The graduate program in Curriculum and Instruction offers a program of study that leads to a Master of Education degree. The program has been aligned with the Unit's Conceptual Framework proficiencies to support the development of preparing effective reflective practitioners that are competent, caring and culturally responsive. As competent educators, candidates will understand the central concepts, knowledge, tools of inquiry, and structures of their content area(s) to create engaging and meaningful learning experiences for all. As caring educators, candidates will display kindness, concern, and respect for all learners, while empowering learners to set achievable goals. As culturally responsive educators, candidates will use research-based, student centered methodology with culturally relevant performance assessments to promote student learning and high academic skills. Finally, as reflective practitioners, candidates will insightfully examine all aspects of teaching and learning using essential dispositions to create positive, unbiased learning environments and educational justice for all. 

The College of Education has developed phases that serve as transition points for graduates to follow as they matriculate through the program: Admission, Midpoint - Advance to Candidacy, Candidacy, Program completion, and Graduate Follow-up.

Program Requirements and Transition Points
Phase I: Admission Candidates must:

1. Have a grade point average of 2.7 or better (cumulative at the end of the final semester of undergraduate work)

2. Have taken the GRE (Graduate Record Examination), the score must be no more than 5 years old at the time of admission to the Graduate Elementary Education Program. The candidate has to score no less than 400 on the verbal and no less than 400 on the quantitative portions of the GRE.

The Program Admissions Committee reviews applications for admission and makes recommendations to the Graduate Admissions Committee.

Phase II: Midpoint - Advance to Candidacy Candidates must:

1. Complete a minimum of 12 hours of coursework

2. Maintain a 3.0 GPA at the graduate level in order to remain in the program. If candidates fail to maintain the 3.0 GPA, they will be placed on probation until this criterion is met.

Phase III: Candidacy Candidates must:

1. Complete all Graduate Curriculum and Instruction Core courses

2. Participate in an Internship

3. Receive a clinical site supervisor evaluation

Phase IV: Program Completion Candidates must:

1. Complete a Master’s Project

2. Complete the Candidate Exit Survey

Phase V: Graduate Follow-up 1. Participate in a graduate and employer follow-up survey

All requirements for the master's degree program must be completed within 6 years from the initial admission into the graduate program, excluding periods of military service.