Teaching, Learning and Curriculum

The MS in Teaching, Learning, and Curriculum program provides three options: (Track I) earning a master's degree while completing requirements to pursue initial Pennsylvania teacher certification for grade level PreK-4, 4-8, or a variety of secondary subject areas (grades 7-12); (Track II) earning a master's degree to enhance an existing career as a classroom teacher, preparation for additional certifications, or for advanced research degrees such as EdD and PhD; or (Track III) earning a master's degree while completing requirements to pursue initial Pennsylvania teacher certification in a variety of secondary (7-12) or middle level (4-8) subject areas and PreK-12 Special Education certification.

Track I: Initial Pennsylvania Teacher Certification

This track incorporates current research on teaching and provides in-depth preparation in pedagogy, curriculum development, teaching students with special needs, implications of learner and task characteristics for instructional design, scaffolding instruction for diverse learners, the latest techniques in evaluation of instruction, and use of interactive technology in instruction. Students are required to synthesize theoretical and practical knowledge through field study in an approved PreK-12 school setting. All candidates are also required to complete supervised field experiences, including a full-time student teaching experience for a minimum of 12 consecutive weeks.

Successful completion of the core pedagogy courses, satisfactory participation in all required field based experiences, subject area content knowledge requirements, and state licensure exams allows for recommendation for PA Instructional I certification.

Program Goals

Graduates of the MS in Teaching, Learning and Curriculum (Track I) will:

• Demonstrate independent and creative academic teacher leadership skills that can be applied in the classroom, school community, and the profession
• Understand the changing role of the educator in an increasingly diverse society from both an urban and a global perspective, and apply this understanding of best practice supported by educational research
• Demonstrate the ability to reflect upon professional practice during engagement in experiential learning and against a framework of understanding of best practice supported by educational research
• Demonstrate a strong academic background in all subject areas that meet Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) content requirements with emphasis on STEM, and can effectively integrate tools of technology in curriculum, assessment, and instruction to enhance PreK-12 student learning
• Demonstrate the ability to create and maintain a positive and democratic classroom climate that supports and facilitates learning for all students

Track II: Advanced Studies in Teaching, Learning and Curriculum

This track is designed to provide students with advanced teaching knowledge and skills well beyond that required for initial Pennsylvania certification. Graduates will be prepared to function in a variety of roles as instructors, instructional leaders, or researchers in local, state, national, and international organizations, foundations, associations, corporations, and private educational institutions.

Program Goals

Graduates of the MS in Teaching, Learning and Curriculum (Track II) will:

• Possess advanced knowledge related to effective instruction in a variety of educational settings
• Demonstrate skills in developing, analyzing, implementing, and evaluating existing and new instructional strategies and practices in a variety of educational institutions/organizations
• Exhibit outstanding leadership, organizational, cross-cultural, interpersonal, and advocacy skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with internal and external groups
• Have in-depth knowledge of both public and private (non-profit and for-profit) institutions as well as small and large institutions

Students in Track II complete 15.0 credits in core courses, 6.0 credits in Policy, Law & Organization courses, 9.0-10.5 credits in a capstone course sequence which includes a research course and the choice of one of the two capstone course sequences (Practitioner Capstone 1 & 2 or Thesis Capstone 1 & 2), and select 15.0-16.0 credits in an area of concentration from among a variety of options, providing an opportunity for intensive study in teaching, learning, and curriculum.

Concentration options include Autism Spectrum Disorders, Creativity and Innovation, Education Policy, Global and International Education, Higher Education, Human Resource Development, Learning Technologies, and Multisensory Reading Instruction Level I. If candidates possess a PA Instructional I certification, they can choose an add-on state certification concentration such as Reading Specialist, Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL), or Social Emotional Behavioral Wellness endorsement (SEBW).

Students may also customize a concentration including professional electives from other academic departments or can declare a graduate minor based on their interests and professional goals.

