The program leading to the Sixth-Year Diploma in Professional Education provides graduate students an opportunity to pursue advanced study beyond the master’s degree under the guidance of a member of the faculty of the Department of Curriculum and Instruction.

The program is structured to continue the academic preparation of experienced and qualified educational leaders, supervisors, and master teachers in their area of specialization. The Diploma is not a degree, but is generally recognized by school districts and educational agencies as a valuable academic credential beyond the master’s degree and may provide a vehicle, as appropriate, for the fulfillment of certification requirements for several areas (e.g. Bilingual Education, Reading Specialist Certifications). Students must earn at least thirty (30) credits in a planned program of professional education beyond the master’s degree and complete either a summary project or comprehensive examination.

Objectives

1. To assist qualified students to satisfy professional requirements in their area of specialization
2. To assure students seeking certification in a high quality program of preparation
3. To prepare students to be effective leaders in education
4. To help students develop understanding and competency in research and independent study

Areas of Concentration Offered

• Bilingual and Multicultural Education
• Elementary Education
• Reading/Language Arts
• Secondary Education

Advisement and Plan of Study

Students are assigned an academic advisor on the basis of their stated area of concentration. Together the student and advisor design a Plan of Study that reflects the student's stated objectives and is relevant to their field of concentration. If certification is a goal (e.g., certification such as Reading Consultant), then the student follows the recommended plan developed to account for the State of Connecticut’s certification requirements.

The following summarizes the requirements for the Sixth-Year Diploma in Professional Education:

1. Students must earn at least thirty (30) credits in a planned program of professional education beyond the master’s degree
2. Students must complete either a summary project or a comprehensive examination

The Summary Project may be in the nature of an investigation of a special topic in education. The investigation of special topics in education must give evidence of original and independent research on a topic of significance in the student's field of concentration. The written product must be acceptable in literary style and composition.

The Comprehensive Exam constitutes a test of the candidates’ preparation in the broad field of education and their mastery of the area of concentration. The exam is prepared and administered by the student’s advisor.