Academic Programs Catalog

College of Education

Department of Teacher Education

Graduate Study
Teaching and Curriculum - Master of Arts

The Master of Arts degree program in Teaching and Curriculum (MATC) is designed principally for persons who wish to acquire advanced professional knowledge related to teaching and curriculum with diverse learners in K-12 schools.

The master’s program in teaching and curriculum consists of (1) designated areas of integrated, practice-centered inquiry in professional, disciplinary, and foundational studies and (2) sustained, simultaneous inquiry in both university and public–school settings. The program is designed for certified teachers and other educators who wish to continue their professional studies in teaching and curriculum.

Students may choose any of the following areas to complete a 9-credit concentration in the MATC:  Educational Technology, Educational Psychology, K12 Administration, Sociocultural Perspectives, Math/Science, ESL, Literacy, or Kinesiology (Sports Coaching).

In lieu of completing a 9-credit concentration, students may choose to complete a Graduate Specialization in either Literacy and Language Instruction or K12 English as a Second Language (ESL).  The Specializations also prepare students for additional endorsements.  The Literacy Graduate Specialization can result in a BT (Reading) or BR (Reading Specialist) endorsement. The ESL Graduate Specialization provides preparation to earn a K12-level endorsement in ESL.

Applicants who have completed the MSU Teacher Certification Intern Year (TCIY) may have 9 credits (TE 801, TE 802, and TE 804) transferred in to meet degree requirements.  All course work, including MSU and external transfer courses, must be completed within 5 (five) years.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and of the College of Education, students must meet the requirements specified below. 

Admission

Applications for admission to the master's program are reviewed by faculty who look for evidence of appropriate preparation for advanced disciplinary and professional study at the master's level and the likelihood of academic success, as indicated by an applicant's prior educational record, work experience, statement of professional goals, letters of recommendation, and an assigned professional essay.

Requirements for the Master of Arts Degree in Teaching and Curriculum

The program is available only online and under Plan B (without thesis).  Students must complete 30 credits distributed as follows:

1. Professional Development and Inquiry Core (9 credits):
a. One of the following courses:
TE 807 Professional Development and Inquiry 3
TE 808 Inquiry into Classroom Teaching and Learning 3
b. One of the following courses:
TE 801 Professional Roles and Teaching Practice I 3
TE 818 Curriculum in Its Social Context 3
Students who have completed Teacher Education 801 in the College's Internship Year Studies program may use it to fulfill this requirement.
c. One of the following capstone courses:
TE 870 Curriculum Design, Development, and Deliberation in Schools 3
TE 872 Teachers as Teacher Educators 3
TE 873 Literacy Leadership 3
2. Concentration (9 credits):
Complete 9 credits in course work selected from one of the following:
a. Three 3-credit courses at the 400-level or above from a list of approved courses available in the department.
b. Three 3-credit courses at the 400-level or above from one of the areas of concentration on an approved list available in the department.
3. Electives (12 credits):
a. Three 3-credit Teacher Education courses at the 400-level or above from a list of approved courses available in the department. Students who have completed Teacher Education 802 and 804 in the College's Internship Year Studies program may use those courses to fulfill this requirement.
b. Three additional credits of electives as approved by the student's academic advisor.
4. A synthesis paper acceptable to the student's examining committee.  This paper must be submitted near the end of the student's program of study. The submission of an acceptable synthesis paper and professional portfolio satisfies the University requirement of a final examination or evaluation.
5. A professional portfolio developed by the student throughout the master’s program, beginning in Teacher Education 807 or 808. The portfolio is reviewed by two faculty members. A third reviewer is required if the first two reviewers do not reach consensus regarding the acceptability of the portfolio. The submission of an acceptable portfolio satisfies the University’s requirement of a final examination or evaluation.