The Womack Educational Leadership Department offers a non-licensure generalist Curriculum
and Instruction major leading to a Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree. This Master’s Degree is for individuals who either: 1.) Have completed a teacher preparation program and already have an initial or
professional level K-12 teaching license OR 2.) Don’t need a teaching license for their current workplace situation (private
school setting, state institutions, etc.), but want to learn more about curriculum
and instruction.
This program is completely online and designed to foster the development of teaching
skills that result in increased pupil performance. By analyzing curriculum choices
and strategies, along with best teaching practices, those who participate in the program
will be better equipped to provide an environment in which students engage in relevant
and meaningful learning activities. Students engage with other K-12 educators and
curriculum leaders as they complete online coursework.
There are two options for completing this degree; both options require the completion of 33 hours of required online courses:
Not sure which Curriculum and Instruction (Ed. Leadership) M.Ed. program is right
for you?
Note: Let your contact know which specialization you wish to pursue. However, when
you apply, choose Curriculum and Instruction (Ed. Leadership).
- I want a master’s degree. I have completed a teacher preparation program, and I already
have an initial or professional level K-12 teaching license OR I don’t need a teaching
license for my current workplace situation (private school setting, state institutions,
etc.), but I want to learn more about curriculum and instruction.
- I want a master’s degree in an online course format.
- Online Program - Contact the M.Ed. Online advisor listed on this page.
-
- I want a master’s degree in a classroom cohort format.
- Cohorts - Contact M.Ed. On-site Cohort advisor listed on this page.
- I want a Tennessee teaching license to teach secondary education.
- I want a master’s degree.
- I already have a master’s degree.
- Non-Degree Job-Embedded (Licensure Only)- Contact the M.Ed. Secondary Ed. advisor listed on this page. Note: You will not choose Curriculum and Instruction (Ed. Leadership). Please choose Non-Degree Job-Embedded.
- I want a master’s degree. I have an intent-to-hire letter to be a secondary education
teacher in a school system with a Tennessee practitioner teaching license while completing
a preparation program with an approved Educator Preparation Provider (EPP).
MTSU Online helps Williamson County teacher earn master’s, ‘inspire the kids’
When 55-year-old Patrick Toth looks back at his career path, he can see how every
step led him to where he is today. While working as a social studies teacher at Page
High School in Williamson County, Toth earned a Master of Education in Curriculum
and Instruction through MTSU Online and the university’s flexible course options. Previously working in public television
creating media resources for children, Toth always felt passionate about education.
“I feel like it is my role to connect with kids and watch kids grow and work with
kids and be invested in their growth. I want to be able to cultivate that curiosity
in them.” Toth said MTSU's program was a perfect fit for him for many reasons. “The program was very challenging,
but the ease and access to take the classes and work with the cohorts and the professors
and still be able to teach made it the best fit for me. It was so effective, and it
worked out so well for me that I could teach full time.” Since receiving his master’s
degree, Toth said he feels like it really shows his students that he’s passionate
about what he does. “Having a master’s degree is showing my kids that I really love
what I do,” he said. “And I love the kids, too — when a teacher can be as tired as
we all are and still miss their students after a week off, it shows that you really
do care.” Read more of Patrick Toth’s story here.
Program’s flexibility lets students maintain healthy work-life balance
Chad Lyon teaches Interdisciplinary Science and Research (ISR) at Stratford STEM School
in Nashville. He develops four years of curriculum alongside a Vanderbilt Post-Doctoral
Scientist to deliver college-level research goals and experimental designs for his
pathway of classes. He stated that as a coach, educator, and father, the flexibility
of the Curriculum and Instruction Online Program allowed him to successfully work
toward finishing his Master’s Degree without sacrificing other personal and teaching
commitments. He expects the degree to increase his marketability as an educator in
the regional market and abroad.
