Master of Arts in Curriculum & Instruction

The Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction is designed for experienced teachers as a way to further enhance their professionalism and the quality of their teaching. The graduate program prepares educators for leadership roles in their schools. Integrating theory, practice, and research, the M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction provides teachers with opportunities to conduct action research in their schools. Through this research, teachers will acquire advanced knowledge and develop greater competence in their disciplines, while discovering innovative and effective approaches to teaching and learning. Students are required to take seven core courses and five elective courses for a total of 36 credits. The 12 credits which meet the educational requirements for the Supervisor’s Certificate may be completed as part of the elective requirements within this program. Students in this degree program may also opt to complete a concentration in either Supervisor Certification, Educational Technology, or Special Education (42 credits). Currently, alternate route special education certification is also available for those currently emergency certified in special education (requires 6 credits of the concentration followed by the remaining 15 credits).

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

  • A minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75
  • Certification in education or significant teaching experience in a private setting
  • Official undergraduate/graduate transcripts
  • Satisfactory score on the MAT (Miller Analogies Test) or GRE (Graduate Record Exam); waived for students who have completed a master’s degree at an accredited institution or a Caldwell College post-baccalaureate program
  • Two professional references
  • Personal interview
  • Writing sample: In lieu of the statement of objectives on the application, include with your application a 1-2 page typed statement of your goals/objectives for entering the Curriculum and Instruction master’s program

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Required Courses - 21 credits

ED 590 Education in a Multicultural Society (3)
ED 595* Integrating Technology into the Classroom (3) (or any technology course listed as an elective)
ED 598 Strategies for Curriculum Change and Development (3)
ED 610 Educational Research I (3) (Capstone course, prerequisite 27 credits)
ED 611 Educational Research II (3) (Capstone course, prerequisite ED 610)
ED 630 Issues Facing Educators for the 21st Century (3)
ED 665 Ethical and Legal Implications of Teaching (3)

Electives - 15 credits by advisement

ED 521*** Overview of Students in Special Education (3)
ED 523*** History of Special Education and the Law (3)
ED 525*** Assessment and Planning for Students with Individualized Needs (3)
ED 530*** Academic Curriculum Alternatives, Adaptations and Technology (3)
ED 535*** Theories of Teaching, Learning and Reading for Students with Individualized Needs (3)
ED 537*** Introduction to ABA for Teachers (3)
ED 540*** The Special Education Teacher as Collaborator (3)
ED 575 Ethics, Education and Society (3)
ED 585 Historical and Philosophical Foundations of Education (3)
ED 596* Integrating Technology Into Daily Instruction (3)
ED 597* Creating and Implementing Technology Plans, Challenge Grants (3)
ED 599* Designing a Staff Development Program to Support the Integration of Technology Into Curriculum and Instruction (3)
ED 602* Designing and Using Web Pages in the Classroom (3)
ED 603* Designing a Distributed Technology Model (3)
ED 625 Learning Theory Issues and the Developing Student (3)
ED 635** Principles and Practices of Curriculum Development and Supervision in Subject Matter Areas (3)
ED 650** Curriculum Leadership (3)
ED 660 Teacher as Creative Catalyst (3)
ED 670** General Principles of Staff Supervision: Theory and Practice in Educational Administration and Supervision (3)
ED 671** Foundations of Pre K-12 Administration & Curriculum Supervision (3)

* Students wishing to obtain a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Educational Technology will take the five elective courses in Technology. No other electives will be required.
** These four courses fulfill the requirements for a Supervisor’s Certificate.
*** Students wishing to obtain a Master of Arts with a concentration in Special Education will take the seven elective courses designated for Teacher of Students with Disabilities endorsement. No other elective will be required.

Transfer of Graduate Credit

Caldwell College will accept the transfer of six credits of graduate work in education from another accredited institution provided the credits were completed within five years of the student’s registration at Caldwell. Official transcripts of previous graduate work as well as the description of each course must be submitted for review at the time of application. Approval of transfer credit is based on course content and grade earned in the course. Each transfer request will be reviewed by the Program Coordinator. Students entering this program upon completion of the Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Certificate program will receive 15 credits of advanced standing. Therefore, no additional transfer credits will be accepted. Such students must show evidence of having received or expecting teacher certification, which is a prerequisite for this program.

Statement of Outcomes Assessment

Any student who completes the M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction must successfully complete a two-semester capstone course, ED 610-611, in which an action research project is undertaken.