Mission
The mission of the Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction program is to provide a pathway for students to develop the skills and knowledge needed to contribute to improvement and excellence in education by using evidence based, reflective practices to lead innovation in teaching and learning through the use of technology, and culturally competent practices and techniques. Graduates will have developed knowledge and skill to design, implement and evaluate educational materials.
Program Overview
The Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction program requires successful completion of 45 quarter credit hours. The program must be completed within a maximum timeframe of 45 months. Courses for this program are conducted in an online delivery format through a competency-based education (CBE) approach. The faculty model utilized is designed for a 1:1 faculty/student relationship that promotes and involves substantive faculty/student interaction. The faculty engage students through a variety of multimedia presentations, conversations, and qualitative and quantitative feedback.
The program is intended for working professionals currently in their designated field who are seeking a graduate degree to expand professional opportunities. The program design focuses on providing students with real world practical applications and exercises in which they can both demonstrate their prior knowledge and understanding and application of new knowledge and skills that can be directly applicable to their current and future professional responsibilities.
Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the program will demonstrate the following:
- Goal I: Through developing an advanced understanding of curriculum theory, students will develop the ability to use data informed practices and technology to interpret research, build and develop innovative assessments, use culturally competent differentiated learning techniques, and relate and apply them to curriculum and instruction implementation and development.
- Goal II: Effective oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Goal III: Demonstrated culturally competent research knowledge and implementation skills in the field of curriculum development and instructional design. Enhanced instructional design skills through the development of their ability to design instructional materials and activities that align with specific learning goals and objectives.
- Goal IV: Improved assessment and evaluation practices by using data to inform curricular decisions and evaluate effectiveness of instructional strategies.
- Goal V: Understanding of theories and models of curriculum and instruction in order to lead and develop content as producer of excellent design and implementation. Ability to engage in and conduct deep analysis from research, existing pedagogy, and methodology to adapt and innovate effective curriculum and instructional practices.
Admissions Requirements
Applicants interested in the Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction program are required to meet individually either in person or via telephone with an admissions representative to discuss the program and all requirements.
- Applicants must provide a completed South College application for admission and application to the program.
- Applicants Evidence of completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education (related undergraduate preferred) with a minimum grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale.
Academic Participation and Withdrawal
Administrative Withdrawal Policy
If at the end of a term, at least 50% of one course has not been completed and the student has been inactive for more than 60 days, the student will be administratively withdrawn from the program. If a student, who has been administratively withdrawn (due to non-participation), wishes to continue with the program, the student must formally re-apply through standard admissions process. The request for readmission must be submitted to the President of Competency-Based Education. Since such student did not complete at least two courses within a 6-month term, if granted readmission, the student will be placed on academic probation upon re-entry into the program.
Withdrawal Policy (within term)
If a student withdraws after the end of the 4th month of any 6-month term, the student will be issued a W grade for any uncompleted courses, unless the student was on academic probation for not completing a course the prior term. In this case, the student will receive a letter grade of F for the course.
If a student withdraws after the 5th month of any 6-month term, any course that is not completed will be assigned the letter grade of F.
Participation Policy
Students must participate within the first 14 days of the start of any term. Failure to participate within this period will result in the student being withdrawn from the program. Additionally, students must complete one formative or summative assessment with the first 30 days of any term to remain active for the term.
A withdrawal is considered to be official when a student notifies the Registrar’s Office or the CBE Dean of Academic and Students Services. No other college official has the authority to accept official withdrawals from the Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction program. Students are requested to submit a withdrawal request in writing via their South College email address.
Academic Standards, Candidate Progress, and Grading
Upon entering the graduate program, students are encouraged to confer with their Mentor as needed. Students’ academic progress is monitored each 6-month term to ensure satisfactory progression which is considered mastery of at least two course per term. Students who do not complete the minimum requirement of two courses per term will be placed on Probation at the end of that term. Students on probation who do not complete the required two courses the following term are not eligible for progression to the next term will be notified of dismissal. If a student is dismissed or voluntarily withdraws from the program, a formal application for re-entry is required and program requirements in effect at that time must be met.
Student deficiencies that may impact academic standing, which may include probation or dismissal from the program, are monitored by the Mentor.
Categories of Academic Standing for MEDCI Candidates are:
- Good Standing: Status of a student who has met academic requirements in a satisfactory manner.
- Warning: Status of a student whose academic performance places him/her in jeopardy of falling below the minimum stated grade required or progression.
- Probation: Status of a student who has failed to receive master in at least two courses within a 6-month term. Following a term of probation, the student will either return to Good Standing by satisfactorily completing at least two course in the subsequent term or be dismissed from the program. A student who is dismissed must seek readmission to the program. A student is allowed only one readmission to the MEDCI program.
- Dismissal: Action whereby a student is dismissed from the program due to failure to adhere to academic and program requirements and/or policies or procedures as specified in the South College Catalog, the South College Student Handbook, and/or the Graduate Program Handbook. The MEDCI Program Director recommends dismissal and forwards the recommendation to the School of Education Dean who after approval forwards the recommendation to the Vice Chancellor of Institutional Advancement and Effectiveness.
Grading
Course Instructors determine mastery of competencies and the resulting final grade in all courses. The requirements of each course are found in the course syllabus.
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Letter Grade
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Q.P.
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Percentage Score Range
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A (Mastery)
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4.00
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90-100%
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Grievance Process
Students are encouraged to discuss any concern with their advisor. If satisfaction cannot be attained at this level, and the students wants to make his/her concern official at the School of Education level, the student must complete a Grievance Form. Every effort will be made to resolve the concern at the School of Education level. If the grievance cannot be resolved at that level, the students should then follow the College’s grievance process outlined in the current South College Catalog and Student Handbook available on the institutional website and on the student portal.
Graduation Requirements
For a student to graduate from the Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction program, the student must be in a good academic and professional standing, have had satisfactory progress in all quarters of the academic program, and satisfactorily complete the following:
- Successfully complete the required quarter credit hours of academic coursework.
- Evidence a minimum cumulative grade point average of 4.00 or A for the required coursework.
- Achieve a designation of “mastery” for all course competencies.
- Complete all required South College and program documents in preparation for graduation.
- Honor all professional and financial obligations to South College.
South College reserves the right, and the student, by the act of matriculation, concedes to give South College the right to require withdrawal at any time the college deems it necessary to safeguard the standards of scholarship, conduct, and compliance with regulations, or for such other reasons deemed appropriate by South College as set forth in the South College Student Handbook and/or the South College Catalog.
