Gifted Education and Advanced Academics

Program Overview
Admissions Requirements
Courses
Tuition & Aid

The Gifted Education Program is offered by Lipscomb’s College of Education which is consistently ranked as one of the most effective educator preparation programs in the state of Tennessee and the nation.

Earn a certificate, M.Ed concentration, or Ed.S degree to build skills to work in leadership or coaching roles in gifted education contexts, and gain your state-approved employment standard or endorsement.

You’re an educator, so you already know that each student has different learning needs. Our rich program of courses in gifted education will give you credentials to go beyond general education and pour into a demographic whose broad intellectual capacities thrive under special enrichment and accelerated academics.

Learn from our top-ranked faculty who have contributed largely to the national conversation around gifted education with research, publication and advocacy. Gather diverse perspectives on approaches to gifted learning with instruction from psychologists, educators and scholars.

When you’re finished, you’ll join an elite group of teachers with the training to recognize and serve gifted students in PK–12 Tennessee classrooms. Make a difference in developing the next generation of leaders and creative visionaries.

Program Foundations

Our vision is to expand the network of educators who are trained in the needs of intellectually gifted students. We want to equip teachers with the knowledge and means to identify and serve more gifted students, including those from underrepresented populations.

Our courses are designed to guide you in exploration of theories and approaches of gifted education, then tailor your skill set in lesson planning, instructional strategies and differentiation for gifted students. Then, you will apply these skills in field work in real world settings where your contributions make a difference.

Earn your degree in Gifted Education and Advanced Academics which is designed to prepare educators to teach gifted students, coordinate advanced academic programs, and develop curricula. In addition, much of our program focus is on increasing equitable access to advanced academic programs with special attention to underserved groups and twice-exceptional learners.

Master’s level candidates have the option to stack their four gifted core courses with other stackable core options (e.g., Instructional Coaching, English Language Learning, Leading in Curriculum and Instruction, Reading, etc.). The College of Education also offers a 33 hour Ed.S. degree in Gifted and Advanced Academics. These degrees prepare candidates to serve in roles such as gifted education coordinators or other leadership positions.

If you have questions about which program will be a better fit for your career needs, please do not hesitate to reach out to our graduate admissions recruiter.

Field Experiences

Customize Your Degree (Stackable Master of Education)

Combine a certificate for this concentration with another to craft your own degree program, customized toward personal education and career goals. The stackable master's degree (M.Ed.) ensures those who seek to broaden their leadership skills in a variety of ways are able to do so.

Certificate + Certificate + Research = Stackable Master of Education (M.Ed.) (30+ Credit Hours)

Stackable Master of Education (M.Ed.)

Admissions Requirements

Completed Online application
$50 application fee
Official transcripts for all degrees conferred and any other coursework post bachelors.
Personal statement:
Explain your goals and your purpose for pursuing a graduate education degree at Lipscomb University and elaborate on how this degree would help you to make an impact on teaching and learning in your classroom or school in a concise, clear essay. (500 words)
Three Recommendations
- Recommender #1 – Current Administrator/Supervisor (non-family member)
  If no direct supervisor, provide another academic reference (see Rec. #2)
- Recommender #2 – Academic or Professional Colleague (non-family member)
- Recommender #3 – Personal reference of integrity and/or faith (non-family member)
Resume
Lipscomb College of Education graduate programs do not generally require graduate exam scores such as the GRE or MAT unless required for state licensure, accreditation, or program specific reasons. If your most recent degree GPA is below 3.0, a program director may ask you to provide graduate exam scores to be considered as part of the supplementary materials to your application for admission. Check with the specific program you are interested in regarding exam scores that may be required for admission

View the College of Education's graduate programs application timeline.

International Students

Courses

Courses are co-taught by Dr. Megan Parker Peters and Dr. Emily Mofield, co-recipients of the international Hollingworth award for excellence in research in gifted education. Both instructors hold leadership positions with the National Association for Gifted Children and have been recognized by the Tennessee Association for the Gifted for excellence in teaching and serving gifted learners.

Tennessee Gifted Employment Standard

To best accommodate the schedules of educators and practitioners who might have interest in this program, our introductory courses are offered in the summer.

EG 5593/6593 - Characteristics & Needs of Gifted Learners

Summer 2024 Term 1
Class Online: Thursdays, 5:30-9:30

This course is intended to serve as an introduction to gifted learners and gifted education. This course is designed to offer a basic introduction to the characteristics, terminology, theories, and specific needs of intellectually gifted students. Students will learn about the historical context of gifted education on a state and national level in addition to the larger theories that guide the field of gifted education. Characteristics, identification, and developmental features of gifted learners will be major topics and will include attention to diverse and underrepresented groups.

