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.
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 24 credits of core coursework and 6 credits of elective coursework.
Core courses are offered
two-per-semester in 7-week sessions. This format allows the graduate
learner to focus on one class at a time.
Program can be completed in as few as 4
semesters, including summers (approximately 1 ½ years).
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 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.
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 623 Technology Literacy and Integration (ONLINE)
Educators need to be well-versed in current technologies. Effective teachers model and apply technology integration as they design, implement, and assess learning experiences to engage students and improve learning using technology. Through the use of
online web resources and collaborative tools, graduate learners study, evaluate, and find applications for technology in their classrooms.
GEDU 637 Learning Theory (ONLINE)
This course examines human learning processes, factors that influence learning, and major learning theories. Graduate learners relate learning theory to effective teaching practices and conduct research.
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 can fulfill the six-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.