Curriculum & Instruction : Online
MED
Why study Curriculum & Instruction : Online?
The relationship between Curriculum and Instruction (C&I) is obviously a very close one. Curriculum is essentially a design, or roadmap for learning, and as such focuses on knowledge and skills that are judged important to learn. Instruction is the means by which that learning will be achieved. To meet the needs of the 21st century learner and achieve successful student outcomes, the C&I program blends thinking and innovation skills; content, life and career skills with research-proven teaching strategies to provide students with a quality education. We focus on trying to find answers to questions such as "why to teach," "what to teach," "how to teach," and "how to evaluate" in instructional process.
The mission of the graduate programs in Curriculum and Instruction is to develop educational leaders for a variety of settings. The program prepares educators to generate, use, and critically examine research in learning and teaching in order to enhance educational practices for learners in formal and informal educational settings across the age span.
Goals
- To create scholars and educators who are engaged in intellectual discussions that lead individuals to refine and redefine their working assumptions, values, and guiding theories of practice in an ongoing process in order to better meet the needs of their learners.
- To develop scholars and educators who are able to interpret, respond to, and contribute to current research in curriculum and instruction by participating in and assuming leadership in professional organizations.
- Prepare scholars, educators, curriculum developers, and researchers who can serve as professional educators within schools, universities, and the community.
- Reflect the diverse nature of curriculum and instruction through courses, program, research, and the recruitment of faculty and students.
Teaching and Learning School Subjects
The Teaching and Learning School Subjects concentration is designed for in service educators who are interested in focusing on a specific content area. Candidates develop their knowledge in teaching, learning, and educational research in their content domain. The curriculum in each of these areas is highly specialized and candidates have a great deal of latitude to design a program that fits their goals. This concentration is campus-based, though some of the courses can be taken online.
Middle Childhood Education
Candidates who already have earned a bachelor’s degree may apply for admission to a joint program which includes both an initial Ohio Middle Level teaching license in grades 4-9, and a Master’s degree in Education in C&I. Some courses satisfy requirements for both the middle childhood and C&I programs. Candidates who successfully complete the C&I masters plus licensure are eligible to apply for an Ohio initial teaching license in Middle Childhood Education. These programs are accredited by CAEP and meet state requirements for licensure. Licensure in Middle Childhood Education (grades 4-9) requires selecting two of four subject areas (Language Arts, Social Studies, Science, Mathematics). The length of the program depends upon many factors, especially the undergraduate coursework that the student has previously completed and the two chosen content areas. The minimum length for completion is two academic years (four semesters.) It is highly recommended that a potential student meet with an advisor prior to submitting an application to this program. The program is full time and requires candidates to be engaged in school-based experiences, including a semester of full time student teaching, arranged by the program field coordinators. While some courses are taught online, the majority of courses are taught on UC’s Clifton campus in face-to-face sessions. There is more information about the Middle Childhood Education program at the Middle Childood Education website.
Secondary Education
The Secondary Education concentration plus Licensure is an initial licensing strand of the campus-based Curriculum and Instruction masters degree (C&I M.Ed.). Candidates who successfully complete the C&I masters plus licensure are eligible to apply for an initial Ohio Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) teacher license. Teachers who are currently licensed in grades 7-12 should not apply for this C&I masters strand but consider one of our other offerings. The C&I secondary masters plus licensure is a cohort-based program, as such candidates must meet the admissions requirements of the CI masters program and the specific requirements of licensure programs in the state of Ohio. These requirements include meeting the specific disciplinary content requirements of the license sought and satisfactory findings on Federal and State background checks, TB tests and a statement of good moral conduct. There is more information about the Secondary Education program at the Secondary Education website.
Admission Requirements
The following are requirements for admission:
- Prerequisite Degree - The applicant must possess a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university.
- Minimum GPA - The applicant must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 at the undergraduate level leading to the Bachelor degree. An applicant who possesses a Master's degree or has undertaken any graduate level work before applying must have an average of at least 3.0 in their graduate work. All calculations are based on a 4.0 scale.
