Master of Arts in Curriculum & Instruction OR Literacy

Program Description

Core Courses

Elective Courses - Area of Specialization

Program Rationale & Beliefs

Program Goals

Admissions/Application

Program Description

Marquette University's master of arts program in curriculum & instruction or literacy is designed to meet the needs of practicing teachers in the 21st century. Flexible, interdisciplinary and with courses available via distance learning, this degree places special emphasis on the development of teacher leadership within schools, organizations and communities. It is designed in the Jesuit spirit of Ignatius Loyola, who viewed teachers as intellectual, moral and spiritual leaders, guided by ethics of care and social justice. It is also designed to link with the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards and the Wisconsin Standards in Professional Teaching & Licensure.

Program handbook & forms

Core Courses

EDPL220  Introduction to Educational Inquiry

EDPL234  Foundations of Curriculum

EDPL237  Theories of Learning Applied to Instruction

EDPL221  Intermediate Inquiry Methods

EDPL222  Advanced Inquiry Methods

EDPL223  Teacher as Leader

EDPL238  Seminar: Analysis of Teaching (not required for students in Literacy track)

Elective Courses - Area of Specialization

Each student will take at least 9 additional credits in an area of concentration that addresses Standard 2 of the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards: Teachers know the subjects they teach and how to teach those subjects to students.

Students seeking the Master of Arts in Literacy (LITR) degree will complete their area of specialization in LITERACY.   Learn more about READING LICENSURE (available to students completing a Reading/Literacy minor).

Program Rationale & Beliefs

The design of the core curriculum for the master's degree in curriculum and instruction is based on the School of Education's conceptual framework for undergraduate and graduate programs; current research on teaching, professional development and school change; and our understanding of what it means to be an effective master teach and instructional leader.

We believe that master teachers:

  • Have a deep understanding of the subjects they teach and specialized knowledge of how to teach those subjects to students (Wis. Stand. 1, 4; NBPTS 2).
  • Have a deep understanding of how students develop and learn and are committed to the learning and development of all of their students (Wis. Stand. 2, 3; NBPTS1).
  • Hold high expectations for all students and see themselves as responsible for managing and monitoring student learning (Wis. Stand. 9; NBPTS 4).
  • Are reflective practitioners who think systematically about their practice and seek out opportunities to grow professionally (Wis. Stand 9; NBPTS 4).Use multiple research tools to analyze, evaluate, and change own teaching practice (Wis. Stand 9; NBPTS 4).
  • Are members and leaders of learning communities who foster relationships with colleagues, parents, and community agencies to advocate for/support students' learning and well-being (Wis. Stand. 10; NBPTS 5).
  • Demonstrate effective oral, written, and media communication in their professional role(s) (Wis. Stand. 6).
  • Act as change agents committed to care for the person, equity, and social justice in their classrooms and schools.
  • Critically formulate and analyze educational problems from multiple perspectives, including educational research and literature.
  • Apply theoretical, philosophical, political, moral, and historical frameworks to practice.

 

Program Goals

Program goals reflect the key abilities that are the focus for all of the School of Education graduate programs. Indicators used in the assessment of these program goals throughout this program are drawn from the Wisconsin Standards in Professional Teaching and Licensure and the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards.

By the end of this program, teachers will demonstrate the ability to:

  1. Critically read and apply theoretical and research perspectives in their analysis of educational issues.
  2. Use philosophical, socio-cultural, political, psychological, moral, and historical frameworks to design curriculum, instruction, and assessments that support student learning in diverse educational settings.
  3. Advocate for and implement programs and interventions at the school or organizational level that support the learning and well-being of a diverse student population.
  4. Use a variety of research tools to analyze, evaluate and reflect on own practice in a sophisticated way.
  5. Communicate and collaborate effectively (orally, in writing, and through media) with students, parents, colleagues, and community members in ways that support student learning and well-being.

 

Admissions

All applications for admission to the master's programs in educational policy and leadership must originate with the Graduate School . New students can enter the program any semester of each year or during the summer term. All applicants must have at least a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university and some teaching experience. Individuals interested in applying to the program may obtain application information by contacting the Graduate School at (414) 288-7137. Application can also be made online at www.marquette.edu/grad/future/apply.shtml

Apply as a master's degree student (MA) with a specialization in CUIN (Curriculum & Instruction) or LITR (Literacy).

Materials to be submitted for application:
  1. Graduate School Application Form and application fee
  2. Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions except Marquette
  3. Test scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test
  4. Three (3) letters of recommendation from individuals who can address the applicant's academic and professional potential
  5. A statement of purpose
  6. Interview (optional but recommended)

Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a complete, self-assembled application packet of all application materials, other than test scores (GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, etc.). For more information, visit http://www.grad.mu.edu/future/req4.shtml

Departmental faculty review applicant files on a rolling basis. Application deadlines are:

April 15 (for summer admission)

July 15 (for fall admission)
November 15 (for spring admission)

Applicants should make sure that their files are complete by these dates. Applicant files are reviewed comprehensively, emphasizing all aspects of applicants' backgrounds. Academic transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, statements of purpose and professional background receive particular attention in the review process. If necessary, the department faculty may request an interview before making a final decision.

 

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