Application deadline
Credits and costs
Nationally Recognized
Specialize with Penn State's M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction
The Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Curriculum and Instruction is a 30-credit degree program offered by Penn State's College of Education and delivered online through Penn State World Campus. This curriculum and instruction master's program is taught by the same nationally recognized faculty who teach on campus.
With the online Penn State graduate program, you can advance your knowledge about curriculum, teaching, learning, teacher education, or educational supervision through exemplary scholarship and research. Prepare now to meet the challenges facing education in diverse and changing social, cultural, economic, and physical environments. This program does not lead to a teacher certification.
What Makes Our Online M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction Different?
Penn State's Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction offers:
- six paths of learning — Children's Literature; STEM Education; Elementary Education; Curriculum and Supervision; Curriculum and Instruction Customized Path; and a specialized path which allows you to choose to focus on English Language Arts, World Languages/ESL, or Social Studies
- online courses replicating those in our rigorous, prestigious, high-quality residential program
- a program from a university long renowned for preparing and supporting teachers and education professionals
- the use of asynchronous communication so you can study and interact in a "classroom" from anywhere in the world
Choose One of Six Learning Paths
You must take a certain number of required courses, regardless of your selected learning path. If you apply to the specialized path or to the customized path in curriculum and instruction, you will work directly with your faculty adviser to choose appropriate courses. For all students, a culminating master's paper or project approved by your adviser and the department completes the requirements for the master's degree. Select one of the following learning paths:
Children's Literature
Develop your skills and knowledge in working with and transforming the lives of young readers. Hone your strategies for encouraging reading, enjoy engaging with many different forms of children's and adolescents' literature, and inspire further exploration of literature for young readers.
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education
Deepen your understanding of education in the STEM subject areas and their interactions. Sharpen and enhance your STEM teaching practices to teach your students more effectively. This program presents cutting-edge, research-based instructional STEM practices that you can begin using immediately in your classroom.
Elementary Education
Learn the latest in language and literacy, classroom management, second language teaching, and science or mathematics education. Collaborate with other professionals to become better equipped to provide leadership in a variety of roles and to enhance educational practices. This program is intended for professionals in an elementary education or related setting.
Curriculum and Supervision
Pursue your passion for student, teacher, and school development. In this multidisciplinary program, you will explore curriculum, professional development, teacher leadership, and instructional supervision holistically, using a broad perspective of schooling. Along with other students and faculty, you will study and conduct research that will contribute to your understanding of how teachers learn and develop in both formal and informal learning communities.
Curriculum and Instruction Customized Path
Provides a broad experience across the different fields of curriculum and instruction, allowing you to study a wide range of educational topics. In consultation with your faculty adviser, you will choose 15 credits to create a program of study that serves your intellectual interests and professional goals.
Specialized Path: English Language Arts, World Languages/ESL, or Social Studies
Allows focused study of teaching, learning, and curriculum in your particular K–12 subject area:
- English language arts, reading and writing, literature, and media literacies
- world languages, English as a second language/English-language learners
- social studies education, including history and civics
In consultation with your faculty adviser, you will choose 15 credits to create a program of study that consists of specialized classes and other courses relevant to your professional interests. This may include higher-level academic content courses in your subject. When you apply, you will identify your subject area of interest so that you may be linked with an appropriate faculty adviser.
Please note that this master's degree program is not designed to lead to initial teacher certification in any state; however, it may help you renew or maintain your existing certification if you are already a certified teacher. Please check with your state's Department of Education for initial licensure requirements and renewal and maintenance requirements.
Courses
This 30-credit program includes the 3-credit colloquium, 9-credits of core courses, and at least 15 credits in a specialized path. All required courses and approved elective courses are graduate-level courses at either the 400 or 500 level. The program also requires a master's paper, to be completed under the advisement of a faculty member.
Core Colloquium (3 credits)
Core Courses (select 9 credits)
-
-
-
or:
-
-
-
-
or:
-
or:
-
-
-
-
or:
-
Elective Courses (select 12 credits)
Course Availability
If you're ready to see when your courses will be offered, visit our public LionPATH course search (opens in new window) to start planning ahead.