- GRE Requirements - The Curriculum & Instruction Program has specific GRE guidelines that determine whether or not an applicant is required to submit GRE scores. If the applicant is applying for the first masters degree program – no GRE is required of applicants with at least a 3.0 overall in undergraduate degree program. If the applicant is applying for a second or additional master's degree program – no GRE Is required with at least a 3.2 GPA in their previous graduate degree program.
- Candidates who graduated from a non-accredited college or university or who do not meet the minimum grade point averages requirement for admission may be admitted by a committee of faculty members from the program to which the candidate applied based upon an evaluation of evidence submitted by the candidate. As a minimum, the evidence must address mastery of the knowledge prerequisite to the courses required by the program, acceptable writing skills, the ability to engage in critical thinking, and a personal commitment to completing the program. The evidence must convincingly demonstrate the candidate's potential for success in graduate level work.
- Admission decisions may not be made on the basis of race, age, sex, color, religion, sexual orientation or handicap.
- Candidates who are not accepted for admission into a Master’s Degree program may not apply to the same program for at least one academic semester. During that period, such applicants may be encouraged by the program to enroll in appropriate course work to develop the knowledge, skills, and values deemed necessary for admission into the program, or to demonstrate that the applicant already possesses such qualifications. Whether such course work may apply to the degree program is left to the discretion of the program. Completion of this course work does not guarantee admission into the program.
- Advanced standing for a limited amount of course work taken prior to admittance to the program is possible. Graduate course work completed 5 or more years prior to admission will not be applied to the requirements.
Application Deadline and Procedures
Prospective students will complete the on-line application for their requested program by the posted application deadline. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all required materials and support documents are successfully submitted. Incomplete applications will not be processed or reviewed.
Transcripts:
Providing academic records during the application process. All applicants are required to upload their unofficial transcripts during the application process. The university defines “unofficial” transcripts as transcripts that have been in the hands of students, are typically printed on plain paper, and do not have a college seal or registrar's signature. Applicants should NOT send official transcripts as part of the application process.
Providing academic records after admission. Once an applicant has been extended an offer of admission to the University of Cincinnati and has accepted the offer, s/he must submit an official transcript showing conferral of a baccalaureate degree or higher as soon as possible to the address below. The university defines “official” transcripts as transcripts that have been received from a secure, authenticated issuing institution and bears validation (e.g., a seal, logo, or watermark), including a date, and an appropriate signature. Official transcripts MUST be sent forward in their original, sealed envelope. The absolute final deadline for submission of official transcripts is one week before the start of the student’s first semester. Students will NOT be allowed to complete a full semester without providing verification of an earned baccalaureate degree or higher. Any discrepancy later found between student-provided unofficial transcripts and official transcripts will be grounds for dismissal. Official Transcripts should be sent to one of the following addresses:
| Regular U.S. postal mail: | Delivery via parcel delivery service (FedEx, DHL, UPS, etc.): |
| Graduate School University of Cincinnati 110 Van Wormer Hall P.O. Box 210627 2614 University Circle Cincinnati, Ohio 45221-0627 |
Graduate School University of Cincinnati 2614 University Circle 110 Van Wormer Hall Cincinnati, Ohio 45221-0627 |
UC Alumni
Students who have received degrees from the University of Cincinnati do not need to submit official paper copies of their UC transcripts.
Students with degrees received in China
Applicants who have received degrees in China will upload their unofficial transcripts during the application process. The university defines “unofficial” transcripts as transcripts that have been in the hands of students, are typically printed on plain paper, and do not have a college seal or registrar's signature. Unofficial transcripts do NOT need to be verified at this stage of the application process.
After being accepted to join a graduate program
Applicants who have earned a degree in China must submit an English-version verification report from the China Academic Degrees and Graduate Education Development Center (CDGDC) of their final transcripts and degree certificates. All verification reports must be sent to the University of Cincinnati directly by the CDGDC to be considered official. No other verification will be accepted. Applicants with Chinese transcripts must contact the CDGDC after their degree is completed and request that their degree verification report be submitted directly to the University of Cincinnati. Students who request a verification report prior to degree conferral will be required to submit a second report after conferral.
