The department of Curriculum, Instruction and Foundational Studies offers six graduate programs that develop instructional practice and prepare teachers and professionals to become master teachers, principals, leaders and researchers. If you are currently a teacher looking to advance your career and skills in the field, or if you are looking for a career change and wish to become certified as a teacher with a master’s degree, we have the right program for you!
The Graduate Certificate in Mathematics Instruction, Learning and Leadership is focused on preparing and building the skills of individuals interested in improving their mathematical skills and understanding related to K-8 classroom instruction, coaching fellow teachers or becoming mathematics teacher-leaders. The program curriculum consists of current and seminal research related to learning theories and improving instructional practice and student learning through examination of classroom instructional practices, a focus on meaningfully building all students’ learning, and application of the content and mathematical practice standards.
The Master of Arts in Education, Curriculum and Instruction (MACI) degree is designed to advance the professional learning and development for practicing K-12 educators. The program also accepts students who identify as educators and work outside of the K-12 system. Graduates of the program will earn a master of arts degree, and be able to adapt research-based techniques to meet the requirements of their professional situations as well as assess and reflect on the efficacy of their efforts, to analyze and improve instructional methods as educators.
The Master of Education in Educational Leadership degree is a principal and educational leadership preparation program and meets the Idaho requirement for candidates to apply for a principal endorsement. Graduates of the program go on to become school administrators, deans, instructional coaches, and master teachers, including in higher education. The cohorted program uses a problem-based learning approach, focusing on real-world problem solving. The program meets on Thursday evenings and one Saturday per month so students can earn a master’s degree while continuing to work.
The Master in Teaching, Elementary Education degree program is for students who are interested in becoming a K-8 teacher and is open to students with no previous teaching experience or education degree. Graduates of the program earn both a teaching certification and a master’s degree. The program begins each January and covers four semesters: Spring, Summer, Fall and Spring. This degree leads to initial certification with a Standard Instructional Certificate including endorsements in all subjects K-8, and an additional middle-level grades 5-9 or 6-12 endorsement area with the Idaho State Department of Education. A majority of graduates will find full-time employment in an elementary or junior high/middle school classroom.
The Master in Teaching, Secondary Education degree program is for students who are interested in becoming a teacher in a secondary classroom (grades 6-12) and is open to students with no previous teaching experience or education degree. Graduates of the program earn both a teaching certification and a master’s degree. The program is offered in a hybrid format, combining online and face-to-face learning. The program begins each May and includes three semesters: Summer, Fall and Spring. This degree enables initial licensure with a Standard Instructional Certificate in one or two endorsable content areas (grades 6-12) with the Idaho State Department of Education. Content areas are listed on the MIT, Secondary Education web page. A majority of graduates will find full-time employment in a junior high/middle school, high school or alternative school classroom.
The Master of Science in Program, Evaluation, Measurement and Statistics (PEMS) degree program is designed to develop skills in quantitative methods. Students will learn to design research studies, collect and analyze data, and use data to evaluate the efficacy of interventions or programs. Students will learn how to design and conduct rigorous research in education, health sciences and behavioral/social sciences. Graduates typically work in educational or business settings, and can apply research skills for success in an academic setting.
Contact information for each degree can be found at the bottom of each program page by clicking on the “Request More Information” link. Guidelines and forms for graduate students as well as information about costs and scholarships can also be found on each program page.