About the Department of Curriculum and Instruction
The Department of Curriculum and Instruction, consistently ranks in the top twenty in the nation. Of particular interest to students and faculty alike are the opportunities for joint ventures with academic departments throughout the University. For example, the science education program maintains strong connections to a variety of the science departments (e.g., biology, geology, physics).
Our students
Ph.D. students in our department are outstanding! Since 2002-2003, C&I students have won nearly three times as many Doctoral Dissertation Fellowships as any other department in the college in this highly competitive university-wide competition.
Full-time graduate students are encouraged to participate in faculty research and grant funded projects and to teach introductory classes. Graduate students interested in teacher development can work with the initial licensure program of 30-35 students on average, to participate firsthand in the preparation of new teachers in their field of expertise.
Our mission
In adhering to the land grant mission of the university, the Department of Curriculum and Instruction fosters an intellectual community of nationally and internationally-recognized scholars who:
- advance understanding of teaching and learning through research and other scholarly endeavors, including the scholarship of teaching and the scholarship of public engagement;
- support the preparation and development of scholars and educators who are leaders in their disciplines, schools, and community settings, and who are able to collaborate across disciplines to benefit those they serve;
- engage in multidisciplinary pursuits with partners in P-16 schools, communities, professional associations, and other educational institutions to improve the quality of education for all learners;
- address the cultural, linguistic, social, political, technological, and economic factors that influence teaching, learning, and research; and
- foster educational practice that leads to a more democratic
and just society.
Mission approved January 25, 2001; reviewed February 2007.
Commitment to Diversity
The Department of Curriculum and Instruction embraces the University of Minnesota's position that promoting and supporting diversity among the student body is central to the academic mission of the University. A diverse student body enriches graduate education by providing a multiplicity of views and perspectives that enhance research, teaching, and the development of new knowledge. A diverse mix of students promotes respect for and opportunities to learn from others with the broad range of backgrounds and experiences that constitute modern society. Higher education trains the next generation of leaders of academia and society in general, and such opportunities for leadership should be accessible to all members of society. The Curriculum and Instruction Department is therefore committed to providing equal access to educational opportunities through recruitment, admission, and support programs that promote diversity, foster successful academic experiences, and cultivate the leaders of the next generation.
Additional resources
For more on the Graduate School's commitment to diversity, please see the Graduate School's Diversity Statement that includes the University of Minnesota's Mission Statement. The following resources may also prove helpful:
- Disability Services 612-626-1333
- Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Ally Programs 612-625-0537
- Multicultural Center for Academic Excellence 612-624-6386
- Office of Equity and Diversity 612-624-0594
- Women's Center 612-625-9837
Revised November 2011
