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

Program Coordinator/Contact

Jay Trenhaile, Interim Department Head
Katherine Bertolini, Assistant Professor/Graduate Coordinator
Department of Teaching, Learning, and Leadership
Wenona Hall 108, Box 507
605-688-5039

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.

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 A - Thesis	30 Credit Hours
	Option B - Research/Design Paper	32 Credit Hours
	Option C - Coursework Only	35 Credit Hours

Core Requirements

ECE 794 - Internship (COM) Credits: 1-7 (2 credits required)
or EDFN 794 - Internship (COM) Credits: 1-6 (2 credits required)
EDER 610 - Introduction to Research Credits: 3
EDFN 600 - Advanced Pedagogy Credits: 3
EDFN 701 - Capstone Credits: 1
EDFN 725 - Education in a Pluralistic Society Credits: 3
EDFN 730 - Current Issues in Education (COM) Credits: 3
EPSY 740 - Advanced Educational Psychology Credits: 3

Select one of the following options

Option A - Thesis

Approved Electives Credits: 1
EDFN 798 - Thesis (COM) Credits: 1-6 (5 credits required)
EDER 612 - Inquiry and Action Research Credits: 3
or EDER 614 - Advanced Educational Research Design and Analysis Credits: 3

Select from the following

Select six credits from the following. Credits: 6

ECE 711 - Developmental Theory and Application Credits: 3
ECE 715 - Cognitive Development Credits: 3
EDER 711 - Educational Assessment (COM) Credits: 3
EDFN 700 - Exceptional Learners Credits: 3
EDFN 750 - Educational Technology Credits: 3
HDFS 742 - Family Theory and Research Credits: 3

Option B - Research/Design Paper

Approved Electives Credits: 5
EDER 788 - Master’s Research Problems/Projects (COM) Credits: 1-6 (3 credits required)

Select from the following

Select nine credits from the following. Credits: 9

ECE 711 - Developmental Theory and Application Credits: 3
ECE 715 - Cognitive Development Credits: 3
EDER 612 - Inquiry and Action Research Credits: 3
EDER 711 - Educational Assessment (COM) Credits: 3
EDFN 750 - Educational Technology Credits: 3
HDFS 742 - Family Theory and Research Credits: 3

Option C - Coursework Only

Approved Electives Credits: 11

Select from the following

Select nine credits from the following. Credits: 9

ECE 711 - Developmental Theory and Application Credits: 3
ECE 715 - Cognitive Development Credits: 3
EDER 612 - Inquiry and Action Research Credits: 3
EDER 711 - Educational Assessment (COM) Credits: 3
EDFN 750 - Educational Technology Credits: 3
HDFS 742 - Family Theory and Research Credits: 3

Total Required Credits: 30 (Option A), 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 .