Curriculum & Instruction
In the realm of education, Curriculum & Instruction stands as a pivotal field dedicated to unraveling the intricacies of learning and optimizing educational practices. It's a discipline that delves into the dynamic interplay between what is taught (curriculum) and how it is taught (instruction), ultimately aiming to enhance learner outcomes.
At the heart of Curriculum & Instruction lies a commitment to research, development, and implementation. This involves investigating effective teaching methodologies, crafting and refining educational content, and introducing innovations that foster student achievement. By blending insights from diverse disciplines and leveraging real-world experience in educational settings, professionals in this field continuously strive to enrich the learning experience.
APPLICATION DEADLINES
Fall Semester: February 1 for priority admission, April 15 Deadline
Spring Semester: November 15
What Program is Right for Me
I'm a certified teacher who wants to advance my teaching expertise:
- The Certificate of Education Specialist (EdS) program is intended primarily for teachers, counselors, supervisors, and administrators in elementary and secondary schools. This program provides in-depth opportunities for further professional growth and specialization for persons who have completed the master’s degree.
- The Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction (MEd) is designed for certified teachers who want to advance their teaching expertise and provide preparation for individuals interested in leadership positions in schools and school districts.
Certificate of Education Specialist | EdS
The Certificate of Education Specialist (EdS) program is intended primarily for teachers, counselors, supervisors, and administrators in elementary and secondary schools. This program provides in-depth opportunities for further professional growth and specialization for persons who have completed the master’s degree. A minimum of 60 hours of graduate credit, which may include the master’s degree, is required. Areas of focus include language arts/children’s literature, counseling, curriculum studies, early childhood education, English education, foreign language education, gifted education, mathematics education, reading/ literacy, science education, social studies education, and special education.
The school-level academic course plan will be developed in consultation with and approved by the student’s graduate advisory committee. The committee will include the student’s major advisor and at least two additional members of the graduate faculty such that the LSU Graduate School’s requirements for graduate committees are satisfied.
The degree is a non-thesis degree requiring a minimum of 60 credit hours at the graduate level.
To be eligible for this area of focus, students should have a minimum composite score of 297, with a minimum verbal score of 153 and a minimum quantitative score of 144.
Required coursework:
Select from areas such as Educational Foundations, Special Education, Multicultural Education, Psychology, Sociology, Philosophy, Human Development, or Anthropology. The courses must be from two different areas.
ELRC 4006 Introduction to Applied Statistics in Educational Research (3)
ELRC 4249 Understanding and Applying Research in Education (3)
ELRC 7006 Educational Statistics (4)
ELRC 7010 Principles of Testing and Measurement (3)
ELRC 7220 Education Program Evaluation (3)
ELRC 7243 Qualitative Methods in Educational Research (4)
ELRC 7805 Perspectives on Leadership (3)
must include 18 credit hours beyond master's degree
*required
EDCI 4060 Organization and Administration of Early Childhood Programs (3)
EDCI 4382 Critical Issues in Early Childhood Education (3)
*EDCI 7610, 7684, 7768 Practicum (6) or approved equivalent
EDCI 7051 The Contemporary Family (3)
EDCI 7054 Child Guidance and Behavior (3)
EDCI 7055 Human Development (3)
EDCI 7056 Theories of Child Development (3)
EDCI 7057 Theories in Family Science (3)
EDCI 7059 Parent Involvement in Early Childhood Education (3)
EDCI 7112 Early Literacy Development and Instruction (3)
EDCI 7307 Topics in Curriculum & Instruction (up to 6 if topics vary)
EDCI 7821 Problems in Curriculum & Instruction (3)
EDCI 7822 Problems in Curriculum & Instruction (3)
EDCI 7824 Elementary School Curriculum (3)
EDCI 7825 Secondary School Curriculum (3)
EDCI 7843 Early Childhood Education (3)
EDCI 7902 Analysis of Research on Teaching (3)
EDCI 7903 Curriculum Planning (3)
EDCI 7904 Education and Cognition (3)
EDCI 7920 Analysis of Research in Curriculum & Instruction (3)
EDCI 7921 Analysis of Research in Curriculum & Instruction (3)
Approved by program advisor.
