Curriculum and Instruction (M.Ed.)

Faculty

Dr. Cynthia Greer, Associate Professor of Counseling, Educating for Change
Dr. Deborah Litt, Associate Professor of Education, Program Chair for Reading
Dr. Bweikia Steen, Associate Professor of Education and Director of Early Childhood Programs

Degree Description

The School of Education offers the Master of Education degree (M.Ed.) in curriculum and instruction to currently certified classroom teachers who want to pursue advanced study in Teaching of Reading. Students may also pursue a general Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction (Educating for Change) which does not require a teaching certification for entrance. All certification programs are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (N.C.A.T.E.). Each program requires students to complete a range of courses in their chosen concentration. Some concentrations require field work.

Concentration Descriptions and Requirements

Educating for Change

This concentration provides an opportunity for practitioners in education and those who will serve as advocates for students in K-12 education, particularly in urban environments, to better understand the dynamics of working for change to improve the quality of education for all students. Taught in a multidisciplinary context, this advanced degree program draws from the insights provided by a range of disciplines, including sociology, psychology, history, political science, economics, and education. This interdisciplinary perspective equips students to engage both intellectually and through practice, while addressing social inequalities within educational systems, associated with gender, ethnicity, social class, and disabilities.

Students in the program work together to understand the political, social, and economic factors and processes that impact learning opportunities and educational processes; students learn to become leaders and educational change agents. The uses of instructional technology are integrated into all classes; therefore, students matriculating into this program are expected to demonstrate functional computer skills.

Within this 36-credit program, students learn about models for curriculum change and implementation, current research and best practices in teaching and learning, and equitable methods of assessment. Experiential learning and field experiences are central components of the learning process and foster student interaction with the community.

Required Courses (36 credits)

ALL of the following courses:

EDCC 601 Orientation: Tools for Graduate School
EDCI 505 Psychology of Children and Youth Facing Poverty
EDCC 600 Research in Education and Counseling
EDCI 607 Cultural Diversity
EDCI 611 Role of Social, Economic, and Political Systems in Education
EDCI 612 Conflict Management and Resolution
EDCI 650 Global and Ethical Perspectives
EDCI 651 Leadership in Family, School and Comm
EDCI 655 Spanish Language & Culture
EDCI 652 Literacy Issues in Urban Education
EDCI 653 Current Issues in Urban Education
EDCI 654 Urban Curriculum and Program Design

ONE Capstone Project:

EDCI 699 Capstone in Curriculum and Instruction

Course Descriptions

Explanation of Course Prefixes and Numbers
Courses designated EDCC are education core and common courses across various programs in the School of Education. The Curriculum and Instruction Program directly sponsors courses prefixed by EDCI. Courses designated EDTE are largely specific to the M.A.T. teacher education program, although students in other programs may be required to take some of these courses. Undergraduates with at least junior status may enroll in courses at the 500-level, with permission of their academic advisor. Only graduate students may enroll in courses numbered 600 and above.

EDCC – Education Core and Common Courses

EDCC 601 Orientation: Tools for Graduate School
EDCC 600 Research in Education and Counseling

EDCI – Curriculum and Instruction Courses 

EDCI 505 Psychology of Children and Youth Facing Poverty
EDCI 607 Cultural Diversity
EDCI 611 Role of Social, Economic, and Political Systems in Education
EDCI 612 Conflict Management and Resolution
EDCI 650 Global and Ethical Perspectives
EDCI 651 Leadership in Family, School and Comm
EDCI 652 Literacy Issues in Urban Education
EDCI 653 Current Issues in Urban Education
EDCI 654 Urban Curriculum and Program Design
EDCI 655 Spanish Language & Culture
EDCI 699 Capstone in Curriculum and Instruction