Verification reports can be ordered at the following websites:
- Chinese: http://cqv.chinadegrees.cn/cn/
- English: http://www.chinadegrees.cn/en/
Verification reports are due to the Graduate School one week prior to the start of the student’s first semester. Failure to submit verification reports on time will result in a student being placed in non-matriculated status and loss of his/her student visa status. Verification reports should be sent to one of the following addresses:
| Regular U.S. postal mail: | Delivery via parcel delivery service (FedEx, DHL, UPS, etc.): |
| Graduate School University of Cincinnati 110 Van Wormer Hall P.O. Box 210627 2614 University Circle Cincinnati, Ohio 45221-0627 |
Graduate School University of Cincinnati 2614 University Circle 110 Van Wormer Hall Cincinnati, Ohio 45221-0627 |
The Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction is designed for those who like analyzing data, developing and implementing curriculum, researching best practices for designing and developing curriculum.
The Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction is designed for in service educators who are interested in planning, developing, implementing and evaluating their educational programs in school and non-school settings. There are three areas of concentration in the CI master's program: STEM Education, Gifted Education, STEM Educator, and Teaching and Learning: General Studies.
STEM Education
The STEM specialization allows teachers to further develop their understanding of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education. Each course helps teachers tie together science, math, technology, and engineering concepts, and helps them better understand how to integrate these content areas. It makes our students stronger teachers, for whichever STEM field they are in. Our students participate in problem based and project based learning activities, mathematics and science investigation based learning tasks, and using technology to gain and display information. Our students design a technology based learning environment and conduct an evaluation of the embedded theories in an existing environment of their choice, such as digital media, games or other innovative technologies.
Gifted Education
The gifted education specialization is designed for licensed teachers who are interested in becoming specialized in teaching gifted students preschool through grade 12 (PK-12). Our students have the opportunity to apply constructs learned in class to their field experience. Our students also develop use and publish lesson plans. Our students apply theories and methods in the teaching of gifted, talented, or creative students in a classroom setting by engaging in teaching and action research activities. During the gifted assessment course, students will develop the talent to analyze and understand a variety of assessment tools selecting the appropriate strategy for a designated purpose. Also within the assessment course our students discuss contextual elements such as cultural, ethnic, and linguistic diversity and disposition that influence assessment.
Teaching and Learning: General Studies
The teaching and learning: general studies concentration is designed for in service educators who are interested in focusing on a more overall aspect of curriculum and instruction. Candidates develop their knowledge in teaching, learning, and educational research within an area agreed upon with his/her advisor. Candidates have a great deal of latitude to design a program that fits their goals.
Once a decision has been made to admit a Master's candidate, the candidate is assigned an official advisor. The assignment of an advisor is based primarily on the personal and professional goals shared in the Personal Goal Statement submitted with the application materials and on the track option being pursued. The program tries to match candidates with faculty who share similar interests and have the expertise to guide candidates in their programs of study.
Candidates should initiate contact with their assigned advisor as soon as possible once the admission’s letter is received. During that meeting the advisor will answer any questions and begin working with the candidate on the process of planning the program of study using the “Plan of Study” form for Master's Candidates. This initial advising meeting must occur prior to the end of the semester in which the candidate begins graduate study.
During the course of the program, the candidate should meet, either face-to-face or in a formal online/phone session, with the advisor regularly. The advisor is a good source of information about the various opportunities that exist for the candidate to become involved in C&I and College activities. Candidates must meet with their assigned advisor at least once during each year in the program, preferably in the autumn of the year.
It is the candidate's responsibility to confer regularly with his/her advisor and make sure the advisor has approved the course choices throughout the graduate program. Although candidates are responsible for his/her own education and conferring with friends and other candidates can be helpful, be careful not to rely totally on self-advisement or the advisement of other candidates. In addition to providing guidance throughout the program, it is the advisor who is ultimately responsible for officially determining completion of the candidates program of study at graduation.
