Curriculum & Instruction
Our Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction (M.Ed. C&I) is designed for licensed educators who wish to be leaders in their field by learning to use appropriate techniques to motivate and encourage learners.
The Curriculum & Instruction program incorporates the study of curriculum development and integrates assessment and evaluation, instructional leadership, effective classroom instruction for a variety of learners, and critical issues within the field of education.
The course of study is built around a general curriculum designed to prepare teachers for curriculum development and instructional management. Also available are a number of specializations designed to prepare teachers to meet specific instructional needs or professional learning goals.
Admission to the program is open to qualified applicants with a baccalaureate degree or to qualified applicants who have completed the graduate certificate in Teacher Licensure Preparation. It is recommended that applicants to the program have a strong foundational knowledge in K-12 education demonstrated by possessing a valid teaching license or K-12 classroom teaching experience.
Program Details
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General Curriculum
M.Ed.-C&I General Curriculum
Note: This General Curriculum is the default program of study. Specialized programs of study are available that combine general, elective and research courses.
Total: 30 semester hours
General Courses
18 semester hours
- Advanced Educational Psychology
- Assessment and Accountability
- Differentiated Instruction
- Curriculum Development
- Issues, Ethics and Policy in Education
- Instructional Leadership
Elective Courses
6 semester hours from courses listed below. Additional electives may be offered, depending on students’ learning needs.
- Adult Learning Theory
- Working with English Learners
- Introduction to Coaching & Mentoring
- Curriculum for Talented and Gifted Education
- Special Populations of Gifted Students
- Social & Emotional Needs of the Gifted Student
- Foundations and Legal Aspects of Special Education
- Foundations of Gifted Education
- Assessment and Evaluation in Special Education
- Successful Transitions in Special Education
- Trauma Informed Practices in Schools
- Understanding and Implementing the IEP
- Selected Topics
- Mindfulness Strategies for the Classroom
- Social Justice & Equity in Education
- Data for Decision-Making
- Leading and Supervising Instruction
- Strategies for Teaching Writing
- Advanced Children’s Literature
- Reflective Teaching Experience
Research Courses
6 semester hours
- Content Specialization and Research I
- Content Specialization and Research II
Capstone Experience
Comprehensive Written Examination to be completed during the final semester.
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Admissions Policies
Admission to Graduate Programs
Transfer of Graduate Credits
Up to six semester hours of graduate credit may be transferred toward a graduate program in the School. Transfer credits may be accepted only from another regionally accredited institution of higher education. In order for graduate academic credits completed prior to admission into a graduate program to be considered, credits: (1) must have been completed within the past five years with a grade of 'B' or better; (2) must not have been used to satisfy requirements for another degree or certificate at the University of Richmond or another institution of higher education; and (3) must be approved by the Program Chair. Possible transfer credits completed while in the program must receive prior approval by the Program Chair. Except by waiver, no more than six hours may be transferred into a graduate program.
Graduate Admission Process
Students seeking admission to a graduate certificate or a master's degree program must complete the following:
- File a Graduate Application with the School and submit the non-refundable $50 graduate application fee
- Have official transcripts from all colleges and/or universities where college work was attempted forwarded directly to the School
- Have three (3) letters of recommendation sent directly to the School (requirement differs for Graduate Certificate in Teacher Licensure Preparation and Master of Teaching)
- Have official TOEFL scores sent (when applicable)
Official documents verifying college and university work and test scores must be sent from the institution or agency responsible for the information directly to the School.
Letters of recommendation should be substantive regarding the applicant’s potential to be successful as a graduate student and professional in their field. Letters from past or current supervisors and professors are preferred, and those from professional peers and coworkers who can offer meaningful input about the applicant’s abilities and potential may be appropriate as well. Letters from friends, family members, and subordinates are discouraged.
Additional requirements vary by graduate degree programs. See the section that follows for the graduate program to which you are applying.
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M.Ed. Admissions
Admission to the Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction
Students seeking admission to the M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction must have the following (in addition to the admission requirements for all graduate programs):
- A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university (or international equivalent)
- A grade point average of 3.0 or higher on all college or university academic work attempted. Students who do not meet grade point average requirements may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- A current résumé
- Successful interview with the program director or designee
Recommended Qualification
In addition to the above requirements, it is recommended that applicants to the programs have a strong foundational knowledge in K-12 education demonstrated by possessing a valid teaching license or classroom teaching experience.