Masters in Curriculum and Instruction

The two master's programs offered by the Department of Curriculum and Instruction do not lead toward teacher certification. Teacher certification for grades K-12 can only be obtained through a first or second bachelor's degree.

The Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction is designed primarily for those practicing teachers who want to become master teachers. They may see themselves continuing in the role of teacher, but with the added responsibility of role-model or mentor for colleagues. Some educators completing this degree are doing so in preparation for roles within their districts such as curriculum director or in preparation for further doctoral study. The program continues to grow on campus and currently has off-campus cohorts in the Pekin, Springfield, and Peoria areas.

The curriculum is structured around the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) five Core Propositions. Although this degree program is aligned with the NBPTS Propositions, it does not lead to National Board Certification. The M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction program's goals are based on the following propositions. The C&I master's degree graduates will:

be committed to students and their learning;
know the subjects they teach and how to teach those subjects to students;
be responsible for managing and monitoring student learning;
think systematically about their practice and learn from experience; and
be members of learning communities.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission, applicants to the Master's Degree Program in Curriculum and Instruction should:

have obtained a 3.0+ GPA in the last 60 semester hours of undergraduate work
possess a current teaching certificate (this program does not lead toward teacher certification)
have at least one year teaching experience
take the TOEFL exam (for international applicants only)
complete a graduate application
document teaching experience by indicating the schools and dates in the employer/work section of the online application

Beginning October 1, 2009, applicants will need to prepare and submit:

a Professional Goals Statement of no more than two double-spaced pages. The Professional Goals Statement should address their goals as related to Realizing the Democratic Ideal (the Illinois State University Conceptual Framework for Teacher Education), National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Core Propositions, or Illinois Professional Teaching Standards.
two letters of recommendation that clearly illustrate that the applicant, their school, and the applicant’s students will benefit from the applicant’s participation and completion of the program. These letters should be from individuals that know the applicants professional background and experience.

These documents should be submitted to:

Maria Zamudio
Program Administrative Assistant – MS in C&I
Campus Box 5330
Illinois State University
Normal, IL 61790-5330

Application deadlines:

March 1 for summer semester
March 1 for fall semester
October 1 for spring semester

Program

The MS degree in Curriculum and Instruction is a 30 semester-hour program. It includes four required core courses, four elective/concentration courses, and a two-course research project sequence. The elective/concentration courses are determined/selected via consulation with an advisor. For further details, download the program's Advisement Guide and Plan of Study (pdf).

Interim coordinator: Tom Haynes

Advisors: Adel Al-Bataineh, Tom Haynes, Marilyn Morey Temba Bassoppo-Moyo, Ken Jerich, Vicky Morgan, Alan Bates, Nancy Latham, Do-Yong Park, Ryan Brown, Karen Lind, Rena Shifflet, Pauline Clardy, Tony Lorsbach, Elizabeth Skinner, Lynn Gaddis, Thomas Lucey, Doug Hatch, Greg Michie, Keith Tilford, Cheri Toledo, Dane Ward, Linda Wedwick, Gary Weilbacher
* Advisors include C&I non-literacy faculty with associate or full graduate faculty status, the Literacy coordinator, and other staff members who have special expertise.

Program administrative support staff: Maria Zamudio, (309) 438-3105 or Evelyn Harrison, (309) 438-5425

Important Information for Current C&I Master's Program Students

Orientation Manual for Graduate Students (pdf)
Are you finishing this degree program next semester? If so, please visit the Graduate School's Web site, which has important deadlines for filing your Plan of Study, degree completion application and any other requirements.
Teachers interested in the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) should visit the National Board Research Center (not affiliated with C&I).

Realizing the Democratic Ideal

As with the other departments within the College of Education, the Department of Curriculum and Instruction promotes and follows Realizing the Democratic Ideal, the conceptual framework for all teacher education programs at Illinois State University.