CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION

MASTER OF EDUCATION

PROGRAM (30 CREDITS)

PURPOSE

The Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction is designed to deepen philosophical understandings and strengthen practice for teachers in K-12 educational settings who wish to pursue a program of study that utilizes a Christian perspective within engaging graduate coursework. Through core program courses, students will build on undergraduate knowledge and skills in educational foundations, curriculum theory and design, assessment, culturally responsive pedagogy, and research analysis and design. Specialization courses will equip students to strengthen pedagogical skills within specific curriculum or certification areas. The Master of Education program culminates in an action research project or thesis designed to enhance students’ learning in an area or topic of their choice.

This program offers three track options, as noted below. Each track is comprised of thirty credits of coursework. Courses will be offered in an online format in seven-week semesters in the fall, spring and summer. Students who take one three credit course per seven-week session can expect to complete coursework in two years. Deeper learning requires time to reflect and apply new information. Therefore, students may not register for more than one three credit course per seven-week semester without special permission from the education department.

PROGRAM STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

1. Communicate effectively, orally and in writing, for a diverse audience within educational settings.

2. Access, evaluate, and utilize current educational research and literature based on knowledge of best practices and academic standards.

3. Establish and maintain professional demeanor and relationships with students, colleagues, parents, and supervisors in educational settings.

4. Articulate a philosophy of education that is consistent with a Christian worldview and integrate Christian principles into professional practice.

5. Design, implement, and reflect upon instruction that is aligned with best practices and academic standards and that meets the educational needs of diverse learners.

SPECIALIZATION: LANGUAGE AND LITERACY INSTRUCTION

Through the specialization in Language and Literacy Instruction, classroom teachers will strengthen skills in critical analysis of educational trends, literacy leadership, and best practices in the ELA classroom. The area of specialization includes a field experience through which students put theory into practice.

SPECIALIZATION: ELEMENTARY EDUCATION

Through the specialization in Elementary Education, pre and in-service teachers will strengthen skills in critical analysis of educational trends and best practices in the general elementary classroom. Students will deepen pedagogical skills in reading, language arts, math, science, and social studies. The area of specialization includes field experiences through which students put theory into practice.

SPECIALIZATION: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN EDUCATION 

Through the specialization in Artificial Intelligence in Education, educators will strengthen skills in critical analysis of emerging technologies, ethical AI integration, and innovative instructional leadership. Students will explore machine learning concepts, generative AI applications, AI literacy, instructional design, and leadership practices aligned with Pennsylvania AI Endorsement competencies. The specialization emphasizes responsible and equitable AI use in PreK–12 environments and includes applied projects through which students put theory into practice. 

ADDITIONAL COURSE REQUIREMENTS: LANGUAGE AND LITERACY TRACK

EDU

500

Foundations & Issues of Education: Christian Perspective

3

cr

EDU

501

Multicultural Education & Culturally Responsive Pedagogy

3

cr

EDU

600

Literacy Leadership

3

cr

TOTAL

9 CREDITS

ADDITIONAL COURSE REQUIREMENTS: ELEMENTARY EDUCATION TRACK

EDU

513

Foundational Theories of Education & Human Development

3

cr

EDU

633

Methods of Teaching Math

3

cr

EDU

663

Inquiry Methods for Science & Social Studies

3

cr

TOTAL

9 CREDITS

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