Related Media
-
MTSU College of Graduate Studies
Graduates from the Curriculum and Instruction programs may be employed in a variety
of positions. Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Central Office Personnel
- Classroom Teacher
- Curriculum Specialist
- Department Chair
- Instructional Coach, Leader, or Supervisor
- Teacher Mentor
- Team Leader
- Training and Development Specialist
MTSU graduates are employed through various school districts throughout Tennessee;
examples include:
- Bedford County Schools
- Cannon County Schools
- Coffee County Schools
- Franklin County Schools
- Franklin Special School District Schools
- Lebanon Special School District Schools
- Murfreesboro City Schools
- Metro-Davidson Schools
- Rutherford County Schools
- Sumner County Schools
- Tullahoma Schools
- Van Buren County Schools
- Warren County Schools
- Wayne County Schools
- White County Schools
- Williamson County Schools
- Wilson County Schools
The Womack Educational Leadership Department offers a Master of Education (M.Ed.) with a major in Curriculum and Instruction.
Not sure which Curriculum and Instruction (Ed. Leadership) M.Ed. program is right
for you?
Note: Let your contact know which specialization you wish to pursue. However, when
you apply, choose Curriculum and Instruction (Ed. Leadership).
- I want a master’s degree. I have completed a teacher preparation program, and I already
have an initial or professional level K-12 teaching license OR I don’t need a teaching
license for my current workplace situation (private school setting, state institutions,
etc.), but I want to learn more about curriculum and instruction.
- I want a master’s degree in an online course format.
- Online Program - Contact the M.Ed. Online advisor listed on this page.
-
- I want a master’s degree in a classroom cohort format.
- Cohorts - Contact M.Ed. On-site Cohort advisor listed on this page.
- I want a Tennessee teaching license to teach secondary education.
- I want a master’s degree.
- I already have a master’s degree.
- Non-Degree Job-Embedded (Licensure Only)- Contact the M.Ed. Secondary Ed. advisor listed on this page. Note: You will not choose Curriculum and Instruction (Ed. Leadership). Please choose Non-Degree Job-Embedded.
- I want a master’s degree. I have an intent-to-hire letter to be a secondary education
teacher in a school system with a Tennessee practitioner teaching license while completing
a preparation program with an approved Educator Preparation Provider (EPP).
For complete curriculum details for the online nonlicensure generalist program for individuals who either 1.) Have completed a teacher preparation program and already have an initial or professional
level K-12 teaching license OR 2.) Don’t need a teaching license for their current workplace situation (private school
setting, state institutions, etc.) but want to learn more about curriculum and instruction, click on the REQUIREMENTS button to the right.
There are two options for completing this degree; both options require the completion
of 33 hours of required online courses:
Other graduate degrees:
Curriculum and Instruction, M.Ed.
Ashlee Hover, Program Director
(615) 904-8187
Ashlee.Hover@mtsu.edu
The Curriculum and Instruction program is designed to foster the development of teaching skills that result in increased pupil performance. By analyzing curriculum choices and strategies, along with best teaching practices, those who complete this program will be better equipped to provide an environment in which students engage in relevant and meaningful learning activities.
The ONLINE Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction (Non-Licensure) Generalist Program requires completion of 33 hours of ONLINE COURSES.
Please see undergraduate catalog for information regarding undergraduate programs.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction (non-licensure) online program requires
- an earned bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college;
- at least one of the following:
- a satisfactory score on the Miller Analogies Test
- a satisfactory score on the Graduate Record Examination
- a satisfactory score on a teacher licensure test (examples could include: Praxis II or edTPA)
- a valid teacher license
- an undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or above
- for those who have started but not completed a graduate degree, a GPA of 3.00 or above on the last 60 hours of coursework (undergraduate and graduate) completed
- a completed graduate degree with a GPA of 3.00 or above.
Application Procedures
All application materials are to be submitted to the College of Graduate Studies.
