MA Curriculum and Instruction

Concordia University Chicago's Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction provides graduate candidates with an innovative, world-class learning experience. Courses are taught by experienced education leaders and scholars, who assist candidates throughout a rigorous degree track by stressing the importance of integrity, competence and servant leadership.

Faculty methods utilize the latest technology and engage students through real-world applications using multiple instructional models. We establish a critical theoretical and practical approach for well-rounded learning environments which prepare candidates for success in the field of education today and tomorrow for education leaders.

The master of arts degree in curriculum and instruction is directed toward the preparation of master classroom teachers. The program enables teachers to increase mastery of curriculum methodology, pedagogy and theoretical applications and apply these skills to their teaching to achieve a deeper penetration into subjects, enhance understanding of the learner and the process of education, and become a resource person for curriculum development.

In addition to the overall mission and vision of the Concordia University Chicago graduate programs, candidates will acquire the following knowledge and competencies in the Curriculum and Instruction program:

• Have a proactive approach to the principles, practices, and problems in school reading programs with an emphasis on application of current theory and research.
• Be knowledgeable of curriculum models and theories and the selection and organization of learning experiences. Learn to investigate of contemporary types of curriculum organization, factors affecting curriculum, and pertinent research.
• Examine contemporary educational issues in the United States. Obstacles and challenges faced by educators. Explore basic assumptions and social forces that influence current educational policy making and reform.
• Develop knowledge and skills regarding effective teaching and instruction. Thoroughly analyze current and emerging research in pedagogy.
• Understand effective teacher leadership in classrooms, schools, and other social institutions. Comparative educational systems, organizational theory, and school change and reform processes.
• Develop and organize curriculum to facilitate acquisition, maintenance and generalization of skills for students with special needs. Instructional planning and design based on knowledge of learning needs, pedagogy and curriculum goals.
• Examine and apply action research in educational settings. Focus on development of basic action research skills for improved teacher practice. Development of skills for interpreting published research is also emphasized.
• Examine major perspectives of cognitive development throughout the life span, including the developmental and information processing approaches. Explore the implications for work with various age groups in educational and other settings.

Throughout the program, candidates will be required to integrate their new knowledge, skills and instructional practices into their current educational settings. At the completion of all coursework candidates for the master of arts degree in curriculum and instruction are required to complete a capstone assessment that demonstrates their understanding of content and theory, and their ability to apply this new knowledge to practice.