Curriculum & Instruction

Curriculum & Instruction Program
2006-2007
ACCIS Conference Registration Form (pdf, doc)

WHAT DOES A C&I PROFESSIONAL DO?

Our C&I Programs are advanced level programs designed to equip professionals for work in many educational settings. Our students are prepared for work in elementary, high school, and college or university settings, as well as industry and non-profit organizations in areas such as training, cross-cultural and non-formal education, and educational technology.

Mission
As companions in learning, faculty and students are committed to global Christian service through excellence in teaching, learning and research.

Program Description
The Curriculum and Instruction program is concerned with creating superior learning environments within learning organizations, such as corporate training, schools, colleges, and universities. Curriculum & Instruction (C&I) degrees at Andrews University are interdisciplinary, involving a broad spectrum of content areas and educational levels. Specialized study is offered within Curriculum & Instruction for school-based personnel at elementary, secondary, and tertiary levels. While programs in curriculum and instruction are designed for experienced educators, provision is made for individuals desiring a career change. Such persons may be required to earn more than the minimum 32 credits.
Increasingly, C&I is involved in the preparation of trainers and consultants for business, government, and non-government organizations. Curriculum & Instruction cooperates with selected departments in offering advanced cognates for persons preparing to be college teachers. Graduates of the Andrews University Curriculum and Instruction program have served as classroom teachers, department heads, principals, superintendents, curriculum specialists, teacher educators, department chairs, researchers, academic vice presidents, and college presidents. Persons seeking initial teacher certification for K-12 schools at the Master’s level are strongly encouraged to pursue the MAT degree for elementary or secondary education.

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Degree Options. The C&I Program offers four degrees to suit a variety of student needs. They include the following:

• Master of Arts (MA)
• Educational Specialist (EdS)
• Doctor of Education (EdD)
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Program Characteristics

Focus on Holistic Development. We take the mind-body-spirit connection seriously. Planned experiences throughout the C&I program provide opportunities for students to develop as whole beings – mentally, spiritually, socially, and physically.

Role-based Curriculum. Curriculum scholars around the world fulfill specific roles when designing, developing, implementing and evaluating the educational enterprise. The learning outcomes for this program are designed to help individuals develop competence in these roles within the context of educational practice.
Successful mastery of these roles promotes the development of a service-focused, scholarly mindset. (See description of C&I Roles below.)

Documenting Mastery of Roles. Program candidates may demonstrate mastery of the program roles by taking classes (face-to-face or online) or completing a Course Competency Contract. Previous experience may be included in the Course Competency Contract.

Residential Options. The Curriculum & Instruction program is designed to meet the needs of our students. The majority of students in the C&I program choose the field-based residency option and maintain their current employment while completing face-to-face classes in the summer and distance classes during the traditional academic year. We also have students who choose the traditional, residential program and move to Berrien Springs for full-time study. Students may select either residency option or a combination of the two.

Annual Intake. While the C&I program accepts applications for enrollment any time during the year, the official start for new students in the program is during the summer C&I Institute on the Berrien Springs campus. International cohorts begin their programs at arranged times and locations.

Membership in an International Learning Community. Beginning with the classmates in your initial cohort, you will spend your time in the C&I program developing personal and professional relationships. The Andrews Community of Curriculum & Instruction Scholars (ACCIS) is composed of students, alumni, faculty, and friends of the C&I program. ACCIS is a student-led professional organization whose purpose is to foster professional growth and networking. In addition to cohorts and ACCIS, students function as members of regional groups and study teams.

Collaborative Scholarship. Planned experiences help foster true collaboration throughout the C&I program. Most students co-research, co-present, or co-author with other students and/or faculty members.

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Admissions Requirements. Admissions decisions are based on an overall profile of each applicant. The applicant profile consists of information that indicates personal “fit” with the Curriculum and Instruction program and potential for success in the program. To ensure consideration for acceptance into the current year’s summer cohort, completed applications must be on file at the Andrews University Graduate Admissions office by February 1.

