Department of Curriculum
and Instruction

(Back to College of Education)

Quick Links

Undergraduate ProgramGraduate ProgramCourse DescriptionsFaculty

 

About the Program

This department supervises the following degree programs and certificates:

• Bachelor of Science in Multidisciplinary Studies
• Bachelor of Science in Multidisciplinary Science
• Master of Education in Bilingual Education
• Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction
• Master of Education in Elementary Education
• Master of Education in Language Literacy Education
• Master of Education in Secondary Education
• Master of Science in Multidisciplinary Science
• Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum and Instruction
• Graduate Certificate in Developmental Literacy
• Master Mentor Teacher Graduate Certificate

Undergraduate Program

Multidisciplinary Studies

Middle-Level Education. This degree is designed primarily for individuals seeking teacher certification in grades four to eight. Students may choose certification in English language arts, English language arts/social studies, and math/science. Students should consult with an advisor in the college to determine which degree plan best suits their career aspirations. Degree plans leading to the different certificates will include subject area coursework and a sequence of four semesters of professional education courses (including the student teaching semester). Courses in middle-level education include field experiences scheduled outside of class time.

Bilingual Education. This degree is designed to prepare those who wish to be certified as an elementary generalist and as a bilingual generalist teacher. The degree includes coursework in Spanish and certification requires passing the Texas Oral Proficiency Test in Spanish as well as TExES exams. Students complete four semesters of professional education work that includes field experiences in elementary and in bilingual settings in area schools.

Special Education. Students wishing to become certified as an elementary generalist and as an all-level special education teacher for children from early childhood to grade twelve will seek a degree with a specialization in special education. Students complete four semesters of professional education work with field experiences in elementary and in special education settings.

English as a Second Language. Students wishing to become certified as an elementary generalist with additional certification in English as a second language (ESL), will seek a degree with a specialization in ESL. Students complete four semesters of professional education work with field experience in elementary and ESL classrooms.

Elementary Math/Science Emphasis. This degree is designed to prepare those who wish to emphasize math and science courses as they prepare to be certified as an elementary generalist.

 

Multidisciplinary Science

Secondary Science Education. The multidisciplinary science major is administered in this department. Individuals completing this major—both the baccalaureate requirements and the certification requirements—are eligible for certification to teach all sciences grades eight to twelve in Texas. This major requires 57 to 61 semester hours in science. All individuals in this major are required to complete CHEM 1107, 1108, 1307, 1308, PHYS 1403, 1404, GEOL 1101, 1102, 1303, 1304, BIOL 1403 1404, ATMO 1300, ASTR 1400, and 1100. Students will choose an area of emphasis from among the sciences (biology, chemistry, geosciences, physics or life and earth sciences) and complete additional coursework. Students seeking certification must minor in secondary education. Students not seeking certification must have a minor in an area other than education. The minimum number of hours required for a major in multidisciplinary science is a total of 129. Students should consult advisors so that prerequisites and other requirements may be met in a timely manner. Two semesters of foreign language are considered leveling work for this program, unless waived because of two years of high school foreign language.

 

Program Requirements

Core Curriculum Requirements. The university has established Core Curriculum requirements for all students. These requirements will ensure breadth in each academic program. Students should consult their academic advisor regarding specific course requirements. Students are urged to seek advisement prior to their first enrollment to avoid losing credit. Students may find a listing of Core Curriculum requirements in the Undergraduate Academics section of the catalog.

Advisory Program. The advisory program is designed to provide aid to each student in planning and completing the appropriate degree and teacher certification program. The academic advisor is responsible for (1) assisting the student in planning a program and in updating degree plans, (2) helping the student in selecting the proper areas of certification and/or teaching fields, and (3) advising the student in meeting admission and retention standards of teacher education and student teaching.

