Curriculum and Instruction M.A./M.S.
The College of Education's Curriculum and Instruction Master's Degree Program offers an innovative learning environment that engages and empowers individuals to develop the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to improve their professional practice and to become leaders for change and social justice in their learning communities. The Program is designed for professionals who want to pursue advanced studies in teacher leadership, educational theories and research, curriculum design, and instructional practices. Courses are intended to enhance equitable pedagogy and learning outcomes while providing opportunities for career development. The Program electives are flexible and can be used toward endorsements (e.g. ESOL, Reading), specializations (e.g., Math), and Certificates of Completion (e.g. Teacher Leadership, ESOL, Autism Spectrum Disorder).
Requirements for the degree are:
1. A program of study consisting of 45 graduate-level credits approved by the student’s graduate adviser and the department chair, to include:
a. A minimum of 24 core credits in curriculum and instruction.
b. A core of studies encompassing preparation in the areas of teaching and learning, curriculum, research and evaluation, human relations, and multicultural education. The precise nature of this core of studies is specified by the department. Degree plans are written in cooperation with an assigned adviser.
c. All courses must be 500 level or above.
d. No more than 6 credits may be 800-level courses numbers, if approved by the adviser prior to being used for a master’s program. Courses numbered 808 are not allowed.
e. With adviser and department chair approval, up to 15 credits may be transferred in from other institutions.
f. With adviser and department chair approval, up to 15 credits from PSU taken prior to admission may be included in the program.
g. The total credits of (e.) and (f.) cannot exceed 15.
2. The student will select one of three options to complete the requirements for the master’s degree: (1) an independent action research project, (2) a thesis, or (3) a written comprehensive examination. The thesis requires an oral examination in addition to the written product.
Core Classes (24 credits)
| CI 510 | Guidance for the Classroom Teacher | 3 |
| CI 561 | Advanced Educational Psychology | 3 |
| CI 565 | Theoretical Models of Curriculum | 3 |
| CI 567 | Curriculum and Culture | 3 |
| CI 580 | Theories of Instruction | 3 |
| CI 581 | Issues in Education | 3 |
| CI 590 | Action Research Proposal | 3 |
| CI 591 | Action Research Implementation | 3 |
Early Childhood Specialization
The College of Education offers graduate-level courses for professionals seeking to strengthen their understanding and skills in the area of early childhood education (ECE). This coursework focus is appropriate for those pursuing a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction with a specialization in ECE.