M.Ed., Curriculum and Instruction

The Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Curriculum and Instruction is designed to help practicing teachers and educational professionals take the next step in their professional development. M.Ed. candidates will be prepared to take on greater leadership in their classrooms, schools and districts, growing in their ability to make a positive impact on their schools and students. The M.Ed. program will help you earn a graduate degree in Curriculum and Instruction with one of four concentrations: District and School Leadership, Teacher Leadership, English Language Learner (ELL), or Special Education (SPED).

Students who successfully complete the Master’s in Education will be able to:

1. Analyze a critical problem of practice 
2. Plan to address a critical problem of practice 
3. Develop a philosophy of education that addresses moral development in their students 
4. Develop a philosophy of education that addresses the lens of Christian faith 
5. The candidates plan for instructional practices as described in the Teacher and Principal Evaluation Project (TPEP) 

Program Highlights

The five-semester, thirty-credit curriculum offers advanced coursework on learning theory, educational standards, assessment, teacher leadership and collaboration, and family engagement. Courses are offered in two formats: online and on-campus/hybrid. The Northwest University M.Ed. is designed to serve several populations:

• Bachelors graduates holding the Residency Teacher Certificate who seek the M.Ed. degree in Curriculum and Instruction  
• Bachelors or masters graduates adding the ELL Endorsement to their Washington State Certificate
• Educators (with or without a Residency Teacher Certificate) who wish to enhance their educational knowledge and skills through one of our four concentrations
•  (Students complete the Core Curriculum and one Concentration; courses are offered in two formats: online and on-campus.)

Transfer Credits

College of Education Master’s students may transfer up to 6 credit hours of eligible graduate level coursework (subject to Program Director’s approval) from an accredited institution towards their degree.

Academic Progress

Applicants whose academic histories reflect a GPA below 3.3 (“B+” level) may be admitted to the program on academic probation and granted one semester in which to earn a satisfactory GPA. Students must earn at least a B- (2.700) in each class in order to progress to subsequent semesters.

Program Transition Points

To continue in program, candidates must meet minimum criteria at key transition points:

• Semester 1 to Semester 2: Candidates must earn at least a B- in each of their classes
• Part Time to Full Time Student Teaching: Candidates must successfully complete content tests (WEST-E or NES), earn passing InTASC and dispositional scores from University Supervisor and Mentor Teacher, and complete the minimum number of Part Time hours

Readmission

Students who leave the cohort for any reason and wish to return are required to meet with the Dean of the College of Education or designee to initiate the readmission process. Readmission to the College of Education is subject to space availability, decided on an individual basis, and is allowed one time only. 

Critical Concern Report

From time-to-time, an issue beyond the scope of academic progress and program transitions. The COE uses a Critical Concern Report (CCR) to document such instances. In the case that a CCR about a candidate is made to the dean and found to be warranted, the COE will conduct an evaluation of a candidate’s status in program.

Total: 30 Semester Credits