Concordia University Chicago's master of arts degree in curriculum and instruction provides graduate candidates with an innovative, world-class learning experience. Courses are taught by experienced education leaders and scholars, who assist candidates throughout a rigorous degree track by stressing the importance of integrity, competence and servant leadership.
Faculty methods utilize the latest technology and engage students through real-world applications using multiple instructional models. We establish a critical theoretical and practical approach for well-rounded learning environments which prepare candidates for success in the field of education today and tomorrow for education leaders.
The master of arts degree in curriculum and instruction is directed toward the preparation of master classroom teachers. The program enables teachers to increase mastery of curriculum methodology, pedagogy, and theoretical applications and apply these skills to their teaching to achieve a deeper penetration into subjects, enhance understanding of the learner and the process of education, and become a resource person for curriculum development.
To be eligible to receive this master of arts degree, students must complete 30 credit hours of coursework as well as the capstone experience, all of which are detailed below.
Examination of the correlates of effective literacy instruction. Emphasis on application of current theory and research in literacy and multiliteracies as it applies to P-12 classrooms.
Analysis and application of ethical principles to historical issues in American education, including the relationship of Christian life to educational issues.
Educational objectives and the selection and organization of learning experiences. Investigation and analysis of curriculum development. Enhanced theoretical perspectives as they relate to the process of curriculum. A thorough explanation of pertinent research, curricula issues, and the completion of a curriculum project.
Contemporary educational issues in the United States. Obstacles and challenges faced by educators. Basic assumptions and social forces that influence current educational policy making and reform.
Knowledge and skills regarding effective teaching and instruction. Analysis of current and emerging research in pedagogy.
Effective teacher leadership in classrooms, schools and other social institutions. Comparative educational systems, organizational theory and school change and reform processes.
Information and skills necessary to develop and organize curriculum to facilitate acquisition, maintenance and generalization of skills for students with special needs. Instructional planning and design based on knowledge of the disability, pedagogy and curriculum goals. Course limited to graduate students.
Principles of teacher research. Focus on development of basic research skills to carry out Action Research, Self Study, or other practitioner research projects with the goal of improved teacher practice. Skills for interpreting published research are also emphasized.
Implementation of an action research, self-study or other practitioner research projects. Data collection and analysis to inform researchers' perspective as it relates to pertinent educational issues. As a result, the research will be presented in a final formal format to serve as the project capstone.
This course takes a fundamental approach to enable teachers to develop competency for teaching diverse and/or marginalized students. This course will explore issues of language, culture and social class involved in teaching in American schools. This course aims to develop the necessary knowledge, skills, attitudes and awareness that are crucial for teachers to possess in order to meet the social and academic needs of diverse students in American schools.
At the completion of the coursework, candidates for the master of arts in curriculum and instruction will be required to complete a capstone project demonstrating their understanding of content and theory, and their ability to apply content and theory to practice. This project will allow the candidate to research an area of interest and develop an action research project. The process will begin in FPR-6640 and be completed in EDU-6556.
In addition to the overall mission and vision of the Concordia University Chicago graduate programs, candidates will acquire the following knowledge and competencies in the Curriculum and Instruction program:
Throughout the program, candidates will be required to integrate their new knowledge, skills, and instructional practices into their current educational settings. At the completion of all coursework, candidates for the master's degree in curriculum and instruction are required to complete a capstone assessment that demonstrates their understanding of content and theory, and their ability to apply this new knowledge to practice.
This program is offered in a traditional, cohort, face-to-face setting in a variety of locations and is typically completed in two years. This program is also offered online.
Our distinctive cohort system encourages you to foster lifelong professional relationships and worthwhile friendships. You will complete the program one class at a time, according to your cohort template sequence with your group. This collaborative environment facilitates learning and reinforces achievement. In addition, we offer occasional networking opportunities for our graduates, encouraging them to interact with other cohorts, educational professionals and alumni.
A master’s capstone is required for all master of arts candidates. This culminating project highlights the candidate’s mastery of content throughout his or her studies. Capstones are traditionally a summary of work demonstrating overall growth and specific understandings of the professional standards. The capstone serves as a performance-based evaluation and promotes reflective practice. It also demonstrates the professional’s proficiency in integrating technology and his or her ability to interpret theory into practice.