Required coursework:
Approved by program advisor.
EDCI 7475 Research Project in Secondary or K-12 Teacher Education (3)
ELRC 4006 Introduction to Applied Statistics in Educational Research (3)
ELRC 4249 Understanding and Applying Research in Education (3)
PSYC 4111 Intermediate Statistics (3)
A focus and coursework will be selected by joint agreement between student and advisor in consultation with other faculty members as needed. Must include 18 hours beyond Masters.
EDCI 7610 Advanced Seminar and Practicum in Curriculum & Instruction (6)
or approved equivalent
Approved by program advisor.
Required coursework:
Select from areas such as educational foundations, special education, multicultural education, psychology, sociology, philosophy, human development, or anthropology. The courses must be from two different areas.
EDCI 7475 Research Project in Secondary or K-12 Teacher Education (3)
ELRC 4006 Introduction to Applied Statistics in Educational Research (3)
ELRC 4249 Understanding and Applying Research in Education (3)
PSYC 4111 Intermediate Statistics (3)
or approved equivalent
EDCI 5880 Special Topics in Education: Assessment in Math and Science (3)
EDCI 7307 Topics in Curriculum & Instruction: Using Informal Settings to Teach Science and Math
(3)
EDCI 7308 Topics in Science Education: Teaching the Nature of Science (3)
EDCI 7308 Topics in Science Education: Technology Integration in Science and Math (3)
EDCI 7921 Analysis of Research in Curriculum and Instruction: Inquiry in Science and Mathematics
(3)
EDCI 7930 Seminar: Curriculum & Instruction (Trends and Issues in Science Education) (3)
EDCI 7931 Seminar: Curriculum & Instruction (Project-Based Learning in Science and Mathematics)
(3)
EDCI 7931 Seminar: Curriculum & Instruction (Sociocultural Perspectives in Science and Mathematics)
(3)
- A focus and coursework are selected by joint agreement between student and advisor, in consultation with other faculty members as needed. Course topics are specific to the Science Education area of focus.
- Must include 18 hours beyond the Masters.
- Students may take special topics courses (e.g., EDCI 7308, EDCI 7931) more than once, if the topic is different.
EDCI 7610 Advanced Seminar and Practicum in Curriculum & Instruction (6)
or approved equivalent
and select one of the following courses:
EDCI 7821 Problems in Curriculum & Instruction (2-4)
EDCI 7822 Problems in Curriculum & Instruction (2-4)
EDCI 7824 Elementary School Curriculum (3)
EDCI 7825 Secondary School Curriculum (3)
EDCI 7843 Early Childhood Education (3)
EDCI 7901 Curriculum Theory (3)
EDCI 7902 Analysis of Research on Teaching (3)
EDCI 7903 Curriculum Planning (3)
or approved equivalent
Approved by program advisor.
Curricular requirements include:
- Six hours of Humanistic and Behavioral Studies
- Six hours in research
- 30 hours in the area of focus
- 18 hours of electives
The student must complete all required course work with a 3.0 GPA or higher, and must successfully complete a required six-hour practicum in the area of focus. No final exam is required for these areas of focus.
Master of Education (MEd)
The Master of Education (MEd) is designed to advance the knowledge base of certified teachers, provide preparation for individuals interested in leadership positions in schools and school districts, and prepare school counselors.
Areas of focus include early childhood education, English education, gifted education, mathematics education, reading/literacy, science education, social studies education, and special education.
The school-level academic course plan for each student will be developed in consultation with and approved by the student’s graduate advisory committee. The committee will include the student’s major advisor and at least two additional members of the graduate faculty such that the LSU Graduate School’s requirements for graduate committees are satisfied.
