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Curriculum and Instruction Graduate Program (100% Online)
Graduate Program Information
Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction
Your program. Specialized with purpose.
The Master of Science in Education in Curriculum and Instruction combines the rigor of an outstanding academic program, the personal attention of departmental faculty, and the convenience of online coursework. This graduate program is designed for practicing teachers who teach from pre-kindergarten through the middle grades, and can even be extended to the secondary level with specialized or catered course options. Graduates of the program not only enhance their professional expertise, but become poised to assume leadership roles within their schools and districts. The Curriculum and Instruction Graduate Program includes areas of specialization in literacy education, elementary curriculum, early childhood education, mathematics education, science education, and social studies education. Candidates are able to choose the direction they feel will most benefit them in their current teaching position in grade levels that range from Pre-K through the middle grades. The degree requires 30 semester hours of exclusive online coursework, including core components, an area of specialization, two electives, and a capstone experience.
Endorsements
Although the completion of the Curriculum and Instruction Graduate Program does NOT lead to any endorsements, it may be possible to add an endorsement in Curriculum and Instruction or Elementary Education to an existing license at the same time as completion of the MSED. Questions about endorsements should be addressed to the University Certification Officer Ms. Tamara Wilson at (309) 298-1434 or ts-wilson@wiu.edu.
Areas of Specialization
The Elementary Curriculum Area of Specialization develops knowledge, skills, and instructional competencies in each of the major subject areas of the elementary curriculum. This area offers candidates a balanced program of courses in each major subject areas and includes: (1) Literacy education; (2) Mathematics; (3) Science and; (4) Social Studies.
The Literacy Education Area of Specialization develops knowledge, skills and instructional competencies in reading, literature, and language arts. This specialization focuses on major theories, current research, and practical classroom application of strategies for supporting the development of children/adolescents' speaking, listening, reading, and writing abilities.
Early Childhood Education Online
The goal of the Early Childhood Education Area of Specialization is to provide candidates with opportunities to expand their knowledge, skills and understanding of the growth and development of the young child. Candidates are encouraged and supported in their search for new information about their particular interests and needs. Our mission is to help our candidates develop as learners, teachers, leaders, and “experts” in the field of early childhood education.
The Math Education Area of Specialization is intended to give insight into the K-12 school mathematics curriculum. This area of specialization has been designed for those who teach mathematics in grades K-12. Math faculty are willing to work with candidates to tailor courses to fit individual needs based on grade range. Several of the courses address the content of mathematics; others place special emphasis on the teaching of mathematics. Math education courses are taught through the Department of Mathematics. Nearing the completion of their degree, students develop and conduct an investigative project in math education.
The Science Education Area of Specialization focuses on the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for effective teaching of science in the elementary and middle school grades. Courses stress specialized content, as well as instructional and curriculum aspects of the total science program.
The Social Studies Education Area of Specialization focuses on the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for effective teaching of social studies in the elementary and middle school grades. Courses stress specialized content, as well as instructional and curriculum aspects of the total social studies program.
Program Details
Admission Requirements (no application deadlines)
The following admission requirements must be met prior to acceptance into the Curriculum and Instruction Graduate Program:
- Admission to the School of Graduate Studies.
- Cumulative grade point average of 2.75 or 3.0 in the last two years.
- Graduate Record Examination is NOT required.
- Acceptance by the Department Graduate Committee.
- All persons applying for entry into the graduate program must have earned a degree in Education or a related field (i.e., core content area(s) with an education credential that includes an appropriate level of field experience courses, practicums or some type of student teaching at either the elementary, middle or secondary level)
Graduate Assistantships
The School of Education offers several graduate assistantships in three areas:
- School of Education - Open only to students seeking graduate degrees in the College of Education and Human Services, with preference given to those seeking graduate degrees in the School of Education.
- WIU Preschool - Open only to students seeking graduate degrees in the College of Education and Human Services, with preference given to those seeking graduate degrees in the School of Education.
- America Reads - Open to all graduate students, with preference given to students in the School of Education. Applicants must qualify for federal work study. International students do not qualify.
These positions offer opportunities for graduate candidates to provide instructional, research, and clerical support for faculty. A graduate assistant completes at least nine semester hours of online coursework each semester and works with one or more faculty for fifteen hours each week. Graduate assistanships do not cover the cost of tuition, but graduate students in these positions do receive a monthly stipend. Assistantships are awarded for a single year, but may be renewed for one additional year. Positions are available on both the Macomb and Quad Cities campuses and require an on-campus commitment. Applications are available through the School of Graduate Studies.
Program Accreditation
Our programs are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), now called the Council for the Accreditation of Educator preparation (CAEP), and use national professional organization standards as the foundation of the curriculum.
For Additional Contact Information
Dr. Sebastian Szyjka, C&I Graduate Coordinator
EMAIL: sp-szyjka@wiu.edu
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