Teaching, Learning and Curriculum MS

Major: Teaching, Learning and Curriculum
Degree Awarded: Master of Science (MS)
Calendar Type: Quarter
Minimum Required Credits: 45.0
Instructional Delivery: Track I: Online or On Campus; Track II and III: Online only
Co-op Option: None
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 13.1399
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 11-9039
 

About the Program

The MS in Teaching, Learning, and Curriculum program provides three options: (Track I) earning a master's degree while completing requirements to pursue initial Pennsylvania teacher certification for grade level PreK-4, 4-8, or a variety of secondary subject areas (grades 7-12); (Track II) earning a master's degree to enhance an existing career as a classroom teacher, preparation for additional certifications, or for advanced research degrees such as EdD and PhD; or (Track III) earning a master's degree while completing requirements to pursue initial Pennsylvania teacher certification in a variety of secondary (7-12) or middle level (4-8) subject areas and PreK-12 Special Education certification.

Track I: Initial Pennsylvania Teacher Certification

This track incorporates current research on teaching and provides in-depth preparation in pedagogy, curriculum development, teaching students with special needs, implications of learner and task characteristics for instructional design, scaffolding instruction for diverse learners, the latest techniques in evaluation of instruction, and use of interactive technology in instruction. Students are required to synthesize theoretical and practical knowledge through field study in an approved PreK-12 school setting. All candidates are also required to complete supervised field experiences throughout the program, including a full-time student teaching experience. 

Successful completion of the core pedagogy courses, with a grade of B or better and 3.0 cum GPA, satisfactory participation in all required field-based experiences, subject area content knowledge requirements completed with a grade of C or higher and cum 3.0 GPA, and state licensure exams allows for recommendation for PA Instructional I certification. Clearances and field placement applications must be submitted before participating in coursework with classroom-based field components. 

Program Goals

Graduates of the MS in Teaching, Learning and Curriculum (Track I) will:

• Demonstrate independent and creative academic teacher leadership skills that can be applied in the classroom, school community, and the profession.
• Understand the changing role of the educator in an increasingly diverse society from both an urban and a global perspective, and apply this understanding of best practice supported by educational research.
• Demonstrate the ability to reflect upon professional practice during engagement in experiential learning and against a framework of understanding of best practice supported by educational research.
• Demonstrate a strong academic background in all subject areas that meet Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) content requirements with emphasis on STEM, and can effectively integrate tools of technology in curriculum, assessment, and instruction to enhance PreK-12 student learning.
• Demonstrate the ability to create and maintain a positive and democratic classroom climate that supports and facilitates learning for all students.

Track II: Advanced Studies in Teaching, Learning and Curriculum

This track is designed to provide students with advanced teaching knowledge and skills well beyond that required for initial Pennsylvania certification. Graduates will be prepared to function in various roles as instructors, instructional leaders, or researchers in local, state, national and international organizations, foundations, associations, corporations and private educational institutions.

Program Goals

Graduates of the MS in Teaching, Learning and Curriculum (Track II) will:

• Possess advanced knowledge related to effective instruction in a variety of educational settings.
• Demonstrate skills in developing, analyzing, implementing, and evaluating existing and new instructional strategies and practices in a variety of educational institutions/organizations.
• Exhibit outstanding leadership, organizational, cross-cultural, interpersonal, and advocacy skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with internal and external groups.
• Have in-depth knowledge of both public and private (non-profit and for-profit) institutions as well as small and large institutions.

Students in Track II complete 15.0 credits in core courses, 6.0 credits in Policy, Law & Organization courses, 9.0-10.5 credits in a capstone course sequence which includes a research course and the choice of one of the two capstone course sequences (Practitioner Capstone 1 & 2 or Thesis Capstone 1 & 2) and select 15.0-16.0 credits in an area of concentration from among a variety of options, providing an opportunity for intensive study in teaching, learning, and curriculum.

Concentration options include Autism Spectrum Disorders, Creativity and Innovation, Education Policy, Global and International Education, Higher Education, Human Resource Development, Learning Technologies, Wilson Multisensory Reading Instruction Level I*, or Reading Specialist* certification. If candidates possess a PA Instructional I certification, they can choose an add-on state certification concentration such as Teaching English as a Second Language*, or Social Emotional Behavioral Wellness endorsement. *Concentrations with an asterisk will require field experience and submission of updated clearances and field placement applications. 

Students may also customize a concentration including professional electives from other academic departments or can declare a graduate minor based on their interests and professional goals.

