The Curriculum and Instruction study options are designed to cultivate knowledgeable and reflective practitioners and prepare them for leadership roles (e.g., content/curriculum specialists) in specific content fields, listed below. Click here to learn about courses and program requirements. These programs do not lead to state teaching certification. Students intending to earn certification should apply to one of the Teacher Preparation programs.
Mathematics or Science: Emphasizes advanced, specialized training in mathematics and/or science education, with an elementary or secondary emphasis. Intended to strengthen teaching competence in mathematics and science. Learn more about this specialization.
IslandWood Option: The first year of this program can be completed through our partnership with IslandWood, an outdoor learning center. The Graduate Residency in Education for Environment and Community at IslandWood focuses on the integration of educational theory from environmental, experiential and multicultural education with practice teaching 4th, 5th and 6th graders in our School Overnight Program. Graduate students have the option to live on IslandWood’s award-winning sustainable 255 acre campus which includes a marsh, bog, pond, ravine, and forests with a nearby estuary. Learn more about this option.
Language, Literacy, & Culture: Combined studies in reading, writing, English/language arts, and/or English as a second language (ESL), with an elementary or secondary emphasis. Intended to strengthen instructional, curricular, and policy competence. Opportunities for state endorsements in reading and ESL. Learn more about this specialization.
Social Studies: Emphasizes advanced specialized preparation in social studies education, with an elementary or secondary school focus. Intended to strengthen instructional, curricular, and policy competence in social studies education. Learn more about this specialization.
Culturally Sustaining Education: Designed for teachers to acquire the knowledge, attitudes and skills needed to integrate curricula with ethnic content, for educators to create integrated educational environments, and other professionals to improve the academic achievement of all students. Learn more about this specialization.
Instructional Leadership: This masters degree serves teachers and coaches who want advanced knowledge of leadership and classroom practice, but do not currently aspire to become principals or administrators. The curriculum blends teacher leadership coursework, content-specific coursework, and inquiry-focused leadership practice based on the 2011 National Standards for Teacher Leadership and 2016 National Teacher Leadership Competencies. Learn more about this specialization.
Teacher Quality and Teacher Education (Teaching and Curriculum): The Teacher Education doctoral studies option is part of a broad cluster of programs within the conceptual field of Curriculum and Instruction, which is designed to help graduates develop a deep understanding of teaching, research on teaching, and the implications of research for the improvement of teaching, teacher education, and professional development and policy.
Students completing the Curriculum and Instruction programs will leave the program with (1) higher standards for themselves and their profession; (2) a sense of connectedness with a community of educators who are grappling with similar questions and issues; (3) the disposition to suspend belief and disbelief as needed; (4) a commitment to practical work guided by deep knowledge and understanding; and (5) a passion for greater understanding.
Graduates of these programs can be found in classrooms and in school and district leadership roles, including content or curriculum specialists, team leaders, and staff developers.