Costs and Financial Aid
Graduate Tuition
Graduate tuition is calculated based on the number of credits for which you register. Tuition is due shortly after each semester begins and rates are assessed every semester of enrollment.
| How many credits do you plan to take per semester? | Cost |
|---|---|
| 11 or fewer | $1,007 per credit |
| 12 or more | $12,082 per semester |
Financial Aid and Military Benefits
Some students may qualify for financial aid. Take the time to research financial aid, scholarships, and payment options as you prepare to apply. Military service members, veterans, and their spouses or dependents should explore these potential military education benefits and financial aid opportunities, as well.
How to Apply
Deadlines and Important Dates
Your degree application, including receipt of all transcripts, should be received by the following deadlines to be considered complete.
Admissions Help
If you have questions about the admissions process, contact our admissions counselors.
Admission Requirements
For admission to the Graduate School, an applicant must hold either (1) a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or (2) a tertiary (postsecondary) degree that is deemed comparable to a four-year bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution. This degree must be from an officially recognized degree-granting institution in the country in which it operates.
All applicants are expected to have earned a junior/senior grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
What You Need
Applications are submitted electronically and include a nonrefundable application fee. You will need to upload the following items as part of your application:
Official transcripts from each institution attended, regardless of the number of credits or semesters completed. Transcripts not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation. Penn State alumni do not need to request transcripts for credits earned at Penn State, but must list Penn State as part of your academic history. If you are admitted, you will be asked to send an additional official transcript. You will receive instructions at that time.
GPA and Test Scores — No GRE/GMAT scores are required.
English Proficiency — The language of instruction at Penn State is English. With some exceptions, international applicants must take and submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Minimum test scores and exceptions are found in the English Proficiency section on the Graduate School's "Requirements for Graduate Admission" page. Visit the TOEFL website for testing information. Penn State's institutional code is 2660.
References (2) — You will need to initiate the process through the online application by entering names, email addresses, and mailing addresses of two references. Upon submission of your application, an email will be sent to each reference requesting they complete a brief online recommendation regarding your commitment for success in an online program. Please inform all recommenders they must submit the form in order for your application to be complete.
Program-Specific Questions/Materials
Résumé — Upload to the online application.
Statement of Purpose — Please tell us why you would like to pursue graduate studies at Penn State. You may wish to tell us about questions or issues that drive you, experiences that have shaped your professional interests, your medium-term and long-term goals, and why you think that Penn State is well suited to help you. Feel free to include any additional information that may assist faculty in evaluating your preparation and aptitude for graduate study at Penn State.
Writing Sample — Please attach a critical review of a research article or report from a recent educational journal in your area of proposed study. Identify the problem or issue, the author's analytical/empirical approach, and the nature of the evidence used in supporting any conclusions. Also, please offer your individual perspective on the importance of the research problem, the nature of the inquiry, and the legitimacy of the conclusions. At the top of the review, include a citation with the author's name, article title, journal name, volume, page numbers, and publication date. We’re looking for an essay of approximately 1000 words.
Start Your Application
You can begin your online application at any time. Your progress within the online application system will be saved as you go, allowing you to return at any point as you gather additional information and required materials.
Begin the graduate school application
- Choose Enrollment Type: "Degree Admission"
- Choose "WORLD CAMPUS" as the campus
Applying as a Nondegree Graduate Student
Apply as a "nondegree" graduate student to begin taking courses right away. If you are taking courses as a nondegree graduate student, you must apply to the master's degree in your first semester of study to be considered for admission into the Curriculum and Instruction Master of Education. Penn State limits the number of nondegree credits that can be transferred into degree programs, even when those credits are earned at Penn State. Also, if you are admitted, you’ll be assigned a faculty adviser who will help ensure that you take the most appropriate courses for your specific interests and goals. In the graduate school application:
- Select "Nondegree Admission"
- Choose "WORLD CAMPUS" as the campus
Checking Your Status
You can check the status of your application by using the same login information established for the online application form.
