Clarkson University is now offering a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction. This program can be completed in two to three years and was designed with working teachers in mind. Students may pursue the degree fully online, or with a combination of online and in-person courses.

Educating our nation's youth is one of the most critical and rewarding jobs available today. The number of teachers required to meet the need of our growing population is projected to increase through 2030, with many positions requiring a master's degree completion within five years. New York may need to hire 180,000 new teachers by 2027, predicts former SUNY Chancellor Emeritus Nancy Zimpher. This looming teacher shortage is expected to impact urban and rural school districts, and foreign languages and STEM subjects the most. 

Students can also consider starting with our Curriculum and Instruction advanced certificate program before advancing to the master's program. 

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Who Should Consider the MA in Curriculum and Instruction?

The Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction is a 30-credit degree designed for individuals who wish to pursue careers in teaching and education. Consider pursuing this degree if you: 

  • are preparing for doctoral work in education.
  • have met New York State teacher certification requirements as part of your undergraduate work and need a master’s degree to meet professional certification requirements.
  • are a Clarkson education student enrolled in a New York State teacher certification track program and have decided not to pursue classroom teaching. 
  • plan to pursue community college or independent school teaching and who wish to learn more about the field of education and education research.

Curriculum & Instruction Coursework

Sample Coursework

The 30 hours of coursework for the Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction is purposely flexible, so students can meet with their advisor to tailor their degree to their specific career goals, with many electives based in teaching specific subjects like languages, mathematics, science, history and social studies, technology, business and computer science. Students can take courses such as:

  • Modern Teacher
  • Effective Teaching for All Learners
  • Literacy Across the Disciplines
  • TESOL Literacy
  • Middle Adolescence Literacy
  • School Law
Required Foundation Courses

Complete for a total of 9 credits. 

  • ED560 Modern Teacher
  • ED550 Effective Teaching for All Learners
  • ED544 Literacy Across the Disciplines OR
  • TE542 TESOL Literacy
Elective Courses Sample Options

Select three for a total of 9 credits.

  • TE513 Curriculum and Methods of Teaching Language
  • ED511 Curriculum and Methods of Teaching English
  • ED512 Curriculum and Methods of Teaching Mathematics
  • ED513 Curriculum and Methods of Teaching Foreign Language
  • ED514 Curriculum and Methods of Teaching Science
  • ED515 Curriculum and Methods of Teaching History/Social Studies
  • ED516 Curriculum and Methods of Teaching Technology
  • ED517 Curriculum and Methods of Teaching Business
  • ED518 Curriculum and Methods of Teaching Computer Science
  • ED570 Middle School Students, Structures and Standards
  • ED571 Middle Adolescence Literacy
  • ED572 Teaching Foreign Language to Elementary School Children
  • ED624 School Law
  • ED988 Independent Study
Emphasis on Research

A required portion of the Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction involves 12 credits of research. Students complete two required research courses, including one action research project, for a total of six credits. They will also complete two required thesis courses for an additional six credits. 

Research in Curriculum and Instruction (3 credits is an introductory course on research methods designed to prepare students for graduate level research.

The MAT Action Research Project (3 credits) is a one-term research project that allows students the time and supervision needed to develop breadth and/or depth of knowledge to become a better teacher in their certification field. What the project entails varies greatly from student to student, to meet the specific needs of each individual student. MAT projects are well-grounded in research and theory, but also include a strong and extensive applied aspect, directly addressing the question: "What would this look like in the classroom?"

In Master's Thesis I and II (3 credits each), students have the opportunity to complete a systematic exploration of a topic that they are interested in researching as they prepare to complete the program. 

Tuition and Scholarships

Tuition Rate Guarantee

In an effort to keep our educational costs affordable, we guarantee that tuition rates will remain consistent for students who remain in the same course of study and attend at least every fall and spring semester until they’ve completed their degree.

Grants and Scholarships

Clarkson and the government offer grants and scholarships to help you pay for school. There is even a specific grant for prospective teachers.

Scholarships and Grants

Admission for the Masters of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction

A complete application consists of the following:

  • Online Application Form
  • Resume.
  • Statement of Purpose.
  • 3 Letters of Recommendation.
  • Official Transcripts.
  • Faculty Interview.
  • For International Applicants, an English Proficiency Test is required.
    • Minimum Test Score Requirements: TOEFL (80) and TOEFL Essentials (8.5), IELTS (6.5), PTE (56) and Duolingo English Test (115).

Prerequisites:

  • Overall GPA of 3.0 or higher.
  • Undergraduate liberal arts core, including courses in humanities/arts, writing/communication, social sciences and math.