Before a candidate can graduate, he or she must meet the following requirements:
- Be registered for at least one credit in their program in the academic year, after having met minimum degree course requirements to be considered a graduate candidate throughout the academic year.
- Have all NG, N, I, UP, SP and F grades removed for degree courses.
- Posting of satisfactory grades for the semester of graduation.
- Satisfactory completion of all applicable College and program requirements is provided by the major advisor filling out the Checklist for Completion of College/Departmental Requirements for Graduation and sending it to the Graduate School.
Acceptance of Transfer Credits
- A maximum of 50% of semester credit hours taken as a matriculated candidate in another UC college may be transferred into a candidate’s program. Candidates must have earned a grade of B or higher in these courses. In no case can the Culminating Experience requirement be fulfilled by transfer of credit from another college or university.
- A maximum of 12 semester credit hours taken as a non-matriculated candidate may be applied toward the degree. Candidates must have earned a grade of B or higher in these courses. Requests for this credit require the completion of the Recommendation for Advanced Standing Form, which is forwarded to the Graduate Division of Research and Advanced Studies. In no case can the Culminating Experience requirement be fulfilled by transfer of credit from another college or university.
International student applicants are required to provide specific information about their transcripts or degree programs to facilitate the applicant review process, including transcript translation and evaluation by a recognized translation/evaluation agency. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), or successful completion of ELS Level 112, is required of all applicants whose native language is not English. Expectations for TOEFL scores are a minimum of 550 (paper test), 213 (computer-based test), or 79-80 (internet-based test); a minimum score on the Test of Written English (TWE) of 4.5; and a minimum score of 50 on the Test of Spoken English. The TOEFL must have been taken within the two-year period preceding admission. The University of Cincinnati maintains an International Student Services Office (ISSO), which serves international students attending the University. For questions regarding international student information, contact the International Student Services Office at (513) 556-4278, https://admissions.uc.edu/information/international.html.
Application Deadlines
|
Admission Term |
Application Deadline |
Notification By |
|
Fall |
7/1 |
8/1 |
|
Spring |
11/15 |
12/15 |
|
Summer |
4/1 |
4/15 |
A complete application to C&I requires:
A statement of the applicant's academic and professional goals. Specific directions detailing what is to be included in this statement are located on the UC Graduate School admission website. This goal statement serves two purposes. It will be used as a sample of your writing quality and to insure your goals match with the program. The applicant should explain specifically what areas she or he would like to study so that an appropriate advisor may be assigned to the applicant if admitted into the program.
A résumé relevant to academic and professional data. The submission should include the applicant's name; address; phone; email; colleges attended with degrees, dates conferred, and grade point average; employment history; professional experience; present employer; and names of references.
At least two letters of recommendation from people familiar with the applicant’s academic and professional abilities. If possible, at least one letter should be from a faculty member in higher education.
Official transcripts showing all undergraduate and graduate course work completed, including degrees granted and dates of degrees. Applicants whose previous degrees were earned at the University of Cincinnati may substitute "on-campus" transcripts.
Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Scores (if required see above). Information on the procedures for taking the Graduate Record Examination can be obtained from the Student Services Center in the College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services or by visiting http://www.ets.org. International applicants are required to provide specific information about their transcripts or degree programs to facilitate the applicant review process, including transcript translation and evaluation by a recognized translation/evaluation agency. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), or successful completion of ELS Level 112, is required of all applicants whose native language is not English. Expectations for TOEFL scores are a minimum of 550 (paper test), 213 (computer-based test), or 79--80 (internet-based test); a minimum score on the Test of Written English (TWE) of 4.5; and a minimum score of 50 on the Test of Spoken English. The TOEFL must have been taken within the two--year period preceding admission. The University of Cincinnati maintains an International Student Services Office (ISSO), which serves international students attending the University. For questions regarding international student information, contact the International Student Services Office at (513) 556-4278, https://www.uc.edu/international/services.html.
Contact Information
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Program Code: 18MAS-CI-MED-.CI-DL