General Questions:

1. What are the admission requirements for graduate studies at Converse?

Each program has a separate set of requirements. Look in the “Procedures for Applying” section of each program. Students interested in the Master of Music should apply directly to the Petrie School of Music. Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing should apply directly to the MFA program.

2. Is it possible to complete a graduate degree on a part-time basis?

Most of our graduate students work full-time, either as teachers or administrators in a school system or for a local business or industry. Classes are available in the late afternoon and evening. There are also three summer sessions.

3. Can I be certified to teach and receive my master’s degree at the same time?

If you hold a baccalaureate degree in a field other than education and wish to be a teacher, you can earn a South Carolina teaching certificate while obtaining an MAT. You can select from the following initial certification programs:

• Early childhood
• Elementary education
• Mental disabilities
• Learning disabilities
• Secondary education (biology, chemistry, English, mathematics and social sciences)
• Middle Level  (math, language arts, science, social studies)

4. What is the Master of Liberal Arts?

People choose this program for both personal and professional enrichment and growth. You may select a concentration in

• English
• History
• Political science.

5. What can an Educational Specialist degree do for me?

The programs in administration and supervision and leadership, curriculum and instruction prepare certified teachers to become leaders in their schools or districts. A master’s degree is required for admission to each Ed.S. program.

6. Am I eligible for scholarship or loans?

There are various loan programs for teachers who are a) accepted into a degree program and b) are enrolled half time or more. Half time is defined as two courses in the fall, one course in the Winter Term, and two courses in the spring. To be eligible in the summer, graduate students must take 6-semester hours, total, in the summer sessions to meet the half-time requirement for loan eligibility. Check with our Financial Assistance Office in Carnegie Hall for further details (864-596-9019).

7. Are course schedules and registration procedures available on-line?

Yes. Access courses online at http://www.converse.edu/Academics/Registrar/registrarOffice.html  for a listing of courses.
Students may register by mail by sending in a registration form available from the office of Graduate Studies. Call 864-596-9220 or e-mail jill.feist@converse.edu for a registration form. You must have approved financial aid or send in payment along with your registration form.

M. Ed. & MAT Program Questions:

1. What is difference between the M.Ed. and the MAT programs at Converse?

The MAT program is designed for those who are pursuing initial certification within a master’s degree program while the M.Ed. program is for already certified teachers. The M.Ed. is offered in five separate tracks: secondary (English, mathematics, natural sciences, and social studies), art education, special education, elementary education, and gifted education.

2. What if I have had some of the required courses in my undergraduate program?

If your advisor confirms that the course is indeed “equivalent,” you may be able to waive this particular course requirement—or substitute a graduate elective course if you need the graduate credit hours in a given category for the M.Ed. or MAT degrees. You will need to complete 36 graduate hours to meet M.Ed. degree requirements.

3. What is the story on transfer courses?

If you have had previous graduate courses (up to nine semester hours) within five years of beginning your M.Ed. or MAT degree, and the adviser determines that these are appropriate courses for your particular M.Ed. or MAT degree curriculum such courses may be transferred into your Converse graduate degree program. The courses must be from an accredited institution with grades of “A” or “B”. Courses needed toward completion of a degree cannot be transferred and used toward completion of a second degree.

4. Converse sponsors several “off-campus” courses through school district professional development programs. May these be used as part of the M.Ed. degree?

Yes, if they are determined to be appropriate within your particular M.Ed. degree curriculum. Students admitted to the M.Ed. degree program after January 1, 2005 may count only two(2)  such courses toward degree program completion.

5. Is there a set sequence for the curriculum?

There is not a set sequence in the curriculum for the M.Ed. degree, although some courses have prerequisites which are noted in the Graduate Catalog. We are presently aligning degree requirements with the five principles established for national board certification, and your adviser will help you determine how those principles should help guide you in course selection. There is some flexibility in the MAT degree, but Education 560: Introduction to Education course must be the first course taken since this serves as an introductory course and also provides much information about the certification process. Directed student teaching is generally the final course in the sequence leading to the MAT degree. You will note that some courses have prerequisites, and you should examine the Graduate Catalog to make sure you know which courses have such requirements. Benchmark II courses cannot be taken until you are admitted to Teacher Education.