Admission to the Bachelor of Science Degree Program and Admission to the Teacher Certification (Education) Program. The college seeks to maintain rigorous academic programs to produce outstanding educators for Texas and the nation. Admission to college degree and certification programs is open to all individuals on the basis of academic preparation, ability, and availability of space in the program selected. When there are more qualified applicants than can be adequately instructed by available faculty or accommodated in available facilities, the college will control enrollment in specific programs by limiting the admission of new students. The number of students accepted into the undergraduate programs is limited. Therefore, admission into a teacher education program is competitive and based on GPA and other criteria. A complete description of eligibility requirements is available in the Certification Office in the College of Education. (Entrance criteria may be subject to change.) Admission to a college degree program does not ensure admission to an upper-division teacher certification program. Please see Educator Certification Programs to read about admission requirements for the teacher certification program, information on the Texas Examinations for Educators Standards (TExES), recommendations for teacher certification, admission to student teaching, and transferability.

Academic Foundations. During their freshman and sophomore years, students normally complete their general degree requirements for both the Bachelor of Science degree and a teaching certificate. Coursework in professional education and advanced courses, particularly in academic specializations or teaching fields, is usually taken in the junior and senior years.

Professional Education. Teacher education programs in the College of Education are field-based. Students will complete observations and activities in public school settings. These field experiences may require time in addition to class time to complete.

Student Load. The maximum load for a student in the College of Education is 19 semester hours. No student will be permitted to enroll in more than 18 semester hours, including work taken by correspondence, without written approval from the department chair or associate dean. During the student teaching semester, the maximum load is 12 semester hours—9 to 12 hours of student teaching plus any corequisite education course. Requests to take more than 12 hours must be approved by the certification officer.

Length of Degree Program. The Bachelor of Science degree can be completed in approximately eight semesters. The multidisciplinary studies major requires 123-129 hours, and the multidisciplinary science major requires 129 hours. A student may be required to attend either one summer term or a ninth semester to complete all requirements. Assistance in completing the degree and certification plan is provided by advisors in the College of Education. An Intent to Graduate form should be filed with an advisor one year prior to graduation.

Pass-Fail Option. Courses used to meet stated degree plan requirements may not be taken pass/fail. Up to 13 hours of courses that are taken as free electives to total 133 hours and are not used to meet any other degree requirement may be taken pass/fail. Courses that are designated pass/fail by departmental policy rather than student choice do not count in the 13-hour limit on elective courses that may be taken pass/fail. A student on probation is not allowed the pass/fail option.

Education Minor. Students seeking secondary certification may minor in secondary education. The following courses may be used by students who complete student teaching as undergraduates: EDSE 4000 (9 to 12 hours), 4310, 4311, 4322; EDSE 4320, 4351, 4360, or 4376; and EDLL 4382. The following sequence of courses may be used by students not completing student teaching on the undergraduate level: EDSE 2300, 4310, 4311, 4322; EDSE 4320, 4351, 4360, or 4376; and EDLL 4382. The minimum number of hours for a minor in secondary education is 18. Other education courses may be used in the minor with the permission of an academic advisor in the College of Education.

The College of Education also offers a minor in bilingual education. The following sequence of courses will fulfill the requirements for the bilingual minor: EDBL 3332, 3334, 3336, 3337, 3338, and EDSE 2300. Substitutions for any of these courses need to be approved by an academic advisor in the College of Education.Back to Top

 

Graduate Program

Post-Baccalaureate Initial Teaching Certification. Post-baccalaureate programs designed to meet initial certification requirements for teaching in early childhood (early childhood to grade six), middle level (grades four to eight), and secondary schools (grades eight to twelve) are available. The state-mandated TExES test is required for persons who complete certification programs. For guidance concerning professional certification, students should consult with an advisor or the university certification officer and the coordinators of the various programs. Information on post-baccalaureate programs leading to certification is available online www.educ.ttu.edu. Although post-baccalaureate certification coursework may be applied to master’s degrees in elementary education and secondary education, gaining admission to degree programs requires an additional admissions process. Additional information on post-baccalaureate certification may be found on the college Web site.

Master's Programs

Bilingual Education. A master’s degree in this program area is available with a concentration in either bilingual education or English as a second language (ESL). Students may choose a 36-semester-hour plan that includes core courses and specialty concentrations and features a choice among offerings in language literacy, linguistics, anthropology, and English. The 30-semester-hour plan includes core and specialty courses, electives from a range of selections, and a 6-hour thesis. Students may seek supplemental certificates in bilingual education or English as a second language within requirements for the master’s degree. More information and application forms are available at www.educ.ttu.edu/edbl.