Track III: Dual Certification - Secondary Level (7-12) or Middle Level (4-8) with PreK-12 Special Education 

This track incorporates current research on teaching and provides in-depth preparation in pedagogy, curriculum development, teaching students with special needs, implications of learner and task characteristics for instructional design, scaffolding instruction for diverse learners, the latest techniques in evaluation of instruction, and use of interactive technology in instruction. Students are required to synthesize theoretical and practical knowledge through field study in an approved PreK-12 school setting. All candidates are also required to complete supervised field experiences including multiple practicum experience (up to 70 hours) and a full-time student teaching experience. Clearances and field placement applications must be submitted before participating in coursework with classroom-based field components.

Successful completion of the Teacher Education core pedagogy courses, Special Education core pedagogy, and all Secondary Education or Middle Level subject specific content knowledge requirements, along with qualifying scores on all required state licensing examinations, permits Drexel to recommend the candidate for an initial PA Instructional teaching credential and PreK-12 Special Education certification.  

Program Goals

Graduates of the MS in Teaching, Learning and Curriculum (Track III) will:

• Demonstrate independent and creative academic teacher leadership skills that can be applied in the classroom, school community, and the profession.
• Understand the changing role of the educator in an increasingly diverse society from both an urban and a global perspective and apply this understanding of best practice supported by educational research.
• Demonstrate the ability to reflect upon professional practice during engagement in experiential learning and against a framework of understanding of best practice supported by educational research.
• Demonstrate a strong academic background in all subject areas that meet Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) content requirements with emphasis on STEM, and can effectively integrate tools of technology in curriculum, assessment, and instruction to enhance PreK-12 student learning.
• Demonstrate the ability to create and maintain a positive and democratic classroom climate that supports and facilitates learning for all students.
• Exhibit competencies in selecting and executing evidence-based behavioral instructional and technology strategies to address the needs of all students.
• Create and support inclusive learning environments where all learners are welcomed, challenged, and held to high expectations. 

Additional Information

For more information about this program, please visit the School of Education's website.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the MS in Teaching, Learning and Curriculum will follow the University standards for admission to graduate study including receipt of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with an earned GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Undergraduates who meet the rigorous requirements for participation in a bachelor’s and master's dual degree program may also be considered for both tracks.

Prospective students can learn about specific admission requirements by visiting the Graduate Admissions at Drexel University website.

Degree Requirements 

Track I: Initial Pennsylvania Teacher Certification

A minimum of 45.0 credits is required for students with or without prior certification for the Master of Science degree. Students may also pursue the MS in Teaching, Learning and Curriculum Track I without pursuing PA Instructional I Certification.

Core Courses
Completion of the following 30.0 (secondary certification) credits or 33.0 (middle level certification) credits of core pedagogy courses allows for recommendation for PA Instructional I certification. View the requirements on the Post-Baccalaureate Teaching Certificate: Middle Level and Secondary Concentrations page for additional information on requirements for specialization in subject areas. Students on Track I who do not wish to pursue PA Instructional I Certification or who do not qualify for PA Instructional I certification may complete the MS degree without a concentration by completing 15.0 credits of core pedagogy, 21.0 credits of MS electives, and a 9.0-10.5 credit capstone sequence.

Track II: Advanced Studies in Teaching, Learning and Curriculum

A minimum of 45.0 credits is required, including 15.0 credits of professional core, 6.0 credits of Policy, Law & Organization courses, 9.0-10.5 credit capstone sequence, and 15.0 credits of concentration courses or professional electives. Students may choose from the following concentration options with the approval of a graduate academic advisor and the program director:

• Autism Spectrum Disorders
• Creativity and Innovation
• Education Policy
• Global and International Education
• Higher Education
• Human Resource Development
• Learning Technologies
• Dyslexia Specialist (Wilson Multisensory Reading Instruction Level I)
• Reading Specialist (46.5 credits required to complete MS)
• Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL)
• Social Emotional Behavioral Wellness
• Customized concentration including professional electives from various academic departments:
  • Educational Administration (qualified candidate may begin coursework toward the 24.0 credit School Principal K-8 Certification program)

Track III: Initial Pennsylvania Teacher Certification with Special Education 7-12 Certification

A minimum of 48.0 credits is required for students with or without prior certification for the Master of Science degree. Students may also pursue the MS in Teaching, Learning and Curriculum without pursuing certification.

Core Courses
Completion of the following 15.0 credits (secondary certification) and 33.0 Special Education core pedagogy courses allows for recommendation for PA Instructional I and Special Education (7-12) certification. View the requirements on the Post-Baccalaureate Teaching Certificate: Secondary Concentrations page for additional information on requirements for specialization in subject areas. 

