Return to: Curry School of Education and Human Development: Departments/Programs
Curriculum and Instruction
Degree offerings within the Curriculum and Instruction prepare educators for a wide variety of professional opportunities in formal and informal learning environments including colleges and universities, PK-12 schools and school divisions, local, state and federal departments of education, education-related non-profit organizations, and education-related advocacy organizations. Flexible offerings delivered face-to-face or online either full-time or part-time (depending upon the degree) make the Curriculum and Instruction programs adaptable for students’ needs.
Master of Education - Curriculum and Instruction
The M.Ed. degree prepares students for positions within schools, museums, and other community settings. Advisors meet with students to design a program of study that includes core and elective courses that complement professional goals. The program provides the option for students to choose an area of emphasis. These areas are Applied Behavior Analysis (BCBA), Education Innovation, English as a Second Language (ESL), Gifted Education, Instructional Technology, Literacy, Science Education, Social and Emotional Learning, Social Foundations, Special Education, and there is also a dual degree in partnership with the Darden School of Business.
Total Number of Credits required
The M.Ed. program requires a minimum of 30 credits of coursework at the 5000-level or higher. Fifteen credits must be earned within the core requirements and students must take a minimum of one class from each of the four “pillars” of the program. A fifth course with the comprehensive exam embedded within it completes the 15-hour core requirement. Coursework selections are based upon a student’s prior experiences and desired educational outcomes.
Required courses
- Curriculum core (3 credit minimum)
- Instruction core (3 credit minimum)
- Assessment core (3 credit minimum)
- Diversity core (3 credit minimum)
- Masters Comprehensive in Curriculum and Instruction (3 credit minimum)
Concentration coursework: 15 credits
Advisors assist students in selecting 15 hours of concentration coursework to create an area of specialization from existing graduate courses. The areas of emphasis are Applied Behavior Analysis (BCBA), Education Innovation, English as a Second Language (ESL), Gifted Education, Instructional Technology, Literacy, Science Education, Social and Emotional Learning, Social Foundations, and Special Education.
Transfer credits
A maximum of 6 credit hours can be transferred in to the program after the course is evaluated by the advisor to meet a number of conditions (e.g., graduate-level, is equivalent in rigor and focus to a course offered in the program of study, the student earned a grade of B- or higher, and the course was successfully completed less than 5 years from the date of admission to the program).
Culminating experience
M.Ed. students admitted to the program prior to fall 2019 must complete a comprehensive exam in the final semester of their coursework or as an independent study course as their final course experience. Students beginning the program in fall 2019 or after complete the comprehensive exam within the fifth core course.
Public Professional Licensure Disclosure
As a member of the State Authorizations Reciprocity Agreement, the University of Virginia (UVA) is authorized to provide curriculum in a distance learning environment to students located in all states in the United States except for California. (34 CFR 668.43(a)(6)& 34 CFR 668.72(n)).
Upon completion of the Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction program at the UVA School of Education and Human Development, graduates may be eligible for initial professional licensure in another U.S. state by applying to the licensing board or agency in that state.
Please visit the University’s state authorization web pages to make an informed decision regarding which states’ educational requirements for initial licensure are met by this program. (668.43(a)(5) (v)(A) - (C))
Enrolled students who change their current (or mailing) address to a state other than Virginia should update this information immediately in the Student Information System as it may impact their ability to complete internship, practicum, or clinical hours, use Title IV funds, or meet licensure or certification requirements in the new state. (34 CFR 668.402).
Education Specialist - Curriculum and Instruction
The Ed.S. degree prepares experienced educators to assume positions of heightened responsibility within schools, districts, nonprofit organizations, and other community settings. Advisors meet with students to design a program of study that focuses on two academic Areas of Emphasis and complements the students’ professional goals.
Total number of credits required
The Ed.S. program is a planned 30-credit (minimum) terminal post-master’s degree in which candidates are expected to attain an understanding of major issues in professional education and the ability to integrate and apply what they have learned in an educational context. Coursework selections are based upon a student’s prior experiences and desired educational outcomes.
Area of Emphasis coursework - 24 credits
Advisors assist students in selecting two Areas of Emphasis that will be the major focus of students’ study. Possible Areas of Emphasis include: Curriculum & Instruction, Educational Innovation, English as a Second Language, Gifted Education, Instructional Technology, Leadership in Reading and Literacy, Science Education, Social and Emotional Learning, Social Foundations, and Special Education.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion coursework - 3 credits
All Ed.S. students also select a course focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Culminating Project - 3 credits
To conclude their studies, all Ed.S. students complete a culminating project that synthesizes key insights they have developed from their work in their two chosen Areas of Emphasis.
Transfer Credits
A maximum of 6 credit hours can be transferred into the program. Only graduate-level courses that meet a number of conditions (e.g., the course is equivalent in rigor and focus to a course offered in the program of study, the student earned a grade of B- or higher, and the course was successfully completed less than 5 years from the date of admission to the program) are eligible for transfer.
Public Professional Licensure Disclosure
As a member of the State Authorizations Reciprocity Agreement, the University of Virginia (UVA) is authorized to provide curriculum in a distance learning environment to students located in all states in the United States except for California. (34 CFR 668.43(a)(6)& 34 CFR 668.72(n)).
Upon completion of the Education Specialist in Curriculum and Instruction program at the UVA School of Education and Human Development, graduates may be eligible for initial professional licensure in another U.S. state by applying to the licensing board or agency in that state.
