Curriculum and Developmental Supervision is a concentration within the Curriculum and Instruction Master’s program. We are committed to preparing individuals to support teacher learning and development across the career span. We strive to prepare professionals who are ethical, reflective and responsive with diverse clientele, as well as equip them with the knowledge and skills to make evidence-based decisions.
Program Description
The purpose of the program is to prepare educators for positions of leadership in Curriculum and Instruction, an area of increasing importance due to educational reform. Two kinds of leadership functions are envisioned for graduates. The first is for individuals at the school level where they may fill departmental positions or specialized roles such as grade-level chairperson, lead teacher, mentor, instructional coach, and others. Here, the emphasis is on instructional coaching and mentoring. The second function is for positions in a central office of a local school system, regional centers or other educational leadership and supervisory roles. These roles vary in duties ranging from formative and summative supervision of a curricular area, to professional development coordinator, to a director of curriculum and instruction. Titles of educational leaders vary; therefore, our emphasis is on theory, practice and research related to curriculum, instruction, leadership and development, as well as supervisory duties at the school, school district, regional, state and national levels.
The program consists of two levels of advanced study: Master’s and Intermediate (not a degree; 6th year certificate). The Master’s level of study provides opportunity for students to qualify for the Curriculum Specialist License Level I. The Intermediate program qualifies students for the 6th-year or Level II Curriculum Specialist License. The program also serves persons already holding a Master’s degree, usually in a teaching area, who seek to meet the initial requirements of the Curriculum Specialist License, Level I.
Course of Study
The Curriculum and Developmental Supervision concentration leads to a Master of Education and Curriculum-Instructional Specialist License. The program requires a minimum of 30 semester hours of course work, including 24-credit hours in curriculum and instruction, and a minimum of three credit hours in research. The M.Ed. degree requires a summative oral presentation covering program course work. This is completed during the last semester of graduate study.
Curriculum
Course descriptions can be found in the university course catalog.
Master of Science Option
The Curriculum and Developmental Supervision concentration can also lead to a Master of Science and Curriculum Instructional Specialist License. The program requires a minimum of 39 credit hours of coursework. For more information on the plan of study, refer to the curriculum display table. The Master of Science degree requires a thesis, summative oral presentation related to coursework, and an oral defense of the thesis. Master of Science candidates must have a committee of three faculty members to support thesis research.
Required Student Orientation and Final Program Showcase
The CDS program offers a two-hour program orientation/final showcase at the end of the term each Fall and Spring semester. During the first hour, new students receive an overview of the CDS program objectives and curriculum; whereas the second hour involves a formal poster session when graduating CDS Master students showcase their accomplishments. There is no orientation/final showcase for students during Summer Session. Thus, students who anticipate graduating in the summer should plan on presenting during the Spring Showcase.
Licensure
Graduates of this program are eligible to apply for the Curriculum Specialist License upon graduation and successful completion of the required Praxis test. The student’s academic advisor will provide guidance as to when to take the praxis and how to apply for the license.
Faculty
Program Faculty
Admission Requirements
Applicants should have a minimum of three years of teaching experience. Those who do not hold an initial teaching license will not be eligible for the Curriculum Specialist License. In addition, individuals interested in our program should apply for graduate study using the following guidelines established by the NC State University Graduate School:
- Completed online application, department application form, resume and non-refundable application fee
- Official sealed transcript of all post-secondary education
- Official GRE scores and/or Miller Analogies (MAT) scores from within the last 5 years
- English Proficiency Requirements if needed
- Recommendations from 3 people who know your academic record and potential for graduate study
- Personal essay (1-2 pages) that describes your career experiences, future personal goals, and how this degree will affect your career goals
- North Carolina residency form if claiming for tuition purposes