The Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction degree is designed for those who wish to become more effective educators. Students in this program develop greater expertise in developing curriculum, designing instruction, assessing, and understanding the needs of learners. Students work with faculty to choose a range of courses focused on their particular interest within curriculum and instruction. 

The ME in Curriculum and Instruction is a 30 semester hour program. Students take courses in Curriculum and Instruction along with education courses selected with a faculty adviser based on the student's interests and goals. Students also choose a Supporting Area from one of the following areas: Early Childhood Education, Educational Psychology, Literacy, Research and Measurement, Special Education, or Theory and Social Foundations. The program culminates with a theory and research course and the completion of a master's culminating seminar, project, or thesis depending on the student's interest. 

Admission to the ME in Curriculum and Instruction

In addition to admission requirements of the College of Graduate Studies, admission to the master's program requires the following:

• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited four-year institution

• A well-written statement of purpose describing your background and goals as well as the importance of this degree in achieving those goals

• Three letters of recommendation regarding your potential for doing master's level work from professionals such as an undergraduate major advisor, current employer, school principal or others who are knowledgeable about  your ability to engage in graduate work in this degree program

The master's program has selective admissions and may admit a limited number of students. Thus, meeting all formal criteria does not guarantee admission.

What to Submit with Your application

• Official transcripts from all institutions of higher education

• Statement of purpose

• Three letters of recommendation 

Requirements for the ME in Curriculum and Instruction

For the Master of Education degree, students must complete the following program requirements:

• A minimum of 30 semester credit hours of approved graduate course work

• 15 credit hours of core courses

• 12 credit hours of specialization in one area: Curriculum and Instruction, Early Childhood, or Literacy 

• 3 credit hours of culminating experience 

Note that courses may only apply to one category (i.e., core or specialization).

All coursework and requirements of the master's degree must be taken within a six-year period immediately preceding the date the degree is awarded.

Guide for Developing a Plan of Study

Below is a guide for developing a Plan of Study for the Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction.  Students should review their degree audit and work with their faculty advisor to identify specific courses to fulfill program requirements. 

Note that courses may only apply to one category (i.e., core, specialization, or supporting area).

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
Curriculum and Instruction Core
CI 6800	Foundations Of Curriculum & Instruction	3
CI 6830	Curriculum Trends And Issues	3
EDP 5110	Advanced Educational Psychology	3
RESM 5310	Understanding and Consuming Research	3
TSOC 5300	Philosophy of Education	3
Students must choose ONE specialization		12
Specialization in Curriculum and Instruction
CI 6400	Trends In Literacy Acquisition
CI 6650	Teacher Learning and Education
CI 6810	Curriculum Development: K-12
CIEC 6310	Pre-K/Primary Curriculum
Specialization in Early Childhood Education
CIEC 6310	Pre-K/Primary Curriculum
CIEC 6320	Meaning And Development Of Play Behavior
CIEC 6330	Language And Concept Development
CIEC 6950	Theory And Research In Early Childhood
Specialization in Literacy
CI 6400	Trends In Literacy Acquisition
CI 6410	Content Area Literacy
CI 6430	Diagnosis Of Reading Disability
CI 6440	Remediation Practicum
Master's Culminating Experience
CI 6920	Masters Research Project In Curriculum And Instruction	3
Total Hours		30

• PLO 1. Advanced Curriculum Leadership Improvement \nGraduates will lead collaborative curriculum design and evaluation efforts by critically analyzing instructional programs, applying advanced theories of learning, and using research to guide school-wide curriculum improvements.
• PLO 2. Critical Pedagogical Analysis Instructional Transformation \nGraduates will conduct systematic, critical analyses of classroom practices—using frameworks from learning sciences, equity-oriented pedagogy, and instructional design—to develop and model transformative teaching practices that elevate learning for all students.
• PLO 3. Data Leadership Evidence-Informed Decision Making \n\nGraduates will lead teams in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting multiple sources of student and program data to diagnose instructional needs, implement responsive interventions, and promote equitable learning outcomes across classrooms and grade levels.
• PLO 4. Professional Leadership, Advocacy, Organizational Change \nGraduates will demonstrate advanced educational leadership by mentoring colleagues, facilitating professional learning communities, and advocating for evidence-based policies and practices that promote continuous improvement and organizational change within schools.