The degree requires 36 credit hours at the graduate level. Students may opt to do a thesis project, a non-thesis project, or neither.
- At least 18 hours at the 7000 level or above (excluding thesis research hours).
- At least 21 credit hours within the School of Education.
- A core area of 12 hours including at least 3 hours each in curriculum studies, research, technology, and humanistic and behavioral studies.
- 12 hours in an area of focus. Areas of focus may include early childhood education, elementary education, English education, foreign language education, language arts/children’s literature, math education, reading/literacy, science education, social studies education, and special education.
- Six to twelve hours of electives selected in consultation with the major advisor.
The student must pass a comprehensive final exam consisting of a series of written questions pertaining to the student’s area of focus.
To be eligible for this area of focus, students should have a minimum composite score of 297, with a minimum verbal score of 153 and a minimum quantitative score of 144.
Required coursework:
EDCI 7824 Elementary School Curriculum (3)
EDCI 7825 Secondary School Curriculum (3)
EDCI 7901 Curriculum Theory (3)
ELRC 4006 Introduction to Applied Statistics in Educational Research (3)
ELRC 4249 Understanding and Applying Research in Education (3)
ELRC 7243 Qualitative Methods in Educational Research (3)
EDCI 7850 Intervention Research in the Early Childhood Classroom (3)
ELRC 4535 Educational Telecommunications and the Internet (3)
ELRC 7505 Design and Development of Multimedia Instructional Units (3)
EDCI 4800 Teaching in the Multicultural Classroom (3)
EDCI 7106 Teaching Literacy to Students of Diverse Cultural Backgrounds (3)
EDCI 7904 Education and Cognition (3)
Select at least 3 from list below in consultation with your advisor
*required courses
CFS 7051 The Contemporary Family (3)
CFS 7057 Theories in Family Science (3)
EDCI 4060 Organization & Administration of Early Childhood Programs (3)
EDCI 4382 Critical Issues in Early Childhood Education (3)
EDCI 7054 Child Guidance and Behavior (3)*
EDCI 7055 Human Development (3-6)*
EDCI 7056 Theories of Child Development (3)*
EDCI 7059 Parent Involvement in Early Childhood Education (3)
EDCI 7112 Early Literacy Development and Instruction (3)
EDCI 7307 Topics in Curriculum & Instruction (up to 6)
EDCI 7843 Early Childhood Education (3)
EDCI 7902 Analysis of Research on Teaching (3)
EDCI 7903 Curriculum Planning (3)
EDCI 7904 Education and Cognition (3)
EDCI 7910 Traditions of Inquiry in Education (3)
EDCI 7920 Analysis of Research in Curriculum & Instruction, Early Childhood Education (3)
EDCI 7921 Analysis of Research in Curriculum and Instruction, Early Childhood Education (3)
Thesis credit (6)
Minor area of study outside of the School of Education - select in consultation with
your advisor (6)
The 36 credit-hour requirement may be met in one of three ways:
- 30 hours of coursework and a thesis carrying 6 credit hours;
- 33 hours of coursework and a research project carrying 3 credit hours; or
- 36 hours of coursework and a written comprehensive examination.
At least one half of the minimum required credit must be at or above the 7000 level and at least 21 credit hours must be taken within the School of Education.
Required coursework:
EDCI 7824 Elementary School Curriculum (3)
EDCI 7825 Secondary School Curriculum (3)
EDCI 7901 Curriculum Theory (3)
ELRC 4006 Introduction to Applied Statistics in Educational Settings (3)
ELRC 4249 Understanding and Applying Research in Education (3)
ELRC 7243 Qualitative Methods in Educational Research (4)
or approved equivalent
ELRC 4535 Educational Telecommunications and the Internet (3)
ELRC 7505 Design and Development of Multimedia Instructional Units (3)
or approved equivalent
EDCI 4800 Teaching in the Multicultural Classroom (3)
EDCI 7904 Education and Cognition (3)
EDCI 7106 Teaching Reading to Students of Diverse Cultural Backgrounds (3)
or approved equivalent
EDCI 7142 Studies in the Teaching of English in Secondary Schools (3)
EDCI 7143 The Teaching of Literature in Secondary Schools (3)
EDCI 7311 Topics in Language Arts Education (3)
The departmental-level academic course plan is developed in consultation with and approved by the student’s graduate advisory committee.
