Master of Arts in Secondary Education (SSED)

Foundations Course: 11 hours

• CURR 653 - Introduction to Curriculum Portfolios Credit Hours: 1 hr
• EDPS 501 - Psychology of Adolescence Credit Hours: 2 hrs
• SOFD 550 - Philosophy, Ethics and Teaching Credit Hours: 2 hrs

Cohort Courses: 12 hours

• CURR 650 - Improving Instruction through Inquiry and Assessment Credit Hours: 3 hrs
• CURR 656 - Curriculum Design, Implementation and Evaluation Credit Hours: 3 hrs
• CURR 665 - Differentiation in the Classroom Credit Hours: 3 hrs

Elective Courses: 7 hours

Seven credit hours in consultation with an adviser.

Culminating Experience: 1 hour

Master’s Focus Paper in addition to:

• CURR 694 - Seminar: Secondary Curriculum Credit Hours: 1 hrs

Program Total: 31 hours

Note:

Foundations courses are required for all master of arts in curriculum and instruction programs. These courses provide the basis on which all subsequent courses are built and must be taken within the first 18 hours of course work.

Thesis/Project

The culminating experience for the secondary education program is a thesis or a project. This thesis/project is an opportunity for students to make the transition from consumers to producers of knowledge and innovation in the field of education. In a thesis, the writer investigates some area of educational theory or practice, gathers and analyzes information and draws conclusions to add to the body of knowledge in the field of curriculum. Curriculum projects entail working toward the solution of an educational problem, using some aspect of curriculum.

Both the thesis and the curriculum project are intended to be new, original work, completed in consultation with a committee of faculty advisers. While a thesis or project often is the result of an interest that has developed across time, it is expected that the culminating experience itself will be developed during the time period that includes registration in seminar and completion of thesis credit. Previously completed projects are not acceptable for this purpose.

The thesis/project should reflect the grade-level program (elementary, middle level, or secondary) and concentration area selected.

Concentration Requirements

The secondary education program also requires each student to pursue a concentration. A concentration includes a minimum of four classes that reflect a thematic or other unified pattern. Concentration courses allow students to acquire in-depth knowledge in an area of interest and acquire important background for their thesis or project. Specializations available in the secondary education program are:

• Subject Area Specialization
• Education of the Gifted and Talented
• Teacher as Inquirer
• Instructional Models and Processes
• Language Arts
• Students with Special Needs

A student and an adviser are free to create a unique pattern, as long as that pattern meets the “unified pattern” criteria. Concentration requirements are described below. For additional information about the programs available, consult the coordinator of graduate programs in curriculum and instruction.

I. Subject Area Specialization Concentration: 8-10 hours

Select four graduate classes from your major/minor subject area in consultation with the adviser.

II. Education of the Gifted and Talented Concentration: 8 hours

III. Teacher as Inquirer Concentration: 11 hours

IV. Instructional Models and Practices Concentration: 8 hours

V. Students with Special Needs Concentration: 8 hours

See footnote two below

VI. Language Arts Concentration-Secondary: 10-12 hours

Note:

Footnote One:
Must take the one not taken in foundations area.

Footnote Two:
This concentration does not qualify a student to teach or receive an endorsement in special education.