Curriculum and Instruction
Program Mission: The online graduate program in Curriculum and Instruction advances scholarly preparation by providing opportunities for developing quality teaching and promoting excellence in research/creative activity for graduate students to exemplify best teaching practices for children from Pre-K through 12. The program is designed to meet the needs of practicing teachers who wish a planned program of study focusing on Curriculum & Instruction. Students will be challenged to link theory and practice as they develop the skills required for ethical and effective collaboration and communication within the local school community and a culturally diverse, technologically advanced global environment.
Accreditation: National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and Higher Learning Commission.
Admission Requirements: To be eligible for degree candidacy, applicants must meet all of the requirements for admission to the Graduate School (see "Admission to Graduate Degree and Certificate Programs") In addition, applicants should have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.00 or higher for admission; however, applicants may seek authorization to register for graduate classes through provisional admission with a lower GPA. All applicants must submit a letter of application to address professional and educational goals related to the learning outcomes associated with the program, a current professional resume, a copy of an active teaching license, and at least one professional reference.
Degree Audit: The graduate plan of study is the EIU Degree Audit, which is generated automatically at the time of degree or certificate candidacy. Modifications of the standard EIU Degree Audit are submitted by the graduate coordinator to the certification officer in the Graduate School at the time modifications are approved. The Degree Audit serves as an unofficial summary of requirements for the program. Degree and certificate candidates are advised to review the comprehensive summary of the Degree Audit process specified on the "Requirements for All Degree and Certificate Candidates" section of the Graduate Catalog. Individual programs may require candidates to submit plans of study in addition to the Degree Audit, candidates should consult with the program coordinator.
Degree Requirements
Degree requirements include those outlined for a Master of Science in Education degree by the Graduate School. To earn a Master of Science in Education degree, the student must:
Successfully complete all Foundations, Research and Practice, and one Discipline option (36 semester hours) while maintaining a 3.00 GPA;
Obtain approval for Thesis after completion of 4 courses or obtain approval of Action Research project by close of semester prior to ELE 5900.
Foundations
Credits: 9 semester hours
Research and Practice
Credits: 9 semester hours
OR
Discipline Options
Select a discipline option from: Curriculum Development; Reading Instruction; English as a Second Language
Credits: 18 semester hours
Curriculum Development
Credit Hours: 18
Courses:
English as a Second Language
Credit Hours: 18
Courses below:
OR
Elective
Students who have taken ELE 4890 as an undergraduate may select a substition from the courses below:
Reading Instruction
Credit Hours: 18
Courses:
OR
Graduate Assistantships
Information on graduate assistantships may be obtained by contacting the Coordinator of Graduate Studies or Chair, Teaching, Learning, and Foundations, 2220 Buzzard Hall, EIU.
Information sourced from the 2025-2026 EIU Graduate Catalog.