The Department of Curriculum & Instruction and Professional Studies includes undergraduate and graduate programs.
Undergraduate
The undergraduate program in elementary education leads to a K-6 license. The middle grades education leads to a license in grades 6-9 with two academic concentrations, math/science or language arts/social studies. Candidates in the programs are involved in a rigorous program of study, which integrates content knowledge, skills, and pedagogy. Candidates are prepared to work in diverse cultural contexts through extensive field experiences and technological focus.
Graduate
The department offers a Master’s Program in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in elementary or middle grades education. The graduate program is for experienced teachers who hold an initial license (A) and have at least two years of classroom experience. The program broadens the teacher’s understanding of the purpose and role of education in the elementary and middle grades; extends an understanding of the nature of the learner and the learning process (including exceptional populations); assists the teacher in gaining greater insights and skills in the use of research techniques and in administering action research projects to evaluate and improve classroom instruction; provides for concentrated study in major subject areas; and assists the teacher in developing the conceptual framework and skills necessary to provide a developmentally appropriate living/learning environment for all children.
During the final semester of the program, the candidate will take a comprehensive written examination. During the semester prior to the exam, the student should pick up a study guide from the program coordinator.
The examination will be graded as PASS or FAIL. A candidate who fails the examination may take it again during the next semester. Should a second failure occur, a third attempt is possible upon the recommendation of the program coordinator and on a favorable vote from the Graduate Council. If the candidate's request for a third examination and in the event fails, the candidate will be dismissed from the program.
During the final semester of the program, the candidates will present to the program coordinator a portfolio of materials created throughout the program (e.g., research papers, action research projects, diagnostic summary reports, media presentations, and integrated units). The candidate should meet with her/his advisor the semester before the graduation term to begin planning the specific portfolio contents. They will discuss the courses completed and the products developed; they will tentatively outline a 1-2 hour presentation to be scheduled the following regular semester.
The portfolio presentation is a culminating activity that allows the candidate to review, analyze, evaluate, and present artifacts and research she/he has developed throughout the program. The presentation must utilize advanced technology in some part. The candidate may be presenting to his/her advisor, other program members, and/or the program coordinator.
The presentation will be graded as PASS or FAIL. A candidate who fails the portfolio presentation may, after a period of one month, schedule a new presentation. Should a second failure occur, a third presentation is possible upon the recommendation of the program coordinator and on a favorable vote from the Graduate Council. If the candidate's request to do a third portfolio presentation, and fails; the candidate will be dismissed from the program.
To be eligible for admission, a candidate must submit an online application through the ApplyYourself site located at http://www.nccu.edu/admissionsandaid/applynow.cfm . In addition to completing the online application, you will need to mail one official transcript for each institution showing graduate courses and a current teaching license that documents your content area in one of our graduate program areas – Elementary, Middle Grades (language arts, mathematics, social studies, or science) Secondary English, or Secondary Mathematics.
The candidate should check the ApplyYourself website to make certain that all the materials have been submitted. After the candidate has been accepted into the program, an interview (in person or electronically) will be required.
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