The MEDCI degree is a professional graduate degree that provides a comprehensive education in the primary academic disciplines of Curriculum and Instruction. In addition to acquiring the knowledge needed by successful educators in the public and private education, students develop the skills of critical thinking and decision-making that serve as a foundation for future career advancement. This degree does not lead to any additional certification if graduate does not already possess a teaching certificate.
Admission Procedures
To be considered for regular admission to the MEDCI degree program, all applicants must submit an online application for admission and submit transcripts of prior undergraduate and graduate coursework to the Office of Admissions and Records. Admission into LSUS’ 100% online MEDCI program will be granted to applicants who meet the following qualifications:
- Graduate degree from a university accredited by a USDE-recognized institutional accrediting agency, OR
- Bachelor’s degree from a university accredited by a USDE-recognized institutional accrediting agency with a minimum 2.5 overall GPA or minimum 2.75 GPA in last 60 semester hours of courses;
- Satisfaction of all University admissions requirements.
Program/Course Requirements
The MEDCI degree program of 30 hours is composed of at least 12 hours in educational foundation courses and 15 hours in a selected specialty area.
Program of Study
Applicants for admission to the MEDCI degree program must file a Program of Study in the Office of the MEDCI Program Director in the Department of Education as a condition for regular admission. All Programs of Study are to be approved by the Program Director. In order for courses to be counted toward degree requirements, they must be included in the candidate’s approved program. All requests for program changes must be made to and formally approved by the candidate’s graduate coordinator. Program changes are not official until approved by the Program Director.
General Recommendations
The student should be aware of the following procedures and rules in the School of Education in order to ensure proper pursuit of the MEDCI degree.
Catalog
If a student withdraws from the program for more than two regular sessions, he/she must re-enter under the catalog in effect at the time of re-entry.
Independent Study
If a student wishes to enroll in an independent study, he/she must present a written proposal, developed under the direction of a faculty sponsor, to the Graduate Studies Committee for approval. The proposal and signed approval form must be filed with the student’s records. A student is limited to one independent study at the graduate level.
Time Limit
A student has eight years to complete the MEDCI degree, starting when he/she begins graduate-level coursework. If the student does not meet the time limit requirement before graduate courses are completed, he/she must re-enter under the catalog in effect at the time of re-entry or obtain approval from the Graduate Studies Committee, the Dean of the College of Education and Human Development, and the Graduate Council to extend the time limit.
Transfer and Transient Credit
Up to six semester hours of graduate credit with grades of B or higher may be transferred from another CAEP accredited institution, with the approval of the MEDCI Program Director. If the student wishes to transfer credit earned while he/she is enrolled in the LSUS MEDCI program, approval prior to enrolling in the course(s) to be transferred must be obtained from the MEDCI Program Director. Students must submit to the MEDCI Program Director a catalog description and syllabus for a course before it can be approved for transfer credit. Graduate credits earned more than eight years before the completion of the MEDCI degree cannot be transferred. A student may apply up to 12 graduate credit hours taken at LSUS with grades of B or higher with the approval of the Program Director. No more than 50% of the program of study may be transferred or applied from previous coursework or degrees.