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.

How is the MIC Program structured?

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

The Common Core courses (12 credit hours):

• EDC 777 (MIC Seminar) and EDC 730 (MIC Program), 6 hours, Fall Semester
• EDC 777, Teaching Across Curriculum in Secondary Schools, 3 hours, Spring Semester
• EDP 658, Problems in Educational Psychology, 1 hour, Fall Semester
• EDS 558, Issues in Special Education, 1 hour, Fall Semester
• EPE 773, Seminar in Educational Policy Studies and Evaluation, 1 hour, Fall Semester
• EDL 770. Topical Seminar in Educational Leadership. Teacher Leadership for the MIC Program, 1 hour, Spring Semester

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 Semester.

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 philosophical foundation of the MIC-Program?

The College of Education at the University of Kentucky has adopted the model of "Research and Reflection for Learning and Leadership" as the conceptual framework for its professional education programs. The characteristics of reflection, learning and leading are derived from research and practice as espoused by historical and contemporary leaders in education. The conceptual framework for the professional education unit at the University of Kentucky (UK) is guided by the theme, Research and Reflection for Learning and Leading. This theme is aligned closely with both the institutional vision and mission of UK and the vision and mission of the professional education unit. The theme reflects and guides how we approach preparation of professional educators within the context of a research extensive, land grant university.

Research is a valued activity and tool within UK’s educator preparation programs. Faculty and candidates generate scientific research using a wide range of research methodologies and contribute to the professional literature. Programs use practitioner inquiry and data-based instructional models in applied settings to enhance student learning and professional development. Research findings from the entire field of education inform design of courses, selection of interventions, and features of professional education programs.

Reflection is a long-standing aspect of UK’s educator preparation programs and is, in our view, a hallmark of professional practice. Reflective assessment of performance, outcomes, and approaches to problems is a dynamic process appropriate for faculty, experienced educators, and candidates in initial stages of their careers. Candidates are expected to complete numerous reflective activities as they work to meet standards; the goal is to prepare educators who are capable of analysis and problem-solving that will result in improving educational practices and outcomes.

Learning is included as a component within our conceptual framework to underscore our commitment to the many facets of learning and to highlight the ways in which our programs conceptualize, promote, and accomplish learning. As a unit, we do not share a single theoretical view of learning.  Faculty and candidates conceptualize learning using a wide range of perspectives including behavioral, constructivist, and social. We believe that our diversity of thought enriches and strengthens our unit. The reference to learning in our conceptual framework encompasses learning among all those who participate in our educator preparation programs and those who are affected by the educational efforts of our faculty and candidates.

Leading is an expectation that faculty hold for ourselves and an outcome that we promote among our candidates. As members of the educational community at Kentucky’s flagship university, we believe it is our obligation and privilege to provide leadership in educational policies and practices across levels and dimensions of universities, schools, and agencies. We believe that as leaders and followers work together to improve student learning among diverse student populations, we can obtain positive results that improve education in Kentucky and beyond.

The four elements of our conceptual framework are synergistic and mutually supportive of our work. Taken as a whole, research, reflection, learning, and leading provide a strong conceptual basis and functional framework for the preparation of educators at the University of Kentucky.

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 are the prerequisites for admittance to the program?

• Completion of a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education with a minimum GPA of 2.5 in an approved major in a subject area covered by the MIC, and an overerall GPA of 2.5.
• Admission to the UK Graduate School which requires a minimum of 2.75 undergraduate GPA, 3.0 GPA in any graduate work, and standardized test scores.
• Demonstration of adequate skills in written and oral communication.
• Demonstration of complex skills, understandings, and dispositions through the medium of faculty interviews, admission portfolio materials, and written or oral tasks at the time of the admission interview.
• Composite score of 800 on Verbal and Quantitative sections and a minimum score of 4 on the Analytical Writing Section.

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.
• File a complete application packet with the College of Education Student Services and Certification Office.
• 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:

Dr. Mary Shake
Director of Graduate Studies
Dept. of Curriculum and Instruction
345 Dickey Hall
University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY 40506-0017
e-mail: mcshak1@uky.edu
telephone: 859-257-5676

For information on admission requirements to the Graduate School and the College of Education, refer to the University of Kentucky Graduate Bulletin.