Applicant must
- submit an application with the appropriate application fee (online at www.mtsu.edu/graduate/apply.php). Once this initial application has been accepted, the applicant will receive directions on how to enter the graduate portal to be able to submit other materials.
- submit official transcripts of all previous college work;
- submit three letters of recommendation addressing the applicant's potential for completing the Master of Education degree in Curriculum and Instruction;
- submit official scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), Miller Analogies Test (MAT), or Praxis II or a copy of the teaching license.
Degree Requirements
The Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction requires completion of 33 semester hours.
Once admitted to the program, candidate must
- complete 33 semester hours with no more than 30 percent of the total degree hours dually listed as undergraduate/graduate hours (see specifics in Curriculum section below);
- successfully complete a written comprehensive examination during the semester of graduation (exam may be retaken once).
Curriculum: Curriculum and Instruction
The online Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction (non-licensure) generalist program requires completion of 33 hours of required online courses. The following illustrates the coursework requirements and the online course rotation.
Required Courses (33 hours)
FOED 6020 - Educational Foundations
3credit hours
Assists educational personnel in developing contexts and concepts in which educational problems and issues may be understood through awareness of findings in humanistic and behavioral studies.
FOED 6030 - School and Community Relations
3credit hours
The reciprocal relationship of the two and the skills necessary for analyzing problems and utilizing data and technical skills in planning effective school-community relations programs.
FOED 6610 - Analysis and Application of Educational Research
3credit hours
Qualitative and quantitative research applicable to the field of education. Both producers and consumers of educational research with a literature review presented to support possible solutions to significant hypotheses or problems.
FOED 6630 - Educational Tests and Measurements
3credit hours
Basic concepts in educational measurement and evaluation; evaluation as a part of the teaching-learning process; utilization of evaluation for instructional improvement.
SPSE 6140 - Teacher Leadership for School Improvement
3credit hours
Assessing standard teaching practices, analyzing the relationship between effective teaching and effective schools, and developing strategies for instructional and school improvement. Includes experiences to help students become more reflective in their daily teaching.
SPSE 6250 - Seminar in Curriculum Improvement
3credit hours
For the advanced major in curriculum development utilizing small group or seminar approach. Issues and research in curriculum improvement analyzed critically.
SPSE 6430 - Introduction to Curriculum Development
3credit hours
Opportunity to study, discuss, and evaluate modern practices and procedures in curriculum development and reorganization in schools and school systems.
SPSE 6450 - Elementary and Middle School Curriculum
3credit hours
Concepts, processes, and skills related to curriculum development and evaluation.
SPSE 6480 - Instructional Excellence in Secondary Schools
3credit hours
Development of creative approaches for secondary classroom teaching in order to stimulate creative and critical thinking abilities of students.
SPSE 6640 - Digital Learning in the K-12 Educational Setting
3credit hours
Offers preparation for incorporating 21st century digital learning into the K-12 school environment for the purpose of inspiring students to positively contribute to and responsibility participate in the digital world. Students will design digital learner-driven activities that accommodate diverse students.
YOED 6680 - Issues and Trends in Teaching and Learning
3credit hours
Emphasis on examining current issues and trends in teaching and learning.
Online Course Rotation
Fall Semester One
FOED 6020 - Educational Foundations
3credit hours
Assists educational personnel in developing contexts and concepts in which educational problems and issues may be understood through awareness of findings in humanistic and behavioral studies.
FOED 6630 - Educational Tests and Measurements
3credit hours
Basic concepts in educational measurement and evaluation; evaluation as a part of the teaching-learning process; utilization of evaluation for instructional improvement.
Spring Semester One
SPSE 6250 - Seminar in Curriculum Improvement
3credit hours
For the advanced major in curriculum development utilizing small group or seminar approach. Issues and research in curriculum improvement analyzed critically.
YOED 6680 - Issues and Trends in Teaching and Learning
3credit hours
Emphasis on examining current issues and trends in teaching and learning.
