Curriculum and Instruction: Elementary School Science and Mathematics Concentration

The purpose of this 36-credit hour program is to provide teachers with cutting-edge, innovative and research- supported elementary science and mathematics methods and topics. Emphasis is placed upon the understanding, development and application of constructivist, elementary Science-Technology-Engineering-Mathematics (STEM) curricula, materials, methods and activities that are applicable within the elementary classroom. This program does not lead to initial teaching certification. Program completion may include STEM certification.

Professional Education Core Courses

EDUC 502Technology for Teaching, Learning & Leadership

3.0

EDUC 577Introduction to Educational Research

3.0

EDUC 581Research-Based Teaching, Learning & Assessment

3.0

EDUC 582Educational Philosophy in a Diverse Society

3.0

Total Credit Hours:12.0
Vanguard teachers enrolled in the program may take EDUC 599V1 in lieu of EDUC 502.

Foundation Courses (12 credits):

In addition to the four professional education core courses for the M.S. degree, the candidate must complete four elementary school science and mathematics foundation courses (12 credits):

EDUC 540Modern Science Methods

3.0

EDUC 545Modern Mathematics Methods

3.0

EDUC 576Curriculum & Methods in Inclusive Classrooms: Math and Science

3.0

EDUC 583Principles of Curriculum Development & Appraisal

3.0

Total Credit Hours:12.0

Content Electives (9 credits):

In addition to the professional education and foundation courses, the candidate must select three courses from different content and topic areas, either from the science or mathematics disciplines with the approval of the adviser, or from the following education courses (9 credits).

EDUC 500Methods for Teaching English Language Learners

3.0

EDUC 530K-12 Blended Learning

3.0

EDUC 539National Board Certification Support

3.0

EDUC 542Topics in Elementary Physical & Earth Science

3.0

EDUC 544Topics in Elementary Life Science

3.0

EDUC 546The Teaching of Numbers,Operations & Algebraic Thinking in Elementary & Middle School

3.0

EDUC 547The Teaching of Geometry & Measurement in Elementary & Middle School

3.0

EDUC 553Foundations of Elementary STEM (Science-Technology-Engineering-Mathematics) Education

3.0

Capstone Course (3 credits):

Candidates enrolled in the M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction degree program in the capstone course must successfully meet the following requirements:

  1. Maintain a 3.0 cumulative grade point average in the capstone course: EDUC 597 Action Research.

  2. Complete acceptable performance activities as part of the collaborative practice component in EDUC 597.

  3. Successful evaluation of a yearlong action research project.

  4. Complete the Exit Survey, a self-assessment measure on the Institutional Outcomes.

The EDUC 597 Capstone project is year-long. Students enroll for all 3 credits in the Fall semester and then continue as "In Progress" (IP) for the Spring semester. Withdrawals from this course must be submitted by the course withdrawal deadline during the Fall semester as outlined in the Academic Calendar. Late course withdrawals may be considered through appeal to the Graduate Council as outlined in the Exceptions to Academic Policies section.

Program Follow Up

Program completers in the Curriculum and Instruction program will complete the following activities:

  1. Program Evaluation Survey at the completion of the action research course.
  2. Program Survey one year after program completion.