Online Master's in Curriculum and Instruction

Currently ranked at #4 in the nation, the online master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction (C&I) at Florida State is designed for current educators who are committed to improving their instructional effectiveness and becoming teacher leaders. The program assists educators in better understanding and addressing:

  • the needs of the diverse students they serve;
  • the dynamic policy environment represented by new state and local standards; and
  • research-based instructional approaches and supports that are available to teachers in the 21st century.

Students in the program will use their teaching context as sites to explore the ideas, techniques, technology, and approaches introduced in the program to determine their local effectiveness. Participation in the program will require educators to be committed to honing their knowledge of students, content, and standards. This will be accomplished by participants examining their own knowledge, abilities, and educational effectiveness through the use of data collected from their practice. Students in the program must have regular and frequent contact with Pre-K – 12 learners in an instructional capacity. These data will then be interpreted using the theoretical and methodological tools introduced in the program. Online mentors will also be available to help teachers navigate the program.

Please note: This program does not lead to teacher certification as it is an advanced program designed for current teachers. Courses will be offered when resources are available.

Students begin the program in the fall semester as graduate students. The core courses of this online program, most of which are offered in an asynchronous format, are designed to accommodate teachers’ varied work schedules. There is some opportunity for face-to-face interaction depending on the courses in the major and electives selected.

The online master’s program requires a minimum of 30 credit hours of graduate coursework (10 three-credit-hour courses) and a portfolio (zero credit hours) the last summer of the program. Coursework can be completed on a part-time basis in approximately two years, as students typically complete two 3-credit hour courses per semester. The program consists of seven core 3-credit hour courses taught in succession from Fall of Year 1 to Summer of Year 2. The remaining three courses can be scheduled to accommodate individual interests and areas of focus. The program culminates in the production and defense of a Portfolio in the summer of Year 2. The overall program of study will be determined by the student and the student’s faculty advisor from the major area of study.

 

MAJORS AND POTENTIAL COURSEWORK IN ADDITION TO THE CORE COURSES: