Kristine Calo
- Associate Professor of Education
- Program Coordinator, Early Childhood Education
About this Program
The multidisciplinary studies in education program consists of a thoughtful balance of hybrid and face-to-face courses, purposefully designed to deliver high-quality learning experiences while accommodating the busy schedule of teaching professionals.
Program Overview
Relevant, credible, hybrid
To successfully meet the needs of students in today’s public schools, an educator must have a much broader pedagogy than what was needed in past generations. A multidisciplinary studies in education master’s degree will satisfy many early career needs of today’s educator by:
• Providing the essential knowledge and in-demand skills needed for today’s diverse classrooms.
• Increasing knowledge in designing curriculum, implementing research-based instructional strategies and developing leadership capacity.
• Providing flexibility in designing a plan of study suited to one’s individual academic and professional goals.
Most classes follow a hybrid format, which provides students with flexibility and the convenience of working at home during online class sessions, while face-to-face meetings bring students together for rich conversations about teaching and learning. Our small class sizes and discussion-based courses encourage high levels of engagement.
The multidisciplinary studies program earns its name from the unique course sequence that allows graduate students to take courses across three educational programs (curriculum and instruction, reading specialization and educational leadership). Students also complete foundational classes focusing on topics such as curriculum, technology, diversity and educational research. Finally, with adviser approval, students have the option to select courses from graduate programs in other disciplines to create a highly individualized program that aligns with career goals.
Our expert faculty and adjuncts are accomplished professionals in the field of education. Courses balance theory and practice in order to provide relevant, purposeful experiences that address current topics in education.
All graduate students in the multidisciplinary studies in education program are required to have regular access to a PreK-12 classroom throughout their program in order to successfully complete course assignments and the capstone research project. Students who are not currently teaching may work with a local school to volunteer or observe in a classroom. Applicants are responsible for meeting all requirements for school volunteers, as determined by the individual school and/or district. Please note that this program does not lead to teacher certification.
The Hood Education Department is recognized by the Maryland State Department of Education as an approved educator preparation program provider.
Student & Alumni Testimonials
"Hood College gave me opportunities to expand my horizon by welcoming challenge and change—especially by working with students of all age levels." -Laurene Carlisle, M.S.'03
Please note the Multidisciplinary Studies in Education master's program is not open to F1 students.
Degrees Offered
- MS
Are you ready to go further?
For students applying to the multidisciplinary studies in education M.S. program, please submit the following to the Graduate School:
- Online graduate application.
- One copy of official transcripts from the institution where the highest degree was conferred.
- A short essay (approx. 500 words) describing how you anticipate the multidisciplinary studies in education graduate program will benefit you and your professional goals.
- Interview with program director.
Earn Hood graduate credits as a non-degree student or apply them toward a related master's degree in education while completing the FCPS Vanguard Program.
This partnership program between the Frederick County Public School System and Hood College will teach, lead and coach others to create a blended learning environment in the classroom, while building capacity within schools and across the district.
Mindset
Mindset competencies include the core values or beliefs that guide an individual’s thinking, behaviors and actions, which align with the goals of educational change and mission. Educators need to commit to mindsets that help them shift toward new forms of teaching and learning.
Instructional Technology
Instructional technology skills help educators utilize technology in their lessons. The goal is to transform learning experiences so they result in higher levels of achievement for students. These skills are acquired and mastered through instruction, training and practice.
Teaching Practices
Teaching practice competencies are personal characteristics and patterns of behavior that help educators make the transition to new ways of teaching and learning. These qualities include integrating digital content, small group instruction, opportunities for student reflection and data-driven decision making.
Professional Learning and Networking
Professional learning and networking skills are general skills that apply across roles and subject areas. These skills—which include collaboration and problem solving—are complex; they help practitioners tackle new tasks or develop solutions in situations that require organizational learning and innovation.
Register for the JEDI badge through our Non-Degree Graduate Application.
Registration discount available for FCPS employees and for all other business partners under the NeighborHOOD program. For non-degree related registration questions, email hoodgrad@hood.edu.
Course Listings
Winter 2021: January 3, 2022 - January 21, 2022
- HUM 599D: The African American Experience (3 Credits, online asynchronous)
Spring 2022: January 25, 2022 - May 14, 2022
- HUM 560S: Otherness (3 Credits)
Summer II 2022: Registration begins April 25, 2022
- AFHS 524: Race & Racism in America (3 Credits)
EDUC 561: Teaching Diverse Learners in Inclusive Settings
3 Credits |1/25/2022 - 5/14/2022 | Tuesday's 5:10-7:55pm
Synchronous online | Non-degree & degree options available
Enhance your diversity-inclusion skillset by completing a weekly online workshop to earn credit towards your MSDE special education requirement. Designed to develop skills, attitudes and understanding to enable early childhood, elementary and secondary teachers to educate learners with special needs. Topics include inclusion, educational planning, teaching techniques, student assessment, and classroom organization and management skills.
Register for EDUC 561: Teaching Diverse Learners in Inclusive Setting
For questions about this course, email gofurther@hood.edu.
Program Contact
Program Director
Phone
301-696-3196
Email
Assistant Director of Graduate Admission
Phone
Office: 301-696-3601 Cell/WhatsApp: 240-651-4015
Email
Jennifer Locraft Cuddapah
- Associate Professor of Education
Christy Graybeal
- Professor of Education and Mathematics
- Chair, Department of Education
- Program Director, Mathematics Education and Math Instructional Leadership
Rebecca Grove
- Assistant Professor of Education
- Program Coordinator, Secondary Education
- Director of First Year Seminar
Tricia K. Strickland
- Associate Professor of Education
- Program Coordinator, Elementary & Special Education
Meet Alumna Laurene Carlisle | Curriculum & Instruction M.S.'03
Laurene Carlisle Alumni
Graduate Student
Laurene Carlisle earned an M.S. in Curriculum & Instruction from Hood College and has been teaching K-5 for the past 21 years.
- Academics
- Education
FCPS Board of Education Recognizes New National Board Certified Teachers
Education Graduate Programs At Hood College Faculty
Graduate Student
National Board Certification is an advanced professional certification for PreK-12 educators that is completely voluntary. The certification is based on a very difficult peer-reviewed and performance-based process that is similar to professional medical certifications.
- Academics
- Education