Electives may include courses outside the School of Education. Electives are approved by the major advisor.
Required coursework:
ELRC 4249 Understanding and Applying Research in Education
ELRC 4006 Introduction to Applied Statistics in Educational Research
EDCI 7760 Nature and Needs of the Gifted and Talented
EDCI 7761 Models and Strategies for Teaching the Gifted
EDCI 7762 Creative Behavior
EDCI 7763 Developing Curriculum for the Gifted
EDCI 7764 Social and Emotional Development of the Gifted
EDCI 7768 Practicum in Education for the Gifted
ELRC 4507 Computer Technology in Education (or equivalent)
EDCI 7761 Models and Strategies for Teaching the Gifted
EDCI 7762 Creative Behavior
EDCI 7763 Developing Curriculum for the Gifted
EDCI 7764 Social and Emotional Development of the Gifted
EDCI 7768 Practicum in Education for the Gifted
ELRC 4507 Computer Technology in Education (or equivalent)
EDCI 7105 Literacy for Elementary Grades (3)
EDCI 7109 Studies in the Teaching of Elementary School Mathematics (3)
EDCI 7111 Studies in the Teaching of Elementary School Language Arts (3)
EDCI 7130 Techniques and Resources for Literacy Instruction (3)
EDCI 7131 Disciplinary Literacy (3)
EDCI 7312 Diagnostic and Prescriptive Teaching in Mathematics (3)
EDCI 7313 Teaching Literature in the Elementary School (3)
EDCI 7314 Teaching Written Composition from PK through Grade 6 (3)
EDCI 7315 Teaching Multicultural Children’s Literature (3)
EDCI 7843 Early Childhood Education (3)
EDCI 7930 Seminar: Curriculum and Instruction (1-6)
or approved courses outside the School of Education
9 hours of advanced coursework in one content area (e.g., ENGL 4001, ENGL 4007, ENGL 4055, ENGL 4071)
The 36 credit-hour requirement may be met in one of three ways:
30 hours of coursework and a thesis carrying 6 credit hours;
33 hours of coursework and a research project carrying 3 credit hours; or
36 hours of coursework and a written comprehensive examination.
At least one half of the minimum required credit must be at or above the 7000 level
and at least 21 credit hours must be taken within the School of Education.
Required coursework:
EDCI 7824 Elementary School Curriculum (3)
EDCI 7825 Secondary School Curriculum (3)
EDCI 7901 Curriculum Theory (3)
ELRC 4006 Introduction to Applied Statistics in Educational Settings (3)
ELRC 4249 Understanding and Applying Research in Education (3)
ELRC 7243 Qualitative Methods in Educational Research (4)
ELRC 4507 Computer Technology in Education (3)
ELRC 4535 Educational Telecommunications and the Internet (3)
ELRC 7505 Design and Development of Multimedia Instructional Units (3)
EDCI 4800 Teaching in the Multicultural Classroom (3)
EDCI 7904 Education and Cognition (3)
EDCI 7106 Teaching Reading to Students of Diverse Cultural Backgrounds (3)
EDCI 7109 Studies in the Teaching of Elementary School Mathematics (3)
EDCI 7141 Studies in the Teaching of Mathematics in Secondary Schools (3)
EDCI 7309 Topics in Mathematics Education: The Culture of Mathematical Problem Solving (3)
EDCI 7312 Diagnostic and Prescriptive Teaching in Mathematics (3)
EDCI 7921 Analysis of Research in Curriculum & Instruction: Inquiry in Science and Mathematics
(3)
Electives may include courses outside the School of Education. Electives are determined in consultation with the major advisor.
