The Education Specialist in Curriculum and Instruction degree is designed to meet the needs of individuals involved with the curriculum, teaching, and supervision aspects of discipline-centered areas of study. The EdS is a post-master’s graduate program that provides students an area of educational specialization with emphasis on practice. The degree culminates in a practicum experience working in a school setting. Education Specialists are prepared to become teacher leaders, curriculum specialists, assessment specialists, or mentor teachers in their districts.

The EdS in Curriculum and Instruction is a 30 semester hour program. Students take courses in their area of concentration at the specialist level (beyond the master's). The degree culminates in a practicum experience working in a school setting. Coursework is completed through a combination of on-campus and online courses. 

ADMISSION TO THE EDS IN CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION

In addition to admission requirements of the College of Graduate Studies, admission to the education specialist program requires the following:

• A master’s degree from an accredited institution

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

• Three letters of recommendation regarding your ability and character to succeed in this degree program from academic professionals

The education specialist 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 

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

• A minimum of 30 semester hours of approved graduate course work beyond the master's level (7000 or 8000 level)

• A curriculum and instruction core that includes two of CI 7650, 8800, 8810, or 8830 or other approved curriculum and instruction course, with courses pre-approved by the faculty advisor

• An area of specialization in curriculum and instruction

• A supporting area with courses pre-approved by the faculty advisor

• An education specialist practicum experience 

In addition, no more than six semester hours of credit from any combination of workshops (7950), problems or special topics courses (7980), and independent studies (7990) may be included in the degree program.

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

Plan of Study

A plan of study identifying the courses for the specialist degree is required after 12 credit hours, generally at the end of the first semester of full time study. The specialist plan of study must include the following within the 30 semester hour minimum:

• 6 credits of curriculum and instruction core

  • Two of CI 7650, 8800, 8810, or 8830 or other approved curriculum and instruction course

• 15 credits of specialization in curriculum and instruction

• 6 credits of a supporting area

• 3 credits of education specialist practicum

Licensure or endorsement may require additional semester hours to fulfill the credential requirements as well as degree requirements.​

Guide for Developing a Plan of Study

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

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
Curriculum and Instruction Core
Select two of the following:		6
CI 7650	Mentoring a Preservice Teacher
CI 8800	Foundations Of Curriculum & Instruction
CI 8810	Curriculum Development: K-12
CI 8830	Curriculum Trends And Issues
Other curriculum courses as approved by faculty advisor
Specialization in Curriculum and Instruction
Select 15 credits as approved by faculty advisor		15
Supporting Area
Select 6 credits as approved by advisor		6
Education Specialist Practicum
Select the following:		3
CI 7940	Specialist Practicum In Curriculum And Instruction
Total Hours		30

• PLO 1: Demonstrate knowledge of core ideas in curriculum and instruction including current ideas and issues in a thoughtful and substantive manner.
• PLO 2: Develop and articulate a theoretically grounded and supported argument regarding the study of teaching in a content area.
• PLO 3: Design a plan for studying learning that integrates core ideas and develops pedagogical content knowledge.
• PLO 4: Participate knowledgeably, reflectively, and professionally in discussions regarding core ideas for the study of teaching.
• PLO 5: Critique and provide productive feedback for peers.
• PLO 6: Communicate professionally in formal writing using language style and conventions of academic English and APA guidelines.
• PLO 7: Present an evidence-based account of students’ learning based on assessment findings and evaluations.