Curriculum and Instruction - Ed.S., M.Ed. and Ph.D. Download to print

The Educational Specialist in Curriculum and Instruction provides a wide range of graduate study opportunities in progressive, research-based curriculum and teaching practices. The program provides educators with advanced professional development beyond the master's degree.

The Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction provides a wide range of graduate study opportunities in progressive, research-based curriculum and teaching practices. The program prepares educators for continuing professional development, education in a multicultural society, and leadership for curriculum reform and renewal.

A concentration in Physical Education Teacher Education leads to a multi-age pre-kindergarten through grade 12 license to teach physical education in Ohio. The program includes field experience components at the elementary and secondary levels, and culminates with a full-semester student teaching experience. Applicants without a physical education or related undergraduate degree might require additional prerequisite courses prior to program admission.

The Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction prepares scholars for successful careers in college and university settings and produces curriculum leaders for schools and other educational institutions.

Official transcript(s), application essay and two letters of recommendation. Admissions into the M.Ed. Physical Education Teacher Education concentration also requires an interview and GRE if GPA is below 3.000. Admission into the Ed.S. also requires a master's degree from an accredited institution, recommended 3.250 graduate GPA, GRE (with a recommended score of 50th percentile or higher) and resume or vita.

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Ed.S.: This program is composed of a minimum of thirty semester hours of planned graduate study beyond the master’s degree and must include a fundamentals of curriculum course (unless waived), an educational foundations course, a research course, and courses in a specialized C&I discipline or area of study. Completion of an appropriate internship experience is recommended.

M.Ed.: The total hours required for the Master of Education degree in Curriculum and Instruction is dependent on the particular concentration that a student chooses and ranges from 32 to 42 hours. Minimum hours for each concentration are noted and are reflective of the state teacher-
leader standards for teaching licensure. Those concentrations that do not lead to licensure list 32 required hours.

Licensure Requirement (not required for graduation):
Candidates seeking Ohio licensure are required to pass specific assessments in order to apply for licensure. Students should consult their advisors for specific program requirements and refer to the Ohio Department of Education-Educator Preparation website for more information on assessments specific to licensure type.

Ph.D.: This program contains a minimum core of five C&I courses, one foundations course, and two research courses. Doctoral students design an individualized course of study with the assistance of a supervising prospectus committee, which they organize. The course phase of study culminates with a written and oral comprehensive examination that is created and evaluated by each doctoral student’s prospectus committee. Once doctoral students have passed the comprehensive examination, they organize a dissertation committee, which supervises their dissertation research project. Doctoral students achieve the Ph.D. degree upon successfully defending their dissertation research projects. This culminating peer review process, which is open to the public, formally acknowledges that the doctoral students have established an independent and respected research expertise.

Graduates of the Ed.S. and M.Ed. programs will be able to:

1. Educate in multicultural settings. 
2. Function as professional leaders for curriculum reform and renewal.
3. Demonstrate the disposition and skills for continuing professional development.

Graduates of the Ph.D. program will be able to:

1. Practice research-based leadership. 
2. Function as responsible, informed researchers in a specific Curriculum & Instruction area of study and professional practice.
3. Establish a disciplined life of inquiry.
4. Conduct research informed by multicultural education literature.

National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (Physical Education Teacher Education concentration)

M.Ed.: Curriculum and Instruction - Physical Education Teacher Education requires student teaching