Apr 25, 2024  
2016-2017 Graduate Catalog 
    
2016-2017 Graduate Catalog This is not the most recent catalog version; be sure you are viewing the appropriate catalog year.

Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction (CI)


Revised Program, effective Fall 2016

The Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction is a 30-credit hour degree program designed to enhance and expand existing knowledge, skills, and dispositions while further developing the core competencies expected of advanced educators (or teachers). This degree program prepares graduates with opportunities to demonstrate knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to and beneficial for:

  • Responding positively to classroom practices that enhance student learning.
  • Effectively align instruction with curriculum standards, assessment tools, and individual needs of students.
  • Critically analyzing classroom practices and appropriately responding to the findings.
  • Articulating the rationale for decisions regarding professional practice, classroom instruction, and classroom/school policies and procedures.
  • Making informed decisions by reflecting on experiences both past and present to improve teaching practices that enhance student learning.  
  • Becoming change leaders for the improvement of their schools.

Students can select one of three Concentrations:

Advanced Teaching and Learning Concentration – This concentration is designed for teachers who want to improve their classroom practice using the most current knowledge, aligned with the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.

Instructional Leadership Concentration – This concentration is designed to provide practicing classroom teachers the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to serve as teacher leaders who work with adult learners, facilitate and lead change, manage conflict, and coach and mentor teachers at all stages in their careers.  Candidates completing this track may use two of the educational leadership courses towards a K-12 administrative certificate for building leaders.

Urban and Diversity Education Concentration – This concentration is designed to provide teachers with an understanding of urban schools and the development of skills and knowledge which identifies, respects, and addresses differences in students’ values, preferences, and learning needs. It will assist teachers and other education professionals in understanding, valuing, and contributing to school and community to enhance learning outcomes for all students   

Admission Requirements:


Applicants must meet the following requirements:

  1. Meet the Graduate School admission requirements;
  2. Hold a 2.75 undergraduate GPA or 3.0 in the last half of the undergraduate work or 3.3 GPA in 12 hours or more of work at the graduate level or a minimum 50th percentile on the Graduate Record Examination writing. International students must have a minimum score of 550 on the TOEFL; 
  3. For Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education (ECE) , elementary education, middle level education, secondary education, curriculum and instruction, and for students in educational media and technology who are pursuing the NP endorsement: hold a valid teaching credential. For international students who do not intend to teach in the United States, this requirement can be waived. Teaching certification is NOT required for the programs Master of Arts in Educational Psychology (EPDL) , Master of Arts in Social Foundations of Education (SFND) , or for students in Master of Arts in Educational Media and Technology (EDMT)  not pursuing the NP endorsement;
  4. Furnish an analysis of professional goals written by the candidate. This analysis should include a description of how the chosen degree program will help meeting the selected goals and how the candidate’s life experiences, accomplishments and interests will contribute to his or her success in the program; and
  5. Request and have submitted two letters of recommendation that address the candidate’s professional commitment, experience and potential. The transcripts, analysis of goals and letters of recommendation should give evidence of potential for graduate-level scholarship.

Department Information:


Teacher Education - College of Education

Martha Kinney-Sedgwick, Ph.D.
Department Head

313 Porter
(734) 487-3260
mkinneys@emich.edu

Department Website

Advisor Information:


Virginia M. Harder, Ph.D.

313 Porter
(734) 487-2729
vharder1@emich.edu

Additional Requirements:


Retention Requirements

Students must successfully complete all retention requirements before proceeding with the remainder of the program.

  1. Attendance at a program orientation.
  2. From 15 to 18 hours of graduate credit, including CURR 654  or CURR 655 , CURR 653  and required EDPS and SOFD courses, with an overall GPA of 3.0 or better.
  3. A satisfactory assessment of written communication.

Students lacking the requirements must meet with the advisor to determine whether to withdraw from the program or apply for continuing eligibility by completing a plan of remediation.

Exit Requirements

To graduate, students must:

  1. Complete an approved program of study with a GPA of 3.0 or better;
  2. Successfully present to the Graduate Review Board a professional teaching portfolio;
  3. Apply for graduation and obtain the advisor’s recommendation; and
  4. Meet all other Office of Graduate Studies and Research requirements for the degree.

Degree Requirements: 30 hours


Foundation Courses: 12 hours


Foundation courses provide the basis on which all subsequent courses are built and must be taken within the first 18 hours of course work

Concentration: 12 hours


Students select one of three concentrations