Goal of MSCI
The goal of the Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction (MSCI) is to facilitate professional growth while preparing graduate candidates for leadership in roles beyond the classroom. Students expand their understanding of research and research-based practices while preparing to be Reading Specialists, Math Specialists, Science Specialists, or Technology Facilitators. They take graduate work directly into their classrooms and into leadership experiences to better connect theory to practice. The College of Education oversees the Master of Science in Curriculum & Instruction. Please visit its website at http://www.bhsu.edu/Academics/GraduatePrograms/CurriculumandInstruction
State and National Standards
Technology Integrationist, Math Specialist, and Science Specialist programs lead to advanced certifications in the State of South Dakota. The technology program prepares technology integrationists, includes the k-12 classroom teaching endorsement, and also has broader instructional purposes for persons not employed as P-12 teachers. Courses in each of the specializations align with state statndards annational standards of the designated professional association (International Reading Association, National Council for Teachers of Mathematics, National ScienceTeachers Association, or International Society forTechnology in Education). Core courses are guided by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS).
Program Design
The MSCI uses a cohort structure that establishes a core of learning relationships and develops faculty and student collaboration. Students move through the MSCI together in a sequence of courses leading to the 35-credit degree. The MSCI Technology Facilitator and MSCI Reading Specialist programs of study are online except for clinical practice experiences arranged for students in their home locations during the last full semester of study. These two programs are designed to be completed in two years. The MSCI Math Specialist and MSCI Science Specialist programs are partially site-based with core courses online.