 Masters Degree Program (MA/MS)







Admissions
Course Descriptions
Program Formats
o On Campus
 Program of Study
 Advising
o Off Campus
 Program of Study
 Advising
o Online
 Program of Study
 Current Courses
 Advising
Graduation Steps
FAQs
Advisory Committees
Contact Info
PSU » Graduate School of Education » C&I » Programs » Curriculum and Instruction Master's
Degree Program
Curriculum and Instruction Master's Degree
Program
Welcome
The MA/MS degree in curriculum and instruction emphasizes professional education. It is
designed to accommodate students in teacher education and educational specialists.
The program expands educators' background knowledge of education and bridges theory and
practice. The sharing between educators of all levels, interests, and backgrounds is a major
strength of the program.
Our goal is to help develop thoughtful and caring educators who have the knowledge, skills, and
desire to examine educational practices critically and who will work to improve their practice in
ways that are conceptually sound, ethically responsible, and culturally responsive.
This is a non-license master's degree for current teachers or professionals in related fields who
have been licensed at the undergraduate level or are interested in a master's in education.
Students have four format options for pursuing a master's degree in curriculum and instruction.
PSU » Graduate School of Education » C&I » Programs » Masters Degree Program (MA/MS) »
Curriculum and Instruction Master's Degree Admissions
Curriculum and Instruction Master's Degree
Admissions
See the Early Childhood Education Specialization site for admissions information specific to that
program.
Before applying to the on-campus, off-campus, or online program, you must:

Possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a cumulative
undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0
Packet 1: To the University
Apply for Portland State University graduate admissions: Graduate Admissions website.
Packet 2: To the Graduate School of Education
Use this link to access our online program application*, create a free account, then complete
your application following the steps below. Be sure to write down the user name and
password that you receive so that you can return to the site and track the progress of your
application as it is reviewed.
1. Click the Create a New Application button
2. Select CI Master's Application... for the term in which you want to start taking classes
3. Fully complete the application based on the options you choose. If necessary, you can
save and return to your application before it is completed, however you must click the
Submit Application Now button when it is complete AND before the application deadline
if you want to be considered.
Please note: The following components are part of your Graduate School of Education
application packet:



Personal statement
3 letters of recommendation
Transcripts
After submitting your application you will be able to track the review process through the
application website.


If you need assistance accessing the online application, please email tkhelp@pdx.edu
If you have questions about the application process, please email mwal@pdx.edu
Off-campus and online program priority application deadline:

The off-campus and online programs are cohort programs that begin each fall. Students
who plan to take their electives in other terms may be admitted in that term. Students
must take a minimum of 1 credit in the term they are admitted. Students may be admitted
until the program fills.
o Fall - September 15
o Winter - December 15
o Spring - March 15
o Summer - June 15
On campus application deadlines:




Fall - August 15
Winter - November 15
Spring - February 15
Summer - May 15
PSU » Graduate School of Education » C&I » Programs » Masters Degree Program (MA/MS) » Curriculum and Instruction Master's Degree
Course Descriptions
Curriculum and Instruction Master's Degree Course
Descriptions
CI 581 Issues in Education (3 credits)
An introduction to the study of contemporary issues that impact the teaching and learning environment
for K-12 students and their teachers. Students identify critical issues in contemporary education and
analyze those issues from a variety of perspectives.
CI 567 Curriculum and Culture (3 credits)
Understanding the cultural basis of instructional materials in curriculum development and teaching and
how the organization of knowledge in a subject area and the explanation of new ideas are influenced by
cultural root metaphors. Planning and administering the instructional materials center in the modern
school. The cooperative roles of the teacher, administrator, and librarian in curricular development and
materials.
CI 561 Advanced Educational Psychology (3 credits)
Review and development of modern viewpoints in educational psychology with particular attention to
theories of learning and their application to school and educational problems; an examination of
experimental material that seems most useful and relevant to educational psychology.
CI 580 Theories of Instruction (3 credits)
An investigation of what happens in the classroom, emphasizing the interrelatedness of learning, subject
matter, and teaching; testing of scholars’ and the student’s own ideas against concrete case studies of
instruction; formulation and defense of one’s own theory. Prerequisite: teaching experience or consent of
instructor.
CI 565 Theoretical Models of Curriculum (3 credits)
Study of the history of curriculum and curriculum theory in the United States. Emphasis is placed on the
historical, philosophical, and scientific foundations of curriculum theory. A main goal of the course is to
provide a framework for evaluation, selection, and development of school curricula.
CI 590 Action Research Proposal (3 credits)
Designed to help educators see themselves as researchers, in order that they may conduct research in
educational settings that contributes to the improvement of education. Research questions and methods
appropriate for practicing educators will be covered.
CI 591 Special Projects: Action Research Implementation (3 credits)
This course will be partly arranged with your instructor. Action Research project presentations will be
required.
CI 510 Guidance for the Classroom Teacher (3 credits) [Formerly offered as COUN 525]
A study of the responsibilities and procedures of teachers for guiding students at all levels in becoming
more effective and capable persons. Prerequisites: completion of 135 credits; student teaching or teaching
experience.
CI 510 Human Relations in Organizations (3 credits) - cohorts only
Issues and perspectives in group processes; models for studying groups; principles of group dynamics;
human relations within educational organizations; strategies for group problem solving and conflict
management; application of group dynamics to leadership; communication and decision making within
educational organizations; evaluating processes and production of educational groups. Prerequisite:
graduate standing.
CI 510 Educational Measurement (3 credits) - cohorts only
Minimum competency, norm-referenced, and criterion-referenced tests; characteristics and levels of
measurement; reliability; validity; interpreting test scores; standardized tests; using performance
standards; planning and constructing classroom selection; supply and performance tests; portfolio
assessment; evaluating test items. Prerequisite: graduate standing.
PSU » Graduate School of Education » C&I » Programs » Masters Degree Program (MA/MS) » Curriculum and Instruction Master's Degree
Program Formats
Curriculum and Instruction Master's Degree
Program Formats
Students have four format options for pursuing a master's degree in curriculum and instruction:
On campus
On campus with
Early Childhood
Education
Specialization
(link goes to ECE website)
Off campus
Online
PSU » Graduate School of Education » C&I » Programs » Masters Degree Program (MA/MS) » Program Formats » Curriculum and
Instruction Master's Degree Program Formats - On Campus
Curriculum and Instruction Master's Degree
Program Formats - On Campus
The master’s in curriculum and instruction is a non-licensure degree program, culminating in a Master of
Arts or Sciences. It is a 45-credit degree; 24 credits are core courses (required) and 21 credits are elective
and selected based on student needs and advisor assessment.
For our Early Childhood Education Specialization program, please visit those pages for specific program
information and design. For our public school licensure programs, please visit our Graduate Teacher
Education Program website
PSU » Graduate School of Education » C&I » Programs » Masters Degree Program (MA/MS) » Program Formats » On Campus » Curriculum
and Instruction Master's Degree Program of Study - On Campus
Curriculum and Instruction Master's Degree
Program of Study - On Campus
The requirements for this degree are:
A program of study consisting of not fewer than 45 credits approved by the graduate advisor and
department chair, to include:
1.
A core studies area of 24 credits encompassing preparation in the areas of teaching and learning,
curriculum, assessment and research, human relations, and/or issues of education. Degree plans are
written in cooperation with an assigned advisor.
2.
21 elective credits at the graduate level. Check with your advisor for program planning.
3.
A culminating activity that the student will select to complete the requirements:



An action research project
A thesis (requires an oral exam in addition to the written product)
A comprehensive exam
Course requirements and schedule
Total Credits: 45 (minimum for a MS/MA)
View courses for the current and upcoming terms
Tentative schedule for fall 2012-spring 2013
Core classes (24 credits)
CI 561 Advanced Educational Psychology
Summer and spring
3 credits
CI 565 Theoretical Models of Curriculum
Summer and spring
3 credits
CI 567 Curriculum and Culture
Summer and winter
3 credits
CI 580 Theories of Instruction
Summer and fall
3 credits
CI 581 Issues in Education
Summer and fall
3 credits
CI 510 Guidance for the Classroom Teacher
Summer and winter
3 credits
CI 590* Action Research Proposal
Offered every quarter
3 credits
CI 591* Action Research Implementation
or
CI 501 Action Research - Individual Project
Offered every quarter
3 credits
By arrangement w/advisor
6 credits as needed
*Or other culminating activity (thesis or exam, 3-6 credits)
Register
View the PSU Schedule of Classes to register.
Electives (21 credits)
The remaining 21 credits are electives selected with the help of the advisor. Electives that can be applied
to specializations and/or endorsements are listed in brochures that may be obtained through the
Department of Curriculum and Instruction. See your advisor for further information about these
programs/endorsements that can be taken in conjunction with your core classes. Electives for the CI
program are not limited to CI courses and recommended offerings are provided by your advisors each year
based on the schedule. Students may select courses offered throughout the Graduate School of Education
and other departments on campus as well. The following list is only for suggestions.
MA/MS culminating activity
Students will select one of the following three options to complete the requirements for the master’s
degree: An independent project (3-6 credits); a thesis (6 credits); or a written comprehensive exam.
1. Independent project option (Action Research Project)
Candidates completing the independent project option must complete the following prerequisites.


CI 590 Action Research Proposal (3 credits)
CI 591 Action Research Implementation (3-6 credits)
The purpose of action research is to systematically study and improve one’s own classroom practice. In CI
590, candidates design and write their independent action research project proposal. In CI 591 candidates
implement their project.
2. Thesis
Candidates selecting the thesis option will register for 6 graduate credits for the completed project.

Prerequisite: CI 590 Action Research or equivalent research methods course
Candidates will follow the most current Graduate School of Education Style Manual for Dissertations and
Theses
Candidates selecting this option will be expected to work closely with their advisor and may be required to
join a thesis seminar that may be taken as an independent study.
3. Comprehensive exam option
The comprehensive exam is a rigorous experience covering all Curriculum and Instruction MS/MA core
content areas. The exam is evaluated by an examining board of faculty members.
1.
Development of the comprehensive exam
Questions for all comprehensive exams are developed by program faculty. Three questions will be
selected from a pool at the time of the exam: two related to specified course requirements and one related
to the elective area.
2.
Administration of the comprehensive exam
The exam will be administered on designated dates, at a site to be announced. Students may take up to
three hours for the exam. Appropriate accommodations will be made for students with special needs
and/or disabilities.
3.
Evaluation of the exam
Students must pass all sections of the examination. If a student fails either the entire examination or any
section thereof, the department may dismiss the student from the degree program, or allow the student to
repeat the entire exam, or the section that was failed after a minimum of three months. The result of the
second exam is final. Question evaluations will be completed within four to six weeks from the date of the
exam, and students will be notified of the results.
*A minimum enrollment of 1 credit is required during the term in which oral or written exams are taken.
PSU » Graduate School of Education » C&I » Programs » Masters Degree Program (MA/MS) » Program Formats » On Campus » Curriculum
and Instruction Master's Degree Advising - On Campus
Curriculum and Instruction Master's Degree
Advising - On Campus
Advising schedule
Current students may set up an appointment with their advisor
during office hours for advising (note:
summer is very limited due to vacations). For prospective students, open advising dates are listed here.
Dates could change, check back for updates.
Advising information


Please bring your Program Planning Guide with you to each advising meeting (see below).
Any substitutions for a course need to be approved by the advisor before the student takes the course.
Substitutions appear in the “remarks” section of the GO-12 form, on the students planned program of
study.

All transfer courses need to be taken for a letter grade from an accredited university at the graduate level.
Use the GO-21 form for pre-admission and transfer credits.

