Program Overview and Specializations

The Curriculum and Instruction Program faculty is strongly committed to the integration of theory, research, policy, and practice throughout the program. The interdisciplinary core will expose you to multiple educational perspectives on issues of design and policy.

The Specializations of the Curriculum and Instruction Program include Curriculum Evaluation and Research, Early and Middle Childhood Education, Reading, Literacy and Cognition, and TESOL. There is a Program emphasis on advanced graduate study of educational assessment, literacy, curriculum change, and policy. The faculty will mentor you in your professional development and scholarship, which are critical for positions in higher education and curriculum leadership. Students within each of the four Specializations receive thorough grounding in the leadership issues in their disciplines, research methodology, and curriculum.

Curriculum Evaluation and Research

The Curriculum Evaluation and Research specialization will prepare graduates for positions as evaluators, scholars, and researchers in academic, governmental, and non-profit research institutes. The specialization emphasizes interdisciplinary perspectives, theories, and methodologies related to contemporary issues in curriculum, instruction, and assessment.

Early and Middle Childhood Education

The Early and Middle Childhood Education Specialization prepares professionals who can conduct research on the care, education, and welfare of young children, but also provide programs and services that are developmentally appropriate for children of varying ability, culture, and language. In addition this specialization prepares professionals to work in urban, multicultural environments where policy decisions, issues, and curriculum development require careful study and analysis.

Reading Literacy and Cognition

The specialization in Reading, Literacy and Cognition is designed for individuals who aspire to university teaching, policy, research, and curriculum development positions in Reading and literacy related fields. The goals of this specialization are to produce scholars who will enhance the knowledge base of curriculum and instruction for literacy; provide leaders for all levels of Reading instruction, in the design, implementation, and evaluation of educator preparation programs; and prepare individuals who can provide expertise and leadership to the evolving field of Reading.

TESOL

The TESOL specialization emphasizes second language and literacy acquisition as well as bilingualism, thereby preparing professionals for academic positions in the U.S and abroad. Graduates are equipped to make informed decisions for finding innovative ways of educating English Language Learners and to conduct research in second language acquisition, instructional methods, assessment and evaluation, and programmatic issues related to linguistically and culturally diverse populations.