Curriculum and Instruction (M.Ed.) - Early Childhood Education Specialization

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Program Coordinator/Contact
Andrew Stremmel, Department Head
Katherine Bertolini, Assistant Professor/Graduate Coordinator
Wenona Hall 108, Box 507
605-688-5039
E-mail: andrew.stremmel@sdstate.edu
www.sdstate.edu/tll

Program Information
The degree in Curriculum and Instruction (C&I) is designed to meet the needs of individuals who work (or plan to work) in some kind of an instructional capacity. The degree does not lead to a South Dakota teaching certificate nor does it lead to an endorsement on the South Dakota teaching certificate.

Students are able to choose from either a program in which only coursework is required or a program in which they must complete a research project. If a student elects to take only coursework (Plan C), the student must complete a minimum of 35 credit hours in order to graduate. If the research option is chosen, the student must complete a minimum of 32 credit hours including 788 Research Problems.

The C&I degree is structured to allow a great deal of flexibility. It is expected that students will take a mixture of required courses and elective credits, depending on their areas of interest. These courses may be completed with no intention of seeking a degree, or may be used as part of the basis for completing a C&I degree.

Course Delivery Format
The program can be completed online through the Brookings Campus. Some course offerings will be available face to face.

Student Support and Engagement Opportunities
The Teaching, Learning, and Leadership Department has several assistantships for which students can apply.

Available Options for Graduate Degrees

Master of Education	Option B - Research/Design Paper	32 Credit Hours
	Option C - Coursework Only	35 Credit Hours

Core Requirements

ECE 792 - Topics Credits: 1-3 (3 credits required) (Cognitive Development)
ECE 795 - Practicum Credits: 1-6 (1 credit required)
EDER 711 - Educational Assessment Credits: 3
EDER 760 - Informational Literacy Credits: 3
EDFN 700 - Exceptional Learners Credits: 3
or EDFN 725 - Education in a Pluralistic Society Credits: 3
EDFN 730 - Current Issues in Education Credits: 3
EDFN 747 - Curriculum: Theory Into Practice Credits: 2
EDFN 750 - Educational Technology Credits: 3
EDFN 790 - Seminar Credits: 1
EDFN 794 - Internship Credits: 1-6 (1 credit required)

Electives

Credits: 6-9

ECE 543 - Child Inquiry Credits: 2
ECE 645 - Contemporary Perspectives in Early Childhood Education Credits: 3
ECE 676 - Early Childhood Educational Administration and Practices Credits: 1-4
EDER 788 - Master’s Research Problems/Projects Credits: 1-2 (3 credits required)
HDFS 510 - Parenting Credits: 3
HDFS 742 - Family Theory and Research Credits: 3

Total Required Credits: 32 (Option B), 35 (Option C)

Additional Admission Requirements

GRE: Not required
TOEFL: Department requirement of 550 paper-based, 79-80 Internet-based
IELTS: 5.5

Applicants must provide a resume, goal statement, and two letters of professional reference to Teaching, Learning, and Leadership. Once all material is received, it is reviewed by the Department. Students are assigned an admission status of “unconditional,” “conditional” or “not admitted.”

General Requirements

Graduate students should consult with their advisor before registering for graduate work.

For additional information refer to the Master’s Degree Requirements .