Academic Program Proposal

Date Proposal Activated	Institution and Proposal	Degree Awarded	Academic Program Name	Objection Deadline	MHEC Final Action	Final Decision Date
	Towson University Proposal	Master of Education (M.Ed)	Gifted and Creative Education	1/18/2019	Approved	1/31/2019
Gifted and Creative Education Program Description
Towson University proposes an M.Ed. program in gifted and creative education with a special focus on critical- and creative-problem solving and thinking skills, which would also earn students who already possess a valid Maryland teaching credential who successfully complete the program a statement on their transcript that he or she has completed a Maryland-approved program that fulfills the requirements for a Gifted & Talented Education Specialist endorsement on that pre-existing Maryland teaching certificate. This would be a program that would be housed in the Department of Early Childhood Education but use resources from across the College of Education and other colleges and departments at Towson University. This program, which is not offered by another University System of Maryland or state-funded institution, is envisioned as helping to meet the needs of Maryland teachers for excellent and affordable classes focused on developing the talents of bright children, especially those in groups historically underrepresented in gifted education programs, whose talents are often misunderstood.