The Master of Arts degree in Differentiated Instruction is designed for current educators with two to ten years of experience who are interested in leading change and reform efforts in their educational settings. These educators are those looking for knowledge, skills and dispositions to act as teacher-leaders in planning and implementing differentiated instructional improvements and curricular enhancements as they relate to all students. Candidates will:
- Think critically, creatively and analytically in ways that promote meaningful teaching and learning experiences;
- Be able to articulate learning theory, assess student needs and develop curriculum and instructional strategies to meet those needs;
- Master a variety of cognitive and learning theories, differentiation in the content areas, instructional technology across the curriculum, various instructional approaches, and the importance of managing the differentiated learning environment using research-based instructional strategies and data-driven decision-making.
- Develop skills and acquire knowledge to be effective teacher-leaders in planning and implementing differentiated instructional improvements and curricular enhancements as they relate to all students.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| EDI-6010 | Differentiation and Learning Theory | 3 |
| EDI-6020 | Curriculum and Instructional Development for the Differentiated Classroom | 3 |
| EDI-6030 | Instructional Methods for the Differentiated Classroom | 3 |
| EDI-6035 | Assessment of Student Learning | 3 |
| EDL-6530 | Teacher Leadership: Instructional Coaching and Mentoring | 3 |
| EDL-6715 | Teacher Leadership: Providing Instructional Support | 3 |
| EDT-6010 | Integrating Technology Across the Curriculum | 3 |
| ESL-6350 | Cross-Cultural Studies: Teaching Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students | 3 |
| SPED-6365 | Instructional Strategies for Students with Specific Learning Disabilities and Emotional Disabilities | 3 |
| EDI-6040 | Seminar in Differentiated Instruction | 3 |
| Total Hours | 30 | |
Capstone Experience
EDI-6040 Seminar in Differentiated Instruction will serve as the capstone course. Candidates will design and implement a leadership project. The project will allow candidates to demonstrate their proficiency, knowledge and skill in designing and evaluating an initiative that promotes effective differentiated instruction practices in a school setting.
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.