Introduction
The Master of Curriculum Development is an online program that focuses on understanding curriculum theory, design, development, and evaluation through coursework and research. The program enhances teachers' knowledge of the learner and the process of teaching and learning and enables teachers to explore how curriculum and instruction work together in today's learning environments. The program is carefully designed to link curriculum decision-making to the scope of the total culture and the imperatives of globalization for resourcefulness and versatility in learning.
Vision
The M.A. in Curriculum development envisions creating innovative connections between education, teaching, research, evaluation and developing curriculum. It aspires to empowering students to fulfill their academic and professional passions in education and serving their community through practical programs that enrich their knowledge and experience and that expand their collective contributions to the world. It anticipates preparing highly qualified academically proficient individuals who are thoughtful and caring of creating environments of learning and change in their communities.
Mission
The Psychology Department is committed to excellence in graduate education. The department’s faculty and graduates are expected to be competent and ethical professionals committed to the science of psychology and its application to real-world situations. The undergraduate program provides a foundation for the scientific understanding of behavior and mental processes and promotes scholarship and service. The department’s graduate programs prepare students to become psychologists who provide evidence-based services for children, adults, and families in a variety of healthcare and educational settings. The Psychology Department promotes an environment characterized by collaborative learning and scholarship among its graduate students, and faculty, guided by the core values of BIHE and professional organizations.
The program’s mission is to offer academic programs and provide a learning environment in which students can discover, think critically, learn, research, and gain knowledge that will help to improve the quality of education and eventually life for all; develop students’ understanding of the educational process, interdisciplinary studies, and its effects on the world in which they live; and help students’ achieve their highest potential for participating and contributing in human development.
Goals and Objectives
After completing this program, graduates will be able to:
- critique and debate the conceptual/philosophical foundations of education and curriculum theories
- design and evaluate curriculum plans and delivery methods at various levels and in multiple educational settings
- examine the influences of information technology on curriculum development and instruction
- apply a holistic approach to curriculum development and instruction
- describe different evaluation methods and their applications
- examine how research can contribute to the development of educational theory and be used to find solutions to educational problems
- analyze the impact of social change, scientific progress, and ethical issues on curriculum theory and practice
- design an evaluation plan with the help of different evaluation tools, test it, analyze the results, and draw a conclusion
Admission Requirements
The program is open to is open to those with a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution. An official transcript from the attended university is required.
Applicants apply online using an application form that collects personal data as well as a 500-word essay in English that outlines why the candidate would like to pursue this program and summarizes personal background that is relevant to their application. All applicants should provide two letters of recommendation from referees who are not family members or friends and who have worked closely with the applicant in the academic or work environments, ideally with some research component. The referees should be familiar with the applicant’s work habits, motivation, and ability to work creatively and independently. Applicants must also submit their resume (educational background and related scientific, social, and occupational activities).
The applicants are required to present proof of English proficiency at the level of the "International English Language Testing System" (IELTS) 6.5 in each of writing, reading, comprehension & expression. This can be assessed by an IELTS, the "Test of English as a Foreign Language" (TOEFL) or equivalent.
All requested materials must be submitted by the established deadline.
Eligible applicants will be invited for an interview.
At present, the program can admit a maximum number of 15 students.
Curriculum
Students must study 14 courses, for a total of 40 credit hours:
- PSY5122: Educational Research (3 Credit Hours)
- PSY5138: Educational Philosophy and History (3 Credit Hours)
- PSY5182: Review of Scientific Articles (1 Credit Hours)
- PSY5145: Curriculum Theories (3 Credit Hours)
- PSY5144: Methods and Principles of Curriculum Planning (3 Credit Hours)
- PSY5139: Learning Principles and Teaching Methodologies (3 Credit Hours)
- PSY5136: Educational Psychology (3 Credit Hours)
- PSY5140: Educational Evaluation (3 Credit Hours)
- PSY5148: Curriculum Development for Higher Education (3 Credit Hours)
- PSY5154: Curriculum Development for Moral Education (3 Credit Hours)
- PSY5155: Curriculum Planning for Vocational and Technical Education (3 Credit Hours)
- PSY5147: Curriculum Development in Online Environment (3 Credit Hours)
- PSY5146: Designing Interdisciplinary Curriculum (3 Credit Hours)
- PSY5157: Portfolio/Capstone (3 Credit Hours)