Curriculum and Instruction Education

Curriculum and Instruction Education is comprised of two primary areas – programs that lead educators toward state licensing and The Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction (MACI) program.

Adult students who have an accredited bachelor’s degree and are at least 23 years of age may qualify for admission to the Licensing Program for Educators for either elementary or early childhood. The Licensing Program for Educators, scheduled in evening and weekend format, can be completed in approximately 16 months of study, including a minimum of 16 weeks of student teaching. Students in the licensing programs are able to retain their present job or homemaking responsibilities and still complete coursework requirements. The student teaching component requires a full-time day commitment for the time of the assignment. The Alternative Teacher Program is designed in conjunction with public and private schools in Colorado for adult students who are already employed as full time school employees. Through the program students receive training and supervision by a mentor teacher and a support team. The training includes the equivalent of 225 clock hours of planned instruction and activities, including training in dropout prevention, to assist the alternative teacher to earn a provisional teaching license. Students who wish to pursue Alternative Licensing must have a completed Bachelor’s Degree.

The Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction (MACI) provides an appropriate graduate degree for preschool, elementary, middle level, and secondary teachers. It is also appropriate for corporate trainers who desire to be curriculum specialists and writers, supervisors, or departmental chairpersons; and for all those who want to enhance their educational skills and knowledge. Courses may be completed in a classroom setting or online. Although it is possible to complete coursework and the practicum in the online format in as little as three semesters (one year), students have four years from the time of admission to complete the program.