Master of Arts Curriculum and Instruction

Students acquire an operational framework of core competencies which utilize a comprehensive knowledge and skill base to plan, monitor, and adjust teaching strategies within the complex and rapidly changing contextual situations of educational settings.

Using sound principles of curriculum development and instructional design, implementation and evaluation, students learn to create a meaningful and significant teaching-learning environment. Coursework is designed to provide skills needed to use research based curriculum and teaching strategies that address academic standards and provide active, authentic learning for students. Students work closely with their program advisors to select a program focus and to plan a course of study which includes prior knowledge, experience, and special interests.

Curriculum and Instruction for Teachers

Designed for the experienced teacher, the course of study for the Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction for Teachers provides the conceptual, technical, and decision-making skills needed to be a master teacher and leader in school renewal.

Students build their knowledge and experience base by engaging in active learning situations which bridge the gap between theory and research findings with practical action toward the achievement of clear educational goals.

Emphasis is given to classroom and school-wide strategies which enable the student to collaborate with professional colleagues, parents, and community resources within rapidly changing educational situations.

Students who pursue this degree program can use course work to prepare for application to the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) for national teaching certification. Students must be sure to consult with their advisors to remain current regarding State Department of Education requirements.

Special interests which can be pursued within the program may include but are not limited to the following:

• Urban Education
• Teacher Mentor
• Early Childhood Development
• Collaboration for Inclusionary Education
• Department Leadership
• Interdisciplinary and Integrated Curriculum
• Multicultural and Diversity Curriculum
• Application of Cognitive Learning Principles
• Instructional Design
• Technology Integration

Admission Requirements

Applicants must qualify for graduate study, have a 3.0 GPA, a state teaching certificate, or a background in education and experience satisfactory to the department. Program applicants must give evidence of their ability to pursue this program of study as well as to apply learning principles in their chosen speciality area and submit three letters of recommendation as verification.

Degree Requirements

Eighteen of the 30 credit hours develop core competencies for ethical and skilled decision making toward effective teaching and learning. The core courses are:

• EDU 500 Methods of Educational Research 3 cr.
• EDU 516/7 Curriculum Construction 3 cr.
• EDU 525 Educational Policy Studies 3 cr.
• EDU 596 Program Planning & Evaluation 3 cr.
• EDU 609 Advanced Seminar in Curriculum Planning and Administration 3 cr.
• EDU 620 Supervision of Instruction 3 cr.
• Special interest electives are chosen in consultation with an advisor. 9 cr.

Master degree level research, in consultation with your advisor, is conducted and written as a culminating project in EDU 551- Seminar in Curriculum and Instruction (3 cr.). Students may elect to take EDU 698-Field Research Project (3-6 cr.) or EDU 599 - Master Thesis (6 cr.) to fulfill this requirement with the permission of the Program Director. Research requirements must be successfully demonstrated with a graduate passing grade.

Core competency courses are continuously adjusted to meet the changing demands of effective education. Students in the Curriculum and Instruction program need to work closely with their program advisor to determine current requirements and possible course offerings that fulfill this degree program.

For students who are not yet certified educators, please visit the website for our Master of Arts Degree in Curriculum & Instruction with Teacher Certification program.