Earning a Graduate Certificate Concurrently
While pursuing the master's degree, students may also earn the Graduate Certificate in Children's Literature. To qualify, a student must complete the certificate application on the Graduate School website and pay the associated application fee before completing the 15 credits required in the graduate certificate curriculum.
Technical Requirements
Review the technical requirements for this degree program.
Get the resources you need to make informed decisions about your education. Request information on this program and other programs of interest by completing this form.
Advance Your Career
Advance Your Career
You can use the knowledge gained from this program and the support of Penn State career resources to pursue careers in a variety of fields, depending on your goals.
Earn a Valuable Credential along the Way
Earn a Valuable Credential along the Way
Show mastery of specific subjects before your degree is complete. Thanks to shared courses across programs, students can often earn a certificate along with their degree in less time than if they earned them separately.
Professional Licensure / Certification
Disclosures
Many U.S. states and territories require professional licensure/certification to be employed. If you plan to pursue employment in a licensed profession after completing this program, please visit the Professional Licensure/Certification Disclosures by State interactive map for more information.
Contact Us
To learn more about the Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, offered in partnership with the Penn State College of Education, please contact:
World Campus Admissions Counselors
Phone: 814-863-5386
[email protected]
Kayla McCloskey
Department of Curriculum and Instruction
The Pennsylvania State University
170 Chambers Building
University Park, PA 16802
Phone: 814-865-2430
[email protected]
Faculty
-
Fran Arbaugh
-
DegreePh.D., Curriculum & Instruction/Mathematics Education, Indiana University
-
DegreeM.Ed., Curriculum & Instruction/Mathematics Education, Virginia Commonwealth University
-
DegreeB.S., Family & Child Development/Human Services, Virginia Tech University
Dr. Fran Arbaugh joined the faculty at Penn State in 2009. Previously she was a faculty member at the University of Missouri, where she joined the faculty in 2001. Her research interests lie in the areas of teacher education and teacher learning and are grounded in pivotal learning experiences she experienced as a teacher. Fran taught high school mathematics for 11 years in Chesterfield County, Virginia prior to her Ph.D. work. Fran teaches courses in the STEM and C&S pathways as well as CI 590.
-
-
Bernard Badiali
-
DegreePh.D., Curriculum and Instruction, Penn State
-
DegreeM.A., Educational Administration, Glassboro State College
-
DegreeB.A., English, Glassboro State College
Dr. Bernard Badiali specializes in curriculum supervision, teacher development, school/university partnerships, and clinical education.
-
-
Gail Boldt
-
DegreePh.D., Teacher Education and Curriculum Studies, University of Hawaii
-
DegreeM.Ed., Clinical Mental Health, Penn State
-
DegreeCalifornia Clear Teaching Certificate, Mills College
-
DegreeMTS, Religion and Society, Harvard University
-
DegreeB.A., Psychology, Trinity College
Dr. Gail Boldt has taught Teaching Reading in Elementary Classrooms, Teaching Writing in Elementary Classrooms, Theories of Childhood, Theories of Identity, and Foucault and Education. Her research interests include psychoanalytic analyses of child development, parenting, teaching and learning; literacies in elementary and early childhood education; identity (including gender, sexuality, and race) and schooling; childhood studies; cultural studies; and disability studies.
-
-
Mari Haneda
-
DegreePh.D., Second Language Education, Curriculum and Instruction, OISE/University of Toronto
-
DegreeM.A., English, Kyoto University, Japan
-
DegreeM.Ed., Curriculum and Instruction, OISE/University of Toronto
Dr. Mari Haneda is an associate professor of world languages education and applied linguistics at Penn State. Drawing on qualitative research and discourse analytic methods, her scholarship has focused on the education of K–12 emergent bilingual students, L2 literacy development, language and identity, ESL teachers' practices, and teacher education. She teaches qualitative and micro-ethnographic research methods courses and courses related to L2 learning and literacy development.
-
-
Elisa Hopkins
-
DegreePh.D., Curriculum and Instruction, Penn State
-
DegreeM.A., English, Florida State University
-
DegreeB.A., English, College of William and Mary
Dr. Elisa Hopkins is an associate teaching professor of education specializing in literature for children and adolescents. She is lead faculty for the Penn State World Campus children's literature program. Her research interests include multicultural poetry, the development of critical consciousness, fairy-tale studies, and nonfiction literature for children and adolescents.
