Overview of the MIC Program

The Master of Arts in Secondary Education with Initial Certification (MIC) at the University of Kentucky is an intensive one calendar-year program of 34 credit hours which leads to both a master's degree and initial teacher certification in Kentucky. The MIC may be pursued in one of five subject areas: Business/Marketing, English, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies Education.

 Ben Osborne reflects on his MIC experience (text)

How is the MIC Program structured?

The Master of Arts in Education MIC Program consists of 34 graduate hours:

The Common Core courses (13 credit hours):

• EDC 639 (MIC Seminar on Multicultural Education), 1 hour
• EDC  637   (MIC Seminar on Behavior Management), 1 hour
• EDC  638   (MIC Seminar on Technology Education), 1 hour
• EDU 645  (MIC Cohorts), 3 hours at high schools, Fall 
  
• EDU 745 Interdisciplinary Instruction in the Secondary Schools,
  Teaching Across Curriculum in Secondary Schools, 3 hours, Spring 
  
• EDP 658 Problems in Educational Psychology, 1 hour, Fall 
  
• EDS 558 Issues in Special Education, 1 hour, Fall 
  
• EPE 773 Seminar in Educational Policy Studies and Evaluation, 1 hour, Spring
• EDL 770 Topical Seminar in Educational Leadership. Teacher Leadership for the MIC Program,  
  1 hour, Spring 
  

The Subject Area courses (12 credit hours):

• EDC 63x, Special Methods in..., 3 hours, Fall Semester
• EDC 746, Subject Area Instruction in the Secondary School (Student Teaching), 9 hours, Spring  

Elective Courses (9 hours):

• EDC xxx, (Elective graduate course in education), 3 hours
• Graduate Subject Matter Course, 3 hours
• Graduate Subject Matter Course, 3 hours

What is the Common Core?

The Common Core (MIC Seminar, MIC Program, Teaching Across Curriculum in Secondary Schools) translates the principles imbedded in "Professional Educator as a Reflective Decision Maker" to ten themes:

• educational psychology
• classroom management
• educational reform
• foundations
• general pedagogy
• legal/administrative perspectives
• multicultural education
• field experience
• students with special needs
• technology

How time-consuming is the program?

In the fall, students take Common Core courses for the first five weeks, then work in interdisciplinary cohorts in a area high schools full time for a six week apprenticeship.They return to campus for the last three weeks of the fall semester. This melding of the Common Core with a parallel emphasis on subject area pedagogy, along with a regular opportunity to observe and apply what is being studied, ensures that all MIC students have an opportunity to learn to apply theory in practical situations. In the spring, the emphasis shifts to the application of subject matter-specific skills. An inter-disciplinary approach is maintained as students work together in schools as student teachers and come together for a Monday night seminar in which students are provided an opportunity to examine Common Core themes in the context of their field experiences. The program is very intensive; other employment is not recommended.

What does my application include?

• File a complete application with the UK Graduate School and keep a copy, which you will attach to the MIC application package.
• Meet with appropriate subject area academic advisor to review undergraduate subject matter preparation.
  
• Complete a formal interview with the appropriate program faculty committee, including the completion of required written and oral communication tasks.
• Complete an assessment of skills and abilities in technology.
• Note: Descriptions of specific entrance standards and requirements for each subject area can be found in the undergraduate bulletin.

For more information abou the MIC Program, email micinfo@coe.uky.edu

For additional information contact: