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. 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. Coursework is completed through a combination of on-campus and online courses. 

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 hours of approved graduate course work

• A curriculum and instruction core that includes two of CI 5650, 6800, 6810, or 6830, with courses pre-approved by the faculty advisor

• An area of specialization in curriculum and instruction with courses pre-approved by the faculty advisor

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

• A course in theory and research

• A thesis, project, research seminar, or field experience (practicum)

In addition, no more than six semester hours of credit from any combination of workshops (5950), problems or special topics courses (5980 or 6980), and independent studies (5990 or 6990) may be included in the degree program.

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.

Plan of Study

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

• 6 credits of curriculum and instruction core

  • Two of CI 5650, 6800, 6810, or 6830 are required

• 12 credits of specialization in curriculum and instruction

• 6 credits of a supporting area

• 3 credits of theory and research 

• 3 credits of thesis, project or research seminar 

Licensure or endorsement may require additional semester hours to fulfill the credential requirements as well as degree requirements.​ Students should consult their advisor for detailed information.

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 work with their faculty advisor to identify specific courses to fulfill program requirements. 

Additional hours may be required to fulfill licensure or endorsement requirements. 

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
Curriculum and Instruction Core
Select two of the following:		6
CI 5650	Mentoring a Preservice Teacher
CI 6800	Foundations Of Curriculum & Instruction
CI 6810	Curriculum Development: K-12
CI 6830	Curriculum Trends And Issues
Specialization in Curriculum and Instruction
Select 12 credits as approved by faculty advisor		12
Supporting Area
Select 6 credits as approved by advisor		6
Theory and Research
Select one of the following:		3
CI 6490	Theory And Research In Literacy
CI 6590	Theory And Research In Mathematics Education
CI 6690	Theory And Research In Science Education
CI 6790	Theory And Research In Social Studies
CI 6890	Theory and Research in Learning and Teaching Content
Master's Thesis, Project, or Research Seminar
Select one of the following:		3
CI 6900	Master's Culminating Seminar In Teacher Education
CI 6920	Masters Research Project In Curriculum And Instruction
CI 6960	Masters Thesis In Curriculum And Instruction
Total Hours		30

• PLO 1: Plan and successfully complete a culminating project or publishable article/fundable grant.
• PLO 2: Identify effective assessment strategies and link them to their curriculum and instructional designs.
• PLO 3: Determine how social foundations concepts and social forces influence educational decisions.
• PLO 4: Identify major concepts in teaching and learning that are applicable to P-12 classrooms.
• PLO 5: Utilize best instructional practice in their classrooms.
• PLO 6: Create curriculum designs and apply them in their own classrooms.
• PLO 7: Use content standards from their teaching field(s) in both their curriculum and instructional designs.
• PLO 8: Utilize technology appropriately in their classrooms.
• PLO 9: Differentiate instruction to meet individual learner needs.