Please visit the University’s state authorization web pages to make an informed decision regarding which states’ educational requirements for initial licensure are met by this program. (668.43(a)(5) (v)(A) - (C))
Enrolled students who change their current (or mailing) address to a state other than Virginia should update this information immediately in the Student Information System as it may impact their ability to complete internship, practicum, or clinical hours, use Title IV funds, or meet licensure or certification requirements in the new state. (34 CFR 668.402).
Doctor of Education - Curriculum and Instruction
The Ed.D. program in Curriculum and Instruction prepares graduates for college or university positions in curriculum and instruction departments, for positions within school districts with specific areas of curricular expertise, for positions within educational organizations promoting K-12 education, and for non-governmental organizations. The program includes coursework, a field study, and practical experiences to prepare graduates to: (1) produce scholar-practitioner research that adds to the knowledge base of a specific organization and/or program; (2) educate professionals in the area of curricular expertise and evidence-based practice; and (3) identify and address problems of practice in specific contexts. The program provides the option for students to choose an area of emphasis. These areas include Curriculum and Instruction; Gifted Education, English as a Second Language, Instructional Technology, Educational Innovation; and Reading & Literacy.
The Ed.D. in Curriculum & Instruction requires a minimum of 72 hours. There is an 18-semester hour core requirement. In addition, students must take a minimum of 18 semester hours in research, 12 semesters hours of courses in an area of emphasis, and 6 credits of electives. A field study of 6 semester hours, typically beginning in the student’s second year of full-time study, or equivalent credits earned, must also be completed. Students are encouraged to complete their field study in an area that supports their area of focus. Twelve (12) additional credits related to demonstrating competencies in research areas (e.g., preliminary exam, comprehensive exam) and a final capstone project proposal and final defense (EDIS 9991) round out the required 72 credits. Thirty-six hours (not including the capstone) must be completed after admission to the Curriculum & Instruction Ed.D. program.
Core Courses required
A minimum of 18 semester hours of core coursework is required. Options for core courses may include:
Coursework in Research
A minimum of 18 semester hours of research methods coursework is required. Students must take at least 2 quantitative research methods courses and 2 qualitative research methods courses. Options for research methods courses:
Electives (6 credits) and Coursework in One Supporting Area (12 credits)
Coursework is determined in concert with your program committee.
Other Requirements
Culminating Experience
Ed.D. students in Curriculum and Instruction must successfully design, implement and defend the Capstone project in accordance with the Capstone manual.
Public Professional Licensure Disclosure
As a member of the State Authorizations Reciprocity Agreement, the University of Virginia (UVA) is authorized to provide curriculum in a distance learning environment to students located in all states in the United States except for California. (34 CFR 668.43(a)(6)& 34 CFR 668.72(n)).
Upon completion of the Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction program at the UVA School of Education and Human Development, graduates may be eligible for initial professional licensure in another U.S. state by applying to the licensing board or agency in that state.
Please visit the University’s state authorization web pages to make an informed decision regarding which states’ educational requirements for initial licensure are met by this program. (668.43(a)(5) (v)(A) - (C))
Enrolled students who change their current (or mailing) address to a state other than Virginia should update this information immediately in the Student Information System as it may impact their ability to complete internship, practicum, or clinical hours, use Title IV funds, or meet licensure or certification requirements in the new state. (34 CFR 668.402).
Doctor of Philosophy in Education - Curriculum and Instruction
The Ph.D. in Education - Curriculum and Instruction (C&I Ph.D.) is a terminal graduate degree that prepares graduates for positions in university settings (e.g., in research intensive universities, liberal arts colleges, and other post-secondary institutions), school districts, government agencies, and non-governmental agencies (NGOs). The C&I Ph.D. program emphasizes development of strong foundational knowledge in theory and the practical application of theory in one’s chosen fields of study. A thorough understanding of all aspects of the research process is key, including: development of research questions and hypotheses, research design, analysis and interpretation, dissemination of results in both oral and written formats, and grant writing to fund research. C&I Ph.D. students take extensive coursework in research methods and many focus on optional areas of emphasis. These optional areas include: Diverse Learners and Learning Contexts and Teacher Education/Teacher Quality.
Total Number of Credits required
The Ph.D. in Curriculum & Instruction requires a minimum of 72 hours. There is a 12-semester hour core requirement. In addition, students must take a minimum of 24 semester hours in research and 18 semester hours of electives and/or courses in a supporting area. Twelve (12) additional credits of dissertation research round out the required 72 credits. Of the Curry classes that are required, 36 hours (not including doctoral research apprenticeship (9998) and dissertation credit (9999)) must be completed after admission to the Curriculum & Instruction Ph.D. program.
Core Requirements
A minimum of 12 semester hours of core coursework is required for the C&I PhD. The following four core courses are required:
Research Requirements
A minimum of 24 semester hours of research coursework is required. Required research courses:
Electives, Supporting Areas
A minimum of 18 semester hours is required. Coursework is approved by the student’s doctoral program committee and the C&I PhD studies coordinator. Optional areas of emphasis:
- Diverse Learners and Learning Contexts
- Teacher Education/Teacher Quality
Other Requirements
- Preliminary Examination - Completed after the first year of full-time coursework.
- Qualifying paper/Comprehensive Examination - Completed after the second year of full-time coursework.
- Research mentorship - A minimum of 6 semester hours of research mentorship must be completed (9998).
- Dissertation - A minimum of 12 credits hours must be completed (9999).
Culminating Experience
PhD students in Curriculum and Instruction must successfully design, implement and defend the dissertation project in accordance with the Curry Dissertation manual.