Summer
FOED 6610 - Analysis and Application of Educational Research
3credit hours
Qualitative and quantitative research applicable to the field of education. Both producers and consumers of educational research with a literature review presented to support possible solutions to significant hypotheses or problems.
SPSE 6140 - Teacher Leadership for School Improvement
3credit hours
Assessing standard teaching practices, analyzing the relationship between effective teaching and effective schools, and developing strategies for instructional and school improvement. Includes experiences to help students become more reflective in their daily teaching.
SPSE 6430 - Introduction to Curriculum Development
3credit hours
Opportunity to study, discuss, and evaluate modern practices and procedures in curriculum development and reorganization in schools and school systems.
Fall Semester Two
SPSE 6480 - Instructional Excellence in Secondary Schools
3credit hours
Development of creative approaches for secondary classroom teaching in order to stimulate creative and critical thinking abilities of students.
SPSE 6640 - Digital Learning in the K-12 Educational Setting
3credit hours
Offers preparation for incorporating 21st century digital learning into the K-12 school environment for the purpose of inspiring students to positively contribute to and responsibility participate in the digital world. Students will design digital learner-driven activities that accommodate diverse students.
Spring Semester Two
FOED 6030 - School and Community Relations
3credit hours
The reciprocal relationship of the two and the skills necessary for analyzing problems and utilizing data and technical skills in planning effective school-community relations programs.
SPSE 6450 - Elementary and Middle School Curriculum
3credit hours
Concepts, processes, and skills related to curriculum development and evaluation.
Program Notes
Students taking courses for licensure renewal, add-on endorsements, or "plus 30" upgrade on teacher licensure should register as non-degree-seeking students. Students enrolling in 6000-level courses must hold a bachelor's degree, and students enrolling in 7000-level courses must hold a master's degree. Non-degree-seeking students cannot register for 7000-level courses without departmental permission.
Our adjunct faculty bring outstanding professional experience to our programs. Many are industry leaders with decorated careers and honors. Importantly, they are innovative educators who offer hands-on learning to our students to prepare them to enter and thrive in a dynamic, and oftentimes emerging, industry and professional world. They inspire, instruct, and challenge our students toward academic and professional success.
FAQ/Resources
What is an MTSU Online Course
Instruction is entirely online through MTSU's learning management system, Desire2Learn (D2L). Courses are asynchronous and do not have scheduled dates, meeting times, or assigned classrooms. The location will be
listed as ONLINE when registering for the course(s).
How much does it cost?
Tennessee Residents
- If you live in Tennessee, go to Tuition Rates, and then click on the "Graduate Fee Chart" for in-state tuition rates.
Tennessee Non-Residents
- If you are a Tennessee non-resident, go to Tuition Rates, and then click on "Graduate eRate Fee Chart." (For students enrolled in exclusively online courses, MTSU offers a special eRate).If
you are a Tennessee non-resident, go to Tuition Rates, and then click on "Graduate eRate Fee Chart." (For students enrolled in exclusively online courses, MTSU offers a special eRate).
OR
- Check to see if you are eligible for in-state tuition – some states have reciprocity.
- Begin by searching for programs available to residents of your state.
- Apply to the institution offering your desired program.
- Once admitted to the institution, contact your state ACM coordinator and complete
the ACM application process in your home state to be certified as a state resident.
Are there scholarships?
Yes, check out the Graduate Scholarship Information and other ways to pay for school. The scholarship links open February 1st each year.
Other Helpful Resources
Online or Hybrid Programs at a Glance
This program is available fully online.
For More Information or Explore Your Options
Contact your department / program coordinator or advisor for more details about the program. OR Work one-on-one with your advisor to explore your options.
The Online Advantage
With over 25 years of experience in online teaching and learning, MTSU Online offers students access to innovative, high-quality programs. Designed with students in mind, our courses allow maximum flexibility for those unable to participate in person.
Resources and services for online students are available from MTSU Online or contact us at distance@mtsu.edu.
