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GARDNER WEBB UNIVERSITY|GRADUATE SCHOOL
www.gardner-webb.edu/gradschool
GARDNER WEBB UNIVERSITY|BOILING SPRINGS, NC
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The Graduate School of Gardner-Webb University:
an atmosphere that is challenging as well as caring, that allows you to expand your knowledge while building significant relationships with peers and professors, that enables you to learn and acquire professional and academic credentials so that you can better serve God and humanity while growing personally. If such an educational experience sounds appealing to you, come check us out. We don’t believe you will find a better graduate education with warmer, more concerned people anywhere.
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Dr. Gayle Bolt Price| Associate Provost for Schools & Acting Dean of the Graduate School
Quick Facts Location: 50 miles west of Charlotte in the Piedmont area of Western North Carolina.
Main campus of 200 acres is located in Boiling Springs, NC.
General Contact Info: 110 South Main Street | Post Office Box 7256
Boiling Springs, NC 28017 | (704) 406-4723
Accreditation: Gardner-Webb University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). The School of Education is accredited by National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. The Mental Health and School Counseling programs are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). The University is authorized by the immigration authorities of the United States for the training of foreign students.
Enrollment: Average fall enrollment for all Graduate Programs is 1,201.
32% male, 68% female; Geographic distribution: 14 states, 15 foreign countries.
Faculty: Faculty: 46 full-time Graduate School faculty, 100% with doctorate.
Curriculum: The Graduate School offers nine degree programs and three post master’s licensure or certificate programs.
President: Dr. Frank Bonner (July 1, 2005 – present).
History Highlights:
Founded in 1905 as Boiling Springs High School; became Boiling Springs Junior College in 1928; renamed Gardner-Webb College in 1942 in honor of Governor O. Max Gardner and his wife, Fay Webb Gardner; first master’s program in education, offered in 1978, became a university in 1993. Gardner-Webb celebrated 100 years of educational service in 2005.
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Mission
Gardner-Webb University’s mission is to provide opportunities for high quality advanced study to individuals holding bachelor’s degrees from regionally accredited institutions, within a context that embraces faith and intellectual freedom, balances conviction with compassion, and inspires in students love of learning, service and leadership. The curricula - which for the most part are designed to meet the needs of full-time teachers, counselors, and school administrators working in their fields - emphasize independent, critical thinking; effective communication, and the importance of the scholar, professional educator and counselor as theorist and practitioner.
GRADUATE SCHOOL|OVERVIEW An elementary school teacher. A high school guidance counselor. A middle school sports team coach. Each requires a different set of information and skills to make the critical decisions that shape the way our children learn and inform the methods used in our schools and communities. The Graduate School offers several options of graduate study. Whether you are a teacher, a coach, or a counselor, you will discover the Graduate School can assist you in fulfilling your educational aspirations and career goals. Graduate School Program Offerings:
Master of Arts/Education Specialist in Mental Health Counseling
Master of Arts in English
Master of Arts in School Counseling
Master of Arts in English Education
Master of Arts in Sports Science & Pedagogy
Master of Arts in Elementary Education
Master of Arts in Middle Grades Education
Master of Arts in School Administration
Add-On Licensure in School Administration
GRADUATE SCHOOL|DISTINCTIVES Christian Heritage
Acknowledging One God—Creator and Sustainer of life, and Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord; committing to self-giving service displayed in Christ-like moral action that respects the dignity and value of every person.
Academic Excellence
Encouraging visible enthusiasm for knowledge, intellectual challenge, continuous learning, and scholarly endeavors; inviting pursuit of educational opportunities within and beyond the classroom for the joy of discovery; and inspiring accomplishment within one’s field of study.
Teamwork
Working collaboratively to support and promote shared goals, assuming responsibility willingly, meeting commitments dependably, handling disagreement constructively, and persevering despite distraction and adversity.
Student-Centered Focus
Providing students an environment that fosters intellectual and spiritual growth; encourages physical fitness, service, social and cultural enrichment; strengthens and develops moral character; and respects the value and individuality of every student.
Community Engagement
Assisting campus, local, national, and global communities through education, outreach, and research; fostering dialogue and action in support of human welfare and environmental stewardship.
Diversity
Studying and celebrating our world’s rich mix of cultures, ideologies, and ethnicities; respecting and welcoming students without regard to ethnicity, gender, religious commitment, national origin, or disability.
Purpose
Gardner-Webb University strives to develop lifelong learners grounded in faith, service, and leadership. The Graduate School of our multi-campus private university—whose motto is “For God and Humanity”—provides innovative graduate education that contributes to the improvement of society through development of the individual. While our Graduate School’s hallmark is a family-oriented culture, its nationally accredited programs prepare a diverse student population for leadership and service as world citizens.
