Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction

Bachelor's Degree GPA of 3.0 for full acceptance

Applications are currently being accepted and reviewed for start dates in spring, summer, and fall 2020, as well as spring 2020. 

• Online
• Accelerated 8-week courses
• Custom schedules built for each student so you know when you begin and finish the program

The very first thing is to decide whether you are applying for:

• MSCI with Curriculum and Instruction Courses, or,

• MSCI with ESL Endorsement 

To easily begin your application, fill out a “FutureCardinal Account” by submitting a one page form which is free and takes under 5 minutes.

To apply for MSCI with Curriculum and Instruction courses, begin HERE

1. Under contact information, fill out your contact information.
2. Under academic program, select: Education-Curriculum and Instruction (NCATE Endorsed)
3. Under anticipated entry term, select: Appropriate Term
4. Under campus location, select: Online
5. Fill out the rest of the “futurecardinal” page and hit CONTINUE. From there, you will have the first step of your application done. You can then log in and out of your account to finish the rest.

 To apply for MSCI with ESL Endorsement, begin HERE

1. Under contact information, fill out your contact information.
2. Under academic program, select: Education-Curriculum and Instruction with an ESL Endorsement
3. Under anticipated entry term, select: Appropriate Term
4. Under campus location, select: Online
5. Fill out the rest of the “futurecardinal” page and hit CONTINUE. From there, you will have the first step of your application done. You can then log in and out of your account to finish the rest.

Your admissions counselor will be in contact with you from there on out to assist with getting the next steps completed. To completely submit your application, please upload 2 letters of recommendation, a short essay, resume, and request official transcripts.  

1. Application (Please Submit the Following):
   • Application form
   • Non-refundable application fee
   • One page essay describing your reason for obtaining a graduate degree
   • Résumé of your education and employment experience
   • Two letters of recommendation
   • Official transcripts

   Please note:

   • Graduate entrance exams such as the GRE are not required.
   • If you have completed graduate level classes in the last seven years and wish to have them evaluated for possible transfer, please contact your admissions counselor for more information on transferring graduate credits.
   • International students should contact the Office of International Student Services at international.admissions@cuaa.edu for additional application requirements.
2. Evaluation
   When your file is complete, the file is forwarded to an admission committee for review.
3. Admission
   If you are is admitted, an acceptance letter will be emailed and you will be given a student ID number. Password information to access my.cuaa.edu will be sent separately from the Information Technology office. Your advisor will be able to give you information regarding completion of the required student orientation before you begin your first class.

Contact Us

For additional information, please contact the Graduate Admission Office at graduate.admissions@cuaa.edu or 734-995-7527.

The Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction degree can stand alone or be accompanied by a specialization endorsement. 

English as a Second Language (NS) Endorsement

The Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction with English as a Second Language (NS) Endorsement program focuses on the acquisition of the knowledge and skills necessary for addressing the needs of limited English proficient (LEP) K-12 students

In classrooms throughout the country, limited English proficient (LEP) students are increasing in numbers and also increasing the demand for educators who can address their unique needs. Empathetic educators with the ability to navigate diverse cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds are needed in school districts across the country. These educators need to be aware not only of the mechanics and theory behind second language acquisition, but also how sociological factors like racism, stereotyping, and discrimination impact the learner.

In this program, you will learn how to be an advocate, supporter, and educator for LEP students. Concordia helps you achieve this goal by educating your mind, body, and spirit. More than just earning your English as a Second Language (NS) Endorsement, you will become conscious of ways you can bring your “whole self” into your role as a teacher and help LEP students thrive.

Program Coursework for Master's of Science in Curriculum and Instruction with Curriculum and Instruction Courses

MSCI (with CI) coursework includes classes such as Leadership in Curriculum & Instruction, Assessment & Evaluation, and Cultural Issues in Curriculum, Classroom and Community. Please visit the ESL page view coursework in the MSCI with ESL Endorsement track.

• Leadership in Curriculum and Instruction: This course presents an application of leadership theory, curriculum development theory, educational planning theory, general learning theory, to the understanding of curriculum and instruction from a leadership perspective. Participants examine their own communication and leadership styles, especially as they relate to their role in the classroom and on instructional teams. It integrates models, research, and practical applications of design and evaluation of curriculum and instruction.
• Instructional Design: This course is designed to introduce students to a systematic approach to instructional design as a necessary foundation for developing needs-based curriculum. Current models of instructional design are explored and specific focus is given to learning theories as they apply to the development of instruction. Students apply the systematic process of translating learning needs into teaching solutions through analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation of instructional products.
• Research Methods in Curriculum & Instruction credits: This course provides a broad introduction to basic concepts of research design, strategies of experimental, historical, and descriptive research, and basic statistical procedures. Participants will use these concepts to read, interpret, and evaluate educational research and to design a research study in an educational setting on a question of significance to the field of teaching and learning.
• Cultural Issues/Curriculum, Class, Community: The students will examine how issues of ethnicity, economic status, gender, geography, history and other considerations play a significant role in the forces which shape and define educational settings. Through exploration of the schools' political/social environments, students will discover the factors that influence educational policy and how educational policy shapes curriculum.
• Teaching Diverse Learners: Students will explore issues with special populations; gifted, special needs, and students with disabilities, which effect curriculum development, instructional patterns, and differentiation in the classroom. Strategies for identifying students, developing instructional plans, and implementing curriculum are a focus.
• Professional Learning Communities within a Pluralistic Society: An overview of the development of learning communities within the school system. The emphasis in this course is that the school system reflects the community it serves. This includes developing partnerships with the parents, the business community and local/state/federal agencies that serve the community.
• Standards Based Curriculum and Instruction: This course focuses on the development of strategies for linking national and state standards to classroom curriculum. This course will explore the historical foundations for the standards movement as well as current research on standards as a basis for understanding standard-based instruction. The content includes grade-level benchmarks and assessments, development of a pacing chart, scope and sequence, and identifies instructional resources.
• Evaluation & Assessment: This course focuses on the concept of assessment as linked to the learning process and teaching practice. Participants look at the theory and principals that support assessment practices, especially as they apply to teacher made tests and other evaluation instruments. The course includes alternatives to traditional forms of assessment and explores factors that influence student performance.
• Instructional Technology and the Reflective Educator: The theory/practice of implementing curriculum plans that include methods and strategies for applying technology to maximize student learning.
• Guided Research & Practice credits: This course provides guidance from the university supervisor in the analysis, interpretation, and writing up of the final report of their action research project.
• Portfolio Development: (1 credit hour) This guides students in the preparation and completion of the professional portfolio through a series of workshops and assignments. The portfolio is a culmination of the student's accomplishments, skills, ability, and aptitude; and presents a visual demonstration and clear understanding of student mastery of necessary skills presented in the MSCI program.