EG 5673/6673 - Curriculum, Planning, & Instruction for Gifted Learners

Summer 2024 Term II
Class Online: Thursdays, 5:30-9:30
Class In-Person: Saturday, July 20, 9:00-4:00

This course provides an understanding of curriculum development for gifted learners. The course focuses on curriculum models, instructional planning, strategies, curriculum design, and differentiation for gifted learners. Students will have opportunities to plan lessons, evaluate resources, and modify curricula for gifted learners.

Gifted Education Certification/Endorsement

If you have previously earned your Tennessee Employment Standard (through coursework or a workshop), you may earn credit for your experience. Please contact us for more details.

EG 5593/6593 - Characteristics & Needs of Gifted Learners

Summer 2024 Term 1
Class Online: Thursdays, 5:30-9:30

EG 5673/6673 - Curriculum, Planning, & Instruction for Gifted Learners

Summer 2024 Term II
Class Online: Thursdays, 5:30-9:30
Class In-Person: Saturday, July 20, 9:00-4:00

EG 5703/6703-Practicum: Theory and Practices in Gifted Education

Spring 2025 Full Term
Class Online: Thursdays, 5:30-9:30

This course provides an examination of various theories for program and curriculum design in gifted education including the advanced academics approach, talent development, differentiated curriculum, and design for content standards. Students will apply theories to practice by implementing a series of lessons within a practicum setting and measuring student learning. The course also includes an emphasis on evaluating and developing appropriate programs and levels of services for gifted students, including students from underrepresented groups. (EG 5673/6673 is a pre-requisite for this course).

EG 5693/6693 - Issues and Advocacy for Gifted and Special Populations

Spring 2025 Term II
Online: Thursdays, 5:30-9:30

This course will include an introduction to policy and law affecting people with intellectual giftedness and other disabilities. This course will review the role courts, legislators, and advocates have played in shaping disability policy as it impacts gifted education and related fields. Special issues related to equitable assessment practices and planning supports for economically disadvantaged students will also be explored. Advocacy through collaboration with families, community resources, and local agencies will be reviewed in light of impact on gifted education and related practices.

Ed.S. with a Concentration in Gifted and Advanced Academics

Gifted Education & Advanced Academics, Stackable M.Ed. Concentration

Tuition & Aid

$953* per credit hour
$715 per credit hour with the 25% in-service discount

*Note: The graduate tuition rates may increase annually, effective each summer semester.

Scholarship Information

As you give back to the community, Lipscomb University wants to give back to you. The College of Education offers significant scholarships to current educators and administrators. Those pursuing career as a teacher, you're not left out either! Check out the following information to see if you qualify for scholarships.

All completed applications should be mailed to:

Lipscomb University
College of Education
One University Park Drive
Nashville, TN 37204

Current Educators

Alumni Scholarship

Cultural Diversity Teacher Training Scholarship

The College of Education offers students from a traditionally underrepresented group who are interested in an initial teaching license the Cultural Diversity Teacher Training Scholarship. The scholarship will be granted to those candidates with the greatest need based on their FAFSA data and expected family contribution (EFC).

For more information on the Cultural Diversity Teacher Training Scholarship, please contact your advisor.

Maxine D. Whittle Scholarship

The Maxine D. Whittle Scholarship Fund was initially established in 2013 to be awarded to an undergraduate student majoring in special needs education or a graduate student working towards a Master’s degree in special education or reading who demonstrates significant financial need.

Maxine D. Whittle was a special education teacher from Massachusetts who worked with students with dyslexia, dysgraphia, and emotional disturbance. She held a Master of Education degree in special education and a certificate in reading therapy. She encouraged students to develop both reading and life skills with the importance of the “three Rs” which are Respect, Responsibility, and Resourcefulness. She blessed many students and families with her work.

Mrs. Whittle’s husband, Charles Whittle, established this scholarship fund in her memory in order to carry on Mrs. Whittle’s legacy of providing high quality special education to students.

Whittle Special Education Scholarship Guidelines

The following guidelines have been developed to assist candidates with financial support in their pursuit of a special education master’s degree and/or teaching license. Candidates can be considered for resources made available through the Whittle Special Education Scholarship, based on the guidelines listed below:

Candidates must be pursuing a special education degree.
Priority will be given to candidates having greatest need based on FASFA data and expected family contribution (EFC). Students who qualify for this scholarship must be eligible to file FASFA in order to qualify. FASFA must be filed by August 1.
Funds will be distributed as available on an annual basis.
Recipients will be notified of award prior to university deadline for payment of fees.
Awards will be given based on the needs of candidate(s).
Applications must be completed and submitted by mid-term of the semester preceding the semester in which the award will be given.
Candidates will be expected to submit multiple documents for use by the university staff to inform contributors to the fund.
Candidates must volunteer at least 15 hours a semester for the IDEAL program.

