The Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction (Generalist) is designed for certified teachers and individuals who are interested in researching, developing and implementing curriculum changes to support student achievement in K-12 Education. This program allows students to focus on curriculum methodology, pedagogy, and theoretical applications and how to apply these to the classroom. The degree program requires 36 hours of graduate coursework.
The Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on Bilingual Education or English as a Second Language teaching allows practicing educators to specialize in Bilingual Education or prepare for the ESL supplement. This degree is 36 credits.
The Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction degree (Initial Teacher Certification track) is designed for post-baccalaureate students interested in earning a teaching certificate along with a Curriculum & Instruction master’s degree. This program prepares future K-12 educators with a thorough background in classroom research and pedagogical content with courses that are infused with instructional technology, address real-life instructional challenges, and apply evidence-based instruction. This degree is 36 credits.
The Graduate Initial Teacher Certification Program includes 6 graduate courses and either a one semester, unpaid student teaching placement or a full year (two semesters), paid internship as teacher-of-record. This program is 24 credits total.
The Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with concentrations in Biology or Mathematics (36 credits) are degree programs offered to district cohorts that will allow teachers to gain advanced content knowledge or gain the credits necessary for community-college level teaching. These programs are not currently offered for individuals.
Students will gain the professional development needed to understand learner characteristics, identify materials that enhance inquiry and critical thinking, incorporate the latest technologies in teaching and learning, and design assessments using the instructional design process. The specific Student Learning Outcomes of the M.Ed. program for candidates are:
- Understand the nature of classroom inquiry, develop inquiry skills, and use inquiry processes in teaching and learning in the math and science content area subjects.
- Access scholarly databases and gain pedagogical content knowledge through reading and reviewing researched publications.
- Deepen pedagogical content knowledge of math and science through inquiry-based processes.
- Construct understanding of K-12 student learning and effective instructional practices to engage K-12 students in active learning.
- Address Texas state standards when selecting and developing high-quality teaching and learning experiences for K-12 students.
- Use technology in in elementary, middle, and secondary classrooms.
- Design and implement classroom research projects to address problem areas in teaching and student learning of math and science.
Program Coordinator: Dr. Mychelle Smith, Dal 1, Room 321, Phone: 972-338-1373, Email: Mychelle.Smith@untdallas.edu
Initial Teacher Graduate Certification Program Requirements
This certification program prepares baccalaureate graduates from related fields of study with the knowledge and skills to effectively teach in PK-12 urban and rural settings. Students can earn certification with a Masters in Curriculum in Instruction (36 credits) or as a standalone program (24 credits). The graduate teacher certification program allows for initial certification choices among a variety of elementary, middle school and secondary concentrations: EC-6 Core Subjects, 4-8 Core subjects, 4-8 Math, 4-8 Science, 4-8 Social Studies, 4-8 Reading/Language Arts, 7-12 English, or EC-12 Spanish. 7-12 math and 7-12 biology are available with district cohorts. All credits of the master’s degree and certification program are completed at the graduate level. The following requirements are applicable to all students pursuing a teaching certificate:
Admission to the Graduate Teacher Education Program:
- Possess a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution
- Have a 2.80 overall, undergraduate GPA
- Pass the Pre-Admission Content Test (PACT) if minimum content credits not met with undergraduate degree
- Have a degree plan on file
- Submit two letters of recommendation
- Submit Admission Essays
- Acknowledge Educator Code of Ethics
Eligibility for Teacher Certification and Endorsements:
In order to receive recommendation for teacher certification through UNT Dallas, students must:
- Successfully complete the 24-credit certification program including Clinical Teaching (student teaching or internship).
- Pass all appropriate state certification exams which include PACT for admission, content (TExES), and PPR (Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities). Approval for testing is required from the Certification Officer for TExES and PPR.
- Submit certification application and fee to the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and submit the request for certification approval form to the Certification Officer.
- Submit fingerprinting for Federal background check through TEA.
Core, 18 hours
All courses are 3 credit hours unless otherwise noted.
Fieldwork, 6 hours