Be aware of the 6-credit LIMIT for PSU 800 level classes or equivalent professional development courses
from other institutions. Please note that courses numbered 808 will not count toward any degree.
Planning guide
To download the CI program planning guide in PDF format, click here: MA/MS Course Planning Guide.
Bring your CI planning guide with you to advising sessions. Please do not confuse the CI planning guide
with the ECE planning guide. The ECE specialization uses a separate ECE planning guide. Please fill out
your program planning guide and keep it up to date.
Additional program planning forms
MA/MS One Year Plan
MA/MS Core+ Map with Specializations and Endorsements
Program completion forms
GO-12 form
(Approved Graduate Degree Program) - all students
GO-21 form
(pre-admission and transfer credits)
Graduation information
View our Graduation Steps page.
PSU » Graduate School of Education » C&I » Programs » Masters Degree Program (MA/MS) » Curriculum and Instruction Master's Degree
Graduation Steps
Curriculum and Instruction Master's Degree
Graduation Steps
Part 1: Submitting your GO-12 Form (all students)
1.
Go to http://banweb.pdx.edu and print a copy of your unofficial transcript
2.
Go to the Office of Graduate Studies forms page and open the GO-12 form
(NOTE: This is a PDF document that you can type in and print, but it will not save your progress if you
close and come back to it)
3.
Enter all of your classes on the GO-12 form in chronological order, then print the form. Transfer and preadmission classes must also be on the GO-12 form in date order.
o
o
o
o
The total number of credits must be at least 45
4.
Submit your GO-12 form to your faculty advisor to be signed and forwarded to the Department of
All courses must be 500 level or higher
You may include up to six 810 credits, but 808s are not allowed
Talk with your faculty advisor about other questions you may have
Curriculum and Instruction
Part 2: ONLY if you have transfer or preadmission credits
1.
Go to the Office of Graduate Studies forms page and open the GO-21 form
2.
Type in both sections of the GO-21 form and print it out
3.
Attach an official transcript to the GO-21 form that includes the courses you have listed
4.
Submit the GO-21 form and transcript to your adviser to be signed and forwarded along with your GO-12
form
Part 3: Application for Awarding of Master's or Doctoral Degree (all students; this form is due by the first
Friday of your graduation term)
1.
Go to the Office of Graduate Studies forms page and open the Application for Awarding of Master's or
Doctoral Degree form
2.
Enter the information requested in the first section of the form and it will automatically fill the same
information into the second half of the form
3.
Submit both halves of the form in-person to:
Office of Graduate Studies
Extended Studies Building (XSB) 184
1633 SW Park Ave
Portland, OR 97201
or mail it to:
Office of Graduate Studies
Portland State University
PO Box 751 (OGS)
Portland, OR 97207-0751
PSU » Graduate School of Education » C&I » Programs » Masters Degree Program (MA/MS) » Curriculum and Instruction Master's Degree
FAQs
Curriculum and Instruction Master's Degree FAQs
Is it a full-time program? I’m a teacher and cannot take classes during the day.
No, most of our classes are geared toward students who are teachers or are otherwise employed during
the day.
On-campus classes usually have a start time of 4 pm or 6:40 pm, except for summer.
Off-campus classes are one night during the week, except for summer. Most online coursework
is done on your own schedule, according to your class syllabus.
Will I receive a teaching license with this degree?
No, this program is mainly for people who are already teaching, or who do not wish to earn a teaching
certificate. If you would like to become a teacher but have never been licensed, you may be interested in
our Graduate Teacher Education Program (GTEP).
Is there a time limit to complete work for my master’s?
You are allowed seven years to complete the required coursework. Coursework older than seven years will
not count toward your degree. Any courses transferred from another institution must also be within seven
years of your graduation date. A limit of 15 credits may be transferred.
Is it a cohort-based program?
In the on-campus master’s programs, students work at their own pace to achieve their degree.
Students may be admitted for any term, but must take at least one class for the term they’re
accepted. If you do not take any courses for five terms, you must fill out a re-enrollment form.
For off-campus and online programs, students are accepted as a cohort (group) and complete all
30 of the cohort core classes in a set sequence over a two-year period.
Can I use all my credits from another institution? Is there a restriction?
There is a limit of 15 transfer credits, including PSU credits taken before formal admission to the master’s
program (pre-admission credits). Not all transfer credits are acceptable. Your faculty advisor makes the
determination with the final approval of the Office of Graduate Studies.
What’s the difference between the MA and MS? I already have a BA, so doesn’t that mean I’d be getting an
MA?
The main difference between MA (Master of Arts) and MS (Master of Science) is that an MA degree requires
a foreign language exam, given by a PSU foreign language department, or a waiver showing demonstrated
proof of fluency in another language.
What about electives - how do I know what’s acceptable?
Electives are usually chosen with the help of your faculty advisor, who is assigned to you when you are
admitted. Most graduate level courses (500 and above) are good choices. HOWEVER, there are certain
exceptions: No 808 (workshop) courses are acceptable for a master’s degree and only six credits of 810
(professional development/inservice) credits may be used. All transfer credits must show a grade of B or
higher. Pass/No Pass courses are not acceptable.
I can’t wait to get started. Should I go ahead and start taking classes before I’m accepted?
In the on-campus program, many students take a few courses before they are formally admitted.
Not only does this give you an opportunity to become familiar with our programs, but you may
also be able to transfer a certain number of these PSU graduate level pre-admission credits into
your program of study. It is possible to take up to eight credits per term without formal
admission. However, there are limits and restrictions on transfer in and pre-admission credits.
We ask that you speak with a faculty advisor before you pursue pre-admissions coursework.
Off-campus and online students may take their electives before they are formally admitted.
These may not exceed 15 credits. Speak to the faculty advisor prior to taking your electives.
Can I add an endorsement to my program?
Yes. Two common endorsements are the ReadOregon program and the ESL endorsement. If possible,
apply to these programs at the time you apply for admission to your master’s degree in curriculum and
instruction so as to reduce any additional paperwork.
Who can I talk to about getting more information?
During the regular school year there are weekly open-advising sessions with a Curriculum and Instruction
faculty member that students may attend without making an appointment. If this isn’t convenient, a oneon-one appointment may be scheduled with a faculty member by calling the Graduate School of Education
receptionist at 503-725-4619. Advising may also occur by email or phoen. Our faculty have many years of
experience in advising master’s candidates in their coursework and can answer any questions you may
have.
PSU » Graduate School of Education » C&I » Programs » Masters Degree Program (MA/MS) » Curriculum and Instruction Master's Degree
Advisory Committees
Curriculum and Instruction Master's Degree
Advisory Committees
On-campus Advisory Committee
Department Chair: Dr. Christine Chaillé
Program Advisory Committee:






Dr. Will Parnell, Program Coordinator
Dr. Micki M. Caskey, Faculty Member
Dr. Barbara Ruben, Faculty Member
Dr. Dannelle Stevens, Faculty Member
Bernd Ferner, Faculty Member
Kristen Pilgrim, Continuing Education Liaison
Off-campus and Online Advisory Committee








Sarah Beasley, education and social science librarian, Portland State University
Phil Brady, PhD, teacher and administrator, Hood River School District
Colin Cameron, MS, director of professional development, Confederation of Oregon School
Administrators (COSA) and 31 years in K-12 education as teacher and administrator (retired)
Micki M. Caskey, PhD, more than 20 years public school middle and high school teacher,
faculty advisor and associate professor, Graduate School of Education, Portland State University
Candace Manary, retired teacher, administrator, and superintendent, Central Point School
District
Kristen Pilgrim, MA, program manager, Continuing Education (CEED), Portland State
University
Charlotte Sachtjen, MEd, retired principal and current school improvement specialist, SalemKeizer School District
Dannelle Stevens, PhD, 17 years public school teacher, faculty advisor and associate professor,
Graduate School of Education, Portland State University
PSU » Graduate School of Education » C&I » Programs » Masters Degree Program (MA/MS) » Curriculum and Instruction Master's Degree
Contact Information
Curriculum and Instruction Master's Degree
Contact Information
Mailing Address:
Portland State University
Graduate School of Education
Curriculum & Instruction Department
P.O. Box 751
Portland, OR 97207-0751
Street Address:
615 SW Harrison Suite 602
Portland, OR 97201
On-campus program staff:
Mark Wallace
Program Assistant
mwal@pdx.edu
503-725-4762
Jake Fernandez
Department Assistant
jifern@pdx.edu
503-725-4756
Off-campus and online program staff:
Kristen Pilgrim
Program Manager
pilgrimk@pdx.edu
503-725-4626
1-800-547-8887 ext 54626