Welcome to the Department of Curriculum and Instruction

The Department of Curriculum and Instruction (EDCI) offers outstanding undergraduate and graduate programs of study for both pre-service and in-service educators. The primary focus of our faculty is the preparation of leaders to serve all levels of education.

EDCI is the primary department involved in the Neag School's nationally recognized and ranked pre-service teacher education program, the Integrated Bachelor's/Master's program (IB/M). According to U.S.News & World Report’s annual review, three of our core teacher education programs rank among the top 25 in the U.S., including: Elementary Education (13), Curriculum & Instruction (22), and Special Education (17). The quality and success of our teacher education programs were critical factors in the decision by Carnegie Corporation of New York to select UConn as one of the 11 partner institutions for the national Teachers for a New Era Project (TNE).

The graduate programs in EDCI do not lead to a teaching credential. Individuals already holding an undergraduate degree and interested in a Connecticut teaching certificate should seek admission to the Teacher Certification Program for College Graduates (TCPCG). The teacher certificate program in EDCI is designed for those entering as undergraduates. In contrast, TCPCG is specifically designed for those who are in need of initial teaching certification along with a Masters degree.

Our department's graduate degree programs are designed for teachers who wish to specialize in a specific content area (e.g., math, science, or social studies education) or to enhance their knowledge and skills in preparation for a specific certification (e.g., bilingual educator or remedial reading & remedial language arts teacher). We also work with students pursuing advanced study at the doctoral level. Doctoral programs are designed for those aspiring to positions as professors and researchers, school administrators and curriculum specialists, and educational leaders in a range of settings. We offer programs of study leading to the master's of arts in education degree, a sixth year professional diploma in education, and a doctor of philosophy degree. We are proud of our students and the successes they are realizing in improving education for children at all levels, pre-school through university levels.

As scholars, our faculty members conduct research reflecting their interests in language and literacy, math and science education, social studies education and media literacy, bilingual education and bi-literacy, multicultural education, urban education, technology and new literacies, and curriculum studies. Our faculty members hold national leadership positions, are recipients of major research grants, serve as consultants to state agencies and public schools, and have received local and national recognition for both their teaching and scholarship. They are valued for their commitment to their students and their enthusiasm for ensuring exciting, relevant programs of study.