Choosing a degree
The Department of Curriculum and Instruction (C&I) offers
degrees and non-degree programs at the graduate and
undergraduate level.
On this page
Choosing an advanced degree in
curriculum and instruction
The first step in choosing an advanced degree program is to
determine whether your goals fit best with degrees offered
through the Graduate School (Ph.D. and M.A.) or the College of
Education and Human Development (M.Ed.). Your choice will affect
the cost of your degree, the kind of courses you will take, the
learning environments you participate in, your options for
further education, and the career and vocational paths supported
by your degree. Prospective students are encouraged to contact
support staff, academic advisers, or faculty members:
Degrees administered by the Graduate
School
Doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.)
The doctoral degree is highest academic degree (sometimes
referred to as a terminal degree) awarded by universities in the
United States. The Department of Curriculum and Instruction’s
doctoral degree is titled “doctor of philosophy in education:
curriculum and instruction.” Doctoral students specialize in one
of nine academic
program areas called tracks. The
Ph.D. is pursued by individuals who have an interest in the
advancement of knowledge in their field of education, preparing
professionals in their field through advanced teaching and
learning, and serving communities and organizations through
educational leadership and the exchange of knowledge. The
department’s doctoral students complete four to six years of
advanced study, gain experience in knowledge development
processes (i.e. research), pass rigorous written and oral
examinations, and write a dissertation that contributes to new
knowledge in their field. The Ph.D. is administered by the
Graduate School.
Master of arts (M.A.)
The master’s degree is an advanced degree that requires one
to two years of advanced study beyond the baccalaureate level.
Master’s degrees are pursued by individuals who desire mastery
of their field and knowledge of the theoretical foundations upon
which it is based. The department’s M.A. degree is titled,
“master of arts in education: curriculum and instruction.” M.A.
students specialize in one of nine
program areas called “tracks.” The M.A. degree prepares
students in the use of research and processes of knowledge
production (i.e. research) appropriate for individuals who may
wish to pursue a doctoral degree and contribute to the
production of knowledge in their field. M.A. students must
complete a research paper or thesis and pass an oral
examination. The M.A. degree is administered by the
Graduate School.
Degrees administered by the College of
Education and Human Development
Like the master of arts (M.A.) degree, the master of
education (M.Ed.) degree requires one to two years of advanced
study beyond the baccalaureate level. M.Ed. degrees are pursued
by individuals who desire mastery of their field, including the
theoretical foundations upon which it is based, and skill in
knowing how to use and apply knowledge and research in the
practice of education. Study may lead to a teacher licensure
(certification) by the state of Minnesota. The College of
Education and Human Development administers two M.Ed. degrees.
Master of education/initial
licensure programs (M.Ed./ILP)
This M.Ed./ILP is for individuals who want to become licensed to
teach in K-12 classrooms in Minnesota.
Master of
education/professional study (M.Ed./PS)
This degree is for licensed teachers and other professionals
interested in gaining advanced knowledge and skills with
specific emphasis in their current field or a new field,
including licensure to teach in an additional subject area.
Choosing between the M.A. and
M.Ed./professional studies degrees
Although a majority of the coursework taken in the M.A. or
M.Ed./professional studies degree program may be the same, the
cost of the M.Ed. can be significantly less expensive to
complete. If you think you may want to enter a doctoral program
at the University of Minnesota sometime in the future,
completion of either the M.A or M.Ed./professional studies
degree should allow you to do this. However, if you think you
may want to complete a doctoral program elsewhere in the United
States or abroad, you should be aware that some graduate schools
will not accept coursework from master’s degrees not
administered by a graduate school. Since the College of
Education and Human Development administers the M.Ed. degrees,
your coursework may not be accepted by other universities.
Please discuss your future goals with the director of graduate
studies, your adviser, or another faculty member in your field
to be certain that you understand the consequences of choosing
between the M.A. and M.Ed. degrees.
Learn about important
differences between
the M.A. and M.Ed./professional studies degree programs.
Admissions and program information
by advanced degree
Admissions requirements and program information vary by
degree and subject area or program track.
Additional Minnesota K-12 teacher
licenses
Master of
education initial licensure programs (M.Ed./ILP) prepare
persons who want to be
licensed teachers
(K-12) in the state of Minnesota. Curriculum and Instruction
also offers advanced study for teachers licensed in one subject
area who want to obtain licensure in and additional area
(without completing a master’s degree).
Minnesota parent education licensure
(post-baccalaureate)
Individuals who teach parents in Minnesota’s early childhood
family education (ECFE) programs are required to be licensed in
parent education. Other individuals interested in parent
education also pursue this license, which can be obtained
without completing a master’s degree or an initial teacher
licensure program.
Advanced educational options (non-degree)
Certificate
programs are available for individuals who have completed an
undergraduate degree and want 12-18 credits of additional
specialized training. Certificates do not lead to an initial or
additional teaching license, but may be incorporated as part of
the requirements for a master’s degree.
Registering as a non-degree-seeking student
Individuals who have completed a bachelor’s degree and wish
to take additional coursework, explore possible fields of
interest, or complete prerequisites for admission to advanced
degree programs in the College of Education and Human
Development or the Graduate School may enroll in courses as a
non-degree-seeking student.
Additional information can be found at
Bachelor of
science in elementary education foundations
The B.S. in elementary education foundations serves as preparation for the master of
education
initial licensure
program in elementary education, which leads to state of
Minnesota teaching licensure. It also prepares graduates to work
in non-licensure educational settings (for example, day-care
centers or youth community programs) or other settings where a
strong liberal education base is useful.
May 2006
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