Program Overview
The Master of Science Curriculum & Instruction (MSCI) graduate program at Black Hills State University facilitates professional growth while preparing professionals for leadership in roles beyond the classroom.
As a practicing teacher, you will bring your learning directly to your classroom while you develop an advanced knowledge of theory and practice. In your final year of the program, you will develop a relevant action research project to inform your practice as well as your community.
Career Opportunities
Graduates with a Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction may seek additional career opportunities such as a state or district curriculum director, teaching and learning specialist, content leader within a building or district, or instructional coach.
Required Coursework
Core coursework is guided by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) Propositions. These propositions encompass what we do as effective educators: a) committed to students and their learning; b) content knowledgeable and capable of teaching the content so students learn; c) effective at managing and monitoring student learning; d) reflective and able to think systematically about instruction to find opportunities for improvement; e) and collaborative.
Core Coursework:
• ED 630 Educational Collaboration and Research Methods
• ED 703 Applying Learning Theory to Instructional Design
• ED 744 Curriculum Development and Instruction
• ED 748 Cultural and Linguistic Diversity in Schools
• ED 750 Action Research in Schools
• ED 790 Seminar/Capstone
Elective Coursework
An additional 15 credits are also required. You choose your focus depending on what would best enhance your knowledge. For example, you could focus your coursework on any of the range of disciplines, e.g. special education, math and/or science, technology integration in schools, etc. You can search the BHSU graduate course catalog here or reach out to Dr. Sailor.
Descriptions for Required MSCI Coursework (18 Credits)
ED 630 - Educational Collaboration & Research Methods
This course provides an orientation to the graduate learning environment for collaborative learning and to a wide array of electronic databases for scholarly inquiry. It provides an introduction to graduate writing and to qualitative and quantitative research methods.
ED 703 - Applying Learning Theory to Instructional Design
This course challenges participants to analyze different theories of learning and to determine how those theories influence instructional design and assessment. Within the framework of learning theory, students will plan and design model technology integrated units to provide learning opportunities that integrate a variety of tools and strategies to match learning levels, interests, and needs of students and that will promote concept-based learning.
ED 744 - Curriculum Development & Instruction
In this course, students will be introduced to the philosophy, methods and factors used in the research and development of curriculum in public and private schools. Students will also consider different types of curriculum organization.
ED 748 - Cultural and Linguistic Diversity in Schools
This course will provide a study of curriculum development across the increasing range of cultural and linguistic diversity in America’s schools. It is designed to provide the graduate student with the tools necessary to recognize, develop, evaluate and assess the impact that language and cultural diversity has on learning in today’s classrooms.
ED 750 - Action Research in Schools
This course provides a rigorous examination of action research for informing practice in K-12 classrooms. The course will emphasize practical and theoretical aspects of research design, implementation and interpretation. Project requirements will engage students actively in pursing specific research goals. Prerequisite: ED-630
ED 790 – Seminar/Capstone
A highly focused, and topical course. The format includes student presentations and discussions of reports based on literature, practices, problems, and research.
Elective Coursework (15 credits)
An additional 15 credits are also required. You have a wide option of choice in your pathway depending on what learning would best support you and enhance your knowledge in your current position. For example, you could focus your coursework on any of the range of disciplines, e.g. special education, math and/or science, technology integration in schools, etc. You can search the BHSU graduate course catalog here or reach out to Dr. Sailor.
The link above to the catalog lists all courses. This is just an abbreviated list of the coursework to select from.
General Studies:
ED 622 Foundations of Education and Learning Theory
ED 650 Assessment and Correction of Reading Difficulties Grade 6-12
ED 728 New and Emerging Technology in Schools
ED 742 Literacy and Language: Reading and Writing Instruction
ED 754 Leadership in Schools
Special Education:
SPED 510 Behavior Management of Exceptional Children
SPED 520 Curriculum & Instructional Strategies K-12
SPED 531 Identification & Assessment in Special Education
SPED 535 Characteristic & Exceptionalities of Adolescents
SPED 553 Intro Autism Spectrum Disorders
SPED 560 Family Systems & Professional Collaboration
SPED 585 Special Education Law
Content Specific Coursework in math, science, library media, etc.
ED 751 Leadership in School Mathematics
ED 671 Assessment for School Mathematics
ED 609 Contemporary Issues in Science Education
ED 679 Assessment of Science Teaching Learning
LIBM 509 Library Methods
LIBM 521 Management of the Library Media Center
Admission Requirements
To be considered for the MSCI program, students must have:
1. An undergraduate degree in education (BS or BA)
2. A cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 3.00 or higher
3. At least three (3) years of professional teaching experience Apply online for admission to graduate studies. There is a $35.00 application fee. Request that an official undergraduate transcript be sent from the institution that awarded the degree to BHSU Admissions. If you have already completed graduate courses at another institution, request those official transcripts be sent to BHSU admissions as well.
Once you have submitted your application, you will upload the following:
1. Resume
2. One letter of recommendation
3. A written response to a case study
You will receive an email from the Director of Graduate Studies regarding your acceptance to the program.
