The Curriculum and Instruction master's program offers a specialization in Teaching and Learning, and the program may be completed through on-campus and/or online courses. The program is structured to develop and strengthen leadership skills while providing inspiration to excel at teaching.

All online courses are taught by regular SPU faculty to provide the same quality degree earned by on campus students. The online program utilizes a user-friendly system to enhance communication and interaction between students and faculty - a majority of which have earned doctorates and are experienced educators and researchers.

Here are comments from students who are scheduled to complete the SPU School of Education Curriculum & Instruction program in Spring 2008:

“As for being a good teacher, I have learned so much in the C&I program that I see so much that I can do differently to improve. I started this venture as a result of the pro-cert program and I have found it to be excellent. Many of my colleagues complain bitterly about the pro-cert requirements, but I think we all can benefit from refreshing, authentic classes that cause us to reflect on practices.” (K-12 Teacher and SPU C&I Master's Degree Student)

“I did the SPU pro-cert and it led to the degree. I agree the C&I program is one of the best experiences I've had to make my teaching better.” (K-12 Teacher and SPU C&I Master's Degree Student)

The Curriculum and Instruction program at Seattle Pacific University admits candidates each quarter. The suggested course scheduling sequence depicts a two year plan for degree completion.

Due to the focus of the Curriculum and Instruction degree on the K-12 school system, it is preferred that each applicant has completed an approved program for teacher certification prior to enrollment.

Required Courses   (48 credits)

Foundations and Research (15 credits)
EDU 6085 Moral Issues in Education (3)
EDU 6120 American Education: Past and Present (3)
EDU 6655 Human Development and Principles of Learning (3)
EDU 6975 Interpreting and Applying Educational Research I (3)
EDU 6976 Interpreting and Applying Educational Research II (3)

Teaching and Learning (27 credits)
EDU 6524 Approaches to Curriculum Design (3)
EDU 6525 Culturally Responsive Teaching (3)
EDU 6526 Survey of Instructional Strategies (3)
EDU 6613 Standards-based Assessment (3)             

EDU 6600 Communication and Collaboration: Parents, Colleagues, and Community (3)
EDSP 6644 Educating Exceptional Students (3)           

EDRD 6641 Foundations of Reading Instruction (3)           

EDTC 6536 Instructional Technology and Information Management (3)

EDU 6899 Curriculum and Instruction Capstone (2)

EDU 6950 Needs Assessment Colloquium (1) (required in the 1st quarter after admission)

Electives (6 credits selected from the following sources):

•  Graduate degree (6000-level) courses offered through SPU. (Any amount permitted at this level). Non-education courses are also acceptable, but some may require written permission from the department involved before enrollment is permitted. Courses from the math/earth science endorsement programs offered during Summer Quarter may also be used.

•  Professional education (5000-level) courses offered for SPU credit. Please note that SPU's 5000-level Pre-Assessment Seminar (3) and Culminating Seminar (3) meet this criteria and can count toward the master's degree, along with other 6000 level courses at SPU that are used as "core credits" for one's Professional Certificate program through Continuing Education. In general, 5000 level courses meet in school districts or may be taken via media. Per-quarter listings are found in the Spiral bulletin.

Pre-approved Electives:

Possible electives for the teaching and learning specialization follow. These may be taken in any quantity or combination. Graduate degree offerings from other departments on campus are shown in the University Time Schedule. Professional education (5000-level) courses are listed in the Spiral bulletin available through the Continuing Education Department.

Instructional Technology:
EDTC 6431 Learning With Technology (3)
EDTC 6432 Computer Authoring and Production (3)
EDTC 6433 Teaching With Technology (3)
EDTC 6434 Networking and Telecommunications in Education (3)
EDTC 6535 Issues and Advances in Educational Technology (3)

Reading and Language Arts:

EDRD 6508 Vocabulary Development

EDRD 6506 Literacy Assessment and Standards (3)
EDRD 6507 Language Development, Diversity and Literacy (3)
EDRD 6529 Teaching Reading : Strategies of Instruction (3)
EDRD 6530 Teaching Reading in the Content Areas (3)
EDRD 6531 Children's/Young Adult Literature (3)
EDRD 6533 Writing: Process to Product (3)

Special Education:
EDSP 6652 Seminar in Learning Disabilities and ADHD (3)
EDSP 6950 Topics in Special Education (3)

School Counseling:
EDCO 6670 Introduction to School Counseling (3)
EDCO 6676 Students at Risk: Assessment and Intervention (3)
EDCO 6679 Career Counseling in the Schools (3)
EDCO 6680 Special Education and School Counseling (3)

Math Education:
MAT 5251 Real World Applications (4)
MAT 5503 Problem Solving (4)
MAT 5504 Algebra and Trigonometry (4)
MAT 5505 Differential and Integral Calculus (4)
MAT 5530 Probability and Statistics (4)
MAT 5550 Euclidean and Non-Euclidean Geometry (4)

Science Education:
NMS 5140 Ideal Science Activities (4)
NMS 5000 Human Health/Bioethics (4)
NMS 5001 User's Guide for Our Planet (4)
NMS 5403 Down to Earth Geology (4)
NMS 5430 Exploring the Universe in Time and Space (4)
NMS 5506 Clouds, Currents, Calamities (4)
NMS 5534 Ocean Environments (4)

Comprehensive Examination:
The Comprehensive Examination is completed after taking the 3 credit EDU 6899 Curriculum and Instruction Capstone course at the end of the program. An application available from the School of Education should be submitted to the graduate program manager two quarters in advance.

Hardware, Software and Technical Requirements:

For this online degree it is recommended that all students have consistent access to both hardware and software capable of supporting learning. By ensuring that the computer setup meets or exceeds recommendations, the learning experience will be more enjoyable. Due to the rapid changes that occur with technology, it is advisable to weigh the costs and benefits of purchasing a new computer system to upgrading the current computer system. For additional assistance regarding hardware and software, contact the Instructional Technology Services Department.

For additional information regarding admissions requirements, please contact Graduate Admissions.