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Master of Science Degree in Curriculum and Instruction

The purpose of this degree is to provide advanced content knowledge and instruction in methodology for Christian school teachers.

Learning Outcomes: Graduates of the curriculum and instruction program will be able to

  • interpret the changing themes in American traditional education from the 1600s to the present,
  • exhibit a distinctively Christian-traditional philosophy of education as it applies to curriculum and methods of teaching,
  • assess the philosophical roots of major educational theories and current practice, and
  • demonstrate graduate-level competence in written research and analysis.

(Additional learning outcomes are listed for each specialization.)

Biblical, proven traditional education methods, along with practical classroom experience, enable students to return to their ministries with invaluable tools for service.

M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction—Elementary Specialization

Additional Learning Outcomes: Graduates of the elementary specialization will also be able to

  • describe and practice a phonics-first approach to reading instruction.

Admission Requirements

See Admission Requirements.

Courses You’ll Take

Course Requirements

M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction—English Specialization

Additional Learning Outcomes: Graduates of the English specialization will also be able to

  • examine the centrality of faith in a literary education and
  • examine language and literature from a Christian worldview.

Admission Requirements

See Admission Requirements. The applicant must pass an entrance examination in English grammar. In addition, the applicant must have earned at least a grade of “C-” in 18 credits of English (undergraduate or graduate level), including English Grammar and Composition (one year), American Literature, and British Literature.

While a student may begin with a deficiency in specific course competencies, some courses may not be taken until their competency is achieved with at least a grade of “C-.” All deficiencies must be removed before registering for the fourth English course.

Courses You’ll Take

Course Requirements

M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction—History Specialization

Additional Learning Outcomes: Graduates of the history specialization will also be able to

  • evaluate the nature and influence of historical ideas.

Admission Requirements

See Admission Requirements. The applicant must have earned at least a grade of “C-” in 18 credits of history (undergraduate or graduate level), including one year each in History of Civilization and United States History. While a student may begin with a deficiency in specific course competencies, some courses may not be taken until their competency is achieved with at least a grade of “C-.” All deficiencies must be removed before registering for the fourth history course.

Courses You’ll Take

Course Requirements

M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction—Mathematics Specialization

Additional Learning Outcomes: Graduates of the mathematics specialization will also be able to

  • apply established methods of problem solving in the major areas of mathematics and
  • apply abstract reasoning to mathematical systems.

Admission Requirements

See Admission Requirements. The applicant must have earned at least a grade of “C-” in 18 credits of mathematics (undergraduate or graduate level), including Calculus II, Discrete Mathematics, and Statistics.

While a student may begin with a deficiency in specific course competencies, some courses may not be taken until their competency is achieved with at least a grade of “C-.” All deficiencies must be removed before registering for the fourth mathematics course.

Courses You’ll Take

Course Requirements

M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction—Music Specialization

Additional Learning Outcomes: Graduates of the music specialization will also be able to

  • identify forms and style characteristics in music literature,
  • produce public performances showing graduate proficiency in music, and
  • integrate current music technology and computer applications in arranging and composition.

This program is designed to provide the music educator with advanced training in education as well as in a specific music proficiency (conducting, instrumental, keyboard, or vocal). The student receives further training in music history, music theory, and literature for piano, vocal, choral, or orchestral settings.

Admission Requirements

See Admission Requirements. Graduate applicants must have majored in music on the undergraduate level. Music applicants must audition in person. Those who live beyond 400 miles from Pensacola may submit a high-quality video recording.

An entrance examination in music theory (sight singing, dictation, part writing, harmonic and formal analysis) is required. Applicants who do not earn a satisfactory score on the exam must take a review course in the appropriate area with no graduate credit.

Graduate students in voice must be proficient in oral pronunciation and principles of IPA transcription. A diagnostic diction exam will be offered in conjunction with the graduate platform at the end of a student's first semester of study. Students receiving a lower than satisfactory score on the diagnostic exam are required to take a review course.

Music Proficiency

All music graduate students must demonstrate basic keyboard skill before completing the degree program.

One credit hour of private music instruction in the student’s proficiency is required each semester. Music instruction is available in voice, keyboard, strings, brass, woodwind, percussion, and conducting. MU 646 Graduate Recital includes private music instruction. Ensemble credit includes Chamber Ensemble, Orchestra, or Accompaniment Practicum.

Progress Evaluation

Continuation in this graduate program is dependent upon an ongoing evaluation of the student’s abilities. Students must successfully complete a graduate music platform in their proficiency at the end of their first semester in the program. A student may be removed at any time from the program if, in the opinion of the faculty/administration, the student fails to perform satisfactorily or improve sufficiently in the appropriate skill, regardless of the student’s academic average in the program.

A student earning a “C+” or lower in any private lesson may be required to repeat that course. A student cannot repeat a private lesson more than one time. Upon the student’s earning a “C+” or lower in another private lesson, the Graduate Committee reviews the student’s status to determine if he can continue in his graduate program.

Courses You’ll Take

Course Requirements

M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction—Science Specialization

Additional Learning Outcomes: Graduates of the science specialization will also be able to

  • evaluate scientific investigation based on a supernatural creation of all things in six literal days approximately 6,000 years ago by the God of the Bible,
  • apply the understanding of key concepts to solve problems in biology and physical science, and
  • apply the understanding of key concepts to solve problems in science and mathematics.

Admission Requirements

See Admission Requirements. The applicant must have earned a grade of “C-” or higher in at least 18 credits of science (undergraduate or graduate level), including one year each in Biology, General Chemistry, and Physics.

While a student may begin with a deficiency in specific course competencies, some courses may not be taken until their competency is achieved with at least a grade of “C-.” All deficiencies must be removed before registering for the fourth science course.

Courses You’ll Take

Course Requirements

M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction—Secondary (General) Specialization

Additional Learning Outcomes: Graduates of the secondary (general) specialization will also be able to

  • integrate technology for the purpose of enhancing lessons and
  • use a variety of multidisciplinary techniques to enhance student achievement.

Admission Requirements

See Admission Requirements.

Courses You’ll Take

Course Requirements

M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction—Speech Specialization

Additional Learning Outcomes: Graduates of the speech specialization will also be able to

  • advocate a biblical view of dramatic performance and production,
  • communicate narrative elements reflecting emotional sensitivity, and
  • direct and stage productions that are aesthetically pleasing.

Admission Requirements

See Admission Requirements. Graduate applicants need at least 18 semester credits of speech performance/production on the undergraduate level. Students who do not meet this requirement may call the Seminary-Graduate Studies Office to inquire about other options. Speech applicants must audition in person. Those living beyond 400 miles from Pensacola may submit a high-quality video recording.

Progress Evaluation

Continuation in this graduate program is dependent upon an ongoing evaluation of the student’s abilities. A student may be removed at any time from the program if, in the opinion of the faculty/administration, the student fails to perform satisfactorily or improve sufficiently in the appropriate skill, regardless of the student’s academic average in the program.

A student earning a “C+” or lower in any private lesson/practicum may be required to repeat that course. A student cannot repeat a private lesson/practicum more than one time. Upon the student’s earning a “C+” or lower in another private lesson/practicum, the Graduate Committee reviews the student’s status to determine if he can continue in his graduate program.

Courses You’ll Take

Course Requirements

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