Student retention in College of Education programs is based upon the academic and professional judgment of the university faculty responsible for the evaluation of the student’s performance. The faculty considers both academic success and appropriate professional conduct when making retention decisions about students.

1. Academic Standards

In order to continue studying in the Masters of Education (EdM) program, students must meet the academic standards of the program. These standards include:

• Maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Earning a grade of “B” or better in every course.
• Exhibiting a graduate level writing standard in all submissions.
• Making continuous progress toward degree completion.
• Completing a Capstone project that demonstrates successful acquisition of the learning outcomes of the program, with a written product and an oral exam.
• Completing the program within seven years.

In addition, students must comply with all policies and standards of the Graduate School.

2. Professional/Ethical Standards

According to various accreditation organizations (NCATE, ACA, TSPC, Oregon OARs, Public Schools, NGOs, Non-Profits), all candidates graduating from the College of Education at Oregon State University must meet all professional standards of practice, evidence of proper dispositions within their chosen field, as well as complying with the University Student Conduct and Community Standards. Professional behavior includes respect, honor and integrity, altruism, responsibility and accountability, leadership, caring, compassion, and communication, and excellence of scholarship. Proper dispositions include:

• The values, commitments, and professional ethics are those which influence behaviors toward students, families, colleagues, communities, and technology use. They affect student or client learning, motivation, and development, as well as their own professional growth. Dispositions are guided by beliefs and attitudes related to values such as caring, fairness, honesty, responsibility, and social justice.
• In addition to high standards for academic achievement and to the profession, the College of Education at Oregon State University holds candidates accountable during their studies and in their work in the field in both academics and practice. It is not sufficient to perform well academically, yet behave in ways that decrease the quality of the professional work. The candidate must demonstrate acceptable professional behavior in five key areas:
  • Professional conduct toward students, clients, youth, and adult learners;
  • Professional practice;
  • Professional conduct toward professional colleagues, including university faculty, staff, and internship and field placement supervisors and administrators;
  • Professional conduct toward the general community, including educators, parents, and other community members;
  • Technology use that includes “netiquette,” respect of copyright and original work of others, and appropriate use of the internet.