Programs & Sites
The Graduate School offers a variety of programs on and off Gardner-Webb University’s main campus, including online education in some areas. For more information about the graduate programs, locations and program-specific admission requirements, visit: www.gardner-webb.edu/gradschool.
GRADUATE SCHOOL|SCHOOL OF PSYCHOLOGY & COUNSELING Master of Arts/Ed. Specialist| Mental Health Counseling
The M.A./Ed.S. program in Mental Health Counseling is designed to develop skilled clinicians and well-educated leaders in the field of mental health. Within a caring and challenging environment, the program strives to facilitate the acquisition and application of knowledge and skills which will help graduate students to make appropriate contributions to diverse clients, institutions, and society. The program is designed to provide graduate-level preparation for students who seek advanced educational experiences and clinical training leading to certification and/ or licensure for professional positions in the Mental Health Counseling program. Graduate students will experience an advanced curriculum which involves the application of principles in mental health counseling, human development, treatment planning, group dynamics and the assessment of mental illness and dysfunctional behavior. Upon graduation, the student will have satisfied the educational requirements for pursuit of the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) licensure. Hours: 60 semester hours. Program Prerequisites: A minimum of 12 hours of psychology or related areas to include general, abnormal, psychopathology, personality theory and developmental.
Master of Arts|School Counseling
The School Counseling Program prepares graduate students to fulfill the diverse roles required of school counselors who are both theorists and practitioners in a multicultural society. Graduate students are prepared to develop comprehensive school counseling programs which align with the ASCA National Model and to collaborate with parents, school personnel, and others in assisting students with academic, career, personal, and social concerns. The School Counseling Program stresses developmental, preventative, and remedial services. Additional emphasis is given to acquisition and application of knowledge and skills, critical thinking and decision making, appreciation of diversity, demonstration of professional, ethical and legal practices, and an understanding of the educational process within the complex school environment. The examination of personal values and experiences and their potential influence in a variety of counseling situations is encouraged. The School Counseling Program culminates in a school-based practicum and internship experience designed to solidify the graduate student’s identity as a professional school counselor. Hours: 48 semester hours. Program Prerequisites: Undergraduate courses (9 hours) including classroom management, developmental psychology, and psychopathology.
Criteria for Admission Admission to the School of Psychology and Counseling is selective. Admission decision is based on a balanced appraisal of applicant’s total admission and academic record. Submit an application. Application fee is waived if applying online. A $40 non-refundable application fee is required if submitting a paper application. Submit all official transcripts from regionally accredited higher education institutions. Submit official score reports. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Miller Analogies Test (MAT) is accepted. Proof of satisfactory criminal background record check for states of residence for the past five years. A successful interview by program faculty. The Mental Health Counseling Program requires a questionnaire to be completed in addition to the interview.
Deadline for Admission The counseling programs involve a cohort of students in a common set of courses and experiences. This structure requires all interested candidates to submit all required admission materials according to deadlines. For specific program and campus deadlines and additional admission requirements, contact the Graduate Admissions Office.
I chose to pursue a graduate degree in counseling from Gardner-Webb for several reasons. I was impressed with the faculty. I liked the idea of attending a smaller program where I would be able to get to know my professors and my peers on a more personal level. I also knew several graduates of the program and respected their professionalism and was impressed with how well-prepared they were entering the counseling professions. Julie Stockton|School Counselor M.A. Agency Counseling 6
GARDNER WEBB UNIVERSITY|GRADUATE SCHOOL
GRADUATE SCHOOL| MASTER OF ARTS
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Master of Arts|English
The Master of Arts in English Program offers students an opportunity to advance their skills in literary analysis and to expand their knowledge in literature, writing, and literary theory. The program will prepare students to be scholars who have not only mastered a body of knowledge in their field but who have also developed the research skills to be self-educating learners. In addition, a Master’s degree in English can prepare a student for doctoral studies or for being an instructor at the community college level. With small classes and a dedication to fostering faculty-student relationships, the English Department will provide graduate students with the personal instruction that is a hallmark of the Gardner-Webb experience. Faculty are active scholars in their fields.
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Coursework includes seminars in American, British, and World Literature, and recent courses have included African-American Literature, Literature and Religion in 19th Century England, Literary Theory, Shakespeare, Film as Narrative Art, Young Adult Literature, and Diaspora and Travel in Caribbean and Indian Literature. Students seeking NC Teaching Licensure, either initial or graduate, should consult the Graduate Coordinator for the M.A. in English Education Program.
