Choosing a degree
The Department of Curriculum and Instruction (C&I) offers degrees and non-degree programs at the graduate and undergraduate level.
On this page
- Choosing an advanced degree in curriculum and instruction
- Degrees administered by the Graduate School (Ph.D., M.A.)
- Degrees administered by the College of Education and Human Development (M.Ed.)
- Choosing between the M.A. and M.Ed. degrees
- Admission and program information by advanced degree
- Additional Minnesota K-12 teaching licenses
- Additional Minnesota license (post-baccalaureate)
- Advanced educational options (non-degree)
- Undergraduate degree (B.S./elementary education foundations)
Choosing an advanced degree in curriculum and instruction
The first step in choosing an advanced degree program is to determine whether your goals fit best with degrees offered through the Graduate School (Ph.D. and M.A.) or the College of Education and Human Development (M.Ed.). Your choice will affect the cost of your degree, the kind of courses you will take, the learning environments you participate in, your options for further education, and the career and vocational paths supported by your degree. Prospective students are encouraged to contact support staff, academic advisers, or faculty members:
- C&I graduate studies staff (information about all programs)
- Student Services (academic advisers for M.Ed. programs)
- C&I faculty (research topics)
Degrees administered by the Graduate School
Doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.)
The doctoral degree is highest academic degree (sometimes referred to as a terminal degree) awarded by universities in the United States. The Department of Curriculum and Instruction’s doctoral degree is titled “doctor of philosophy in education: curriculum and instruction.” Doctoral students specialize in one of nine academic program areas called tracks. The Ph.D. is pursued by individuals who have an interest in the advancement of knowledge in their field of education, preparing professionals in their field through advanced teaching and learning, and serving communities and organizations through educational leadership and the exchange of knowledge. The department’s doctoral students complete four to six years of advanced study, gain experience in knowledge development processes (i.e. research), pass rigorous written and oral examinations, and write a dissertation that contributes to new knowledge in their field. The Ph.D. is administered by the Graduate School.
- Graduate School Catalog (Ph.D. requirements and information about the degree)
- Curriculum and Instruction's Ph.D. (Ph.D. tracks and program area information)
Master of arts (M.A.)
The master’s degree is an advanced degree that requires one to two years of advanced study beyond the baccalaureate level. Master’s degrees are pursued by individuals who desire mastery of their field and knowledge of the theoretical foundations upon which it is based. The department’s M.A. degree is titled, “master of arts in education: curriculum and instruction.” M.A. students specialize in one of nine program areas called “tracks.” The M.A. degree prepares students in the use of research and processes of knowledge production (i.e. research) appropriate for individuals who may wish to pursue a doctoral degree and contribute to the production of knowledge in their field. M.A. students must complete a research paper or thesis and pass an oral examination. The M.A. degree is administered by the Graduate School.
- Graduate School Catalog (M.A. requirements and information about the degree)
- Curriculum and Instruction’s M.A. (M.A. program area information)
Degrees administered by the College of Education and Human Development
Like the master of arts (M.A.) degree, the master of education (M.Ed.) degree requires one to two years of advanced study beyond the baccalaureate level. M.Ed. degrees are pursued by individuals who desire mastery of their field, including the theoretical foundations upon which it is based, and skill in knowing how to use and apply knowledge and research in the practice of education. Study may lead to a teacher licensure (certification) by the state of Minnesota. The College of Education and Human Development administers two M.Ed. degrees.
Master of education/initial
licensure programs (M.Ed./ILP)
This M.Ed./ILP is for individuals who want to become licensed to
teach in K-12 classrooms in Minnesota.
Master of
education/professional study (M.Ed./PS)
This degree is for licensed teachers and other professionals
interested in gaining advanced knowledge and skills with
specific emphasis in their current field or a new field,
including licensure to teach in an additional subject area.
- Learn more about Minnesota’s teacher licensure process.
Choosing between the M.A. and M.Ed./professional studies degrees
Although a majority of the coursework taken in the M.A. or M.Ed./professional studies degree program may be the same, the cost of the M.Ed. can be significantly less expensive to complete. If you think you may want to enter a doctoral program at the University of Minnesota sometime in the future, completion of either the M.A or M.Ed./professional studies degree should allow you to do this. However, if you think you may want to complete a doctoral program elsewhere in the United States or abroad, you should be aware that some graduate schools will not accept coursework from master’s degrees not administered by a graduate school. Since the College of Education and Human Development administers the M.Ed. degrees, your coursework may not be accepted by other universities. Please discuss your future goals with the director of graduate studies, your adviser, or another faculty member in your field to be certain that you understand the consequences of choosing between the M.A. and M.Ed. degrees.
Learn about important differences between the M.A. and M.Ed./professional studies degree programs.
Admissions and program information by advanced degree
Admissions requirements and program information vary by degree and subject area or program track.
Additional Minnesota K-12 teacher licenses
Master of education initial licensure programs (M.Ed./ILP) prepare persons who want to be licensed teachers (K-12) in the state of Minnesota. Curriculum and Instruction also offers advanced study for teachers licensed in one subject area who want to obtain licensure in and additional area (without completing a master’s degree).
- English as a second language [ESL] (grades K-12)
- Reading (grades K-12)
- World languages and cultures
- Math
- Science
Minnesota parent education licensure (post-baccalaureate)
Individuals who teach parents in Minnesota’s early childhood family education (ECFE) programs are required to be licensed in parent education. Other individuals interested in parent education also pursue this license, which can be obtained without completing a master’s degree or an initial teacher licensure program.
Advanced educational options (non-degree)
Certificate programs are available for individuals who have completed an undergraduate degree and want 12-18 credits of additional specialized training. Certificates do not lead to an initial or additional teaching license, but may be incorporated as part of the requirements for a master’s degree.
- Dual language and immersion education
- K-12 technology integration
- Multimedia design and development
- Online distance learning
- Teaching writing and critical literacy
Registering as a non-degree-seeking student
Individuals who have completed a bachelor’s degree and wish
to take additional coursework, explore possible fields of
interest, or complete prerequisites for admission to advanced
degree programs in the College of Education and Human
Development or the Graduate School may enroll in courses as a
non-degree-seeking student.
Additional information can be found at
- Earning graduate credit as a non-degree student [.pdf]
- Registration: College of Education and Human Development
- Registering for graduate credit
Undergraduate degree
Bachelor of science in elementary education foundations
The B.S. in elementary education foundations serves as preparation for the master of education initial licensure program in elementary education, which leads to state of Minnesota teaching licensure. It also prepares graduates to work in non-licensure educational settings (for example, day-care centers or youth community programs) or other settings where a strong liberal education base is useful.
May 2006