The 36 credit-hour requirement may be met in one of three ways:
30 hours of coursework and a thesis carrying 6 credit hours;
33 hours of coursework and a research project carrying 3 credit hours; or
36 hours of coursework and a written comprehensive examination.
At least one half of the minimum required credit must be at or above the 7000 level
and at least 21 credit hours must be taken within the School of Education.
Required coursework:
EDCI 7824 Elementary School Curriculum (3)
EDCI 7825 Secondary School Curriculum (3)
EDCI 7901 Curriculum Theory (3)
ELRC 4006 Introduction to Applied Statistics in Educational Settings (3)
ELRC 4249 Understanding and Applying Research in Education (3)
ELRC 7243 Qualitative Methods in Educational Research (4)
or approved equivalent
ELRC 4507 Computer Technology in Education (3)
ELRC 4535 Educational Telecommunications and the Internet (3)
ELRC 7505 Design and Development of Multimedia Instructional Units (3)
or approved equivalent
EDCI 4800 Teaching in the Multicultural Classroom (3)
EDCI 7106 Teaching Literacy to Students of Diverse Cultural Backgrounds (3)
EDCI 7904 Education and Cognition (3)
or approved equivalent
EDCI 7105 Literacy for Elementary Grades (depends on emphasis) (3)
EDCI 7131 Disciplinary Literacy (3)
EDCI 7682 Diagnostic/Assessment in Literacy (3) (prereq. EDCI 7105) EDCI 7683 Guiding Classroom Literacy Instruction (3) (prereq. EDCI 7105 and EDCI 7682)
These are required courses for the Louisiana endorsement. You must be eligible for or hold a Louisiana teaching license and have taught for three years.
The academic course plan for area of focus is developed in consultation with and approved by the student’s graduate advisory committee.
Electives may include courses outside the School of Education. Electives are determined in consultation with the major advisor.
Minors and Literacy Course Offerings
EDCI 7129 (3)
EDCI 7311 (6)
EDCI 7314 (3 hours)
EDCI 7129 (3)
EDCI 7311 (6)
EDCI 7142 (3)
EDCI 7107 (3-6 hours)
EDCI 7112 (3)
EDCI 7130 (3)
EDCI 7135 (3)
EDCI 7142 (3)
EDCI 7143 (3)
EDCI 7205 (3)
EDCI 7314 3)
EDCI 7610 (6)
EDCI 7684 (3-6)
EDCI 7821 (3)
EDCI 7822 (3)
The 36 credit-hour requirement may be met in one of three ways:
30 hours of coursework and a thesis carrying 6 credit hours;
33 hours of coursework and a research project carrying 3 credit hours; or
36 hours of coursework and a written comprehensive examination.
At least one half of the minimum required credit must be at or above the 7000 level
and at least 21 credit hours must be taken within the School of Education.
Required coursework:
EDCI 7824 Elementary School Curriculum (3)
EDCI 7825 Secondary School Curriculum (3)
EDCI 7901 Curriculum Theory (3)
ELRC 4006 Introduction to Applied Statistics in Educational Settings (3)
ELRC 4249 Understanding and Applying Research in Education (3)
ELRC 7243 Qualitative Methods in Educational Research (4)
or approved equivalent
ELRC 4507 Computer Technology in Education (3)
ELRC 4535 Educational Telecommunications and the Internet (3)
ELRC 7505 Design and Development of Multimedia Instructional Units (3)
or approved equivalent
EDCI 4800 Teaching in the Multicultural Classroom (3)
EDCI 7904 Education and Cognition (3)
EDCI 7106 Teaching Reading to Students of Diverse Cultural Backgrounds (3)
or approved equivalent
The departmental-level academic course plan is developed in consultation with and approved by the student’s graduate advisory committee.
Students may take special topics courses (e.g., EDCI 7308, EDCI 7931) more than one time if the topic is different.
