Graduate Programs

Course Number

Course Title

Course Description

600

Design Thinking in the Curriculum

This course explores the principles and practices of design thinking and their application within educational settings. Students will learn how to integrate design thinking into the curriculum to foster creativity, problem solving, and innovation among students. The course emphasizes a hands-on, experiential approach, where participants will engage in collaborative projects that model the design thinking process, including empathizing with learners, defining challenges, ideating solutions, prototyping, and testing. *This course will include an ICL orientation so that candidates have the skills that are necessary for success in the program. **Possible minimal lab fee  

610

Reflective Inquiry

This course delves into the practice of reflective inquiry as a critical tool for educators to examine and enhance their teaching practices. Reflective inquiry involves the systematic exploration of one’s own teaching experiences, beliefs, and outcomes to gain deeper insights into effective pedagogy and student learning. *This course will include information literacy skills that are necessary for success in the program.   

620

Reimagining Education

This course challenges traditional educational paradigms and explores innovative approaches to teaching and learning in the 21st century. "Reimagining Education" invites educators, administrators, and policymakers to critically examine the current education system and envision transformative changes that can better meet the needs of diverse learners in a rapidly evolving world. **​Possible minimal lab fee   

630

Cognitive Science & Learning

This course offers an interdisciplinary exploration of Cognitive Science, the study of the mind and its processes, drawing from psychology, neuroscience, linguistics, philosophy, artificial intelligence, and anthropology. Students will investigate how humans perceive, think, learn, and remember, as well as how these cognitive processes are influenced by biological, social, and technological factors.  

640

Equity in Education

This course examines the principles and practices of equity in education, focusing on strategies to create inclusive, fair, and supportive learning environments for all students. "Equity in Education" addresses the systemic inequalities that affect students’ access to and success in educational settings, and explores ways to dismantle barriers related to race, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, disability, and other factors.  

650

Place-Based Education

This course explores the principles and practices of place-based education, an approach that connects learning to the local environment and community. Place-based education leverages the unique cultural, historical, and ecological resources of a specific place to create meaningful, relevant learning experiences for students. The course emphasizes experiential, hands-on learning that fosters a deeper connection to the local community and environment, while also promoting academic achievement and social responsibility. **​Possible minimal lab fee   

660

Classroom Culture & Restorative Practices

This course examines the development of a positive, inclusive classroom culture through the implementation of restorative practices. "Classroom Culture and Restorative Practices" focuses on building strong, respectful relationships among students and between students and educators, fostering a community-centered approach to classroom management and conflict resolution.  

670

Action Research

Building on the foundational knowledge and skills acquired in previous courses, "Action Research" offers an in-depth exploration of research methodologies that empower educators to systematically investigate and improve their own practices. This course focuses on the design and implementation of action research projects aimed at addressing specific challenges or opportunities within educational settings. *Must be taken before Capstone I or II.  

680

Capstone I

In Capstone Project I, students will begin the process of developing a comprehensive research or practical project that synthesizes and applies the knowledge and skills gained throughout their program. This first part focuses on defining the project scope, creating a detailed proposal, and designing the research or implementation plan. **​Possible minimal lab fee   

690

Capstone II

Capstone Project II builds on the work completed in Capstone Project I, focusing on the execution, analysis, and reflection of the capstone project. This second part involves carrying out the research or practical activities as outlined in the proposal, analyzing results, and reflecting on the project’s impact. **​Possible minimal lab fee