Mar 29, 2024  
2022-2023 Graduate Catalog 
    
2022-2023 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Curriculum and Instruction MEd, STEM Leadership Specialization


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Degrees and Certificates Offered

The STEM Leadership specialization is part of the Curriculum and Instruction, MEd degree. The MEd with the STEM Leadership specialization is a 48-49 credit degree that offers current teachers an opportunity to become STEM leaders in their community. The program offers flexible, mostly online programming that allows participants to become part of a connected network of educators, industry partners, and community members interested in preparing the next generation of STEM learners. Coursework emphasizes concepts including authentic assessment, project-based learning, and culturally responsive teaching. Students will also complete a master’s project or thesis exploring a topic relevant to their context.

Admission Requirements
A minimum of one year of contracted teaching experience in a P-12 classroom setting is required for full admission to the Curriculum and Instruction Program. Students who lack this experience may be conditionally admitted.

Program Learner Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

  • Design and evaluate STEM project-based instruction in K-12 curriculum.
  • Analyze culturally based education issues and compose culturally responsive changes to teaching practices.
  • Investigate a STEM education research questions for the purpose of improving student achievement through inquiry-based STEM projects.

Curriculum and Instruction Core Requirements


Program Description
The Masters in Curriculum and Instruction is a graduate program of advanced study for licensed classroom teachers intending to become teacher scholars and to assume positions of leadership within their schools with respect to the development of curriculum, instructional strategies, and related classroom concerns. This program is not intended for candidates seeking their initial teaching endorsement.

The Curriculum and Instruction program is intended to allow current teachers to focus on areas of emphasis in the P-12 classroom settings.

Prerequisite: A minimum of one year of contracted teaching experience in a P-12 classroom setting is required for admission to the Curriculum and Instruction program. One of the three required recommendations must come from the applicant’s current or most recent principal or designee.

Program: The student will complete at least 48 credits as outlined in an approved course of study filed with the Office of Graduate Studies and Research and Continuing Education. The development of a course of study most appropriate to the professional goals and purposes of each individual student must be completed and approved by a program advisor or committee chair upon the completion of 18 credits.

Program Learner Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

  • Demonstrate competence in critical general and content specific pedagogy skills.
  • Demonstrate competence in written communication at a master’s level for research, writing and presentation skills.
  • Create a culminating, professional practitioner-based thesis or project or take a comprehensive examination at a master’s level aligned to their professional goals, demonstrating knowledge in their field(s) of study.
  • Demonstrate competency at a master’s level in their chosen area(s) of emphasis.

Education Foundation Required Courses Credits: (7)


Education Foundation and Research Electives Credits: (6-7)


Select two courses from the following. Only one PSY course may be used in this section.

Thesis Credits: (6)


Students must select a single thesis course and take it for a total of 6 credits. EDF 700 is recommended for all students, but students with Bilingual Education/TESL or Elementary Education may choose options relating to those endorsement areas.

Total Core Credits: 19-20


STEM Leadership Specialization


STEM Leadership Required Courses Credits: (7)


STP 506 is a required course and it is required to take STP 507 twice.

Department-approved Electives (STEM Content) Credits: (12)


Electives will be selected after consultation with and the approval of the student’s program advisor.

Total Specialization Credits: 29


Total Credits: 48-49


College and Department Information


Curriculum, Supervision, and Educational Leadership Department  
College of Education and Professional Studies  

Program Codes
Major plan code: CURINOG
Specialization plan code:

Online Availability
The program does not have a designated online only option.

Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Degrees and Certificates Offered