Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction
The mission of the Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction program is to provide experienced teachers an opportunity to professionally develop themselves within a research framework, around the core ideas from the profession, and for the sake of improving instruction and student outcomes.
- Bachelor's degree in education or equivalent
- Signed contract with a school district and responsible for own classroom
- Minimum of one year teaching experience
- Cumulative 2.75 undergraduate GPA (minimum of 3.0 in last two years)
- Three letters of recommendation
- Professional statement of purpose
core course requirements
- EDN 500 Introduction to Educational Research
- EDN 510 Educational Psychology: Learning Theory
- EDN 520 Strategies and Techniques for Effective Teaching/Coaching
- EDN 530 Assessment and Measurement
- EDN 540 Educational Technology
- EDN 550 Creativity and Critical Thinking in the Classroom
Portfolio or Thesis Track: Students in these tracks will complete their degree by completing either a professional portfolio in part comprised of their practicum research projects, or by writing a traditional research thesis. Students who are interested in pursuing further advanced study in a research capacity might want to consider the thesis track as a viable option. (minimum of 30 credits)
Required Course:
- EDN 600 Thesis/Portfolio
PORTFOLIO/THESIS TRACK PLAN OF STUDY
Coursework Only Track: This track allows students to complete their degree without having to compile a portfolio or write a research thesis. (minimum of 33 credits)
COURSES & PRACTICUM INFORMATION
coursework only track PLAN OF STUDY
Dr. Deborah McCuin
Director of Graduate Teacher Education, Associate Professor
Phone: 605-668-1522
Multiple mentored practica will be conducted in the teacher’s own classroom during various school terms. These provide teachers an opportunity to apply the theoretical knowledge of the core courses in their classroom practice using research interventions they designed.
These costs are based on 15 credits taken in one academic year.
| Direct Costs | |
| Tuition | $5,625 |
| Fees | $750 |
2026 Sioux Falls Cohort
Designed for teachers, by teachers, Mount Marty University's Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction program is an affordable, flexible, and deeply meaningful program focused on making immediate classroom impacts. Beginning in June 2026, we will host a cohort at our Sioux Falls campus at 5001 W. 41st St, Sioux Falls, SD 57106. With a practical, in-classroom focus within a supportive learning community, you will gain the expertise to improve your effectiveness while maintaining your work-life balance.
This program is for teachers who want to lead without leaving the classroom. Whether you want to refine your craft, move into instructional coaching, curriculum design, or mentor other teachers, Mount Marty prepares you for leadership roles that keep you connected to students and classrooms. You'll gain real classroom strategies that make a measurable difference, and you'll do it as part of a tight-knit cohort that becomes a professional network lasting well beyond graduation.
Here's why our program works for full-time teachers:
- Earn your degree in 24 months through our cohort model; no need to step away from your job
- Only 9 days on campus per summer in a compressed format that fits your school-year schedule
- One online course each fall and spring designed specifically for working teachers
- Immediate classroom application as your classroom becomes your lab for practicum and research projects
- Three flexible track options: Portfolio (30 hours), Thesis (30 hours), or Coursework-only (33 hours)
- Very competitive tuition: just over $5,000 per year, with financial aid available
The program is taught by experienced educators and grounded in research-based best practices. Our summer sessions build a community of learning, connection, and mentorship that supports you throughout the program and beyond.
Apply free here for the Sioux Falls-based Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction cohort.
You're Invited!
We will be hosting a live webinar on January 14, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. talking about our Curriculum and Instruction program. We will also be hosting an open house at the Sioux Falls location on February 19, 2026 from 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. with a reception and brief tour of the campus.
Start your journey.
HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS?
READY TO GET STARTED?
VIEW THE COMPREHENSIVE COSTS
contact
Debbi mccuin
director of graduate teacher education
email: deborah.mccuin@mountmarty.edu
phone: 605-668-1522
_______________________________
I entered the program believing I had a solid grasp of teaching strategies. I quickly became aware of how vast the world of teaching is. This journey allowed me to adapt and analyze different teaching strategies grow as an instructor and become more effective in the classroom, ultimately benefiting current and future students.