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The Master of Arts in English Program is designed to include two options: either 24 hours of course credit plus 6 hours of thesis credit, or 30 hours of course credit with no thesis. In either case the candidate must take comprehensive exams either during or following the last semester of course work.
Master of Arts|English Education (9-12)
The purpose of the Master of Arts in English Education (9-12) is to support the professional development of teachers of English who contribute to the community in which they teach through effective communications skills, through understanding and appreciation of literature of diverse cultures, through understanding of the importance of critical and independent thinking, through action research, and through knowledge of and reflection on effective teaching practices and strategies, including the use of appropriate technology. The M.A. in English Education program (9-12) includes 30 semester hours in professional and content area studies. It leads to a recommendation for graduate-level NC Teaching License for those who possess initial licensure in 9-12 English. Students must be teaching some aspect of the discipline of English in a real-world context in order to complete the requirements of this program.
Master of Arts|Sport Science & Pedagogy
The Master of Arts in Sport Science and Pedagogy program curriculum is designed to assist in the advanced preparation of individuals who are involved with sport and fitness-related endeavors. These may include physical education programs, coaching environments, fitness centers, sport clubs, and other physical activity settings. The development of skills will be accomplished through coursework, research, and pedagogical experience. Students will benefit from a synthesis of current and applicable information derived from both theory and practice. The program consists of 30 semester hours in five carefully chosen components: methodology, science, socioculture, administration, and elective. The primary focus of the program is instructional expertise in sport-related settings. The elective component of the program consists of six hours of subject area that may be programmed to meet the specific needs of individual students. This program does not include recommendation for graduate level state teaching licensure or equivalent.
www.gardner-webb.edu/gradschool My experience in the master’s program in English and through the doctoral program in education has been phenomenal. The instructors are first-rate experts in their fields--and are always incredibly helpful and encouraging. I would strongly recommend these programs to anyone. Dustin Bridges Assistant Principal of Curriculum and Instruction M.A. English Education Faith
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Criteria for Admission Students may enter at the beginning of any semester or summer term. If applying for initial admission to the Master of Arts in English Education or Master of Arts in Sports Science and Pedagogy, students should: Submit an application. Application fee is waived if applying online. A $40 non-refundable application fee is required if submitting a paper application. Submit all official transcripts from regionally accredited higher education institutions. Submit official score reports. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Miller Analogies Test (MAT) is accepted. Praxis II scores are accepted for English Education. Three positive letters of reference. Applicants for the M.A. in English and M.A. in English Education are required to submit a writing sample. Applicants for the M.A. in English must submit a Statement of Purpose. Applicants for the M.A. in English Education should submit “A” level N.C. Teacher’s License.
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GARDNER WEBB UNIVERSITY|GRADUATE SCHOOL
GRADUATE SCHOOL|MASTER OF ARTS IN EDUCATION Master of Arts|Elementary Education (K-6)
Graduates of the Master of Arts in Elementary Education program are encouraged to be self-reflective, lifelong learners who design, implement, and evaluate elementary school curriculum and instruction; interpret and apply current research findings; and conduct relevant classroom research. The program culminates with a capstone experience requiring synthesis of a student’s products of learning in conjunction with an innovative project designed collaboratively by the student and graduate committee. The master’s program in Elementary Education includes 30 semester hours in four components: professional, instructional, elective, and capstone. This program builds upon the most current body of knowledge of best practice and theory relevant to teaching in K-6. In order to obtain graduate level licensure, students must have or be eligible for initial licensure in Elementary Education.
Master of Arts|Middle Grades Education
Graduate courses in the Middle Grades Education curriculum are designed to assist in the advanced preparation of individuals who teach or desire to teach in a middle school. The Middle Grades Program allows learners to improve professional skills, wrap theory in practice, and gain expertise in math, social studies, communication skills, or science. Students will benefit from a synthesis of current research and classroom applications. This program culminates in a capstone experience requiring an innovative project designed collaboratively by the student and the student’s committee. The Master’s Degree in Middle Grades Education includes 30 semester hours in five components: professional, instructional, content area, elective, and capstone. The primary focus of the program is to enhance middle level teachers’ understanding and knowledge of the theoretical base, research, and exemplary practices of middle level education including, but not limited to, the nature of the young adolescent, developmentally appropriate instruction, and advanced content area knowledge. The program leads to recommendation for graduate level state licensure.
