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Curriculum and Instruction

Curriculum and Instruction

The Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction is tailored for educators and industry experts aspiring to leadership roles in curriculum development, teaching, or administration. This program is ideal for those looking to gain expertise in student-centered learning, curriculum development, and instructional leadership.

The program equips graduates to create inclusive and effective learning environments across diverse educational settings, including early childhood, elementary, middle school, high school, special education, and adult education.

Students learn about effective curriculum design models, differentiated instruction strategies, culturally responsive pedagogy, digital literacy, and assessment practices to enhance learning outcomes. Students also learn about adult learning theory, enabling students to lead other adults in developing curriculum and teaching in a student-centered manner.

Upon completion, graduates will be skilled in developing effective curricula, facilitating student learning, and coaching and mentoring others.

This 33 credit, non-certification program offers flexible learning opportunities for working professionals and supports Connecticut educators seeking career advancement or transitioning to instructional leadership roles.

A minimum 'B-' grade is required in all graduate courses. Students must obtain an overall GPA of 3.0 (B) in order to graduate. All students should refer to the Academic Probation policy regarding grades lower than a 'B-' in the graduate program.

Core Courses

Integrated Foundations of American Education3cr
Curriculum Design Models3cr
Differentiated Instruction3cr
Digital Literacy in Teaching and Learning3cr
Integrated Educational Program Models and Family Partnerships3cr
Culturally Responsive Pedagogy3cr
Standards-Based Instruction and Assessment3cr
Foundations of Adult Learning3cr

Choose two of the following electives based on the area of interest:

  • Social and Emotional Learning for Children Birth-Age 8
  • Infant & Toddler Curriculum Development
  • Pre-K-K Curriculum Development
  • Early Elementary Curriculum Development
  • ECE/SPED Assessment & Diagnosis
6cr

*Curriculum and Instruction Capstone

3cr

* This course will not be accepted in transfer and can only be taken at Charter Oak. Minimum grade of 'B' is required.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students who graduate with a M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction will be able to:

  • apply theoretical foundations of education to curriculum development in inclusive educational settings;
  • design and evaluate standards-based curricula that meet the diverse needs of learners across Pre-K-12 education;
  • implement differentiated instructional strategies to support learners with varying needs, abilities, and cultural backgrounds;
  • integrate digital literacy and educational technology into modern teaching and learning environments;
  • facilitate professional development and instructional coaching to support educators in applying best practices;
  • understand and apply professional ethics while serving as leaders in education; and
  • develop effective family, school, community partnerships to enhance student learning outcomes.

Curriculum and Instruction

The Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction is tailored for educators and industry experts aspiring to leadership roles in curriculum development, teaching, or administration. This program is ideal for those looking to gain expertise in student-centered learning, curriculum development, and instructional leadership.

The program equips graduates to create inclusive and effective learning environments across diverse educational settings, including early childhood, elementary, middle school, high school, special education, and adult education.

Students learn about effective curriculum design models, differentiated instruction strategies, culturally responsive pedagogy, digital literacy, and assessment practices to enhance learning outcomes. Students also learn about adult learning theory, enabling students to lead other adults in developing curriculum and teaching in a student-centered manner.

Upon completion, graduates will be skilled in developing effective curricula, facilitating student learning, and coaching and mentoring others.

This 33 credit, non-certification program offers flexible learning opportunities for working professionals and supports Connecticut educators seeking career advancement or transitioning to instructional leadership roles.

A minimum 'B-' grade is required in all graduate courses. Students must obtain an overall GPA of 3.0 (B) in order to graduate. All students should refer to the Academic Probation policy regarding grades lower than a 'B-' in the graduate program.

Core Courses

Integrated Foundations of American Education3cr
Curriculum Design Models3cr
Differentiated Instruction3cr
Digital Literacy in Teaching and Learning3cr
Integrated Educational Program Models and Family Partnerships3cr
Culturally Responsive Pedagogy3cr
Standards-Based Instruction and Assessment3cr
Foundations of Adult Learning3cr

Choose two of the following electives based on the area of interest:

  • Social and Emotional Learning for Children Birth-Age 8
  • Infant & Toddler Curriculum Development
  • Pre-K-K Curriculum Development
  • Early Elementary Curriculum Development
  • ECE/SPED Assessment & Diagnosis
6cr

*Curriculum and Instruction Capstone

3cr

* This course will not be accepted in transfer and can only be taken at Charter Oak. Minimum grade of 'B' is required.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students who graduate with a M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction will be able to:

  • apply theoretical foundations of education to curriculum development in inclusive educational settings;
  • design and evaluate standards-based curricula that meet the diverse needs of learners across Pre-K-12 education;
  • implement differentiated instructional strategies to support learners with varying needs, abilities, and cultural backgrounds;
  • integrate digital literacy and educational technology into modern teaching and learning environments;
  • facilitate professional development and instructional coaching to support educators in applying best practices;
  • understand and apply professional ethics while serving as leaders in education; and
  • develop effective family, school, community partnerships to enhance student learning outcomes.