The program provides students with a conceptual understanding of curriculum and instruction, and also permits them to focus in a specific field. Students may focus on early childhood education, social studies, or science education. Diversity and partnerships are major themes of the specialization. This specialization is administered in the Department of Teacher Education. The specialization in reading focuses on preparing students to be knowledgeable practitioners, scholars, and leaders in the field of reading.
Students study reading research, theory, and practice.
A commitment to scholarship and research, as well as practice, is required of students so as to improve the status of reading for all learners. This specialization is administered in the Department of Literacy Education. The specialization in secondary education focuses on students current and future roles as exemplary educators, whether as secondary classroom teachers, school and district administrators, or academicians. Students receive a foundation in instructional theory and reflect upon translation of theory into practice. They also receive ample opportunities to analyze, design, and evaluate instruction and to review and conduct research pertaining to instruction.