-
-
Charlotte L. Land
-
DegreePh.D., Curriculum & Instruction, The University of Texas at Austin
-
DegreeM.Ed., Literacy Education, The University of Missouri
-
DegreeB.S., Secondary English Education, The University of Missouri
Dr. Charlotte L. Land is an assistant professor in curriculum and instruction at Penn State University Park. Her teaching and research are situated within literacy education and teacher education. She focuses primarily on writing and writing instruction, critical and humanizing pedagogies, and inquiry and teacher learning. Across her work, Dr. Land aims to reframe both learners and teachers as "transformative intellectuals" (Giroux, 1985) who are capable and willing to make important decisions about their work and contribute to what we know about reading, writing, teaching, and learning.
-
-
May H. Lee
-
DegreeM.S., Elementary Education, Saint Joseph's University
-
DegreeB.A., International Studies, University of Denver
May Lee is the Coordinator for the M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction offered through World Campus. Her academic and teaching interests include designing and implementing professional learning opportunities for preservice and in-service educators to support the learning needs of emergent bilinguals. As a former ESL teacher, her research is focused on second language learning, instructional supervision and school leadership.
-
-
Gwendolyn Lloyd
-
DegreePh.D., Educational Studies (Mathematics Education), University of Michigan
-
DegreeM.A., Mathematics, University of California at Santa Barbara
-
DegreeA.B., Mathematics, Bryn Mawr College
Dr. Gwendolyn Lloyd, professor of mathematics education at Penn State, holds the College of Education's Henry J. Hermanowicz Professorship in Teacher Education. She advises doctoral students in mathematics education and curriculum and supervision, and she serves as co-director of Penn State's elementary and early childhood education teacher education program. Dr. Lloyd's research examines mathematics teacher development, with a focus on how teachers make sense of curricular changes in classrooms. She serves as associate editor of the Journal of Mathematics Teacher Education and Review of Educational Research.
-
-
Andrea McCloskey
-
DegreePh.D., Curriculum and Instruction (Mathematics Education), Indiana University-Bloomington
-
DegreeM.A.T., Secondary Mathematics Teaching, Miami University
-
DegreeB.S., Mathematics, Wheaton College
Dr. Andrea McCloskey is a former mathematics teacher of middle and high school students. Her research interests include teacher learning of mathematical and pedagogical concepts, especially in elementary classrooms. She is studying how improv theatre can help us to respond in productive ways to the more persistent cultural rituals of mathematics teaching. Dr. McCloskey advises in the elementary education emphasis area, and she teaches MTHED 430 and CI 501.
-
-
Scott McDonald
-
DegreePh.D., Learning Technologies in Science Education, University of Michigan
-
DegreeM.S., Science Education, University of Michigan
-
DegreeM.A.T., Physics, University of Michigan
-
DegreeB.S., Physics, Colorado College
Dr. Scott McDonald is Professor of Science Education and Director of the Krause Studios for Innovation. Prior to earning his doctorate, he was a high school physics, math, and environmental science teacher. His research focuses on teaching and learning of science, in particular how teachers learn ambitious and equitable pedagogies. He also has projects focused on students using data representations and visualizations to develop understandings of complex systems phenomena, including Plate Tectonics, Hurricanes, and Wildfires. He teaches SCIED 552 and SCIED/MTHED 460 in the STEM emphasis area of the M.Ed.
-
-
Scott Metzger
-
DegreePh.D., Curriculum, Teaching, and Educational Policy, Michigan State University
-
DegreeM.A., Curriculum and Teaching, Michigan State University
-
DegreeB.A., History, Michigan State University
Dr. Scott Metzger is Associate Professor of Social Studies Education and lead faculty for 7-12 social studies teacher certification at Penn State. He was a high-school social studies teacher in Michigan for six years before earning his doctorate. His scholarship focuses on history teaching, learning, and curriculum; how individuals, societies, and media use the past; and difficult historical and social topics. Dr. Metzger teaches courses on social studies educational research and on history education in the Social Studies Education emphasis area of the M.Ed.
