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Online Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction
With a master's in curriculum and instruction* from the University of Kansas School of Education, you'll learn to develop more effective instructional approaches, evaluate how well your students are learning, and integrate new technology and teaching strategies into the classroom.
While it may be easy to view your teaching skills as the single most significant determinant of your students’ classroom success, the curriculum you construct and use can have a profound effect on your students' lives as well: Evidence indicates that completing a more challenging high school curriculum can help students overcome even socioeconomic disadvantages.1 By developing your strengths as an instructor and learning to build a stronger curriculum, you can give your students the best possible advantage.
Challenge yourself to become a better educator, leader or administrator.
The KU School of Education offers online master's programs that pair the academic rigor of a highly respected university with a flexible schedule to accommodate your busy life. Our graduate program in curriculum and instruction is ranked #15 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.2
The online curriculum and instruction master's program blends the latest theories with practical, hands-on implementation. A practitioner-focused approach means everything you learn can be applied directly to your own classroom. Ultimately, you'll improve not only your own curriculum development skills but also the educational experience for the students whose lives you touch, whether they make up an individual class or an entire school or district.
Earn your degree in as few as two years
Program Details
*This program is an online Master of Science in Education (M.S.E.) degree in curriculum and instruction. It does not lead to initial nor advanced teaching licensure in the state of Kansas.
Prior teaching experience is not required but is strongly recommended.
Note: In order to enroll in any of these programs, a bachelor's degree is required. No program can guarantee licensure. It is each student’s responsibility to determine the licensure requirements in his or her state and to apply for the licenses or endorsements necessary to his or her career goals. Our department staff and licensure officer can provide individual support during the application process to help you understand your state’s requirements.
Curriculum and Instruction Course Descriptions
Our Curriculum and Instruction master’s degree is for current educators and teachers who want to learn more about effective instructional practices and curriculum development to really make a difference. Here you can read more about the courses available to those pursuing a flexible master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction at the KU School of Education. All courses listed are worth 3 credits.
Please note: Course list and sequence is subject to change.
C&T 709 - Foundations of Curriculum and Instruction
Basic concepts and processes of curriculum and instruction, including theories, planning models, resources for decision-making, current trends, research, and proposals for improvement of curriculum and instruction.
C&T 807 - Multicultural Education
In order to provide the student with an understanding of multicultural education, the course will examine the effects of such issues as ethnicity in America, the melting pot theory, separatism, cultural pluralism, legal issues, and bilingual education upon the curriculum and instruction in today's classrooms. It will include an evaluation of materials for bias and stereotypes. Field experiences are a part of this course.
C&T 806 - Instructional Strategies & Models
Analysis of models of teaching which represent distinct orientations toward students and how they learn. The application of these models is complemented by the study of research evidence on effective teaching strategies. Prerequisite: C&T 709.
EPSY 715 - Understanding Research in Education
This course introduces the concepts and skills involved in understanding and analyzing research in education and related areas. The course provides an overview of basic, general knowledge of various research methodologies. Students should expect to study much of this material in greater depth through additional course work before being fully prepared to conduct independent research. However this course should enhance their ability to locate, read, comprehend, and critically analyze research articles and reports. Topics in the course include quantitative and qualitative methods and designs, historical and descriptive research, and program evaluation.
C&T 803 - Differentiating Curriculum & Instruction
This course is designed for educators interested in expanding curriculum and instruction to accommodate diverse learners in the K-12 classroom. Topics include: models, methods and resources for differentiating curriculum and instruction; designing and modifying differentiated curriculum; evaluating student learning; and introducing students, parents and colleagues to differentiation. This is an evidence-based, practical course for teachers, administrators and support personnel.
ELPS 811 - Constructivist Learning Technologies
This course explores the design and use of new educational technologies to support constructivist learning. Throughout the course, students will (1) get hands-on experiences with emerging educational technologies, (2) examine how the underlying learning theories are reified into concrete learning environments, and (3) analyze how the affordances of new technologies (e.g., modeling and visualization) can facilitate the constructivist learning processes. This course is suitable for students who wish to develop greater knowledge about the ways emerging computer technologies can empower constructivist learning.
C&T 802 - Curriculum Planning for Education Settings
This course focuses on organizing and managing curriculum development in educational settings. Such curricular decisions as writing philosophies, setting goals and objectives, selecting and organizing content, and designing and monitoring evaluation procedures will be emphasized. Providing leadership for the collaborative process of curriculum planning in organizational settings will receive attention.
C&T 770 - Pedagogical Considerations in the 21st Century Classroom
This course will explore the current theories and capabilities of instruction in the 21st century classroom and will bridge the theories with pedagogical practice and considerations. We will examine relevant theories of instruction, analyze 21st century learning environments, and identify and practice instructional strategies for student engagement, critical thinking and collaboration in the classroom.
C&T 801 - Planning for School Improvement
The course will emphasize the latest research and practice related to school improvement. Students will function as a member of a school improvement team to assimilate and synthesize research and practice into the development, revision and/or assessment of a school improvement plan for a specific school site.
C&T 898 - Master’s Project
The master’s project is a collection of artifacts completed during courses in the program, along with documentation of other activities demonstrating leadership and professionalism, to demonstrate the four program outcomes: Teaching All Students, Knowing and Using Research, Pedagogical Content Knowledge, and Foundational Knowledge.
Sources:
- Retrieved on September 26, 2018, from nces.ed.gov/das/epubs/2001163/conclusions.asp
- Retrieved on April 29, 2020, from usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/university-of-kansas-155317/overall-rankings