Curriculum and Instruction (EdS)
Specialist in Education in Curriculum and Instruction
Unit: College of Education and Human Development (GE)
Department: Elementary, Middle & Secondary Teacher Education
Academic Plan Code(s): C&I_EDS
Program Information
The EdS (Education Specialist) degree in Curriculum and Instruction is a 30 credit hour, post-master's degree program. The program prepares classroom teachers to become curriculum and instruction specialists so that they are well-prepared to lead within their schools, districts, or region, specific to a particular area of teaching.
Potential candidates for this degree are teachers who have completed a master's degree in education or a Master of Arts in Teaching, or related field, and are interested in continuing their educational pursuits but are not interested in pursuing a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction.
The program will provide graduates with expertise needed for strong instructional leadership in schools, including extensive knowledge of:
- Curriculum
- Leadership and coaching
- Data analysis and research methods to support data-driven decision making
- One are of expertise within teaching (e.g., science teaching, elementary mathematics specialist, reading specialist, special education)
Admission Requirements
- Master's degree in Education (or related area) with a minimum 3.3. GPA
- Official undergraduate and graduate transcripts
- A written rationale for pursuing the degree, including philosophy of education (limit of one page)
- A current resume or vita
- Three years of full-time K-12 teaching experience
- Two written letters of recommendation attesting to the candidate's skills and understanding of (a) ability to improve student achievement, (b) leadership, (c) advanced knowledge of curriculum, instruction, and assessment. One must be from the current site supervisor.
- Completion of 6 hours of advanced teaching coursework (beyond initial teacher preparation program)
Degree Requirements
The student will meet with their advisor to develop an area of focus/emphasis*.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses: | ||
| EDAP 770 Education Specialist Research | 3 | |
| Quantitative and Qualitative Coursework (6-9 hours from the courses below): | 6-9 | |
| Applied Statistics | ||
| Intermediate Applied Statistics | ||
| Applied Multiple Regression | ||
| Qualitative Field Research Methods | ||
| Qualitative Data Analysis and Representation | ||
| Leadership (6 hours from the courses below): | 6 | |
| Curriculum Theory | ||
| Developing Collaborative Groups: Facilitating, Coaching and Mentoring | ||
| Creating Equitable & Reliable Learning Environments 1 | ||
| Specialization or Concentration | 12-15 | |
| Midpoint Assessment 2 | ||
| Exit Requirements 3 | ||
| 1 | Or equivalent course approved by faculty advisor. |
| 2 | Successful completion of 15 credit hours; scored exemplary or target on advanced program rubrics (by instructor); acceptable dispositions rubric (scored by advisor). Minimum 3.0 GPA. |
| 3 | Successful completion of all required coursework and research project. Minimum 3.3 GPA with no grade lower than "C". |
Areas of focus/emphasis* include but are not limited to the list below:
Elementary Math Specialist
English as a Second Language Endorsement
Classroom Reading Endorsement
Instructional Technology
Diversity Literacy
Special Education
Content Area Teaching Endorsement
*Please meet with advisor to develop a plan that meets your goals.
Courses required vary based upon the content area.
