Curriculum and Instruction, M.A.
Individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally-accredited college or university and who have a minimum of two years of teaching experience may apply to earn the Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in Curriculum and Instruction and, upon successful completion of the program (and passing the appropriate GACE content assessments) be recommended for initial certification in Curriculum and Instruction.
Program description: The Master of Arts degree in Curriculum and Instruction is a 36-hour degree that enables students holding a baccalaureate degree and initial certification in a teaching field to obtain an S-5 certificate. The emphasis of the program is on the development of “informed educators” who have an understanding of curriculum, instruction, assessment, students and professional practice. This certificate is one of the three eligible “out of field” areas which enables candidates to obtain pay upgrades in their districts. Candidates for this degree program will be able to implement and evaluate curriculum that leads to enhanced student learning. (Rule 505-.3-.55, PSC) The program consists of 30 hours of prescribed coursework and an opportunity for the candidate to concentrate in a content field through 6 hours of additional coursework.
Program goal(s): The Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction will allow advanced degree educators to possess the major theoretical and pedagogical underpinnings regarding curriculum, instruction, assessment, students and professional practices. Candidates completing this degree will be able to design, implement and evaluate curriculum for B-12 students using a clear understanding of the influences on student learning and student needs. Candidates will become informed educators through coursework, field experience and research.
Course Names and Descriptions
Required:
| EDUC 6600 | Educational Assessment | 3 |
| EDUC 6607 | Fundamentals of Learning and Cognition | 3 |
| EDUC 6642 | Critical Thinking and Creativity in the Classroom | 3 |
| EDUC 6699 | Methods and Interpretation of Educational Research | 3 |
| EDUC 7701 | Critical Analysis of Current Trends and Issues in Education | 3 |
| EDUC 7702 | Integrating Instructional Media and Technology | 3 |
| EDUC 7703 | Social, Cultural, and Ethical Perspectives of Education | 3 |
| EDUC 7730 | School Law | 3 |
| EDUC 7735 | Advanced Curriculum/Interdisciplinary Instruction | 3 |
| EDUC 7788/EDEC 7788 | Capstone/Exhibition | 3 |
Content Field Requirement (6 hours)
Any six hours of advanced level coursework focused on the content or content pedagogy of the certificate field held. These courses must be approved by the department chair (Teaching and Learning) and the advisor.
Hours: 36