Concordia University Chicago's Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction provides graduate candidates with an innovative, world-class learning experience. Courses are taught by experienced education leaders and scholars, who assist candidates throughout a rigorous degree track by stressing the importance of integrity, competence and servant leadership.
Faculty methods utilize the latest technology and engage students through real-world applications using multiple instructional models. We establish a critical theoretical and practical approach for well-rounded learning environments, which prepare candidates for success in the field of education today and tomorrow for education leaders.
The Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction is directed toward the preparation of master classroom teachers. The program enables teachers to increase mastery of curriculum methodology, pedagogy and theoretical applications and apply these skills to their teaching to achieve a deeper penetration into subjects, enhance understanding of the learner and the process of education, and become a resource person for curriculum development.
Candidates will:
- Reflect on the relationship between theory and pedagogical approaches in one’s practice;
- Engage in critical analysis of current educational issues and policies;
- Develop a knowledge base in curriculum theory and practice and develop a capacity to design, implement and evaluate instructional programs;
- Become familiar with current research on and theory in the instruction of exceptional learners;
- Understand the practical facets of conducting applied classroom research including the collection and assessment of data;
- Develop an understanding of teacher leadership and effective teacher advocacy;
- Develop an understanding of enduring ethical, philosophical and educational issues;
- Tailor their program based on their educational goals and needs via specialization with elective credits.
General Graduate Admission Requirements
All applicants must meet the general admission requirements for Concordia University Chicago graduate programs as published in the Concordia University Chicago academic catalog.
New students are accepted into graduate degree-seeking, certificate, endorsement and/or post-graduate programs for online and on-campus study in the fall, spring, or summer semesters. Previously admitted students seeking to change programs may do so at the beginning of a semester (only) by submitting a Change-of-Program quick app. Applicants must be in good academic standing according to Concordia University Chicago’s satisfactory academic progress standards at the time of requesting a program change.
Degree Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core | ||
| EDU-6110 | Foundations of Curriculum and Instruction | 3 |
| EDU-6380 | Assessment, Evaluation and Data-Driven Decision Making | 3 |
| EDU-6500 | Curriculum Construction | 3 |
| EDU-6525 | Teacher as Practitioner | 3 |
| EDU-6535 | Teacher as Leader | 3 |
| Electives | ||
| Select nine hours from the following: | ||
| EDI-6030 | Instructional Methods for the Differentiated Classroom | 3 |
| EDL-6715 | Teacher Leadership: Providing Instructional Support | 3 |
| EDT-6010 | Integrating Technology Across the Curriculum | 3 |
| EDU-6212 | Studies in Literacy and Multiliteracy | 3 |
| EDU-6526 | Socially, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students: Perspectives for Practitioners | 3 |
| EDU-6540 | Special Education Curriculum and Pedagogy | 3 |
| EDU-6750 | Issues and Trends in Curriculum and Instruction | 3 |
| EDU-6770 | Trauma-Informed Pedagogy | 3 |
| Capstone | ||
| EDU-6640 | Teacher as Researcher 1 | 3 |
| EDU-6556 | Seminar in Reflective Practice 1 | 3 |
| Total Hours | 30 | |
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These courses are offered in a sequence and cannot be taken concurrently during the same part of term. Students will complete all other courses before the capstone sequence. Please contact your GPS, and view Degree Works and your cohort template for more information.
Capstone Experience
As the final capstone experience for the master’s program, candidates will be required to design and implement a teacher research project around the teaching and learning within their classrooms or schools. Students will master the content and skills required to complete this action research capstone in the last two courses in the program: EDU-6640 Teacher as Researcher and EDU-6556 Seminar in Reflective Practice.
Graduation Requirements
- Have on file an application as a degree-seeking graduate student.
- Have on file one official transcript from EACH college/university attended of all previous coursework taken.
- Complete, for the degree being sought:
- the credit hours and levels as designated,
- within the specified time limit,
- with grades of C- or higher,
- with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
- Students completing multiple advanced programs or degrees at CUC must have a 3.0 GPA in each academic program in addition to a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
- If transfer credit is approved to be applied: have on file an approved “Graduate Transfer Credit Approval” form(s) or evaluation(s).
- Have on file the Intent to Graduate/Complete form with the Office of the Registrar by the published deadline.
- Have on file, if applicable, necessary copies of a project, thesis or dissertation.
- Take and pass the final examination or terminal requirements in the program during or after the final course.
- Approval of the faculty.
- All administrative obligations to CUC must be cleared in order to prompt the release of CUC transcripts and diploma(s).
Every attempt has been made to include information to aid the student with information about his/her program, degree and graduation/completion requirements. It is, however, the student’s responsibility to complete all steps and meet all deadlines relevant to graduation requirements.