Track III: Dual Certification - Secondary Level (7-12) or Middle Level (4-8) with PreK-12 Special Education 

This track incorporates current research on teaching and provides in-depth preparation in pedagogy, curriculum development, teaching students with special needs, implications of learner and task characteristics for instructional design, scaffolding instruction for diverse learners, the latest techniques in evaluation of instruction, and use of interactive technology in instruction. Students are required to synthesize theoretical and practical knowledge through field study in an approved PreK-12 school setting. All candidates are also required to complete supervised field experiences including multiple practicum experiences (up to 70 hours) and a full-time student teaching experience for a minimum of 12 consecutive weeks. Clearances must be submitted prior to participation in coursework with classroom-based field components.

Successful completion of the Teacher Education core pedagogy courses, Special Education core pedagogy, and all Secondary Education or Middle Level subject specific content knowledge requirements, along with qualifying scores on all required state licensing examinations, permits Drexel to recommend the candidate for an initial PA Instructional teaching credential and PreK-12 Special Education certification.  

Program Goals

Graduates of the MS in Teaching, Learning and Curriculum (Track III) will:

• Demonstrate independent and creative academic teacher leadership skills that can be applied in the classroom, school community, and the profession
• Understand the changing role of the educator in an increasingly diverse society from both an urban and a global perspective, and apply this understanding of best practice supported by educational research
• Demonstrate the ability to reflect upon professional practice during engagement in experiential learning and against a framework of understanding of best practice supported by educational research
• Demonstrate a strong academic background in all subject areas that meet Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) content requirements with emphasis on STEM, and can effectively integrate tools of technology in curriculum, assessment, and instruction to enhance PreK-12 student learning
• Demonstrate the ability to create and maintain a positive and democratic classroom climate that supports and facilitates learning for all students
• Exhibit competencies in selecting and executing evidence-based behavioral instructional and technology strategies to address the needs of all students
• Create and support inclusive learning environments where all learners are welcomed, challenged, and held to high expectations

Transcripts

Official transcripts must be sent directly to Drexel from all of the colleges and universities that you have attended. Please note that transcripts are required regardless of number of credits taken or if the credits were transferred to another school. An admission decision may be delayed if you do not send transcripts from all colleges and universities that you have attended.

Transcripts must show course-by-course grades and degree conferrals. If your school does not notate degree conferrals on the official transcripts, you must provide copies of any graduate or degree certificates.

If your school issues only one transcript for life, you are required to have a course-by-course evaluation completed by an approved transcript evaluation agency.

Precise, word-for-word English translations of all non-English language documents are required along with official documents in the original language. All translations must be completed by the issuing institution or an ATA-certified translator. Visit the American Translators Association website to search for an ATA-certified translator.

International students: If you have already graduated from your previous institution at the time of your application, please email your graduation certificate(s) attached as PDF or Microsoft Word documents to [email protected]. Note: Any international applicant, regardless of program, may be required to provide a transcript evaluation should the Admissions Committee determine it is needed for the application to be reviewed. If your transcripts are selected for a course-by-course evaluation by an external agency, you will be responsible for supplying all necessary documentation and paying all necessary fees to have your transcripts evaluated.

If you have questions regarding what documents you must submit to fulfill the transcript requirements, contact the Office of Graduate Admissions.

Standardized Test Scores

GRE test scores are not required.

Test of English as a Foreign Language

International applicants are required to demonstrate English language proficiency by submitting scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL minimum scores: 80/550/213), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the Pearson Test of English (PTE minimum score: 53) unless they meet the criteria for a waiver.

Essay

Please write an essay describing your career goals, including specific research and scholarly interests. Please be sure to indicate how your interests coincide with those of particular School of Education Faculty members.

Submit your essay with your application or through the Discover Drexel portal after you submit your application.

Résumé

Upload your résumé as part of your admission application or through the Discover Drexel Portal after you submit your application.

Letters of Recommendation

Recommenders should be able to speak to your academic performance.

Interview

Virtual, in-person, or telephone interview required for qualified applicants.

Academic Experience

Admission to this program requires a minimum 3.25 GPA (a 3.5 is preferred).

Writing Sample

Please submit a sample of scholarly writing, including but not limited to published articles, theses, or term papers, by mail or email as an attachment to [email protected].

Mailing Addresses