Dr. Cynthia Greer, Associate Professor of Counseling, Educating for Change

The School of Education offers the Master of Education degree (M.Ed.) in curriculum and instruction to currently certified classroom teachers or educators who do not have certification who want to pursue advanced study in Curriculum and Instruction (Educating for Change) . Certification is not a requirement, and the program does not grant certification.

This concentration provides an opportunity for practitioners in education and those who will serve as advocates for students in K-12 education, particularly in urban environments, to better understand the dynamics of working for change to improve the quality of education for all students. Therefore this program has a specific focus on the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and trauma and the educational interventions that must be integrated in schools to ensure equality and equity. Candidates in this program will become ACEs and trauma informed and responsive and will be taught in a multidisciplinary context.  This advanced degree program draws from the insights provided by a range of disciplines, including sociology, psychology, history, political science, economics, and education. This interdisciplinary perspective equips students to engage both intellectually and through practice, while addressing social inequalities within educational systems, associated with gender, ethnicity, social class, and disabilities. Another unique aspect of this program is that there are courses that are cross-listed with the Counseling program, providing an opportunity for candidates who will be school counselors to work with and interact with teachers so that each has a better understanding of diverse educational prospectives and roles with the shared goal of advocating for children.

Students in the program work together to understand the political, social, and economic factors and processes that impact learning opportunities and educational processes; students learn to become leaders and educational change agents. The uses of instructional technology are integrated into all classes; therefore, students matriculating into this program are expected to demonstrate functional computer skills.

Within this 36-credit program, students learn about models for curriculum change and implementation, current research and best practices in teaching and learning, and equitable methods of assessment. Experiential learning is a central component of the learning process and fosters student interaction with the community.

Required Courses (36 credits)

ALL of the following courses:

EDCC 601
EDCI 505
EDCC 600
EDCI 607
EDCI 611
EDCI 612
EDCI 650
EDCI 651
EDCI 655
EDCI 652
EDCI 653
EDCI 654

ONE Capstone Project:

EDCI 699

Explanation of Course Prefixes and Numbers
Courses designated EDCC are education core and common courses across various programs in the School of Education. The Curriculum and Instruction Program directly sponsors courses prefixed by EDCI. Courses designated EDTE are largely specific to the M.A.T. teacher education program, although students in other programs may be required to take some of these courses. Undergraduates with at least junior status may enroll in courses at the 500-level, with permission of their academic advisor. Only graduate students may enroll in courses numbered 600 and above.

EDCC - Education Core and Common Courses

EDCC 601
EDCC 600

EDCI - Curriculum and Instruction Courses 

EDCI 505
EDCI 607
EDCI 611
EDCI 612
EDCI 650
EDCI 651
EDCI 652
EDCI 653
EDCI 654
EDCI 655
EDCI 699