Curriculum and Instruction, M.S.
The Master of Science degree in Curriculum and Instruction is an advanced academic degree that builds upon an appropriate undergraduate foundation. A total of 36 semester units are required to complete this program.
This program is designed as advanced study for classroom teachers who desire to gain more knowledge in the areas of technology integration, reading instruction, and teaching English learners. Candidates without a preliminary teaching credential from the state of California will not be eligible to apply for the Reading and Literacy Added Authorization.
Program Learning Outcomes
Candidates who complete the Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction program will be able to:
Equip
- Promote the success of all students by understanding, responding to, and influencing the larger political, social, economic, legal, and cultural context.
Transform
- Promote the success of all students by modeling a personal code of ethics and developing professional leadership capacity.
Empower
- Promote the success of all students by collaborating with families and community members, responding to diverse community interests and needs, and mobilizing community resources.
Program Eligibility for the Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction
- A cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 3.000 is required to be admitted in the Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction or a stand-alone credential or added authorization housed within the MS degree program. Applicants with a cumulative grade point average less than 3.000 may apply for “Admission under Exception” which is reviewed by the program director and dean;
- Two or more letters of recommendation from appropriate persons who have knowledge of the applicant’s character and ability to work with children or youth (references from friends or relatives are not appropriate);
- A writing sample that indicates graduate-level ability; and
- An interview with the appropriate program director or Admissions chair.
Applicants who do not meet the above standards but can demonstrate that they have an exceptionally rich experiential background and/or have demonstrated dramatic change in academic performance may petition the School of Education to review their status.
Transfer of Credits
Up to six (6) units of approved post-baccalaureate coursework aligned with the course of study below, and unused for a previous Master’s degree, may be transferred from other institutions toward this degree. Candidates desiring to transfer coursework must petition this through their advisor during the first semester of enrollment.
The Master of Science degrees are considered advanced degrees beyond preliminary teacher credential coursework, signified by GED/GEL course numbers. Prior coursework taken toward a preliminary teaching credential cannot be used as credit toward a PLNU Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction degree.
Required Courses
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | ||
| GED 6016 | Curriculum Development, Innovation, and Evaluation | 3 |
| GED 6029 | Using Technology to Enhance Teaching and Learning | 3 |
| GED 6041 | Culturally Inclusive Environments: Instruction and Advocacy | 3 |
| GED 6068 | Advanced Practice for English Learners | 3 |
| GED 6072 | Philosophy in Education | 3 |
| GED 6075 | Family Systems | 3 |
| GED 6081 | Educational Measurement and Evaluation | 3 |
| GED 6096 | Advanced Research-Based Literacy Instruction for All Students | 3 |
| GED 6097 | Advanced Literacy Assessment, Instruction, and Intervention for All Students | 3 |
| GEL 6004 | Equitable and Socially Just School Communities | 3 |
| Finishing Courses | ||
| GED 6098 | Master of Science Thesis Design | 3 |
| GED 6099 | Master of Science Thesis | 3 |
| Total Units | 36 | |
Certification Options
Graduation Requirements
In order to earn and receive a Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction degree, a student must satisfy all of the following:
- A completed Application for Degree Candidacy (online or in the Records Office, Point Loma campus);
- Satisfactory completion of the prescribed course of study with a cumulative grade point average of 3.000 or higher;
- Completion of the approved graduate program consisting of a minimum of 36 units;
- A recommendation from the credential analyst and director of the regional center;
- All accounts paid in full; and
- All requirements for graduate degrees must be completed within an eight (8)-year period from the time of initial enrollment in the program.