Master of Arts|School Administration (K-12)
The purpose of the Master of Arts in School Administration (K-12) is to develop educational leaders through courses, research, seminars, and internships conducted in an environment based on Christian principles and values. The program is available online and at several campuses. The focus of the School Administration (K-12) program is to prepare experienced teachers to serve as educational leaders; it is designed to relate to the needs of educators in both theory and practice. Those with bachelor’s degrees may enter the two-year program leading to a Master of Arts degree in School Administration (K-12), which is a 36-semester-hour program including a 6-hour internship. In order to be licensed by the state, students admitted before Fall 2010 must make a satisfactory score on the State Standards Board Examination for school administrators.
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Add-On Licensure Experienced, licensed North Carolina educators who already have a master’s degree may become licensed in school administration through the School Administration Add-On Licensure Program. Interested students should contact the Graduate Admissions Office for admission requirements. Online licensure program available.
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M.A. EDUCATION| CRITERIA FOR ADMISSION Students may enter at the beginning of any semester or summer term. If applying for initial admission to the School of Education programs, students should:
Submit an application. Application fee is waived if applying online. A $40 nonrefundable application fee is required if submitting a paper application. Submit all official transcripts from regionally accredited higher education institutions. Submit official score reports. The PRAXIS II, Graduate Record Examination (GRE), or Miller Analogies Test (MAT) is accepted. Three positive letters of reference. Submit “A” level N.C. Teacher’s license or equivalent.
“It has always been my plan to educate others. Early on, I taught swimming lessons, baby sat, and worked as a counselor at the YMCA. I was around children a lot and saw teaching as a future. I had always planned to further my education. GWU offered a wonderful opportunity for me to grow as a teacher. The degree has helped me with leadership skills in the classroom. I am merely a reflection of all those who taught me and the wonderful school system I am a part of.” Sherri Hartley|Kindergarten Teacher Teacher of the Year|2008-09 Davidson County M.A. School Administration Faith
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PLANNING YOUR EDUCATION| FINANCIAL AID
Employer Assistance Programs
Some school systems, medical facilities, and businesses provide financial assistance to Gardner-Webb graduate students. Prospective students should confer with their central offices about the availability of such funds.
Private Sources
Many companies and foundations offer assistance to students based on various qualifications. Students should investigate policies of their employers as well as local civic organizations to determine the availability of such funds.
Military/Veteran’s Benefit
The veteran’s benefit is awarded to eligible personnel. A DD-214 and a VA Application for Education Benefits must be submitted to the University’s VA Coordinator.
Federal Aid
The Stafford Loan, Subsidized or Unsubsidized is available to graduate students. Lender list is provided below. For additional information, visit www.finplan.gardner-webb.edu.
Graduate Education Scholarship
The Graduate School awards a scholarship each fall to a qualified new student enrolled in one of the education master’s programs. The scholarship provides full tuition remission.
PLANNING YOUR EDUCATION|RESOURCES
www.milleranalogies.com
Find a MAT testing center near you. Register for MAT. Download study software.
www.ets.com
Find a testing center near you. Register for the GRE or request PRAXIS II scores. Download study software.
www.wes.org
Order course-by-course evaluations for international transcripts.
www.princetonreview.com
Learn about graduate admissions tests. Download study software.
Links
www.gardner-webb.edu/gradschool
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COLLEGE FOUNDATION www.cfnc.org
FASTWEB www.fastweb.com
FINAID www.finaid.org
WACHOVIA www.wachovia.com/education
BANK OF AMERICA www.bankofamerica.com/studentbanking
CHASE/BANK ONE www.chasestudentloans.com
GARDNER WEBB UNIVERSITY|GRADUATE SCHOOL
GARDNER-WEBB UNIVERSITY|LOCATION Faith
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P.O. Box 7256 | 110 S. Main St. | Boiling Springs, NC 28017 (877) 498-4723 | (704) 406-4723 | www.gardner-webb.edu/gradschool
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Gardner-Webb University is situated on over 200 acres in the Piedmont section of western North Carolina, one of the most desirable and rapidly developing areas of our nation. Boiling Springs is a small rural town. Nearby Shelby, a city of 22,000, is noted for its support of the arts and as the home of state and national leaders. Fifty miles east of Gardner-Webb is the thriving city of Charlotte, the largest city in the Carolinas. Less than one half hour away to the south is the city of Spartanburg, South Carolina.
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Master of Arts|Programs _Elementary_Education_ _English English_Education_(9-12)
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(877) GWU-GRAD|www.gardner-webb.edu/gradschool
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GRADUATE SCHOOL OFFICE OF ADMISSIONS GARDNER WEBB UNIVERSITY PO BOX 7256 BOILING SPRINGS NC 28017-9980