6. How long will the M.Ed. or MAT program take to complete?

Most candidates in the M.Ed. program are working teachers who take courses in the evening and summer. Full-time teachers usually take two or three courses during the academic year and four or five in the summer. MAT program: most people complete the program easily within a two to two and half year time period. Of course, that depends on how many classes you take per term and when needed classes are available. Your are required to complete all of your coursework over a five-year time span, starting with the first Converse course that is part of your M.Ed. or MAT curriculum. Students may begin their coursework in any semester or summer term.

7. I am pursuing the M.Ed. in elementary education and see that I have to take two courses in Area IV-liberal arts. What courses count in this area of the M. Ed. Program?

Generally speaking, courses in academic disciplines outside of Education and Special Education. For example, students may take graduate courses (500 level and above) in psychology, sociology, english, history and politics, art, mathematics, or the sciences.

8. What if I am certified in one area (e.g., elementary education) but want to do my M.Ed. in another area (e.g., special education or a secondary content area)? Do I have to meet the certification requirements in the new area?

Most people who take their M.Ed. in a new area are attempting to add that area to their certification. Consequently, we make sure those students take all of the courses specified for add-on certification as part of their M.Ed. degree curriculum. This coursework prepares the student for the Praxis II exam for the additional certification area. There is no Praxis II exam in the gifted education track, however.

9. What steps do I need to take after beginning the MAT program?

Because this program includes initial certification to teach in South Carolina, you will need to be admitted to teacher education and, ultimately, student teaching. Both of these are application processes that require completion of a number of specific requirements outlined on the enclosed information sheet. It is particularly important that MAT students successfully complete both Praxis I and Praxis II in a timely fashion. Students must report to us a passing score on Praxis I at least one full semester before enrolling in student teaching. We also recommend taking Praxis II before enrolling in student teaching. Praxis II is required for graduation and passing it is required for certification. For further information check with Lisa Schoer, Coordinator of Clinical Experiences, in Carmichael Room 109C.You can also contact her by phone at 864-596-9079 or by emailing her at lisa.schoer@converse.edu.

10. How many terms are there and what are the limits on how many courses I can take in each term?

We have a 14-week Fall term, a January Term, and  14-week Spring Term. This academic year calendar is followed by a 5-week Summer I term and a 3-week Summer II term. If you are full time and trying to complete the program as quickly as possible, you may take up to 4 courses in the fall and spring terms, 1 in the winter term, 3 in summer I, and 2 in summer II. Student teaching is considered a full-time experience and may be taken in either fall or spring term. Student teaching is the culmination of your program.

MLA Program Questions:

1. What exactly is a “MLA” degree?

The Master of Liberal Arts (MLA) is a 36-semester hour curriculum at Converse which emphasizes advanced study in a variety of liberal arts subject areas. Students take a “concentration” in one of the following disciplines: english, history, or political science. In addition to the 18-27 semester hours of coursework in the concentration area, students elect 6-15 hours of appropriate graduate-level coursework from other liberal arts disciplines. There is a three-semester hour capstone project which links the concentration area to other liberal arts in the program.

2. Why would I be interested in the MLA program?

Many individuals want to strengthen their academic background in one or more areas of the liberal arts, or they may have a particular interest (such as a love of history, curiosity about the world of politics, a passion for literature) which the MLA can provide. While this degree program is not specifically designed as a “professional” credential, the academic emphasis in the MLA may appeal to such professionals as teachers (particularly in secondary schools), librarians, and those employed in government service or industry. While not designed to prepare people to teach in higher education, the program can provide an additional credential for liberal arts-oriented faculty members who want to teach in a two year college.