EDCI 5880 Special Topics in Education: Assessment in Math and Science (3)
EDCI 7307 Topics in Curriculum & Instruction: Using Informal Settings to Teach Science and Math
(3)
EDCI 7308 Topics in Science Education: Teaching the Nature of Science (3)
EDCI 7308 Topics in Science Education: Technology Integration in Science & Math (3)
EDCI 7921 Analysis of Research in Curriculum & Instruction: Inquiry in Science & Mathematics
(3)
EDCI 7930 Seminar Curriculum & Instruction: Trends and Issues in Science Education (3)
EDCI 7931 Seminar Curriculum & Instruction: Project-Based Learning in Science & Mathematics)
(3)
EDCI 7931 Seminar Curriculum & Instruction: Sociocultural Perspectives in Science & Mathematics
(3)
Electives may include courses outside the School of Education. Electives are determined in consultation with the major advisor.
Candidates select an area of focus. Assessment and evaluation provides advanced training in the assessment and evaluation of individual students and school programming. Instructional and behavioral support area of focus provides advanced training in the design, delivery, and supervision of instructional and behavioral supports in schools.
Assessment and Evaluation Required Coursework
ELRC 4006 Introduction to Applied Statistics in Educational Research (3)
ELRC 4249 Understanding and Applying Research in Education (3)
EDCI 7021 Legal and Ethical Issues in Special Education (3)
EDCI 7705 Applied Learning Theory for Exceptional Learners (3) *
* Requirement for Education Diagnostician endorsement
EDCI 4710 Consultation, Collaboration, and Co-Teaching (3) *
EDCI 6702 Measurement of Behavior: Analysis and Evaluation of Behavior Change in Education (3)
*
EDCI 6703 Promoting Positive Behavior Change in Education (3) *
EDCI 7009 Advanced Evaluation and Assessment for Students At-Risk (3) *
EDCI 7010 Advanced Practicum in Evaluation and Assessment (3) *
EDCI 7017 Explicit Instructional Models for Students with Disabilities (3) or
EDCI 7018 Strategic Instructional Models for Students with Disabilities (3) *
EDCI 7682 Teaching Reading in the Elementary School (3) *
EDCI 7683 Guiding Classroom Literacy Instruction and Practicum in Reading (3) *
Comprehensive Exam required
* Requirements for endorsement as an Educational Diagnostician.
Applied learning theory requirement - EDCI 7705
Behavioral intervention strategies - EDCI 6703
Consulting teacher strategies - EDCI 4710
Precision assessment and diagnostic/prescriptive strategies - EDCI 7017 or EDCI 7018
Test theory - EDCI 6702
Educational diagnosis - EDCI 7009
Supervised internship - EDCI 7010
Elementary - Diagnosis of Reading Problems - EDCI 7682 and EDCI 7683
or
Secondary - Diagnosis of Reading and Foundations of Reading - EDCI 7105, EDCI 7682, and EDCI 7683
Instructional and Behavioral Support Required Coursework
ELRC 4006 Introduction to Applied Statistics in Educational Research (3)
ELRC 4249 Understanding and Applying Research in Education (3)
EDCI 7021 Legal and Ethical Issues in Special Education (3)
EDCI 7705 Applied Learning Theory for Exceptional Learners (3)
EDCI 6701 Foundations of Applied Behavior Analysis in Education (3)
EDCI 6702 Measurement of Behavior: Analysis and Evaluation of Behavior Change in Education (3)
EDCI 6703 Promoting Positive Behavior Change in Education (3)
EDCI 6704 Applied Behavior Analysis Practicum in Education (3)
EDCI 7017 Explicit Instructional Models for Students with Disabilities, (3)
EDCI 7018 Strategic Instructional Models for Students with Disabilities (3)
EDCI 7713 Individual Study in Special Education (3)
Approved elective - must be at the 7000 level (3)
Comprehensive Exam required