Master of Arts in Curriculum & Instruction

Academic Programs

Learn how to develop research-based curriculum and instructional practices. Our master of arts (MA) program encourages reflection and creativity, challenging you to think about what should be taught, how it should be taught and why it should be taught.

You will gain knowledge and skills through small seminars, independent projects and specialized areas of study. Best of all, our flexible degree program gives you the opportunity to take courses across the Morgridge College of Education, so you can customize your studies and focus on a distinct area of interest.

Applications Open for Next Academic Year in August 

Applications Open In August

Explore Admission Requirements
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    Complete in Just 2 Years

    You can complete any specialization is as little as 24 months. 

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    Guaranteed Scholarships: Save 22% or More on Tuition

    Additional merit and need-based scholarships also available. Visit Tools for Tomorrow's Teachers for more financial resources.

Areas of Study

Curriculum Studies

  • Students learn about curriculum design, models of curriculum, instructional strategies, assessment and student engagement.
  • Students explore themes including (but not limited to) diversity, teacher education, aesthetics, urban education, family studies, social work, library and information science, zoo and museum education, and international education.

Mathematics Education

  • Students learn about ambitious and equitable instructional practices that support meaningful learning experiences for all students, particularly those in historically marginalized groups.
  • Students learn various research designs and methods to address problems of practice within mathematics education.

Gifted Education

  • Students learn about gifted education and leadership theory so that they can become leaders in gifted education.
  • Students develop research skills that are focused on problem identification and interventions.
  • Students gain eligibility for a Colorado Department of Education endorsement in Gifted Education.

Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Education (CLDE)

  • Students learn about culturally responsive pedagogy and the cultural, language, cognitive and academic needs of culturally and linguistically diverse learners.
  • Students apply knowledge of language acquisition, culturally relevant literature, curriculum and assessment practice, and funds of knowledge to bridge communities, classrooms and schools.
  • Students gain eligibility for a Colorado Department of Education endorsement in Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Education.

Special Education

  • Students learn about social-emotional, cognitive, academic and behavioral outcomes for children with special needs.
  • Students collaborate with families, community partners and school personnel to enhance learning opportunities for children with special needs.
  • Students gain eligibility to apply for a Colorado Department of Education endorsement in Special Education.

Twice-Exceptionality

  • Students learn about social-emotional, cognitive, academic and behavioral needs for children with both special needs and giftedness.

If your interests lie outside of these areas, you still have many options. Our experienced faculty will help you develop a coursework plan that supports your learning needs and professional goals.

Learning Outcomes

The learning outcomes for the master of arts program in Curriculum & Instruction are as follows:

  • Inclusive Excellence: Create systems of empowerment to improve educational outcomes for diverse students, families and communities, especially those who are or have been marginalized.
  • Research: Critically analyze and conduct rigorous research to address educational inequities.
  • Leadership & Advocacy: Act as an agent of change.
  • Curriculum: Design, implement and evaluate curricula that support learning for all students.
  • Instruction: Design, implement and evaluate effective and equitable instructional practices.
  • Assessment: Design, implement and evaluate assessments to guide instruction and improve student learning.

Program Requirements

  • You will need to complete 45 credits, 24 of which must be in an area of specialization.
  • You must also complete a comprehensive portfolio at the end of your coursework.