Curriculum & Instruction: Secondary Education
Master of Science in Curriculum & Instruction
In just 14 months, become certified to teach high school and middle school, and ready to enrich your life, your classroom, and your community.
Is this program right for you?
The Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction is a dual-certification program. Each student selects a subject area in which to specialize: English, social studies, science, or mathematics. Your certification equips you to teach in your subject area at the high school or middle school level. You also earn certification to teach English as a Second Language (ESL)—a high-demand field even in competitive job markets. Work in Wisconsin, around the country, or even abroad.
This program is suitable for people looking to move into the teaching profession or for students starting their first career. You do not need to have taken any previous education courses to qualify for admission, but experience working with youth is encouraged.
In just two summers and one academic year, gain experience in educational theory, engaging students and translating your studies into curriculum. You proceed through the program as a cohort, so you are surrounded by peers who understand your goals, as well by experienced teachers and faculty who are ready to support you.
Your coursework begins in the summer, during which time you explore the educational landscape, including hands-on work at a community-based practicum that connects you with youth from diverse backgrounds. In fall and spring, you complete additional courses and are placed in local secondary schools for immersive teaching. Your final summer of classes also includes a master’s project. ESL elements are infused throughout the program, so that you can deeply integrate the needs of these learners into your work as a teacher.
Our world-renowned faculty designed this program specifically to help meet the need for skilled teachers. U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks UW–Madison’s School of Education among the top public institutions in its annual graduate school rankings. If you are considering a career in teaching, there’s no better place to be than UW–Madison.
Is this program right for you?
The Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction is a dual-certification program. Each student selects a subject area in which to specialize: English, social studies, science, or mathematics. Your certification equips you to teach in your subject area at the high school or middle school level. You also earn certification to teach English as a Second Language (ESL)—a high-demand field even in competitive job markets. Work in Wisconsin, around the country, or even abroad.
This program is suitable for people looking to move into the teaching profession or for students starting their first career. You do not need to have taken any previous education courses to qualify for admission, but experience working with youth is encouraged.
In just two summers and one academic year, gain experience in educational theory, engaging students and translating your studies into curriculum. You proceed through the program as a cohort, so you are surrounded by peers who understand your goals, as well by experienced teachers and faculty who are ready to support you.
Your coursework begins in the summer, during which time you explore the educational landscape, including hands-on work at a community-based practicum that connects you with youth from diverse backgrounds. In fall and spring, you complete additional courses and are placed in local secondary schools for immersive teaching. Your final summer of classes also includes a master’s project. ESL elements are infused throughout the program, so that you can deeply integrate the needs of these learners into your work as a teacher.
Our world-renowned faculty designed this program specifically to help meet the need for skilled teachers. U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks UW–Madison’s School of Education among the top public institutions in its annual graduate school rankings. If you are considering a career in teaching, there’s no better place to be than UW–Madison.
Admissions requirements
All applicants must:
- Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in one of four content areas (English, social studies, science, or mathematics).
- Have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0.
- Submit GRE scores using code 1846*
- Submit evidence of English language proficiency, if applicable. The required proficiency scores are: TOEFL IBT 92, PBT 580; or IELTS 7.0.
*If applicant GPA is below 3.0
Application materials required:
- Online application
- Supplemental application
- Resume/CV
- Statement of purpose
- Transcripts
- Two letters of recommendation
- You must apply in one of the four subject areas (English, social studies, science, or mathematics)
Connect with us
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Program highlights
- Our Curriculum and Instruction master’s program is accelerated, so you earn your degree in 14 months and can start teaching the semester after you graduate.
- This program has a strong social justice focus. Along with being ESL certified at the end of your degree, you will be prepared to address issues of race, class, abilities and gender in an encouraging and culturally responsive way.
- Students enrolled in this program are eligible to participate in the Wisconsin Teacher Pledge, a program that provides financial support to students who pledge to teach at a PK-12 school in Wisconsin for three or four years.
The UW–Madison School of Education was ranked third in U.S. News & World Report's 2023-24 Best Education Graduate Schools rankings — marking the 10th straight year it has been rated among the top five.
How you'll learn
- 14 months of study on campus and in local schools to earn your degree.
- Intensive sequence of courses that span two summers and an intervening academic year.
- Complete university courses, fieldwork, and a master’s degree project.
Sample curriculum
Semester 1: Summer
Coursework
- Social and Cultural Approaches to Education Policy
- Linguistics for Educators
- Educating Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Learners
- Epistemology (Math/Sci) OR Foundations in Learning (Eng/Soc St)
Fieldwork
- Community-Based Practicum
Semester 2: Fall
Coursework
- Inclusive Education in Secondary Schools
- Adolescent Development in Educational Contexts
- Methods and Practice—Content Area
- Learning Second Languages and Literacy
- Classroom Management for Secondary Teachers
Fieldwork
- Content-Based Practicum, first quarter
- Half-Day Student Teaching, second quarter
Semester 3: Spring
Coursework
- ESL Methods
- Advanced Methods: Content Area
Fieldwork
- Full-Day Student Teaching
Semester 4: Summer
Coursework
- Capstone: Content Area
- Legal Rights and Responsibilities for Teachers
- Professional Launch Workshop series
- Master’s Project
Job outlook
- High school teacher
- Middle school teacher
Ready to learn more about Curriculum & Instruction: Secondary Education?
View the UW-Madison Guide
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Connect with our enrollment coaches
Our friendly, knowledgeable enrollment coaches are here to answer your questions. Contact an enrollment coach to:
- Learn how to make this program work with your life/schedule
- Get help with your application
- Determine if financial aid is available
Visit with our coaches on campus or at an upcoming student fair in your area. Search student fairs & events.