Program Requirements

Track I: Teaching, Learning and Curriculum

Students complete 45.0 credit hours of pedagogy and methods course work including classroom-based field components. Successful completion of the Teacher Education Core Pedagogy and all Elementary Education or Secondary Education course work components of the degree, with the grade of B or better in each course, permits Drexel to recommend the candidate for an initial PA Instructional teaching credential providing the candidate is a US citizen or has an appropriate visa status, and has successfully completed all appropriate state testing requirements. Annual background checks are required to participate in course work with classroom-based field components.

*

Complete 3.0 graduate elective credits (500-799) in EDUC, EDEX, EDGI, EDAM, EHRD, EDHE, ENTP, CRTV, MTED, EDLT, EDLS, ELL, ABA, EDPO, SCL, or ESTM. 

*

Complete 12.0 graduate elective credits (500-799) in EDUC, EDEX, EDGI, EDAM, EHRD, EDHE, CRTV, MTED, EDLT, EDLS, ELL, ABA, EDPO, SCL, or ESTM

*

Complete 15.0 graduate elective credits (500-799) in EDUC, EDEX, EDGI, EDAM, EHRD, EDHE, CRTV, MTED, EDLT, EDLS, ELL, ABA, EDPO, SCL, or ESTM. 

Track II: Advanced Studies in Teaching, Learning and Curriculum

Students complete a total of 45.0-47.5 credit hours dependent on selected concentration. Some concentrations require participation in classroom-based field components (e.g., Autism Spectrum Disorders, Multisensory Reading Instruction Level 1, Reading Specialist, Teaching English as a Second Language). Annual background checks are required to participate in course work with classroom-based field components.

*

Candidates may opt for a formal concentration or a Customized Concentration which may include course work from other Drexel academic departments in consultation with an academic advisors. Sample customized concentrations might include:

• Educational Administration
• Evaluation & Assessment
• Instructional Design
• Instructional Technology
• Leadership in Educational Settings
• Learning in Game-Based Environments
• Special Education Law and Process
• Special Education Leadership
• Urban Education

**

Complete 3.0 graduate elective credits (500-799) in EDUC, EDEX, EDGI, EDAM, EHRD, EDHE, CRTV, MTED, EDLT, EDLS, ELL, ABA, EDPO, ENTP or ESTM.

Track III: Teaching, Learning and Curriculum Dual Certification - Secondary Subject Areas with Special Education (7-12)

Students complete 48.0 credit hours of pedagogy and methods course work including classroom-based field components. Successful completion of the Teacher Education and Special Education Core Pedagogy and all Secondary Education course work components of the degree, with the grade of B or better in each course, permits Drexel to recommend the candidate for an initial PA Instructional teaching credential and 7-12 Special Education certification providing the candidate is a US citizen or has an appropriate visa status, and has successfully completed all appropriate state testing requirements. Clearances must be submitted prior to participation in course work with classroom-based field components.

Sample Plan of Study

Track I: Initial Certification Track - Secondary Education (Grades 7 - 12)

Students must declare a concentration in Biology, Chemistry, General Science, Earth and Space Science, Physics, Mathematics, English or Social Studies and take appropriate course for concentration during Term 5
 

*

Note: Second Year Winter is less than the 4.5-credit minimum required (considered half-time status) of graduate programs to be considered financial aid eligible. As a result, aid will not be disbursed to students this term.

Track I: Initial Certification Track - Elementary Education (Grades PreK-4) 

*

Note: Second Year Winter is less than the 4.5-credit minimum required (considered half-time status) of graduate programs to be considered financial aid eligible. As a result, aid will not be disbursed to students this term.

Track II: Advanced Studies in Teaching, Learning and Curriculum 

*

Note: Second Year Spring is less than the 4.5-credit minimum required (considered half-time status) of graduate programs to be considered financial aid eligible. As a result, aid will not be disbursed to students this term.

Track II: Advanced Studies in Teaching, Learning and Curriculum (Reading Specialist Concentration)

*

Note: Third Year Fall is less than the 4.5-credit minimum required (considered half-time status) of graduate programs to be considered financial aid eligible. As a result, aid will not be disbursed to students this term.

Track III: Dual Certification Secondary (7-12) Subject Areas and Special Education (PK-12)

*

Note: Second Year Fall and Summer are less than the 4.5-credit minimum required (considered half-time status) of graduate programs to be considered financial aid eligible. As a result, aid will not be disbursed to students these terms.

 Track III: Dual Certification Middle Level (4-8) Subject Areas and Special Education (PK-12)

*

Note: Second Year Fall and Summer and Third Year Winter are less than the 4.5-credit minimum required (considered half-time status) of graduate programs to be considered financial aid eligible. As a result, aid will not be disbursed to students these terms.

Note: Some terms above are less than the 4.5-credit minimum required (considered half-time status) of graduate programs to be considered financial aid eligible. As a result, aid will not be disbursed to students these terms.

Program Level Outcomes