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Master's Degree (Advanced)
Curriculum and Instruction

Program Overview  | Conceptual Framework  | Program Details | Program Plans
Field Experience  |  Candidate Assessment Information  |  Program Faculty  |  Advising

Program Overview

The Master’s of Education in Curriculum and Instruction program provides advanced preparation for PK-12 teachers. The program leads to a Master’s in Education in Curriculum and Instruction degree and may include the necessary coursework for add-on certification in an area of education depending on the program of study developed for the candidate. The UNO College of Education and Human Development is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and the Master’s of Education in Curriculum and Instruction program is aligned with the standards adopted by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. Completion of the degree requirements does not necessarily result in attaining National Board certification; however, the portfolio developed in the program will assist the candidate in the pursuit of National Board certification. The Master’s of Education in Curriculum and Instruction program is 36 credit hours and focuses on the knowledge, skills, and dispositions associated with effective teaching.

Conceptual Framework

The program is aligned with the Conceptual Framework of the College of Education and Human Development. The Conceptual Framework establishes a goal to prepare reflective practitioners to address the needs of metropolitan schools. Within a theory-practice interaction model, the program prepares teachers to address six critical roles of teaching: 1) designing and delivering instruction, 2) managing time, tasks, and environments, 3) using inquiry to inform practice, 4) collaborating to support group practice, 5) advocating for students, services, and supports, and 6) improving classroom and system practice. The role-focused framework supports a performance-based preparation program.  Four critical themes are embedded within the program of study, including: assessment, communication, diversity, and technology. UNO programs of study are designed to assist teachers in creating an impact on children, schools, and communities.

Program Details

The Master’s of Education in Curriculum and Instruction program of study is divided into 4 components. Each is described in the table below:

Component	Description
Focus Area	The focus area is comprised of a minimum of 15 credit hours of 6000 level Curriculum and Instruction coursework (EDCI).
Research	EDFR 6700: Educational Research
Specialty Area	A minimum of 6 credit hours in one specialty area*
Flexible Hours	The program allows a MAXIMUM of 12 credit hours of elective coursework. Candidates may use these graduate courses to: Address initial teacher certification via an alternate certification program Address the requirements of an add-on certification Address additional focus area coursework Address additional research coursework Address one or two additional specialty areas Address graduate content coursework in the College of Liberal Arts or the College of Sciences

*A specialty area is defined as an area of knowledge and skills that a teacher can apply beyond the classroom level to assist in whole school operation and improvement. Currently, faculty are working to develop specialty area coursework. It is projected that this coursework will be available in Fall 2008. At this time, degree requirements may be fulfilled by completing 6 graduate hours outside the area of Curriculum and Instruction (EDCI).

Program Plans (curriculum sheets)

Field Experience

The Master’s of Education in Curriculum and Instruction program represents a performance-based model of personnel preparation and requires field experience associated with the completed coursework. Information on the field experience requirements of each course in the program of study may be found in the course syllabus. Throughout the program, candidates record site and grade level placements of field experiences in their LiveText electronic portfolio. These records are assessed at each transition review by program faculty to ensure that candidates are developing a balanced set of field experiences that include work with diverse students in school settings.

Candidate Assessment Information

The Master’s of Education in Curriculum and Instruction program requires candidates to meet performance standards associated with assessments in addition to satisfactory completion of coursework. In addition to the admissions review, the program includes an interim and exit transition review. Assessments include unit assessments that are incorporated into each College of Education and Human Development program of study and program assessments unique to the Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction program. These assessments are currently in development and will be posted upon completion.  

Key Program Faculty

Pat Austin
April Bedford
Rachel Davis-Haley
Roger DeSanti
Yvelyne Germain-McCarthy
Judith Kieff
Sheehan McHugh
Richard Speaker
Andy Talmadge

Advising Information

Contact the EDCI Graduate Coordinator for more information