The Master of Science Degree in Curriculum and Instruction at Saint Vincent College focuses on three critical elements of learning: curriculum, instruction, and assessment. Candidates will investigate various frameworks and programs of curriculum design; explore methods of making instruction meaningful to all students; and evaluate diagnostic and assessment strategies and products for use in their school or in the workplace. The Curriculum and Instruction masters program also provides a strong research component, giving students the ability to document need, propose change, and predict and evaluate the effects of implementing change. Perhaps most importantly, the Saint Vincent Curriculum and Instruction program will place emphasis on developing instructional leaders who will be resources to their schools, school districts, and other work sites in developing and implementing changes and improvements that need to occur.

Program Goals:

With the Curriculum and Instruction Master's degree you will be able to design and implement advanced and individualized programs of study in curriculum and instruction.  These programs can be designed and used in schools, businesses, health care settings, and by human services professionals.  This program will allow you to explore new innovation, current trends, and issues concerning educational policies, practices, and regulations.  Whether you are a professional in education, business, health care, or human services, you will develop the skills necessary to assume leadership roles in stimulating, planning, managing, and evaluating educational change.

The goal of the program is to assure quality graduate study with stability and permanence that is achieved in a campus-based program so that students will have all necessary resources immediately available, including the Saint Vincent College Library, computer labs, Internet and e-mail services, the College Bookstore, and the many technology and curricular resources of the Education Department. Most importantly, students will have academic and research advisors housed on the campus who will be readily available for assistance.

Program Format:

The Curriculum and Instruction Master's degree is designed to be an accelerated 30-credit hours that can be completed in and around 18 months (7 required courses, 3 elective courses).  Courses are held fall, spring, and summer semesters in a 2-session sequence (each session/course is 7 weeks), allowing candidates to complete two courses each term by only attending class one night a week.  At the close of the candidate's degree coursework, a comprehensive exam is required.  The exam is offered every term, which enables candidates to graduate year round.

Courses Required for Master's in Curriculum & Instruction (30 credits)

Required (21 credits)                GCED 600 Educational Leadership and Professional Development GCED 605 Statistics and Research Design GCED 610 Current Issues and Trends in Education GCED 615 Curriculum and Systems Design GCED 620 Assessment and Diagnostics GCED 625 Instructional Technology GCED 635 Instructional Methodology Click here for course descriptions

Electives (Choose 9 credits) GCED 640 Classroom Management GCED 645 Philosophical and Ethical Perspectives in Education GCED 655 Educational Jurisprudence GCED 660 Adult Learning GCED 670 Visual Thinking and Learning GCED 675 Inclusionary Education GCED 680 Supervision of Instruction GCED 695 Managing Financial and Material Resources

Saint Vincent College Offers: 

• Small classes taught by highly respected professors
• Curriculum aligned with the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards
• Individual attention and expert advising
• A dynamic learning atmosphere
• Flexible scheduling in fall, spring, and summer sessions
• An action-oriented research component
• Teaching certification option
• Emphasis on leadership and professional growth
• Approval by the Pennsylvania Department of Education
• Integration of technology into the curriculum