Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction (M.Ed.)

Dr. Kim Tolley, Program Director
(650) 508-3464, ktolley@ndnu.edu

Notre Dame de Namur University has long been recognized for the excellence of its graduate programs in education. Presently NDNU offers five credentials, two certificates and seven master’s degrees within the School of Education and Leadership.

NDNU’s Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction Program

The M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction program builds the capacity of educators to engage in improved teaching practice, curriculum development, program planning, assessment, mentoring, and educational leadership. Individuals with a significant amount of knowledge and experience in a particular discipline may also be interested in this degree program in order to prepare themselves to teach in a private school or community college setting.

During the M.Ed. program, students will have the opportunity to conduct research that will lead to improved equity and social justice within the context of schooling. Students undertake research that matters to them, investigating a question that they need to answer in order to promote equity and social justice in the classroom, school, and/or community. Student feedback reveals that researching and writing a master’s thesis is a wonderful opportunity for personal and professional growth:

“I am excited about the possibility of being able to share insights about my experiences. I look forward to having questions I have had for a long time finally answered. I am excited about the possibility of my research making a difference and possibly changing situations for teachers and students.”

Distinctions:

A master's thesis is required to complete the M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction program.
Through the thesis experience, students develop their ability to ask thoughtful questions, collect information, analyze information, and reflect on issues regarding teaching, learning, and schooling that will enable them to improve their practice throughout their careers.

Curriculum: Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction (M.Ed.)
(30 total units)

The goal of this degree program is to build the capacity of educators to engage in improved teaching practice, curriculum development, assessment, mentoring, and educational leadership.

Trends in Curriculum Development
Educational Assessment and Evaluation
Social Justice, Diversity, and Equity
Introduction to Educational Research
Educational Research
One graduate-level courses in educational technology
Four education electives, to be selected in collaboration with Program Director

Full course descriptions are available in the NDNU Catalog.

Admission Process

NDNU admits students throughout the year for fall, spring, and summer semesters. Please review the NDNU General Catalog for complete admission requirements.

Faculty

Jamie Almanzan, MA, Stanford University; Lecturer
Mary Buckman, MA, San Francisco State University; Lecturer
Cathleen Calice, MS, California State University, Hayward; Lecturer
Lu Chang, Ed.D., University of the Pacific; Professor
Robert Ferrera, Ed.D., University of Southern California; Associate Professor
Kristin Geiser, Ph.D., University of California, Los Angeles; Assistant Professor
Winifred Kum, Ed.D., University of San Francisco; Lecturer
Lorraine Paul, M.Ed., Notre Dame de Namur University; Lecturer
Kim Tolley, Ed.D., University of California Berkeley; Associate Professor

Program Requirements

Students may apply to enter the M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction program in the fall, spring, or summer semesters and should meet the following requirements:

A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
An undergraduate cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or better. (A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better is required in NDNU Credential programs.)
A teaching credential, significant teaching experience, or successful completion of all examination requirements for student teaching in California
Two letters of recommendation
Personal interview with the program director

Notes: The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not an institutional requirement for entrance into NDNU graduate programs. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.

Articulation with Credential Programs

Recent graduates of NDNU's credential programs (Spring 1999 or later) have a unique opportunity to count up to five of their credential courses toward certain master's degrees, significantly reducing the time and financial resources required to earn a degree. For additional information, contact Dr. Kim Tolley.

NDNU'S School of Education and Leadership

Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, NDNU is a multifaceted University offering four bachelor degrees and over 15 graduate degrees and certificates. The School of Education and Leadership, under the direction of the Dean, Dr. Joanne Rossi, offers bachelor’s degrees in liberal studies and human services in addition to education credentials, certificates, and master’s degrees. The credential programs are accredited by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC). The programs were reaccredited in 1998.

Contact: