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
