Program Overview
The M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction is designed to facilitate the highest level of teacher performance while being 100-percent online through a non-thesis program. The core courses focus on the mastery of teaching effectiveness for teachers in grades
PreK through 12.
The Teacher as Agent of Change is the conceptual framework for the M.Ed. It is a unifying theme for all courses and is particularly applicable to the Program Reflection as well as the action research process.
The objectives of the M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction are aligned with the following National Board Teaching Standards:
- Teachers are committed to their students and learning.
- Teachers know the subject they teach and how to teach the subject to students.
- Teachers manage and monitor student learning.
- Teachers think systemically about practice and learn from experience.
- Teachers are members of learning communities.
You Will Experience
What makes the M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction Degree different?
- An online program that gives busy professionals the opportunity to
complete their coursework with much more flexibility than a traditional
face-to-face program
- Tuition of $565/credit for the 2022-2023 academic year with no
additional fees.
- A 30-credit non-thesis program
- A cohort model with a group of educators that offers networking
opportunities with other educators
- Adjunct faculty members who are also educational
practitioners. This provides a pragmatic link between theoretical
applications and present-day instructional practices and
regulations. Gannon's adjunct faculty is comprised of curriculum
supervisors, superintendents, and principals who present a realistic and
firsthand view of theoretical models that are valid and applicable in
today's classrooms.
- Online or personal contact with Gannon University
advisors throughout the program.
Admission Requirements
- A Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university and fulfillment of requirements for admission to the graduate program at Gannon University
- Final, official transcripts from all colleges attended with a minimum cumulative grade point average of a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale; provisional acceptance may be granted in some instances
- A completed application for admission including three letters of recommendation from persons qualified to judge the applicant’s character and scholarly/professional abilities
- Evidence by previous academic record that the applicant has the general ability and preparation necessary to pursue graduate study successfully
Curriculum
The 30-credit graduate program requires each candidate to complete 18 credits of core coursework, establish a concentration track, or complete 12 credits of general elective coursework. The M.Ed. program offers the following concentration tracks:
- Leadership Concentration (16 credits): These courses are part of either the Principal Certification or District-Wide Supervisory Certificate in Curriculum and Instruction programs. Courses in the leadership concentration can be used
towards completion of either certificate.
- ESL Program Specialist Certification (16 credits)
- Autism Spectrum Disorder Endorsement (12 credits)
Graduate learners can choose to stop at the 30 hours or continue
to complete a concentration, certificate, or endorsement.
Core Courses
GEDU 505 Classroom Management (ONLINE)
This course is a study of major educational disciplines, theory, and practical application for teachers as they use their knowledge and skills for effective classroom management. Graduate learners discover how to deal with disrespect, defiance, disruption,
bullying, violence, and many other problems they must handle.
GEDU 601 Action Research (ONLINE)
This course provides graduate learners with an opportunity to gain an understanding of the action research process and to enhance their professional growth as research-practitioners. Participants engage in critical analysis of published professional literature
and professional reflection while developing an action research proposal that can lead to improvements in curricular and/or instructional design.
GEDU 604 Educational Tests and Measurements (ONLINE)
This course is aligned with national standards for teacher competence in assessment and is designed to prepare teachers to effectively use multiple measures of assessment to inform teaching practices. Specific skills include developing and utilizing assessments
and interpreting assessment results.
GEDU 609 Inclusive Classroom Practices (ONLINE)
This course explores elements needed to develop a productive learning environment for diverse learners and examines methods used to provide effective instruction to diverse students through the lens of collaboration and co-teaching and research-based
strategies.
GEDU 612 Leadership, Current Issues, and the Teacher as Agent of Change (ONLINE)
A major theme in the master’s program is Teacher as Agent of Change. The graduate learner has the dual opportunity of examining leadership concepts and of applying those concepts to successfully address current issues as they affect the school setting.
In addition, graduate learners examine and build on their own leadership capacity.
GEDU 621 School Curriculum (ONLINE)
Curriculum is a multi-faceted field of study directly linked to instruction and assessment. Through this course, graduate learners view curriculum as a body of knowledge and a process by exploring the theory, history, purposes, and evolution in curriculum.
Factors which shape curriculum are thoroughly reviewed, and current trends are examined. A strong effort is made to provide practical information with specific relevancy to each participant.
GEDU 602 Program Reflection (ONLINE)
The Program Reflection is the final requirement in the M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction. This four-six page submission answers a series of targeted questions that require graduate learners to reflect upon their entire experience in the program.
Elective Options
Gannon University Elective Cohort:
Gannon University offers several online courses that may be used as electives. These courses are offered at a significantly reduced cost from the tuition for the core courses. As always, these courses are based on the “teacher friendly” model that Gannon
University has perfected. A listing of elective courses can be found at www.gannon.edu/act48.
Electives can be taken when it is most convenient for the student.
Pathways:
Gannon University offers several Pathway Programs. Pathway credits are included in the Leadership Concentration track or as standalone courses that can fulfill the twelve-credit elective requirement and be included as the first two courses for an advanced
certification. Pathway options include:
- Principal Certification
- Reading Specialist Certification
- English as a Second Language (ESL) Program Specialist Certification
- District-Wide Supervisory Certificate in Curriculum and Instruction
- Secondary Teacher Certification
Gannon University Courses
Students may use courses offered through Gannon University as M.Ed. electives.
Transfer Credits
Transferring credits to a program is done at the discretion of the program coordinator. Minimum requirements are that they are graduate courses from an approved institution which have a grade of “B” or better and are recorded on an official transcript,
and which are no older than five years at the time of submission for consideration. Generally, a maximum of six credits from an accredited university may be accepted.
Please see the School of Education website for credit transfer procedures or contact the Graduate School of Education Office at 814-871-7486.