Secondary Curriculum & Instruction 3
EDUC 574 Classroom Assessment 3
RDG 560 Reading Skills in Secondary Education 3
Capstone (3)
EDUC 594 Practice Teaching - Secondary 3
Alternative Licensure Plan
SPECIAL EDUCATION
Silver
City Program (21 credit hours)
Foundation (6)
SPED 508 Introduction to Exceptional Children 3
SPED 551 Behavior Management App. with Exceptional Children 3
Application & Reinforcement (12)
SPED 528 Curriculum and Methods in Special Education 3
SPED 552 Families, School, Community Rel & Exceptional Child 3
RDG 510 Teaching of Reading 3
RDG 511 Corrective Reading Instruction 3
Capstone (3)
SPED 541 Practice Teaching - Special Education 3
Alternative Licensure Plan
SPECIAL EDUCATION
Gallup
Program (21 credit hours)
.
Foundation (6)
SPED 508 Introduction to Exceptional Children 3
SPED 551 Behavior Management App. with Exceptional Children 3
Application & Reinforcement (12)
SPED 570 Nature & Needs of Persons with Learning Disabilities 3
SPED 569 Nature & Needs of Persons with Mental Retardation
or SPED 576 Nature & Needs of Pers/ Emotional & Behavior Disorders 3
RDG 510 Teaching of Reading 3
RDG 511 Corrective Reading Instruction 3
Capstone (3)
SPED 541 Practice Teaching - Special Education 3
