Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction (MEd)
October 17, 2014 2025-03-19 10:17Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction (MEd)
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Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction (MEd)
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Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction (MEd)
The Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction (MEd) program at Lynchburg is designed to help you enhance your skills and knowledge whether you’re a seasoned educator seeking to refine your instructional design expertise or an aspiring teacher pursuing licensure. We have two tracks based on your personal needs: Instructional Design Emphasis and Teacher Licensure Emphasis.
Benefits of Earning Your MEd
Regardless of the emphasis, you can develop the knowledge and skills necessary to research, analyze, evaluate, and apply curriculum, pedagogy, and assessment to improve the academic achievement of all students. You can also learn to design and apply instructional activities and strategies to meet the challenges of learners with diverse needs.
Teachers with MEds typically earn higher salaries than those without the degree. Additionally, by advancing your expertise in curriculum development and instructional design you may have the opportunity to become a content or curriculum expert in a school division.
We encourage you to apply for the MEd in Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Lynchburg. We look forward to helping you achieve your goals and develop your professional skills in education!
MEd Curriculum and Instruction Emphases
Instructional Design Emphasis
- 30 Credit Hours
Modern teaching is a dynamic field, demanding that educators develop specialized expertise to stay ahead. The MEd in Curriculum and Instruction – Instructional Design emphasis is designed to meet the needs of licensed educators seeking advanced knowledge and skills in curriculum development, pedagogical innovation, and the strategic integration of instructional design principles.
In response to the increasing reliance on technology in educational settings, this emphasis seeks to blend foundational theories with practical experience, preparing graduates to address the complexities of diverse and evolving learning environments. Additionally, the emphasis on instructional design equips educators to create engaging, learner-centered materials that align with current educational standards and to become educational leaders in their schools and school divisions.
Teacher Licensure Emphasis
- 36 Credit Hours (additional course may be needed for licensure)
- Graduate internship — similar to student teaching
The Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction (MEd) with the Teacher Licensure Emphasis is a 36-hour program designed for non-teachers and provisionally-licensed teachers who seek to enhance their skills and knowledge by completing a master’s level program while concurrently taking courses in pedagogy that can meet teacher competencies required by the Department of Education for licensure. Students will work with their advisor to complete a program planning sheet for degree and licensure requirements.
Curriculum and Resources
2024-25 Academic Year Information
MEd in Curriculum & Instruction — Instructional Design Emphasis
This program is designed for licensed teachers seeking to advance their understanding and use of curriculum development and instructional design.
The comprehensive exam is required for program completion.
Required courses (30 hours):
- EDCI 605 — Assessment of Student Learning (3)
- EDCI 606 — Effective Instructional Strategies (3)
- EDCI 610 — Advanced Curriculum Development (3)
- EDCI 620 — Introduction to Educational Technology (3)
- EDCI 630 — Instructional Design (3)
- EDLS 603 — Legal and Ethical Issues (3)
- EDLS 609 — Research Methods and Applications for Educational Leaders (3)
- EDLS 690 — Principles of Leadership (3)
- Electives (6)
Total Hours Required: 30
MEd in Curriculum and Instruction — Teacher Licensure Emphasis
This program is designed for students seeking to fulfill competencies for initial teacher licensure or provisional licensure requirements while concurrently completing the MEd in curriculum and instruction. Please see the catalog for detailed information on Teacher Licensure Programs for a full description of licensure requirements and processes.
In addition to professional studies/licensure coursework, students may be asked by the licensing body (school division or VDOE) to meet additional content and testing requirements for their particular endorsement.
The 36 hours are exclusive of the additional content course requirements described above. Students shall complete a program planning sheet for degree and licensure requirements with their advisor during their first semester of enrollment in the program.
A comprehensive exam is also required for completion of the program.
Required courses (24 hours):
- EDCI 600 — Classroom Management and Instructional Methodology (3)
- EDCI 605 — Assessment of Student Learning (3)
- EDCI 606 — Effective Instructional Strategies (3)
- EDCI 610 — Advanced Curriculum Development (3)
- EDHD 602 — Human Development (3)
- EDLS 603 — Legal and Ethical Issues (3)
- EDLS 609 — Research Methods and Applications for Educational Leaders (3)
- SPED 600 — Survey of Special Education (3)
Courses selected based on licensure goals/requirements (3-6 hours)*
- RDNG 625 — Survey of Effective Reading Methods (3)*
- RDNG 640 — Strategies for Teaching Phonics, Spelling, and Vocabulary (3)*
- RDNG 672 — Reading and Study Skills in the Content Area (3)*
Coursework electives as needed for degree requirements (0-9 hours):
- EDCI 699 — Internship in Education (optional) (6)**
If a non-licensed teacher secures a teaching position, one year of successful teaching may be substituted for this internship for licensure purposes.
