Department web site

Program Overview

BLUE. Building Leaders in Urban Education 

The BLUE program is a partnership between the Drake University School of Education and Des Moines Public Schools (DMPS). This 32-credit hour degree program is designed to develop teachers to meet the needs of a diverse student population. This program focuses on building a strong foundation in equity and cultural proficiency. 

The BLUE program focuses on current research and instructional practices.  Application of learning is central to program outcomes. Students have a variety of choices in elective courses that can be used to advance their specific teaching content and/or context. Participants are eligible for discounted tuition for their degree as long as they stay employed by DMPS for the length of their program.

Program Requirements

This 32-credit hour master's degree has six required courses focused on effective teaching, cultural proficiency, and teacher leadership. Students may then select 15 additional credits from numerous pathways.

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
Core Courses
EDCR 201	EFFECTIVE TEACHING I	3
EDCR 202	CULTURAL PROFICIENCY I	3
EDCR 203	EFFECTIVE TEACHING II	3
EDCR 204	CULTURAL PROFICIENCY II	3
EDCR 205	CRITICAL ISSUES IN TEACHING LEADERSHIP	3
EDCR 206	CAPSTONE	2
Electives
Select 15 credits in an area of interest to personalize their degree plan. 1		15
Total Hours		32

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Elective courses are offered in:

• Early childhood
• Elementary or Secondary
• Urban Education
• Math, Science or STEM
• English Language Learners
• Reading or Literacy
• Special Education
• Talented and Gifted

Admission

Questions regarding the application process can be forwarded to the Coordinator of Graduate Admission at soegradadmission@drake.edu or 515-271-2552.