Department of Curriculum and Instruction

Winther Hall 3032
262-472-1122
cioffice@uww.edu

Overview

The Department of Curriculum and Instruction is dedicated to a democratic, just, and equitable vision of PreK-12 schools and institutions of higher education. We prepare pre-service teachers and scholar practitioners to be lifelong learners and agents of change. We challenge, engage, and inspire students through innovative transformative approaches that emphasize the diversity among learners, contemporary research, and meaningful integration of technologies. The Department of Curriculum and Instruction (C&I) houses the MSE Early Childhood Education Policy, MSE Professional Studies, as well as the MSE Higher Education Leadership graduate programs.

Highlights of the graduate programs include:

30 credit program - complete the degree in two years or less (depending on emphasis area and license requirements)
No GRE or admission test required
Financial aid available
Convenient course times, condensed scheduling or online options
Onsite district cohort group options (MSEPS only)
Quality UW-Whitewater instruction

Business Education MS

This 30-credit, three-semester graduate study program offers a high-quality, practitioner-oriented approach that is committed to developing highly-qualified and effective teachers.

Individualized plans are developed for each candidate based on previous degrees and professional work experience.

All of our programs have proven themselves through rigorous state and national accreditation. When you choose programs in the College of Education and Professional Studies you can be assured of the quality and reputation of your degree.

Program Coordinator
Karla Saeger
Winther Hall 4047
262-472-5475
saegerk@uww.edu

Early Childhood Education Policy MSE

Due to recent workforce shifts, early childhood educators have emerged as an essential resource, and there exists a dire need for early childhood education advocacy in the larger legislative and education policy arena. With the Early Childhood Education Policy program, students will learn the essential interdisciplinary insights necessary for successful cross-sector collaboration to address early childhood education system solutions. Through study in this fully online program, students will become policy leaders ready to work with schools, non-profit organizations, governmental agencies, advocacy groups, and institutes of higher education to focus on inclusion and support for all children and families. With a focus on representing the workforce, equity centered solutions are generated through diverse and collaborative coursework and community partnerships. The 30-credit program is designed for both professionals and recent college graduates who aspire to advance their careers through a focus on policy studies.

Program Coordinator
Lucinda Heimer
Winther Hall 3033
262-472-5802
heimerl@uww.edu

Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis MS

A cooperative program between UW-Whitewater and UW-Madison provides an opportunity for students to earn a Master of Science (MS) Degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis from UW-Madison by completing a substantial amount of their course work on the UW-Whitewater campus. All of the 36 units required by the program may be taken at UW-Whitewater through a combination of UW-Whitewater courses and UW-Madison courses offered at UW-Whitewater.

The program combines the unique resources of the two institutions to assist qualified persons to add dimension to their education through:

intensive study in the theory and practice of Educational Leadership,
refinement of skills and attitudes essential to educational leaders, and
further study in related educational fields such as curriculum and guidance. The program is designed to prepare a person for leadership positions at all levels of education, both public and private.

Students in the program may simultaneously pursue licensure as school administrators as well as establish a foundation for an academic and career ladder leading to specialist and doctoral degrees at UW-Madison in Educational Leadership. In addition, almost all of the course work for Director of Instruction and Director of Pupil Services licensures can be completed at UW-Whitewater.

Program Coordinator
Dennis Pauli
Winther Hall 4051
262-472-4891
paulid@uww.edu

Professional Studies MSE

The Master of Science in Education in Professional Studies (MSE-PS) provides individuals with advanced academic work focused on the improvement of teaching and learning. Individuals develop skills and knowledge in three core areas: research, practice and professional voice through a sequence of courses and individually guided activities culminating in a substantial capstone project.

Common emphases:

Professional Studies – Information, Technology, and Libraries Emphasis (MSE)
Professional Studies - Curriculum and Instruction Emphasis (MSE)
Professional Studies - Reading Emphasis (MSE)

Program Coordinator
Wade Tillett
Winther Hall 3050
262-472-1078
tillettw@uww.edu

Higher Education Leadership MSE

The Higher Education Leadership graduate program prepares individuals who aspire to hold leadership positions in higher education. This program takes a critical scholar-practitioner approach, preparing students as future leaders in student affairs, academic affairs, intercollegiate athletics, and two-year college leadership. The program prepares students to be equity-minded change agents across colleges and universities. The faculty and instructors of this program each practice leadership in higher education as high-level administrators. Classroom experiences are grounded in research and theory that guide organizational leadership, but provide numerous opportunities for practical application. Students who complete this program will have a strong understanding of how to implement policy, apply theory, collaborate across higher education units, and engage in critical equity-minded decision-making processes. In short, students who graduate from this program are equipped to step directly into fast-paced higher education leadership roles. Students would be able to choose either a general Higher Education Leadership emphasis or an emphasis in Athletic Administration.

Program Coordinator
Kelli Danielski
Winther Hall 2039
262-472-1614
HELead@uww.edu

Admission Requirements

Students must be admitted to the UW-Whitewater School of Graduate Studies and the MSE Program.

The UW-Whitewater School of Graduate Studies application includes:

An online application: https://apply.wisconsin.edu/
Graduate school application fee
Official transcripts (UW-Whitewater undergraduate transcripts do not need to be ordered)

Original sealed copy of transcripts should be sent to:
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
School of Graduate Studies
Roseman Building 2013
800 W. Main Street
Whitewater, WI 53190

The UW-Whitewater MSE in Higher Education Leadership application includes:

Resume/CV
Letter of Interest addressing professional goals and reasons for pursuing this graduate program
2 Letters of Recommendation

The UW-Whitewater MS in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis requirements includes:

Students must be admitted to the UW-Madison Graduate School and the UW-Madison Department of Educational Leadership as well as by the UW-Whitewater School of Graduate Studies and the Department of Curriculum and Instruction. Applicants should contact the Cooperative Program Coordinator for a list of current admission requirements and application forms.

2024-25 Academic Catalog