Total Hours Required: 36
*Licensure courses. Reading requirements are based on the desired grade level to be taught. For elementary, RDNG 625 must be taken before or concurrent with RDNG 640.
** Prerequisites include passing scores on VCLA (and RVE for elementary and middle school licensure) and successfully meeting the minimum grade point average for content classes. Further information is included in the section on Teacher Licensure programs within this catalog.
MEd in Curriculum and Instruction Application Process
Application Deadlines
- Summer semester: May 1
- Fall semester: July 31
- Spring term: Nov. 30
How to Apply
- Complete the online application.
- Submit an official transcript from the college or university where your bachelor’s degree was awarded.
- Submit an essay on the following topic:
- Why you want to pursue the Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction (MEd) degree and/or how this degree will assist you in achieving your career goals.
- Submit two letters of recommendation.
Learn more about the application process if you are one of the following:
- International student.
- Student seeking a second master’s degree.
- Non-degree graduate student.
Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction (MEd) Faculty
Holly Gould, PhD
Stefanie B. Copp, EdD
Autumn M. Dodge, PhD
Victoria Hobson, EdD
Holly Gould, PhD
Stefanie B. Copp, EdD
Autumn M. Dodge, PhD
Victoria Hobson, EdD
The University of Lynchburg's School of Professional and Applied Sciences, Leadership Studies, and Counseling has obtained full accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. This accreditation signifies that the college meets the comprehensive standards for educator preparation.
The accreditation process evaluates several aspects of an educational institution, including the effectiveness of its teaching programs, the preparation of its students for careers in education, and the institution's commitment to continuous improvement and current educational practices.
As a CAEP-accredited institution, the college has demonstrated its ability to prepare its students for teaching roles in pre-K to 12th-grade education. This achievement reflects the college's ongoing commitment to maintaining high educational standards and adapting to the evolving requirements of teacher education.
This accreditation is an important milestone for the School of Professional and Applied Sciences, Leadership Studies, and Counseling, and it ensures that the college continues to provide quality education to its students.
CAEP Accountability Measures
- Measure 1: Completer Impact and Effectiveness
- Measure 2: Satisfaction of Employers and Stakeholder Involvement
- Measure 3: Candidate Competency at Program Completion
- Measure 4: Ability of Completers to be Hired in Education Positions for Which They Have Been Prepared
Title II Report Cards
- 2022-2023 Title II Program Report [PDF]
- 2021-2022 Title II Program Report [PDF]
- 2020-2021 Title II Program Report [PDF]
- 2019-2020 Title II Program Report [PDF]
- 2018-2019 Title II Program Report [PDF]
Licensure and Certification
Per federal regulations from the U.S. Department of Education and CAEP, we must disclose whether our educational programs are eligible for state credentialing such as certification or licensure. The University of Lynchburg has been approved by the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Education to offer 11 initial licensure programs at the undergraduate level. If you gain licensure in Virginia, it can lead to reciprocal licensure in other states and jurisdictions. The teacher education program at the University of Lynchburg can assist you in obtaining the following types of licenses:- Elementary Education (PreK – 6th grade): Elementary Education (BS)
- Secondary Education (6th – 12th grades): English Education (BA), History and Social Studies Education (BA), Mathematics Education (BS), Biology Education (BS), Chemistry Education (BA), Earth Science Education (BA)
- Designated Discipline Education (PreK–12th grade): Health and Physical Education (BS)
Reciprocal Licensure and Other State Requirements
Educators who are licensed in the Commonwealth of Virginia are eligible for reciprocal licensure in more than 45 states across the U.S. However, it is important to note that some states may require additional temporary, testing, or other requirements that educators must meet before teaching in that jurisdiction. To determine the necessary steps for teaching outside of Virginia, refer to the state reciprocity information or contact the Department of Education in each state.As a Lynchburg MEd student, you'll:
“The program has taught me how to effectively apply my skill set and content knowledge in a school setting. The faculty has been nothing short of wonderful."
Graduate Tuition
The 40% Aspiring Educator Discount applies to all emphasis areas and is available to all current and aspiring educators and paraprofessionals pursuing a Master of Education (MEd) degree.
Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction (MEd)
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Cost Per Credit Hour: $354 (With 40% Tuition Discount)
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Credit Hours: 30
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Estimated Cost of Completion: $17,700
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Estimated Cost of Completion: $10,620 (With 40% Tuition Discount)
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Credit Hours: 36 (Teacher Licensure Emphasis)
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Estimated Cost of Completion: $21,240 (Teacher Licensure Emphasis)
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Estimated Cost of Completion: $12,744 (Teacher Licensure Emphasis with 40% Tuition Discount)