Curriculum and Instruction. The program area of curriculum and instruction offers a master’s degree that is designed to meet the diverse needs of professional educators in elementary, secondary, and post-secondary education. Thesis and nonthesis options are available. Further information and application forms are available at www.educ.ttu.edu/edci.

Elementary Education. The master’s program in elementary education is designed for students interested in concentrating on the fundamentals of reflective practice with an emphasis in social studies, mathematics, and science education. Thesis and non-thesis options are available. Students enrolled in a post-baccalaureate certification program should meet with a faculty advisor to develop a master’s degree plan that will include certification coursework. Information about the program and application forms can be found at www.educ.ttu.edu/eled.

Language Literacy Education. The language literacy program area offers a master’s degree in language literacy with two options. The first option addresses many of the requirements of the Master Reading Teacher certificate program. The second option focuses on the Professional Reading Specialist Certification and supplies a strong foundation for later doctoral work. The master’s degree requires 36 hours of graduate work. See www.educ.ttu.edu/edll for additional information and application materials. Thesis and nonthesis options are available.

Secondary Education. Two basic degree plans are available. The 36-semester-hour plan (without a thesis) includes a 21-semester-hour concentration in educational foundations and secondary education as well as 15 hours in a minor concentration. The minor may be taken in a teaching field. The 30-semester-hour plan (with a thesis) includes a major concentration of 18 semester hours, a 6-hour minor concentration, and a thesis (6 hours). Students enrolled in a post-baccalaureate certification program should meet with a faculty advisor to develop a master’s degree plan that will include certification coursework. See www.educ.ttu.edu/edse for more information and application materials.

Doctoral Program

Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum and Instruction. The Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction may be completed with a concentration in one of five areas: Bilingual/English as a Second Language Education, Curriculum Studies/Teacher Education, Language and Literacy Education, Physical Education and Sports Science, or Science and Mathematics Education. Courses are taken in curriculum and instruction, the student’s concentration, research methods, diversity, and technology. For further information contact the department (walter.smith@ttu.edu).

Graduate Certificate Programs

Developmental Literacy. The 15-hour Graduate Certificate in Developmental Literacy fills a need in the community for qualified teachers in developmental reading programs, adult basic education, adult literacy programs, alternative high schools, reading intervention programs in traditional high school settings, and GED programs. Contact: Dr. Mellinee Lesley, 806.742.1997, Ext. 240, mellinee.lesley@ttu.edu

Master Mentor Teacher. The 12-hour Master Mentor Teacher Graduate Certificate is designed to prepare experienced teachers to mentor new teachers in instructional strategies, classroom management strategies, and other aspects of daily classroom life, in addition to the policies and procedures specific to individual campuses. Contact: Dr. Susan Myers, 806.742.1997 Ext. 513, susan.myers@ttu.edu

Back to Top

 

Course Descriptions

• Bilingual Education (EDBL)
• Educational Curriculum and Instruction (EDCI)
• Elementary Education (EDEL)
• Language Literacy (EDLL)
• Secondary Education (EDSE)
• Interdisciplinary Studies (IS)

Back to Top

Faculty

Click here to view alphabetical listing of all TTU faculty and their academic credentials.

Walter S. Smith, Ph.D., Chairperson

Professors: Benavides, Midobuche, Ruch, Santos, Simpson, Smith
Associate Professors: Agnello, Aguirre-Muñoz, Akrofi, Anderson, Button, Hamman, Janisch, Johnson, Lesley, McMillan, Miller, Morgan-Fleming, Muñoz, Myers, Price, Sheets, Todd, Watson, Wilhelm
Assistant Professors: Fehr, Fox, Furgerson, Matteson, Narayan, Ortiz, C. Pratt, Salazar, Saldaña, Torres (Visiting)
Instructors: Biggers, Craig, Dennis, Duke, Halsey, Lupton, McLaren, Mitchell, B. Pratt, Spears, Stocks, TalkmittBack to Top