Curriculum OVERVIEW

Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction

Our MEd degree is a 33-credit graduate-level program designed for teachers looking to improve their professional practice and those interested in applying their art education background in specialized or leadership roles.

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Your Journey

Work toward your professional goals with the Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction. Build a toolkit of strategies with our core courses to develop comprehensive curricula and engage learners. Pursue your passion with one of three specializations.

Continue your work as an action researcher in the capstone phase. Develop a research question in an area of interest, curate your knowledge of existing literature, and present your findings to faculty and peers.

Masters of Ed
Masters

Specializations

Discover the specialization that truly speaks to your passion and interests and get ready to make a real impact in the field you love:

All three pathways foster reflective practice strategies and action research to inspire curriculum design.

Your academic advisor will help you plan your perfect timeline and curricular path, with most students completing their degree in 2–3 years. Learn at your own pace, complete coursework on your schedule, and engage with a vibrant community of art teachers through weekly discussion boards and collaboration.

Program Outcomes

Program outcomes for the Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction engage students as they:
  • Synthesize art content knowledge to construct differentiated and engaging learning experiences based on student cognitive, social, and individualized development.
  • Design long-range planning and curriculum development, including the implementation and evaluation of curriculum and alignment with standards, benchmarks, and student needs.
  • Create learning experiences informed by past and present education methods, utilize various instructional strategies to foster 21st-century skills, and enrich learning with educational technology.
  • Create positive learning environments that encourage active engagement in learning, positive social interaction, digital fluency, self-motivation, and equitable learning experiences for all students.
  • Effectively advocate with others in the field, and build relationships with students, parents, colleagues, and community members.
  • Serve as a reflective practitioner, effectively using assessment strategies to refine and redefine working assumptions, values, and practices in order to better meet all learners’ needs.
  • Develop and establish a reflective practice in a quest to seek growth opportunities that evolve and improve your professional practice over time.
  • Design, implement, and reflect on an original inquiry that embraces action research methods and contributes to improved professional practice.

Course Descriptions

When pursuing a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from The Art of Education University, you’ll start by taking the required core courses for 15 credit hours, and then dive into 12 credit hours of coursework tailored to your chosen specialization track. It’s the perfect path to your educational goals!

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500-Level Core Courses

15 credit hours, required in this sequence.
Each course below is equal to 3 credit hours

ARE540Cultural Competency in Art Education3
ARE548The Art of Teaching and Learning3
ARE518Reaching All Artists Through Differentiation3
ARE550Curriculum and Assessment3
ARE552Reflective Practitioner3
Credits15

Specialization Coursework

Specialize in Arts Integration, Instructional Leadership in Art Education, or Inclusive Practices for Visual Arts to personalize your program based on your passions and interests.

Arts Integration

Each course below is equal to 3 credit hours

This specialization emphasizes creativity across disciplines through the arts. You’ll build interactive classroom experiences, integrate emerging technology, and facilitate 21st-century skills. Coursework builds on art pedagogy, instilling confidence, resiliency, and self-determined learning in student artists.

Arts Integration: How Art Increases Academic Capacity
Innovation Through Design
Social-Emotional Learning in the Visual Arts
Technology in the 21st-Century Art Room

Instructional Leadership in Art Education

Each course below is equal to 3 credit hours

This specialization will equip you to advocate for change and drive meaningful impact in education. With a focus on community connections, you’ll build the capacity for substantial professional growth, applying ethics and leadership principles to grant writing and entrepreneurship.

Ethics and Equity for Art Education Leadership
Advocating for the Visual Arts
Designing and Leading Professional Learning
Principles of Art and Business

Inclusive Practices for the Visual Arts

Each course below is equal to 3 credit hours

This specialization focuses on creating an inclusive and accessible art experience for diverse learners while gaining a deep understanding of special education terms, strategies, rights, and responsibilities. Engage in coursework that encourages reflection and empowers you to drive positive change, reaching and teaching all learners effectively.

Art and Diverse Learners
Adapting the Art Room
Classroom Management Strategies for Diverse Learners
Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in the Art Room

Capstone & 600-Level Courses

The Capstone Entrance Exam shows students’ ability to apply 500-level course learning through academic writing. It is a prerequisite for 600-level coursework.

600-Level Core Courses

ARE632Foundations of Action Research3
ARE634Capstone: Curriculum & Instruction3
Credits6

University for Life

Today, you are seeking a degree. Tomorrow, you may need additional support on your journey as an educator and artist. AOEU’s podcasts, videos, conferences, and other PD opportunities will be there to guide you along with a community of art educators from around the world.

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