-
-
Ashley N. Patterson
-
DegreePh.D., Multicultural and Equity Studies in Education, Ohio State University
-
DegreeM.A., Quantitative Evaluation, Research and Measurement, Ohio State University
-
DegreeM.S., Reading Specialization, Hood College
-
DegreeB.S., Special and Elementary Education, Boston University
Dr. Ashley N. Patterson's work in the educational field began as an elementary-level inclusive special educator. She is committed to preparing educators who take up a critical lens to working with children and best serving their individual needs. Broadly, Dr. Patterson's research interests focus on intersections between identity and education, considering the dialogic relationship that exists as the ways we think about ourselves impact our educational experiences while our educational experiences impact the ways we think about ourselves.
-
-
Julia Plummer
-
DegreePh.D., Astronomy & Education, University of Michigan
-
DegreeM.S., Astronomy, University of Michigan
-
DegreeB.S., Physics, Washington State University
Dr. Julia Plummer spent more than a decade teaching children and adults in planetariums and other informal settings and continues to teach introductory astronomy and science methods for elementary teachers. Her research focuses on the design of learning environments that support children's spatial thinking and science practices, primarily in the domain of astronomy. She also investigates how storybook narratives can be used to support science learning. Her research includes both formal environments, such as classrooms and informal environments, such as planetariums and museums.
-
-
Dana Stuchul
-
DegreePh.D., Educational Theory and Policy, Penn State
-
DegreeM.Ed., Curriculum and Instruction, Miami University
-
DegreeB.S. Ed, Chemistry and Environmental Science Education, Miami University
Dr. Dana Stuchul's teaching and research interests include classroom and community contexts (and the creation of these contexts) that enable people to contribute to their own and to the world's healing. Specifically, by inquiring into the myriad of relationships of which we are a part (of human beings to each other, to themselves, to the natural world, to the more-than-human realms, and more), Dr. Stuchul’s scholarship seeks ways that we can learn to live together more sanely, more justly, more compassionately and more sustainably.
-
-
Anne Elrod Whitney
DegreePh.D., Education, University of California, Santa BarbaraDr. Anne Whitney is a professor at Penn State focusing on writing, the teaching of writing, and professional development. Her research addresses how writing fits into lives — crossing disciplinary boundaries of composition studies, professional development, teacher education, and English language arts education.
Read more about Dr. Anne Whitney at her website or by visiting the College of Education directory.
-
Rachel Wolkenhauer
-
DegreePh.D., Curriculum and Instruction, University of Florida
-
DegreeM.Ed., Curriculum and Instruction, University of Florida
-
DegreeB.A., Elementary Education, University of South Florida
Dr. Rachel Wolkenhauer is an assistant professor of education in curriculum and supervision. Focusing on practitioner inquiry, she studies and supports professional learning for teachers through school-university partnerships. Dr. Wolkenhauer investigates the development of inquiry stance and teacher leadership, job-embedded professional development, and practice-based and theoretical issues in schools.
-
-
Xiangquan Yao
-
DegreePh.D., Mathematics Education, Ohio State University
-
DegreeM.A., Curriculum and Pedagogy, Beijing Normal University
-
DegreeB.A., Education, Central China Normal University
Dr. Xiangquan Yao is an assistant professor in mathematics education at Penn State. His research focuses on the nature of mathematics thinking with technology and mathematics understandings for teaching with technology. Dr. Yao advises in the STEM education emphasis area of the M.Ed.
-
-
Carla Zembal-Saul
-
DegreePh.D., Science Education, University of Michigan
-
DegreeM.Ed., Science Education, University of Houston
-
DegreeB.S., Secondary Science Education, University of Michigan (Certification: Biology 7–12)
Dr. Carla Zembal-Saul teaches science methods and specialized science content courses for elementary teachers. Her graduate-level teaching aligns with her research interests, which focus on teacher learning and development related to engaging students in scientific discourse and practices.
-
