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Graduate Curriculum and Instruction
Advanced training for leaders, scholars and practitioners in education
In-depth education to strengthen your knowledge of curriculum and instruction.
Degrees
Elementary Education: Master of Arts (M.A.)
This advanced degree program is intended to provide the classroom teacher the opportunity to study in greater depth all curriculum and instructional areas related to teaching in elementary schools. It strengthens teaching skills and exposes the teacher to a variety of materials and programs used in elementary schools. The program is offered both online and on campus.
Students can specialize in:
- Culturally & linguistically diverse learners
- Early childhood education
- Reading specialist/literacy coach
- Science, technology and math pedagogy
Accelerated Elementary Education: Master of Arts (M.A.)
Current USD students who plan to pursue a master's degree with specializations in Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Learners (CLD) or Reading Specialist/Literacy Coach may consider the accelerated option where up to 12 credits applies toward completion of a bachelor's program may also be used to satisfy graduate credit. Students may begin the program after completion of 90 undergraduate credit hours.
Secondary Education: Master of Arts (M.A.)
The secondary education master's degree program is available for secondary school personnel who are interested in enhancing their knowledge and the skills necessary for leadership roles in education. Each student's interests, background and needs are considered when designing the individual's program of study. This program is offered both online and on campus. Students can specialize in:
- Culturally & linguistically diverse learners
- Science, technology and math pedagogy
Accelerated Secondary Education: Master of Arts (M.A.)
Current USD students who plan to pursue a master's degree with specializations in Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Learners (CLD) may consider the accelerated option where up to 12 credits applies toward completion of a bachelor's program may also be used to satisfy graduate credit. Students may begin the program after completion of 90 undergraduate credit hours.
Secondary Education: Master of Arts (M.A.) plus Certification
This program was developed to provide an avenue into teaching for individuals who have appropriate academic skills and expertise as well as a desire to teach but who have not completed a professional education program. For those individuals with a baccalaureate degree in areas equivalent in content to an approved University of South Dakota teaching major, this program provides an opportunity to become certified to teach at the secondary level. Students with degrees in art, music or physical education will also have to satisfy the necessary requirements for K-12 certification.
Special Education: Master of Arts (M.A.)
Most students seek the master's degree in special education while pursuing certification in one or more areas. This degree is flexible and provides additional opportunities for those not needing or wanting certification. Students can specialize in:
- Advanced specialist in disabilities
- Early childhood special education
- Multicategorical special education K-12
Technology for Education and Training: Master of Science (M.S.)
A teaching for education and training (TET) degree program is offered online and prepares educators to be successful with the integration of available and emerging technologies. This program focuses on an instructional systems approach and the principles of learning design. By capitalizing on their content expertise, students will further develop their skills to apply technological tools to the learning process.
Curriculum and Instruction: Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
Advanced programs beyond the master's degree are designed to provide the necessary background and professional expertise for students planning to go into university teaching, supervisory work in schools, curriculum planning, consultant work or similar positions. Ninety semester hours beyond the bachelor's degree are required for the Ed.D. degree.
Certificates
- Alternative Teacher Certification
- American Indian Education Certificate
- Science, Technology and Math Pedagogy Certificate
Online and Off-Campus Options
Online
- Master of Arts in Elementary Education
- Master of Arts in Secondary Education
- Master of Science in Technology for Education and Training
- Graduate Certificate in American Indian Education
- Graduate Certificate in Science, Technology and Math Pedagogy
- Graduate Certificate in Alternative Teacher Certification
Admission Requirements
For more detailed admission requirements, please refer to Curriculum and Instruction in the current graduate catalog. Additional requirements exist for international applicants. For more information, visit International Admission Requirements.
Application Deadline:
Two weeks before classes start.
The Classroom & Beyond
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Qualified students may be able to get financial assistance and additional experience through graduate assistantships. You can apply through the Graduate School for opportunities within the School of Education.
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VERMILLION, S.D. – The University of South Dakota will now offer its graduate certification program in American Indian Education in an online format, following approval from the South Dakota Board of Regents.