3. What is the story on transfer courses?

If you have had previous graduate courses (up to nine semester hours) within five years of beginning your MLA degree, and the adviser determines that these are appropriate courses for your particular curriculum, such courses may be transferred into your Converse MLA degree program. The courses must be from an accredited institution with grades of “A” or “B” and cannot be part of another advanced degree.

4. Is there a set sequence for the curriculum?

Not really. Some graduate level courses may have a prerequisite as noted in the Graduate Catalog, but in most cases students will have great flexibility in the sequencing of their curriculum. The capstone course should be the final course in the curriculum.

5. What exactly is the capstone course?

This culminating experience in the MLA program is a writing project. Each student will develop a thematic, integrated, conceptual paper across several disciplines represented within the particular student’s total graduate program. The student chooses a topic in his/her area of concentration and connects it to other disciplines. There are two types of papers to choose from. The first is a bibliographic essay of approximately 25-30 pages that evaluates how reading 15-20 books in their entirety contributes to the topic in question. The second is an interdisciplinary research format paper of approximately 30-40 pages for an appropriate topic crossing several disciplines. This second option requires the student to evaluate and interpret information uncovered in the research. With approval, students may substitute other courses for the capstone.

6. What are the admissions requirements for the MLA?

You must have a degree from a recognized college, a transcript indicating likelihood for a success in graduate studies, and for full admission an overall cumulative 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale in the undergraduate degree program of studies. We also require a personal statement of approximately 250-300 words describing either an experience that prompted you to seek entrance into the degree program or your reason for wanting to enter the degree program.

7. What are the graduation requirements for the MLA degree?

You must complete an approved 36-hour program within a five-year period from the first Converse graduate course in the MLA, maintain an overall “B” average in both the liberal arts concentration and the electives, and successfully complete the capstone project. Upon the completion of your program, you will request and complete a degree application form and complete a graduate questionnaire, which gives you an opportunity to assess your educational experience at Converse.

Ed.S. Program Questions:

1. What is an “educational specialist” degree?

 This is a professional degree program for candidates who already hold a master’s degree. It is a “sixth year” graduate degree that falls between the master’s level and doctoral level. At Converse, there are three tracks leading to the Ed.S. degree: 1) administration and supervision, 2) curriculum and instruction, and 3) Administration & Leadership.

2. Does the Ed.S. degree lead to certification in South Carolina schools?

The Ed.S. in Administration and Supervision is the only track that is designed to provide certification for educators in administration and supervision at either the elementary or secondary levels. This is an appropriate track for teachers who already have completed a master’s degree in a teaching field and want to become certified to be a principal or supervisor. *There is no specific certification in curriculum and instruction in South Carolina at this time, but the program provides strong preparation for master teachers who want to develop their knowledge and skills in curriculum design, teaching strategies, and leadership.

*Their Ed.S. degree program may also lead to superintendent certification.

3. What are the minimum admissions requirements for each track?

For the administration and supervision track, and curriculum and instruction track, administration and leadership applicants are required to have three years of school experience, a master’s degree in an appropriate teaching field from an accredited institution, and at least a 3.0 GPA in that course of study. High Praxis II scores and excellent personal qualities are also expected.

4. Are internships or clinical experiences required as part of the Ed.S. tracks at Converse?

Yes. All four tracks culminate in an extended internship in an appropriate setting. The clinical requirement is an important culminating experience for Ed.S. students.

5. What is the story on transfer credits?

While the curriculum in the four Ed.S. tracks is prescriptive, provision may be made for the transfer of up to nine hours of approved graduate credit from an accredited institution with grades of “A” or “B”. Such credit may be no older than five years from the beginning of matriculation in the Ed.S. program. Advisers must approve any such transfer credit, and courses applied to another degree cannot be transferred toward completion of a second degree.

6. How long does it take to complete the Ed.S. program?

The four 36-semester hour programs can generally be completed within a two-year time period. Of course, that depends on how many classes your take per term and when needed classes are available. Students may take up to five years to complete the requirements of any of the Ed.S. programs.

