University of Nebraska Kearney

Curriculum and Instruction Degree 

Degree: Master of Arts in Education
Program: Curriculum and Instruction
Degree Level: Graduate
Credit Hours: 36 credit hours
Delivery Format: Online
Prerequisites: Bachelor’s Degree with a Teaching Certificate 

The Master of Arts in Education in Curriculum and Instruction degree is a 36-credit hour program designed for K-12 teachers in all areas and grade levels who are interested in becoming better classroom teachers.  The Curriculum & Instruction advances the professional growth of educators, whether the goal is to expand work within a given discipline, develop a new endorsement area, or address particular instructional concerns.  The six areas of study are:  1) Elementary Education, 2) Instructional Effectiveness, 3) Early Childhood Education, 4) Reading/Special Education, 5) English as a Second Language, 6) Secondary Education.   Students pursuing certification in other states must check with their State Department of Education for certification requirements.  To apply, students must hold a Bachelor’s Degree with a standard teaching certificate.

Computer hardware, software and skills required: 

Basic computer literacy is required to succeed as an online student. To decide if online learning is for you, click on http://www.unk.edu/acad/continuing_ed/ecampus/index.php?id=4788. To determine if you have the minimum hardware and software needed, log on to http://www.unk.edu/acad/continuing_ed/students/index.php?id=6213.

Required Courses = 12 credit hours 

TE 800 - Educational Research
TE 803 - Philosophy of Education
TE 804 - Curriculum Development in Multicultural Education
Select one of the following:
TE 805P - Overview of Assistive Technology 
TE 886P - Technology Tools for Teachers

Choose one concentration from the following. For course listings, click here: 
Early Childhood Education
Elementary Education
Reading/Special Education
English as a Second Language*
Secondary Education
Instructional Effectiveness

*The ESL Concentration area will qualify an individual for adding an ESL K-12 endorsement to the NE Teaching Certificate.  Because of the volume of coursework there is not a thesis option.

Why Choose UNK?

The University of Nebraska at Kearney is a mid-sized comprehensive public university. UNK is one of four institutions in the University of Nebraska system. In a typical year, UNK draws students from 47 states and 50 foreign countries with a total enrollment approaching 7,200 students.

Affordable - UNK has one of the lowest tuition rates in the country. For tuitions rates, click here.

Accredited Programs - UNK is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools and by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.

Quality Education - UNK offers the same quality distance degree programs and courses that are offered on the campus.  The majority of the instruction is taught by credentialed full-time faculty with doctoral degrees who are committed to quality teaching.  Students and teaching remain the first priority with faculty at UNK.

Program Contact: Mary Volker