Master of Arts
This program is available on the Aurora and Woodstock Center campuses.
Program Description
This program offers a path to a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction: Teaching Diverse Learners degree, along with Illinois State Board of Education issued endorsements for Learning Behavioral Specialist 1 (LBS1) and English as a Second Language (ESL). This program will enable students to develop enhanced teaching strategies, focusing specifically on diverse learners in a PK-12 school setting. Courses will focus on planning, instruction, and assessment practices for students with special learning and language needs. Additionally, courses will address curriculum development for and researched-based approaches to serve special populations.
This graduate degree program can be completed within two years according to the scheduled program of study.
Admission Requirements
Applicants seeking to enter the program must submit:
- A completed Graduate Application for Admission (aurora.edu/auapply).
- Official transcripts from all previous undergraduate and graduate institutions attended
- One letter of reference from an individual able to attest to the student’s academic and/or professional potential
- Personal statement of past professional experience and future educational goals
- Current resume
Additional Requirements Include:
- Valid Teaching Professional Educator License (PEL)
- Currently employed as a classroom teacher
- Undergraduate/Graduate GPA of 3.0 or higher
Program Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Core Curriculum | ||
| EDU-6061 | Scholarship Applied to Teaching | 3 |
| EDU-6115 | Foundations for Language Minority Education of Diverse Learners | 3 |
| EDU-6125 | Linguistics for Teaching Diverse Populations | 3 |
| EDU-6200 | Cross Cultural Curriculum for Diversity | 3 |
| EDU-6221 | Methods and Materials for Teaching Diverse Learners | 3 |
| EDU/SPED-6501 | Assessment of Diverse Learners: Special Education and ESL | 3 |
| EDU/SPED-6545 | Collaboration, Differentiation, Instruction, and Transition for Diverse Learners | 3 |
| EDU-6630 | Curriculum Development and Evaluation | 3 |
| SPED-6515 | Characteristics and Identification of Disabilities and the Law for Diverse Populations | 3 |
| SPED-6525 | Cognitive Development and Disabilities of Diverse Learners | 3 |
| SPED-6555 | Prosocial and Problematic Behavior Strategies for Diverse Learners | 3 |
| SPED-6565 | Strategies and Assistive Technology for Students with Multiple Disabilities and Diverse Learners | 3 |
| Total Credits | 36 | |
Graduate Degree Requirements
- Completion of all coursework specified by the graduate program.
- Cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or higher if specified by the graduate program.
- Submission of all pre-graduation materials required by the graduate program.
- Acceptance of thesis or other required final project by the graduate program.
- Submission of two copies of approved thesis or project in a specified form together with payment of binding fee where applicable.
- Submission of Application for Graduation and payment of any graduation fees assessed by the university.
- In the case of certification programs, submission of all governmental forms.
- Residency Requirement: A minimum of 25% percent of the total credits required for the completion of the graduate degree or post-baccalaureate certificate or credential must be earned at Aurora University. Individual programs may establish more extensive residency requirements, including requirements that specific coursework be completed at Aurora University.
Learning Outcomes
- Candidates will demonstrate content knowledge in their program.
- Candidates will demonstrate the ability to plan instruction.
- Candidates will demonstrate the ability to provide a supportive environment for student learning.
- Candidates will demonstrate success in clinical placements.
- Program will demonstrate ability to produce effective educators.