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Master of Arts-Curriculum and Instruction
The Master of Arts-Curriculum and Instruction is designed for you to imagine, to envision, and to create effective, high-achieving and equitable education for 21st century student learning.

Two graduate degree programs are offered: one for experienced educators, i.e. K-12 certified/higher education/adult teachers, who seek to lead education renewal; and one for persons who seek initial teacher certification that positions them to be educator leaders. Both programs model a hybrid course teaching methodology so that you experience the power of integrating face-to-face and emerging technology supported learning to engage the learner.

Use your prior education and experience as resources for developing reflective practitioner skills as an education professional. Acquire an operational framework of core competencies that utilizes a comprehensive research-based knowledge and skill base to plan, monitor, adjust and evaluate teaching strategies within the complex and rapidly changing contextual situations of educational settings. Emphasize leveraging classroom and school-wide strategies that enable you to collaborate with professional colleagues, parents, and community resources.

You will work closely with your program advisor to select a program focus and to plan a course of study that includes prior knowledge, experience, and special interests.

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

As you pursue this degree program, you can use course work to address school, program, classroom issues and challenges as a classroom teacher and school leader. Course projects provide practical opportunities to apply classic and emerging educational theories and strategies for achieving expected learner outcomes. Courses can be used to prepare for application to the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) for national teaching certification. See your program advisor for current requirements.

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

• Adult Learner
• Collaboration for Inclusionary Education
• Department and School Leadership
• Multicultural and Diversity Curriculum
• Staff Professional Development
• Standards Based Curriculum
• Success for All Students
• Teacher Mentor
• Technology Integration

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 specialty area and submit three letters of recommendation as verification of your educational achievements.

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

Master degree level research, in consultation with your advisor, is conducted and written as a culminating project in EDU 5510 Seminar in Curriculum and Instruction,3 cr. Students may elect to take EDU 6980 Field Research Project, 3/6 cr. or EDU 5990 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 rapidly changing demands of effective education. Within the Curriculum and Instruction Program, you need to work closely with your program advisor to determine current requirements and possible course offerings which fulfill this degree program.