Mar 29, 2024  
2021-2022 Academic Bulletin 
    
2021-2022 Academic Bulletin [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Curriculum and Instruction MA


The Master of Arts (MA) degree is designed for individuals seeking to further develop and deepen their skills as educators, as well as for those future leaders in education who plan to go on to do further work and research in education. The MA is the starting point for those who may wish to later pursue an Educational Specialist (EdS) degree or a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree. This program requires 32 semester hours of post-Bachelor’s work, preparation of a Master’s Portfolio, a project or thesis, and a written comprehensive examination. Students who are choosing one of the special Master’s concentrations must focus their project or thesis on a topic in the concentration area.

Specialized study in the form of concentrations is offered in several areas. Students in this program may choose to include a concentration to help reach their personal goals for advanced study. While graduate degrees in Curriculum and Instruction are designed for experienced educators, provision is made for individuals desiring a career change. Such persons may be required to earn more than the minimum number of credits.

Program Delivery

This program is offered on campus and as a synchronous, interactive online program. Most courses are offered in the synchronous dual format (see School of Distance Education  definitions). Online students are encouraged to come to campus for graduation.

Mission

As companions in learning, faculty and students are committed to global Christian service through excellence in teaching, learning, and research.

Total Credits - 32+


Concentrations - 12+


K-12 Curriculum Specialist - 12+


Admission Requirements


Admission decisions are based on the overall profile of each applicant. The applicant profile consists of information that indicates personal “fit” with the Curriculum and Instruction program and potential for success in the program. The C&I Program accepts applications on a rolling basis, with students being able to begin their course of study during any semester. In addition to application materials required of all graduate school applicants, the following items are of particular importance:

  • Indicate whether you are applying for the on-campus or the online interactive program.
  • A 500-word statement of purpose explaining how your professional goals fit with the mission of the Curriculum and Instruction program. Identify the concentration you plan to complete.
  • Recommendation forms and letters from professionals. Do not submit recommendations from relatives or current students.
  • A completed Professional Experience form.
  • A current resumé or curriculum vita (CV).
  • Official transcripts from all schools where undergraduate or graduate courses were taken.
  • Documentation of English proficiency (see University Graduate Programs General Admission Requirements for details).

Please consult the Graduate Programs Admission section of this bulletin for complete information regarding admissions requirements.

Prerequisites


Nine (9) semester credits of education courses, including an undergraduate (or graduate equivalent) in educational psychology. GDPC 514 - Psychology of Learning  (3 credits) will be required for those who do not meet the above prerequisite. Persons who seek admission to the MA without the prerequisites may be required to include additional courses, such as EDTE 408 - Principles of Teaching and Learning , in their course plan. These prerequisites add to the total number of credits needed to complete the degree.

Student Learning Outcomes


Graduates of this program will:

  • Explain worldviews and trace their historical development.
  • Critique worldviews from a Christian perspective.
  • Integrate principles of a Christian worldview into their chosen fields of study.
  • Describe human development.
  • Apply current theories of learning.
  • Understand and use frameworks for organizing instruction.
  • Demonstrate a repertoire of effective teaching strategies for teaching ALL students.
  • Facilitate change in groups and organizations.
  • Use effective staff development models to help effect change in learning organizations.
  • Relate effectively with various cultural, racial, and special interest groups.
  • Identify political and legal issues.
  • Manage human, financial, and material resources.
  • Understand and apply curriculum development processes within a systems perspective.
  • Demonstrate servant leadership.
  • Communicate effectively in written, verbal, and non-verbal forms.
  • Use electronic tools effectively for professional communication, teaching, and research.
  • Create professional-quality curriculum documents.
  • Read and evaluate research.
  • Conduct research.
  • Understand and create curriculum-based assessments closely aligned to curriculum documents, including standards and curriculum guides.
  • Use assessment and/or program evaluation to provide formative assessment and create plans for improvement in a continuous quality improvement model.
  • Report research findings.
  • Demonstrate continuing professional development.
  • Demonstrate ethical behavior in all professional activities.
  • Demonstrate balanced physical, mental, spiritual, and social development.
  • Demonstrate competency in a specific content area.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of current issues in specific content area.
  • Understand and discuss curriculum literature appropriate to the candidate’s degree level.