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2007-2008

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4-14-2: Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction Degree (MACI)

The Master of Arts with a major in Curriculum and Instruction (MACI) provides an appropriate graduate degree for preschool, elementary, middle level, and secondary teachers, as well as college instructors who have at least a bachelor's degree in a content field. It is also appropriate for corporate trainers who desire to be curriculum specialists and writers, supervisors, or departmental chairpersons; and for all those who want to enhance their educational skills and knowledge. MACI is offered with courses scheduled on weekends (Fridays, Saturdays), or in an completely online format, with courses offered in block formats (i.e., one course at a time). Courses may be completed in residence or online. Although it is possible to complete course work and the practicum in the in-seat format in as little as three semesters (one year), students have four years from the time of admission to complete the program.

Objectives of the Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction Degree Program

The MACI program provides students with the potential to enhance their professional careers in teaching, corporate training, administration, and curriculum development. MACI is further designed to enhance a student's cognitive abilities, relational skills, ethical sensitivity, commitment to values, and worldview informed by science, experience, biblical scholarship, and history. As a result of their studies at Colorado Christian University, MACI graduates see an enhancement in their ability to understand and integrate complex data from educational theory and practice, enhanced skills in research, and augmented critical thinking abilities. MACI graduates demonstrate enhanced interpersonal, relational, and communication skills, and enhanced leadership abilities based upon the philosophy of servant leadership.

MACI graduates demonstrate an enhanced understanding of their personal worldview and their philosophy of education, the integration of both, and how both relate to their careers in teaching and curriculum development. Using a unique model of education, the program integrates the best of scholarship with the richness of the Christian heritage.

The MACI program is distinctive because it:

  • Is tailored to the working professional and course work can be completed in as little as one year by taking courses on weekends for three terms, or in the online program over four semesters.
  • Uses cutting edge research and innovative instructional design.
  • Uses a combination of proven approaches to accelerated adult learning by providing interactive and experiential learning.
  • Addresses individual learner needs in the development and implementation of curriculum.

Admission to the Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction Degree Program

Admission to the MACI program is selective. Applicants are evaluated on the basis of previous academic performance, personal and professional accomplishments and goals, and strength of character. Each applicant is carefully evaluated for his or her ability to contribute to the program. A strong desire to complete graduate-level work in a Christ-centered, biblically based community is important. All MACI admissions decisions are made by and only by the Colorado Christian University Graduate Acceptance Committee. All Graduate Acceptance Committee decisions are final.

Admission Requirements

  • A completed Application Form
  • Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, including one that reflects a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution, are required for admission to graduate study.
  • Personal interview
  • Resume or Curriculum Vitae
  • One professional recommendation
  • Program specific essays
  • Candidate must have a minimum undergraduate grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale. The grade point average minimum may be waived in certain situations. GRE will be required for a GPA lower than 3.25.
  • Candidates must submit GRE scores for admission to the MACI program. The GRE score requirement may be waived in certain situations. The GRE test must have been taken within 2 years of application.

Application Deadlines

We encourage students to submit the application for admission as soon as possible as only completed application files will be presented to the Graduate Acceptance Committee.

Transfer of Courses

Students may transfer up to nine semester hours of graduate credit from a regionally accredited college or university. The coursework must be comparable to that offered at CCU and fulfill the CCU MACI degree requirements.

Time Limitation

All work applied toward a master's degree must be completed within a four-year period from the date of enrollment. MACI degrees allow for part-time enrollment. After the four-year period, a MACI student who has not completed the requirements to graduate will be withdrawn from the program. Students who go beyond the four-year period and wish to complete their MACI degree will be required to apply for reconsideration by completing a Petition for Exception to Academic Policy. Re-admission is not guaranteed. Students will be required to adhere to current academic policies and prices.

Required Courses for the Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction Degree

The MACI program requires a minimum of 31 hours of professional courses and 3 hours of electives.

