Curriculum and Instruction, M.S. Program
Program Description
This program is designed to prepare teachers and educational professionals advanced training and integrated competencies in the area of Curriculum and Instruction. The program is committed to the philosophy that teachers are dedicated to the academic achievement of all students in the T-K-12 arena and beyond. National, state and local documents are analyzed in coursework to promote inclusive and diverse instruction. Evidenced-based pedagogies, inquiry-based learning and social justice are examined through a critical lens. This 3-semester program caters to the working practitioner and classes are offered at convenient times. Students take a series of classes designed to prepare them to become creators and consumers of curriculum and implement an action-research project in an educational setting. This degree is intended for the T-K-12 teacher and other instructors.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program will be eligible to secure positions as curriculum developers, curriculum specialists, Teachers on Special Assignment (TSA), tutors, trainers for professional businesses. Graduates may also accept curriculum and leadership/teaching positions in State, County, District offices and Community Colleges.
Admission Requirements
- Students must demonstrate an appropriate background when applying for this degree. Background can be demonstrated by successful completion of a state of California teaching credential, teaching credential/certificate from another state or country or appropriate degree and/or work experience.
- Candidates must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution. If a candidate has a baccalaureate degree from out of the country, he/she must have his/her transcripts evaluated by the International Graduate Student Admissions Office.
- Candidates must have earned at least a 3.0 Grade Point Average (GPA) in all upper division/post baccalaureate coursework.
Degree Requirements
- Complete at least 31 units of approved graduate work, subject to the following conditions:
- All units must have been earned within the past five (5) years immediately preceding completion of the requirements for the degree.
- No fewer than 70% (or 21 semester units) must have been completed in residence as a regularly matriculated student in the graduate program at Cal State East Bay.
- No more than nine (9) semester units of approved courses may be transferred from another institution, taken through approved extension courses (including Open University), or taken as an “Unclassified Post-Baccalaureate” student.
- At least 15 semester units must have been in courses numbered in the 600 series or equivalent graduate level.
- Earn at least a 3.0 GPA in all units satisfying the requirements of the degree program.
- Complete a University Thesis or a Graduate Project course within five (5) years of admission to the program.
- The department requires that all courses in the Master’s program be taken for a letter grade. No CR/NC grades for courses will be accepted towards the Master’s degree requirements.
Cause for Dismissal From the Program
Students must earn a grade of B- or better in all classes taken during the graduate program, whether the courses are taken at California State University East Bay or elsewhere. Students may repeat a given course only once, and the grade received the first time the course is taken will not be include in the GPA calculation. If a student does not earn a grade of B- or better the second time the class is taken, the student will be referred to the Office of Graduate Studies with a recommendation that they be declassified from the program. Students whose GPA falls below the 3.0 for two or more consecutive semesters will be academically disqualified from the university.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Identify, describe and evaluate a variety of factors and contemporary issues that influence curricula.
- Demonstrate appropriate content knowledge, pedagogy and skills to provide access for all students.
- Develop leadership skills to become an advocate and mentor for school community members, diverse families and students.
- Identify and assess research through a critical lens to synthesize the literature.
- Complete an action research project investigating a topic as it relates to the field.
Curriculum and Instruction Degree Requirements (30 units)
Required Courses
The following 23 units are required:
Elective Courses
A minimum of three (3) elective units are required:
Capstone Experience
Implementation and analysis of action research and final synthesis paper are required. Take the following 4 units:
Other Graduate & Post-Baccalaureate Degree Requirements
In addition to departmental requirements, every student must also satisfy the University requirements for graduation as described throughout this catalog. These include the 70% unit residence requirement; the five-year rule on currency of subject matter; the minimum number of units in 600-level courses; the “C” minimum grade for each graduate course; and the 3.00 cumulative grade point average.