In addition to application materials required of all graduate school applicants the following items are of particular importance:

• A 500-word statement of purpose explaining how your professional goals fit with the mission of the Curriculum and Instruction program.
• Recommendation forms and letters from professionals. Do not submit recommendations from relatives. 
• A completed Professional Experience form.
• A current resume or vita.
• Official transcripts from all schools where undergraduate or graduate courses were taken.
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general exam scores. Note: MA students may receive provisional acceptance without GRE scores, but will need to complete the exam during the first six months of their program.
• Documentation of English proficiency. See University Graduate Programs General Admission Requirements for details. Please consult the Graduate Programs Admission section of this bulletin for complete information regarding admissions requirements. Prerequisites include at least 9 semester credits of course work in educational philosophy, educational psychology, and instructional methodology. Persons, such as corporate trainers, who seek admission without such a background, may be required to include such courses in their course plan. These prerequisites may add to the total number of credits needed to complete the degree.

Graduation Requirements.

All students:

• Complete course work within time limits and GPA guidelines
• Complete of a major Curriculum and Instruction project 
• Complete an initial research project (EDRM505)
• Comprehensive examinations
• Document mastery of program roles through the development and presentation of the portfolio
• Specialist Students with an elementary and/or secondary level:
  • Qualify for Seventh-day Adventist and/or public-school certification in the area(s) of specialty prior to graduation.
  • Achieve a minimum of two years satisfactory classroom experience prior to receiving the EdS degree.

Doctoral students:

• Meet residency requirements
• Complete basic research method project
• Complete advanced research method project (PhD only)
• Complete and successfully defend doctoral dissertation
• Research competence
• Dissertation
  
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C&I Program Roles

I: Christian Philosopher
This role addresses the ability to appreciate the perspectives of others while developing a personal philosophy from which action and service arise.

II: Learning Theorist
This role addresses principles of growth, development, and learning and the use of these principles to effect positive change.

III: Servant Leader
This role addresses principles of group behavior and the use of these principles to effect positive change for individuals and organizations

IV: Effective Communicator
This role addresses oral, written, intrapersonal, and interpersonal communication as the essence of human behavior and technology as it enables, supports, and enhances human interaction and learning.

V: Capable Researcher
This role addresses valuing and conducting disciplined inquiry for decision-making.

VI: Lifelong Learner
This role addresses commitment to holistic, personal, and professional growth.

VII: Subject Matter Expert
This role addresses the specific area of knowledge in which the student has a concentration.

VIII: Program Designer
This role addresses professional knowledge and skills in the area of curriculum and educational program development.

IX: Reflective Instructor
This role addresses professional knowledge and skills in the area of instruction and instructional leadership.

X: Skilled Assessor
This role addresses professional knowledge and skills in the area of assessment and evaluation.

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DELIVERY OPTIONS

There is no need to quit your job to get your degree! Our C&I programs are offered in a variety of venues to best suit each student's personal and professional needs and goals. C&I students can choose to complete degree requirements as regular on-campus students, or through a combination of on-line and on-campus course work. Summer classes are also offered in short, intensive sessions.

ON-LINE COURSE FORMATS

Many of our courses are offered on-line or through a web-enhanced format. This means that some courses can be completed entirely on-line, while others include web-enhancement components that allow you to complete part of your learning experience on-line. These options allow our students to minimize time away from their careers, homes, and families by reducing the length of time required on campus.

SMALL CLASS SIZES

In addition to a quality educational experience, C&I classes are small enough to provide a personal learning experience. An emphasis is placed on the practical application of what is being learned, and classes become learning communities where professors and students support one another in the learning process.

A CHRISTIAN EXPERIENCE IN DIVERSITY

Recognized as one of the nation's top ten campuses for cultural diversity (U.S. News & World Report, 2002), we offer unique perspectives inside and outside the classroom. Our emphasis on Christ principles promotes goodwill and support among peers and professors, fostering, intellectual, professional, and spiritual growth.

AN OUTSTANDING FACULTY

Our programs are built upon and supported by a foundation of dedicated and specialized faculty. We have a reputation for academic excellence and practical application, and our students enjoy a high rate of professional and personal success all over the world.