M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction - Thematic

M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction - Thematic

Candidates choosing the Thematic concentration will have utmost flexibility to become more proficient in a broader array of content in the Curriculum and Instruction field, preparing them to become thought-leaders in their schools and districts, or preparing them for deeper work in a doctoral program.

Program Overview

  • Illustration of a stack of books Credits: 33
  • Illustration of a calendar Class Duration: 8 weeks
  • Illustration of a computer with charts and graphs on the screen Delivery: Online or Hybrid
  • Illustration of an analog clock Format: Part-time
  • Illustration of a classical building with columns Next Admission Term: Spring 2024
  • Illustration of a graduation cap Time of Completion: 2-5 years

Program Advantages

  • Engages with cutting edge education topics; especially for urban contexts 
  • Blends theory with practice
  • Small class sizes
  • Vibrant faculty who are experts in their field
  • Learn with a diverse range of teachers from public, independent and parochial schools in a variety of specialty areas and grade levels
  • Engaging online or hybrid course options becoming more available VERY soon
  • No certification required!

Program of Study

The M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction with a thematic concentration is a 33 credit program, including 6 core Curriculum and Instruction graduate courses and 5 additional graduate courses. Offering flexibility, students work with his/her advisor to choose from 1 of the 2 class choices below as well as 3 classes from an array of graduate courses in the School of Education to create a thematic focus track that is complementary to the Curriculum and Instruction core courses. 

  • ED 602 - Learner-Centered Education OR ED 609 -Social Justice and Technology 
  • ED 700 Seminar in Curriculum and Instruction OR RE 601 Media Literacy Education
    PLUS
  • 3 Graduate Electives chosen in collaboration with student advisor

Completion Time

This program may be taken part-time (to be completed in 2-5 years) with up to 5 or 6 classes offered per calendar year. There may be full-time opportunities for interested cohorts. Part-time offers a self-paced opportunity to complete requirements over a longer period of time with courses delivered at times of the day that are convenient to full-time work schedules. In addition, online course offerings are also available for all of the coursework.

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:

  1. Obtain a M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction for Social Justice.
  2. Pursue leadership roles in schools and district offices.
  3. Further your graduate studies at the doctoral level.

Broadening Perspectives

Loyola's Curriculum and Instruction program will challenge your assumptions about the field of education, teaching, learning, and curriculum. It will encourage you to think creatively and critically about education’s past and present inequities, its current place in society, and provide visionary possibilities for greater equity in our globalized society.

Hear from Greyhounds
The CISJ program at Loyola University Maryland helped me to gain insight and shaped my current perspective on topics such as social justice, personal biases, and equity in education. My favorite part about the program was that I was able to learn from authentic and knowledgeable professors who showed me how to apply the concepts learned into my instruction in the classroom, and in life outside of the classroom. My time at Loyola allowed me to advance my career while making a difference in the field of education.
Jessica Dorsey, ‘21
Because of the CISJ program, I have learned that there is diversity in even the most seemingly alike group. The culturally competent teacher recognizes the nuances of students' lived experiences while creating opportunities for them to see themselves within the curriculum.
LaShanda Lawrence, '22 degree candidate
During these tumultuous times, I felt called to join the efforts to improve racial relations in our educational community. This required becoming thoroughly informed on the history of education, the methodologies of culturally relevant teaching and research, and gaining an exposure to the literary works of a wide variety of social justice activists. The CISJ program provided the groundwork, where I unified my passions with theory and application.
Aminah Raysor, '21

Request information and apply

Ready to learn more?

Explore the following links or contact us at education@loyola.edu or 410-617-2990.

Meet Our Community

Pursuing Justice, Together

When students enroll in the undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education programs at Loyola’s School of Education, they are welcomed into a vibrant and diverse community of faculty, staff, students, and alumni who are engaged in ensuring an inclusive educational system that actualizes social justice.

Heiser
Alumni

William Heiser

“My Jesuit experience as a student and later as an administrator at Loyola taught me the importance of service for others. I’ve spent my entire career working in education, with the mission of giving back to students what Loyola gave me—an opportunity to become something more.”
Maria Hagen
Alumni

Maria Hagen

“The values of the Jesuits when it comes to education shapes Loyola’s program. It was a big influence on teaching candidates to respond to the individual student, to be driven by their needs.”
Lauren Giglio-Thomas
Alumni

Lauren Giglio-Thomas

“Loyola professors prepare you for the real world, both academically and personally, and do so in a way that allows students to find jobs after graduation and then to perform successfully in their careers.”
Mike McCourt
Alumni

Mike McCourt

“Jesuits have a solid reputation as educators. The other students in my cohort were amazing and made the intensity of this program a shared, instead of solitary, experience of growth and learning.”