Get a Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction.
/ Academics / Graduate Programs / Curriculum and Instruction

Master of Science: Curriculum and Instruction (MSCI)

Earn your Master of Science in Curriculum & Instruction. The Master of Science in Curriculum & Instruction (MSCI) graduate programs at Black Hills State University (BHSU) facilitate professional growth while preparing education professionals for leadership in roles beyond the classroom. As a practicing teacher and graduate student, you will have opportunities to take online and site-based coursework directly into the classroom and into leadership experiences to better connect theory to practice and to expand your understanding of research and research-based practices.

Students meeting Phase 1 admissions requirements may enroll in individual courses as a non-degree seeking student.

MSCI graduate degree programs of study include the following areas of emphasis (area of emphasis does not appear on transcripts):  


state & national standards

The Master of Science in Curriculum & Instruction (MSCI) graduate programs at Black Hills State University facilitate professional growth while preparing education professionals for leadership roles beyond the classroom.

The state of South Dakota Board of Education has enacted the K-12 Science Specialist and K-12 Mathematics Specialist endorsements to strengthen the capacity and the infrastructure for improving K-12 science and mathematics education. The K-12 Technology Integrationist program fosters professional growth, leadership, and improved professional practice through the effective use of digital tools and resources in the classroom. These designations fill an important need in both South Dakota and beyond state borders.

Courses in each of the three specializations align with professional association national standards (National Science Teachers Association, International Society of Technology Education, and National Council for Teachers of Mathematics). Core courses are guided by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS).

PLEASE NOTE: Completion of an MSCI program does not result in licensure or endorsement to an existing teaching license. Please contact Dr. Sharla Dowding (Sharla.Dowding@BHSU.edu), Director of Field Experiences and Certification Officer, for questions about licensure or endorsements.

MSCI K-12 Special Education

Program of Study (35 total hours)

Core Courses (17 hours):

  • 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: Technology
  • ED 790 Seminar (Capstone)

Content Courses (18 hours):

  • SPED 510 Behavior Management or Exceptional Children
  • SPED 513 Serving Students with Severe Disabilities
  • SPED 517 Vocational-Transitional Programming
  • SPED 520 Curriculum and Instruction Strategies K-12
  • SPED 531 Identification & Assessment in Special Education
  • SPED 560 Family Systems and Professional Collaboration
  • SPED 695 K-8 SPED Practicum
  • SPED 695 7-12 SPED Practicum

MSCI K-12 Library Media

Program of Study (35 total hours)

Core Courses (17 hours):

  • 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: Technology
  • ED 790 Seminar (Capstone)

Content Courses (18 hours):

  • ED 700 - Level Elective
  • LIBM/ED 531 Library Media and Technology
  • LIBM 504 Reference Resources
  • LIBM 508 Collection Development
  • LIBM 509 Library Methods
  • LIBM 521 Management of the Library Media Center
  • LIBM 543 Information: Organization, Retrieval, and Discovery
  • LIBM 595 Library Practicum

MSCI Early Childhood Special Education: Birth - Preschool Age 8

Program of Study (35 total hours)

Core Courses (17 hours):

  • 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: Technology
  • ED 790 Seminar (Capstone)

Content Courses (18 hours):

  • ECE 511 Social Development in Early Childhood
  • ECE 513 Early Childhood Curriculum
  • ECE 517 Methods of Early Childhood
  • ECE 795 Practicum in Early Childhood Education
  • SPED 510 Behavior Management of Exceptional Children
  • SPED 531 Identification and Assessment in Special Education
  • SPED 560 Family Systems and Professional Collaboration

MSCI Early Childhood: Birth - Preschool Age 8

Program of Study (35 hours total)

Core Courses (17 hours):

  • 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: Technology
  • ED 790 Seminar (Capstone)

Content Courses (18 hours):

  • ECE 511 Social Development in Early Childhood
  • ECE 513 Early Childhood Curriculum
  • ECE 517 Methods of Early Childhood Education
  • ECE 795 Practicum in Early Childhood Education
  • ED 728 New &Emergent Technology in Schools
  • SPED 560 Family Systems & Professional Collaboration

MSCI K-12 Mathematics Education

MSCI K-12 Mathematics Education students complete core courses online and content courses online or in a face-to-face format. Graduates are prepared to serve school districts as teacher leaders, math coaches, and math coordinators.

Program of Study (35 hours total)

Core Courses (17 hours):

Content Courses (18 hours):

  • ED 601 Foundations and Issues in Mathematics Education
  • ED 611 Algebraic Reasoning for K-12 Educators
  • ED 621 Geometry and Measurement for K-12 Educators
  • ED 641 Understanding Student Thinking in Number/Operations
  • ED 651 Understanding Student Thinking in Algebra
  • ED 661 Understanding Student Thinking in Geometry/Measurement
  • ED 671 Assessment in School Mathematics
  • ED 741 Historical Development of Math Concepts
  • ED 751 Leadership in Schools

These math content courses are offered through the Center for Advancement in Science and Mathematics Education (CAMSE) at BHSU. To find out more information about these math content courses, please contact Deann Kertzman via email at deann.kertzman@bhsu.edu.

STUDENTS

RESOURCES

INFORMATION

Black Hills State University Logo
© Copyright 2020 Black Hills State University
Terms of Use | Privacy Statement | Title IX | Freedom of Expression
BHSU Email Login | Assigned Editor Login

Top of Page