The aims of the master of education in Teaching and Curriculum degree program are to help candidates think critically about instructional practices in order to provide meaningful and relevant learning experiences for all students, engage in scholarship that informs and guides their professional knowledge and practice, advocate for change that will promote equity and social justice in the school and community, and encourage continual learning opportunities and growth in their educational community.
To achieve these goals, six required core courses (18 credits) address foundational topics and content that compel teachers to examine, analyze, and evaluate educational practices. In EDUC 805-Curriculum Foundations (3), candidates study the historical, theoretical, and philosophical underpinnings of curriculum development. These foundational concepts inform candidates’ thinking as they learn to develop curriculum in EDUC 806-Curriculum Development and Instructional Design (3). Understanding how students learn and the most effective ways to assess learning are examined in EDUC 820-Learning Theory for the Classroom (3) and EDUC 839-Educational Assessment. While research is embedded in all classes, in EDUC 586-Educational Research Designs candidates learn how to navigate, critique and design research as well as the importance of examining research to inform educational decisions. When core courses and electives are completed, candidates take one of two Capstone courses where, as they reflect on what they have learned, synthesize and apply that learning to produce a publishable quality paper (EDUC 591-Education Seminar) or complete a research project (EDUC 587-Master’s Project).
Master of education in Teaching and Curriculum candidates can choose from a variety of options when completing four electives (12 credits) as part of the degree program. These options include an individual study focus, various concentrations, state endorsements, or state certifications. (Some of these endorsements or certifications may require credits/internships/fieldwork beyond the 30 credits required for the master’s degree.)
For course descriptions and requirements, see the University Bulletin.