Professional Courses

EDU 500 Curriculum and Instructional Design (3)
EDU 505 Psychological Foundations of Education (3)
EDU 520 Studies in Education (3)
EDU 548 Program Needs Assessment and Evaluation (3)
EDU 550 Research and Analysis Seminar (3)
EDU 560 Instructional Methodologies (3)
EDU 580 Integrating Technology into Education (3)
EDU 600 Leadership Portfolio (1)
EDU 650 Practicum (3) (continuing registration in EDU-650D Practicum Development, is required during each semester the student continues work toward the completion of the practicum)
PHL 526 Professional Ethics (3)
PSY 535 Group Dynamics (3)

Specialization

Students may also receive a MACI degree with an emphasis in Instructional Technology. To earn a degree with this emphasis, students must complete a practicum utilizing technology in the curriculum design and two courses: Integrating Technology into Education and Applications of Interactive Technology.

Certificates

Three graduate level certificates are available through the MACI program. The certificates are in Online Teaching and Learning or Online Course Development, or Corporate Education. Each certificate consists of 6 classes (18 credit hours) and a program ending Capstone presentation and oral defense of a real time online course developed by the student.

Students may also receive a Master of Arts degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a graduate certificate in Online Teaching and Learning, or Online Course Development, or Corporate Education. To earn a MACI degree with one of the certificates students must complete the 17 credit hour basic MACI core program along with the 6 graduate classes which are specific to each certificate.

Online Teaching and Learning Certificate
EDU 505 Psychological Foundations of Education (3)
EDU 530 Introduction to Online Learning (3)
EDU 543 Management of Web Based Classes (3)
EDU 556 Alternative Teaching Methodologies (3)
EDU 580 Integrating Technology into Education (3)
EDU 582 Communications and Visual Literacy (3)

Online Course Developer Certificate
EDU 505 Psychological Foundations of Education (3)
EDU 530 Introduction to Online Learning (3)
EDU 545 Curriculum and Instruction Online (3)
EDU 552 Web Based Design (3)
EDU 580 Integrating Technology into Education (3)
EDU 582 Communications and Visual Literacy (3)

Corporate Education Certificate
EDU 505 Psychological Foundations of Education (3)
EDU 536 Mastering the Teaching of Adults (3)
EDU 538 Training for Impact (3)
EDU 556 Alternative Teaching Methodologies (3)
EDU 580 Integrating Technology into Education (3)
EDU 582 Communications and Visual Literacy (3)

Licensure and Specialization

The MACI degree can be combined with other CCU programs in preparation for a license to teach in Colorado public schools. CCU offers licensing and endorsement programs under the authority of the Colorado Department of Education. Licensure can be earned by taking, in addition to MACI, coursework from other CCU programs. For example, in the Licensing Program for Educators (LPE), students can earn licensure to teach in early childhood education or in elementary or secondary schools. In the Alternative Licensure Program (ALT) students can earn a license while teaching (in certain circumstances). Contact MACI or the CCU School of Education to receive further information about these offerings.

Graduation Requirements for the Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction Degree

  1. Completion of 31 credit hours in resident study (i.e., courses taken at CCU) from the MACI Professional Core Courses and three credit hours of electives (either at CCU or through a combination of CCU and acceptable transfer courses from accredited institutions).
  2. A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher on the university's 4.0 grade scale in all CCU course work.
  3. Successful completion of the MACI Practicum and Leadership Portfolio.
  4. Acceptable performance on a program ending oral examination. If the MACI advisory faculty believes it is necessary the oral examination may contain an additional written component.
  5. Candidate Standing.
  6. Recommendation of the MACI faculty.
  7. Formal and timely application for graduation by the date specified by the University Registrar.
  8. No outstanding financial obligations to the University.

Additional Information

For additional information about the MACI program and graduate courses in education, consult the MACI handbooks and bulletins, contact the College of Adult and Graduate Studies, or visit the MACI website at www.ccu.edu/maci.

Graduate Courses for Teachers and Other Professionals

The university offers graduate-level continuing education courses, acceptable for licensure renewal for teachers in elementary, middle school, and secondary schools, and other professionals. Courses are scheduled to meet evenings and weekends. Enrollment is open to anyone holding an undergraduate degree from any accredited college or university. Students enrolled in these courses are granted Graduate Non-Degree status. Because new classes are added each term, visit www.ccu.edu/admissions or contact the School of Education for a current class listing.