7. Do these Ed.S. programs prepare one for the doctoral work?

The programs are not specifically designed as a first step on a doctoral program but, rather, are seen as professional degree programs that are an ends in themselves. Nevertheless, it is not unusual for those who hold the Ed.S. degree to apply to and be accepted into doctoral programs. In many cases, the Ed.S. coursework will contribute to the completion of doctoral degrees, although that is always at the discretion of the institution granting the higher degree.

MMFT Program Questions:

About the Field of Marriage and Family Therapy

1.  What are marriage and family therapists?

The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy’s (AAMFT) website makes the following statement:

Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs) are mental health professionals trained in psychotherapy and family systems, and licensed to diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders within the context of the marriage, couples, and families. Marriage and family therapists are recognized as a “core” mental health profession, along with psychiatry, psychology, social work and psychiatric nurses.

2. If I become a marriage and family therapist, does that mean I can only provide treatment to couples and families?

No. The name refers more to how problems are conceptualized than who is in the therapy room.  Again, the AAMFT website states:

A family’s patterns of behavior influences the individual and therefore may need to be a part of the treatment plan. In marriage and family therapy, the unit of treatment isn’t just the person – even if only a single person is interviewed – it is the set of relationships in which the person is embedded.

3. What type of problems do marriage and family therapists treat?

Marriage and family therapists treat a wide range of serious clinical problems including depression, marital problems, anxiety, individual psychological problems, and child-parent problems.

4. Where can I find out more about the field of marriage and family therapy?

The website of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, www.aamft.org, has a wealth of information on the profession ranging from data on the effectiveness of treatment to expected salary ranges.

About the Converse Program

5. What are the requirements for acceptance into the Master of Marriage and Family Therapy (MMFT) program?

• An application to the Graduate School
• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or institution
• Official transcripts of all completed college-level work
• Three letters of recommendation, at least one of which should be from a former university instructor
• A GPA of 3.0 or higher
• An essay describing the student’s professional goals and how he or she believes the MFT program can help him or her achieve those goals
• GRE or MAT scores (if applicant’s GPA is higher than 3.0, test requirement may be waived at the discretion of the program director)
• An interview with marriage and family therapy faculty

6. What is the course load?

The Master program consists of 66 credit hours, including the 12 credit hours of the practicum.

7. How long will it take me to complete the program?

The program is designed to be completed within two years, including summers, for the full-time student who begins in the fall semester.  This is a very intense and busy year, particularly when the student begins the practicum. Therefore, students who are working or who have a lot of other demands on their time might want to consider a less strenuous schedule and complete the program in three years.  Students have a maximum of five years to complete the program.

8. When are the classes offered?

Academic coursework is offered in the evenings or on weekends.  During the regular length semesters, classes usually meet for three hours one night a week. During the shorter semesters, such as January term and the summer, classes meet more often but always within the evening/weekend timeframe. One of our required courses, Treatment of Sexual Dysfunction, is offered in a one-week long intensive format during the summer semester.

9. What’s the practicum like?

Converse College has partnered with WestGate Training and Consultation Network (WGTCN) to provide the clinical practicum experience for the MFT program. WestGate operates a low to no-fee free clinic to the financially distressed in the Spartanburg area.  During the 12-month continuous clinical experience, the student is the primary therapist for clients presenting with a wide variety of problems and DSMIV diagnoses. Students are supervised by licensed and AAMFT approved marriage and family therapy supervisors. Students must complete 500 client contact hours, 250 of which must be relational, i.e. with more than one client in the room. Student must also receive 100 hours of supervision, 50 of which must entail raw data, or video/live supervision.

10. When can I begin the program?

The master program has a rolling admission as opposed to a cohort system.  This means that students accepted into the program can begin the coursework at the beginning of any semester. The graduate admissions committee meets each month to review applications. Once your application is completed, it will be reviewed at the next committee meeting.