You might be using a Web browser that does not support standards for accessibility and user interaction. You should upgrade your browser for a better experience of this and other standards-based sites.
Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction (MA)
Visit the Department of Teacher Education: Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction. Go>>
Visit the Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction - Program Requirements. Go>>
Visit the College of Education and Health Sciences. Go>>
Program Overview
The Graduate Master's Degree Program in C & I is designed to prepare you to accept greater responsibility in your role as an educational leader and an informed decision maker. This is accomplished by providing you the opportunity to add to your knowledge base, increase your research skills, and inform your attitudes and dispositions. The C & I Master's Degree Program makes allowances for the diverse needs of early childhood through high school teachers. Its flexibility makes it possible for you to focus your studies on any one of a variety of Areas of Concentration while at the same time strengthening your skills in technology applications, educational research, legal and social issues, interpersonal and organizational behavior, curriculum theory, instructional theory, instructional design, assessment strategies, and creative contribution options.
Program Requirements
The Curriculum and Instruction Program requires a minimum of 33 semester hours for the Master of Arts Degree. The program is comprised of the following components:
Professional Core........................................... 18 Hours
Foundations and Research (6 hours)
Educational Technology Component ( 3 hours)
Curriculum and Instruction (9 hours)
Directed Elective............................................... 3 Hours
Area of Concentration.................................... 9 Hours
The student must select one of the following areas:
| Assessment | Literacy and Reading |
| Early Childhood Education | Science Education |
| Educational Technology | Special Education |
| Gifted Education | Multidisciplinary * |
* Consists of two courses from one of the above areas plus one course from a second area.
Capstone Option................................................. 3 Hours minimum
Accreditation
The department graduate programs are accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and the State of Illinois. NCATE accreditation is difficult to obtain, and not every university is successful in achieving it. It is a mark of distinction and is indicative of the high quality of the programs.
Estimated Time to Complete the Program
Students carrying full-time course loads can reasonably complete the Master's Degree Program in two calendar years. Part-time students may complete the program in up to five years.
Semester Hours Required
The Master's Degree Program has a minimum requirement of 33 semester hours, but often averages 36 semester hours.
Strength of the Program
The strengths of both the Master's Degree and Graduate Certificate Programs lies in their flexibility, allowing them to be tailored more closely to students' needs and interests. The Areas of Concentration provide students a brief, focused study in targeted content.
Research Opportunities for Students
Students have opportunities for research through several courses, including ETE 550 (Independent Study), ETE 650 (Topics in C & I and Technology), ETE 698 (Creative Production/Research), and ETE 699 (Thesis). Other courses often offer opportunities for students to engage in small research projects. In addition, faculty are open to collaborating with students on research projects of interest to both parties.
Faculty and Their Interests
Faculty and their interests are widely varied and span pre-K - Adult levels and in each major education area. More detail about individual faculty and their interests can be found at www.bradley.edu/academics/ehs/teachereducation.shtml.
Department Contact Information
Graduate Program Coordinators
Dr. Kevin D. Finson, 309-677-3196, finson@bradley.edu
Dr. Helja Antola Crowe, 309-677-2521, helja@bradley.edu
Department Chair
Dr. A. Dean Cantu, 309-677-3190, dcantu@bradley.edu
Department Secretary
Ms. Virginia Dien, 309-677-3190, vfw@bradley.edu