Master Programs

Master of Science and Master of Education

Our Master of Science and Master of Education degrees engage issues of pedagogy, child and youth studies, and school certifications and certificates, and consider the relationships among language, culture and society. Although practice-oriented, master's-level study explores the production and consumption of theory and knowledge within chosen fields. Programs can be tailored according to students’ interests.

Students may work with a faculty adviser to design a program suited to their specific interests:

• General Master studies in LCS

We also offer several specialized programs:

• Children's Literature Studies (residential instruction)
• Children's Literature (online instruction through the World Campus)
• K-12 Reading Specialist Certification Program with a Curriculum and Instruction master's degree
• M.Ed with Initial Teacher Certification in a World Language
• Dual Degree — Women's Studies and Curriculum and Instruction

Master of Science (M.S.)

The Master's of Science in C&I with an emphasis in LCS is an academic degree designed to initiate candidates into the theory and research within chosen fields of study. Often students who pursue an M.S. imagine going on to a Ph.D. program. Beyond a shared core of courses with all C&I master's degree candidates, coursework is flexible in order to accommodate the student’s interests. The degree requires the completion of a formal thesis and 36 credit hours of coursework.

Course of Study for the M.S.

The master's policies and procedures are intended to assure high academic performance while permitting flexibility in what is required of each student to achieve that standard. Advisors are expected to use their professional judgment in setting specific requirements for each student based upon understanding of the student's individual goals and needs. Consequently, master's coursework may vary.

Each student will work with an advisor and must complete the following requirements for the M.S. within an eight-year period:

• A nine-credit core:

  • One three-credit course in curriculum
  • One three-credit course in educational research
  • One three-credit course in philosophical, social, psychological or historical foundations of education

• Subject-specific "emphasis area" coursework (e.g., in Social Studies Education)

• Six credits of CI 600 - Thesis Research

• At least 36 credits in the M.S. program, with all credits from graduate courses—400 or above—and at least 18 credits at 500 or 600 levels.

• A research-oriented thesis passed by a committee made up of the advisor and a second faculty member.

Master of Education (M.Ed.)

The Master's of Education in CI with an emphasis in LCS is a practitioner's degree for candidates seeking to improve their understandings of and work in classrooms, libraries, and other institutions for children and youth. Programs of study involve a department core of three classes, plus other courses determined by student’s interests and faculty consent, for a total of 30 credit hours. The capstone experience is a research paper or project.

Course of Study for the M.Ed.

• A nine-credit core:

  • One three-credit course in curriculum
  • One three-credit course in educational research
  • One three-credit course in philosophical, social, psychological or historical foundations of education

• Subject-specific "emphasis area" coursework (e.g., in Social Studies Education)

• At least 30 credits in the M.Ed. program, with all credits from graduate courses—400 or above—and at least 18 credits at the 500 level.

• A master's paper or project approved by the advisor.

For more information about program requirements, please consult the Curriculum and Instruction Master Degree Manual.