Curriculum and Instruction (CUR) MS

Goals and Outcomes:

The goal of McDaniel College’s 33 credit Curriculum and Instruction program is to help educators in schools, colleges, and other organizations to increase their knowledge and skills in developing, implementing, and evaluating curriculum and in engaging the educational community in these efforts. Current theories, research, and technology are applied to the improvement of the learning process at all levels. The program addresses these central questions:

What should students learn? Why?
How should students learn? Why?
How should curriculum and instruction be evaluated?
How should technology be incorporated in the design, delivery, and evaluation of learning experiences?
Who should be involved in the design, implementation, and evaluation of curriculum and instruction and how should that involvement be facilitated?
How can continuous improvement in the development and implementation of curriculum be facilitated?

Course work and experiences support the attainment of outcomes for McDaniel College’s graduate programs. The Curriculum and Instruction program outcomes incorporate both the McDaniel College Conceptual Framework and the principles of the National Board of Professional Teaching standards. Program outcomes are intended to enable candidates to:

describe and exemplify the essential understandings required in designing and implementing effective curriculum and instruction for diverse learners.
demonstrate critical thinking, creative thinking, reflective thinking, and self-regulation in professional decision-making.
apply effective written and verbal communication techniques to foster active inquiry, collaboration and supportive interaction in professional settings.
describe and analyze curricular and instructional foundations and issues impacting teaching and learning.
demonstrate the connections between learning theories and instructional practice.
document the effects of instruction on student learning using assessment and research methodologies.
demonstrate and promote the integration of technology to enhance curricular and instructional design, implementation, and evaluation.
design curricular plans and instructional processes to meet the diverse learning needs of students.

Admission

Submit an Application for Graduate Study with the non-refundable application fee, an official transcript verifying completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, and one reference form completed by a teaching colleague or supervisor. The student will receive an Initial Program Plan outlining the courses required to become a fully accepted graduate student.

Initial Admission

As an initially admitted graduate student in the Curriculum and Instruction program, the student must:

submit all documentation required for admission
successfully complete 9 credit hours of graduate course work which must include CUR 501 Curriculum Trends and Issues, EDU 550 Introduction to Research Methodology, and one other course (CUR 503 is recommended)
must remain in good standing by earning a grade of B or better in each of these three courses

Full Acceptance

After successful completion of the initial admission requirements, the candidate will develop a program plan of study with the assigned Academic Advisor.

Due to scheduling or course demands, a student may be delayed in successfully completing CUR 501 or EDU 550. In such cases, students will be allowed to complete these specified courses no later than the 5th course in the program of study. Registration will be blocked if CUR 501 and EDU 550 are not successfully completed at that point.

Courses

All candidates will complete eleven courses (33 credit hours) distributed over two categories: the Curriculum and Instruction Core and the Focus Area.

Curriculum and Instruction Core:

Seven REQUIRED courses These courses provide the candidate with the foundation for curriculum design and the implementation of that design. These courses also provide for developing skills in designing and evaluating curriculum.

Focus Area:

Four courses to be selected by the student. The Focus Area is intended to extend the candidate’s abilities to apply the concepts and skills in a pedagogical or content area of interest. These areas include, but are not limited to:

Adaptations for Special Needs (**DED, EDU, PSY, SED)
Computer Applications in the Instructional Program (EDU, SLM)
Fine Arts (**ART, **MUS, **THE)
Leadership in Curriculum and Instruction (ADM)
Math Education (**EDU, **MAT)
Online Teaching and Learning (OTL)
Reading and Language Arts (RDG)
Science (**BIO, **PHY)
Social Sciences (**ECO, **HUM, PSI, SOC)
Teaching English to Speakers of other Languages (TSL)

(the course prefixes which are appropriate for these focus areas are in parentheses)

** available on campus ONLY

Capstone Experience:

Candidates will complete CUR 515 as the last course in the sequence of the Curriculum and Instruction Core. This course will encompass all previous academic work in the required Core.

A comprehensive examination or a written thesis is required for completion of the degree requirements. The capstone experience is subject to revision by the Curriculum and Instruction program.