Curriculum and Instruction

John Chattin-McNichols, PhD, Department Chair
Program Director: TBD

Overview

The curriculum and instruction program centers on education in its most basic form: facilitating the exchange of knowledge between learner and teacher. In today’s information society, as specific content knowledge becomes rapidly outdated, knowing how to learn becomes increasingly significant. This program is designed to develop educators who can articulate clearly a philosophy of education, and who have solid understanding of the learner and the educational needs of diverse populations.

Curriculum and instruction core classes and electives provide a background of academic methodological and clinical knowledge. Faculty members emphasize individual attention in teaching and advising.

One of the significant advantages of this program is the degree of flexibility available to students. Students may work with faculty to develop individualized programs of study, tailor-made for specific professional goals.

Program Design

The program is designed primarily for part-time students who plan to take one or two courses per quarter. Full-time residency is not required; however, students typically live within commuting distance of campus.

During the summer quarter, students often are able to take additional courses. For part-time students, the time to program completion will vary greatly.

For a full-time student, the program typically requires a minimum of two years for completion. Students may begin the program during any quarter, but because all classes are not offered every quarter, students who desire full-time status should plan to begin fall quarter. Classes are offered late afternoons and evenings during the school year, and also during daytime hours in the summer session. Most classes meet weekly in blocks of two hours and 40 minutes.

Who Should Participate?

This degree program is designed for individuals involved in all aspects of curriculum and instruction concerned with the pre-kindergarten through 12th grade schools and students. The program provides a solid background in educational theory and the foundations of teaching and curriculum development, as a well as the opportunity to work in depth in specific areas of curriculum and instruction.

Students who want to earn a Washington state teaching certificate as a part of their master’s degree should apply to the Master in Teaching (MIT) program.

While most students in the program are professional educators, the degree also is appropriate for individuals employed in nonschool settings who are interested in educational settings and issues, especially in the business and nonprofit sectors.

Admission Requirements

Application for Graduate Admission with non-refundable $55 application fee. (Application fee waived for SU alumni.)
Four-year equivalent bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university
Minimum GPA of 3.00 calculated from transcripts of all post-secondary educational institutions attended in the last 90 quarter/60 semester credits of the bachelor’s degree, including transfer credit earned during this time, and any post-baccalaureate course work. Applicants with less than a 3.00 GPA may apply but are required to submit official scores from the GRE or the MAT by the application deadline.
Résumé reflecting relevant work experience, usually at least one year beyond the bachelor’s degree
Two recommendations from supervisors, professors, or professionals knowledgeable about the applicant’s competencies using College of Education Recommendation forms
College of Education Self-Evaluation form

Post-Master’s Certificates

The post-master’s certificate programs in curriculum and instruction are designed for individuals who already have graduate degrees in education and wish to continue graduate study in specific specialty areas. The curriculum consists of a selection of graduate courses in education and curriculum and instruction plus prerequisites, and culminates with comprehensive examinations in the certificate area. Applicants employed outside of the kindergarten through 12th grade school setting are eligible to apply.

Students will work with a designated certificate advisor and must earn a minimum of 15 credits in residence after admission to the certificate program.

Admission Requirements for Certificates

Application for Graduate Admission with non-refundable $55 application fee. (Application fee waived for SU alumni.)
Graduate degree in Education (MA, MAEd, MEd, or MIT), from regionally accredited university
Current résumé reflecting relevant work experience, usually at least one year beyond the bachelor’s degree
Two recommendations, using College of Education Recommendation forms, including one from an immediate supervisor and one from a previous academic advisor or professor.
College of Education Self-Evaluation form

General Certificate Requirements

A cumulative GPA of 3.00 must be maintained to complete the program.
Up to six quarter hour credits may be transferred from a regionally accredited college or university to apply to requirements for advanced certificate. Such courses must be at the 400 level or above, and the grade earned must be a B or higher. The courses must be similar to the courses listed in the EPDES 930-944 series. An official transcript from the sponsoring institution must be submitted.

Issuance of Certificates

The certificates will be issued by the Seattle University registrar in accordance with established policies and procedures of the university. Candidates must make application prior to the published deadline and provide the required evidence of completion.