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Programs/Specializations

The Department of Curriculum & Instruction offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate academic programs in multiple areas of specialization. A brief description of the specializations follows:

ArtBilingual/ESL | Early Childhood | Health Science | Learning, Design & Technology
Literacy | Mathematics Education| Science | Social Studies | STEM | Teaching & Teacher Education | Teacher Certification

Art Education

This program area produces students who excel at art instruction as well as understand the criticism, technology and curriculum that shape the field.  However, many students serve in the wider community, in museums or other community arts organizations.  Students learn to excel in research and scholarly activity in curriculum development and teaching in diverse educational settings.

The following degrees are offered in this area:

Bilingual/ESL Education

The Bilingual/ESL Education graduate programs offer students a firm foundation in cutting-edge research and best practices for bilingual or English Language Learners. Students in the program will develop knowledge and skills in second language acquisition, bilingual models, biliteracy, bilingual and ESL assessment and evaluation, curriculum design, pedagogy and language policy. The program will prepare researchers and educational leaders to advocate for bilingual/ESL educators, administrators, children, families and communities inside and outside of the K-12 education system. With a focus on theories, research and classroom practices, students will become active scholars, leaders and change agents in the bilingual/ESL education field.

The following degrees are offered in this area:

Early Childhood Education

This program guides students to extend their pursuit of excellence as teachers of young children (Pre-Kindergarten-3rd grade).  Graduates are prepared to assume roles as professionals with exceptional teaching skills and aspirations. The program emphasizes research, scholarly activity and field experiences in the areas of curriculum development, management of group learning environments, and assessment of student learning outcomes and programs.

The following degrees are offered in this area:

Health Science Education

The M.Ed. in Health Science Education is designed to meet the needs of professionals involved in health science education and course content focuses on teaching and learning in academic health science settings. The instructors utilize academic activities that students can use in their professional lives as they explore best practices in teaching, learn to design and conduct research and investigate the uses of instructional technology in an educational environment.

The Ed.D. in Professional Leadership with an Emphasis in Health Science Education prepares students for professional and administrative leadership positions in a variety of academic healthcare settings. The program provides intensive research and applied skills for students grappling with real-world educational needs and services in medicine, dentistry, nursing and other health-related areas. The design of the program emphasizes exploration, problem-solving and student collaboration in a variety of courses and research activities. A practical internship or Laboratory of Practice provides students with an avenue to apply the specifics of these problems to their course of study and research projects.

Learning, Design & Technology

We systematically prepare education, healthcare, and business professionals to create, deliver and analyze instruction and improve performance using effective technology tools. We prepare our graduates to be active leaders in education, industry, and other organizations with educational technology components.  We offer both residential and online-only degrees in Curriculum & Instruction, with an emphasis in Learning, Design & Technology. 

The following degrees are offered in this area:

Literacy Education

This program is individualized so that the student can develop special expertise in a chosen area of literacy education. These areas include:

  • Primary, intermediate, secondary, developmental, and clinical reading instruction
  • English language arts composition
  • English language arts communication
  • Writing instructional material for publication
  • Literature for children and young adults

The following degrees are offered in this area:

Mathematics Education

This program prepares students for leadership in the improvement of mathematics education at all levels in public and private schools, colleges and universities. The program places emphasis upon research and scholarly activity in a wide range of areas such as mathematics learning, mathematics teacher learning and curriculum reform.  The program focuses on analysis of theories about curriculum development and implementation, learning and assessment, equity in mathematics education and becoming an agent of change in mathematics education.

The following degrees are offered in this area:

Science Education

This program prepares outstanding, highly motivated leaders to move the nation toward a citizenry that is scientifically literate.  Students will add significantly to a line of research in Science Education through publication in nationally recognized refereed journals.

The following degrees are offered in this area:

Social Studies/Social Education

This program is designed to prepare graduates to understand and investigate educational problems in the social and behavioral sciences. Selection of course work and learning experiences should be relevant to professional and academic goals. Interdisciplinary themes are also encouraged as a basis for those goals.  It emphasizes education that is meaningful, integrated, challenging, value-based, and active. It also suggests a broader perspective that incorporates knowledge, skills, and dispositions that facilitate active citizenship and global perspectives. 

The following degrees are offered in this area:

STEM Education

This program prepares secondary math and science teachers in high-need school districts to become leaders in science, technology, engineering and math education. It is a partnership between the UH College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics and the College of Education.

Teaching/Teacher Education 

This program prepares students to assume leadership positions in school districts and other organizations as well as academic teaching positions at universities and colleges. Students learn multiple concepts of curriculum and the associated teaching purposes, strategies, and methods. The needs of adult learners are also integral to this area of specialization.  The program is designed for students concerned with the design, development, implementation, and operation of instructional programs and is focused on developing their skills as an instructional specialist.

The following degrees are offered in this area:

Teacher Certification

This program guides students to extend their pursuit of excellence as teachers (Early Childhood – 6th grade, middle or secondary schools).  They are prepared to assume roles as professionals with exceptional teaching skills and aspirations.  The program is flexible, allowing students to focus on their specific areas of emphasis.  It ultimately prepares graduates for leadership in the improvement of education in metropolitan settings which is a central focus of the program.

The following degrees are offered in this area: