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

  • 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

    • EDUC 650U Advanced Educational Psychology
    • EDUC 651U Assessment and Accountability
    • EDUC 652U Differentiated Instruction
    • EDUC 660U Curriculum Development
    • EDUC 653U Issues, Ethics and Policy in Education
    • EDUC 661U Instructional Leadership

    Elective Courses

    6 semester hours from courses listed below. Additional electives may be offered, depending on students’ learning needs.

    • EDUC 528U Adult Learning Theory
    • EDUC 519U Working with English Learners
    • EDUC 523U Introduction to Coaching & Mentoring
    • EDUC 555U Curriculum for Talented and Gifted Education
    • EDUC 562U Special Populations of Gifted Students
    • EDUC 563U Social & Emotional Needs of the Gifted Student
    • EDUC 565U Foundations and Legal Aspects of Special Education
    • EDUC 570U Foundations of Gifted Education
    • EDUC 571U Assessment and Evaluation in Special Education
    • EDUC 568U Successful Transitions in Special Education
    • EDUC 573U Trauma Informed Practices in Schools
    • EDUC 574U Understanding and Implementing the IEP
    • EDUC 598U Selected Topics
    • EDUC 579U Mindfulness Strategies for the Classroom
    • EDUC 581U Social Justice & Equity in Education
    • EDUC 602U Data for Decision-Making
    • EDUC 603U Leading and Supervising Instruction
    • EDUC 619U Strategies for Teaching Writing
    • EDUC 620U Advanced Children’s Literature
    • EDUC 675U Reflective Teaching Experience

    Research Courses

    6 semester hours

    • EDUC 680U Content Specialization and Research I
    • EDUC 681U Content Specialization and Research II

    Capstone Experience

    Comprehensive Written Examination to be completed during the final semester.

  • 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.

  • 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.