Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction

(Previous title: M.Ed. in Teaching and Learning)

The Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Curriculum and Instruction prepares professionals with educational responsibilities to advance as leaders and innovators. Those who complete the degree will develop a strong foundation for career-long growth as reflective practitioners with concern for equity and social justice. They will demonstrate growth as caring professionals who skillfully apply current theories and research to their pedagogical practice and will develop their capacities to lead in creating effective learning communities among diverse learners.

The M.Ed. satisfies the requirement that P-12 teachers (who already hold a NYS initial teaching certificate) complete a master's degree in a related area in order to obtain professional certification. Students with initial certification may be able to independently pursue professional certification after completion of the M.Ed. degree.

Program Design

This 30 credit hour program is taught through online instruction.  Students customize their degree plan with a focus approved by program faculty to ensure relevance and alignment with a final, capstone project.

Required Courses

  • CURI 6005 - Introduction to Critical Pedagogy (3 credits)
  • CURI 6010 - New Media and New Literacies (3 credits)
  • CURI 7122 - Research Design (3 credits)
  • CURI 6020 - Contemporary Issues in Teaching and Learning  (3 credits)
  • CURI 6015 - Leading in a Learning Environment (3 credits)
  • CURI 7030 - Final Project (3 credits)

Elective Courses and Final Project

You choose four elective courses (12 credits) to reflect your interests and to reinforce the individual focus of your degree. You are encouraged to use your electives to build a concentration around your final, capstone project.

Concentrations may be developed in the areas of Literacy or Foundations of Teaching, or developed from electives offered in collaboration with New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) Education and Learning Trust, or in Waldorf Education in collaboration with Sunbridge Institute.

More information: SUNY Empire State College Partnership with Sunbridge Institute

Note: The M.Ed. does not lead to NYS initial teacher certification. Teacher certification is possible through the college's Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program.