NEWS RELEASE

Contact:
Lauren Smetzer, lauren.smetzer@findlay.edu
419-434-5328

FINDLAY, Ohio – The University of Findlay’s College of Education is moving to eight-week sessions for its Master of Arts in Education program and its principal and superintendent licensure courses in Fall 2025, expanding options for educators to complete their professional goals faster.

The new curriculum schedule allows full-time graduate students to complete their degree in two semesters, while part-time students can finish in 12-18 months – the estimated duration full-time students previously expected to spend for their degrees. For teachers in need of licensure renewal or pursuing professional development, an eight-week commitment may provide more flexibility within their teaching calendars.

Summer courses are already offered in a six-week or eight-week format. The University will maintain 16-week internships for graduate students, ensuring they can complete all state-required hours.

“Teachers have been looking for ways to complete their degree faster and by taking two courses per semester, they can focus on one course each eight weeks while teaching full-time,” said Dean of the College of Education Julie McIntosh.

Earning a master’s degree while teaching full-time also helps teachers advance on the pay scale more quickly compared to colleagues without advanced degrees.

“Each student has different professional development goals and our courses are developed to be practical and supportive of those,” said Scott Grant, chair of graduate and advanced licensure programs. “Whether they are a teacher looking to gain knowledge to reach more students in their respective classrooms… an administrator wanting to develop further leadership skills to support their school community, or [they] are interested in gaining knowledge in areas such as using AI as a teaching tool in the K12 environment, we are proud of the impact our courses have made on the lives of educators and students throughout the country.”

Some of the most popular courses for those seeking professional development or licensure renewal include:

A new course focusing on artificial intelligence for educators will be added this fall.

Those interested in the online graduate program or professional development courses can apply online at https://apply.findlay.edu/account/register.

About University of Findlay: Established in 1882 through a partnership between the Churches of God, General Conference and the city of Findlay, University of Findlay is known for excellence in its science, health professions, animal science, and equestrian studies programs, but also for cultivating the next generation of business leaders, educators, and innovative thinkers through a dedication to experiential learning in and outside of the classroom. With a mission to equip students for meaningful lives and productive careers, University of Findlay offers more than 85 bachelor's degrees, 10 master's degrees, and five doctoral degree programs. The University has an average annual enrollment of 3,500 students, which includes nearly 400 international students. The 403-acre campus includes an Animal Science and Western Equestrian Riding Complex, English Equestrian Riding Farm, All Hazards Training Center, and a 55-acre wetland to offer hands-on learning opportunities for all students. A proud member of the NCAA Division II Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC), University of Findlay students compete as the Oilers on 22 men’s and women’s teams.