Master's in Curriculum & Instruction
The Master's in Curriculum & Instruction program (M.S. in C&I) is designed primarily for practicing teachers who want to become master teachers. They may see themselves continuing in the role of teacher, but with the added responsibility of role-model or mentor for colleagues. Some educators completing this degree are doing so in preparation for roles within their districts such as curriculum director or in preparation for further doctoral study.
The 30-semester hour program is structured around the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) five Core Propositions. Although this degree program is aligned with the NBPTS Propositions, it does not lead to National Board Certification. If you are interested in becoming National Board Certified, visit the National Board Resource Center.
The M.S. in Curriculum & Instruction program's goals are based on the following propositions. You will:
- be committed to students and their learning
- know the subjects you teach and how to teach those subjects to students
- be responsible for managing and monitoring student learning
- think systematically about their practice and learn from experience
- be members of learning communities.
Graduate programs offered by the School of Teaching and Learning do not lead to initial teacher certification. Teacher certification may only be obtained through a first or second bachelor's degree.
Admission requirements
To be considered for admission, you should:
- have at least a 3.0 GPA in your last 60 semester hours of undergraduate work
- possess a current teaching certificate
- have at least one year teaching experience (Please indicate the schools and dates in the employer/work section of the online graduate application.)
- take the TOEFL exam (for international applicants only)
- complete an Illinois State University graduate application
In addition, you will need to prepare and submit:
- a professional goals statement of no more than two double-spaced pages. The professional goals statement should address your goals as related to Realizing the Democratic Ideal (the Illinois State University Conceptual Framework for Teacher Education), National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Core Propositions, or Illinois Professional Teaching Standards.
Application deadlines:
Applications may be submitted at anytime. However, initial review for admission will follow the dates below:
- March 1 to begin in the summer semester
- March 1 to begin in the fall semester
- October 1 to begin in the spring semester