To apply for the Maxine D. Whittle Scholarship please download and complete the application.

Coaching Future Teachers Scholarship

Ayers Leadership Fellows

Additional Opportunities

The College of Education awards scholarships each semester, as university funding is available. Scholarships are awarded by the Graduate Education Scholarship Committee on a case by case basis. All documentation must be submitted before it will be considered by the scholarship committee. A 3.0 G.P.A. is required to be eligible and maintain the scholarship. Recipients must also have full admission status. Please contact leslie.cowell [at] lipscomb.edu (Leslie Cowell) for more information.

Types of Aid

Scholarships

Student Loans

As a graduate student, you are still able to file the FAFSA—and you should! By filing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), you may be eligible for a number of student loans.

Federal Stafford Loan

A borrower must be enrolled or accepted for enrollment for at least six semester hours and must be working toward a degree or certificate. Loans must be actively accepted in myLipscomb in order to be applied as an expected payment to the student bill. Stafford Loans will not pay until the student has completed both Entrance Counseling and the Master Promissory Note at studentloans.gov. Loans will not be credited to accounts until 30 days after classes begin or when a student begins the sixth credit hour, whichever comes last.

Graduate PLUS Loan

The Graduate PLUS Loan is available to independent graduate students. Both loans require credit approval by the Department of Education, as well as a FAFSA submission. Apply at www.studentloans.gov.

Private Loans

In addition to the federal loans outlined here, you may consider private loans made by banks and other financial institutions. It is recommended that private loans only be considered in instances where funding is needed in addition to any federal loans, as interest rates may be higher. Eligibility for these loans requires a credit check and students are often required to have a cosigner to qualify.

Veteran Aid/Yellow Ribbon Program

Through an agreement with the United States Department of Veteran Affairs, Lipscomb University will guarantee some level of graduate tuition funding, applicable to all Lipscomb University graduate programs, for graduate students who qualify for the Yellow Ribbon Program. Depending on program tuition rates, the graduate tuition funding may or may not cover the total tuition cost of the program.

The Yellow Ribbon Education Enhancement Program (Yellow Ribbon Program) is a provision of the Post- 9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008. This program allows institutions of higher learning in the United States to voluntarily enter into an agreement with VA to fund tuition expenses. For eligibility requirements, go to www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/.

Any questions concerning eligibility or benefits should be directed to the VA school-certifying official located in the lower level of Bennett Campus Center, Suite 140, or visit their website.

Contact Information

Graduate and Adult Admissions, Admin

Kristin Blankenship
Senior Director of Graduate Enrollment
(615) 966-5364
kristin.blankenship@lipscomb.edu

10:1

Student to Faculty Ratio

Flexible Schedule

Our courses are offered at a variety of convenient locations around Nashville or online, at times designed to work with your busy schedule. Our hybrid class model allows you the best of going to school as a working professional.

Small Class Sizes

You’ll have opportunities to engage in meaningful discussion, receive one-on-one faculty mentorship and ask difficult questions in our small class sizes. Plus, you’ll feel supported in a tight-knit learning community.

Networking

Both our deeply connected faculty and our experiential learning opportunities offer myriad ways for you to form relationships with leaders in the industry. These connections will serve and support you throughout your career.

Our Faculty

Megan Parker Peters

Associate Dean, College of Education

Dr. Megan Parker Peters is the Associate Dean, an Associate Professor, and the Director of Accreditation, Assessment, and Research at Lipscomb University. She is a licensed psychologist and licensed school...
Meet Megan Parker Peters
Emily Mofield

Associate Professor

Emily Mofield, Ed.D., is an Assistant Professor of Education serving as Lead Faculty for the Gifted and Advanced Academics Graduate Program and teaching in the Ed.D. Program for Learning Organizations...
Meet Emily Mofield

Career Paths

Instructional Coordinators

Instructional coordinators oversee school curriculums and teaching standards. They develop instructional material, coordinate its implementation with teachers and principals, and assess its effectiveness.

High School Teachers

High school teachers help prepare students for life after graduation. They teach academic lessons and various skills that students will need to attend college and to enter the job market.

Postsecondary Teachers

Postsecondary teachers instruct students in a wide variety of academic and technical subjects beyond the high school level. They may also conduct research and publish scholarly papers and books.