Curriculum and instruction | Career and technical education emphasis
Education Specialist
Overview
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From chalkboard to boardroom
Experienced career and technical education (CTE) educators play a critical role in preparing students for high-demand careers and a changing workforce. University of Idaho's Education Specialist (Ed.S) in curriculum and instruction with an emphasis in career and technical education helps educators strengthen their instructional practice, expand their leadership skills and advance CTE programs that prepare learners for college, careers and lifelong success.
Designed for working professionals, this flexible graduate program combines educational research with practical application to help you become a stronger teacher, curriculum leader and instructional decision-maker. You'll study curriculum development, instructional design, assessment, educational technology, leadership and educational research while learning how to improve teaching, support diverse learners and strengthen career and technical education programs.
Throughout the program, you'll explore evidence-based instructional practices, continuous improvement and data-informed decision-making while examining the historical, social, cultural and economic foundations of CTE. Coursework emphasizes practical application, allowing you to immediately implement new teaching strategies, instructional technologies and curriculum innovations within your own classroom, school or organization.
Faculty bring extensive experience in career and technical education, teacher preparation, curriculum development and educational leadership, providing personalized mentorship throughout the program. Flexible coursework allows you to continue working while collaborating with educators from across Idaho and beyond.
This degree is an excellent choice for secondary and postsecondary educators, instructional coaches, department chairs, teacher educators and CTE professionals seeking to expand their expertise and leadership opportunities. It also provides a valuable pathway for Idaho educators holding a Limited Occupational Specialist (LOS) Certificate who want to complete certificate requirements while earning a graduate degree that supports long-term professional growth.
Graduates are prepared for leadership roles in CTE, curriculum development, instructional coaching, professional learning, workforce education, teacher preparation and educational administration. Whether your goal is to strengthen your classroom instruction, lead curriculum improvement, mentor fellow educators or continue your graduate education, this program provides the knowledge and practical skills to support your next career step.
This degree could be a good fit if you:
- Have teaching, training or workforce development experience and want to advance your career
- Want to strengthen your leadership, curriculum development and instructional design skills
- Are interested in educational research, continuous improvement and evidence-based teaching
- Enjoy exploring innovative instructional strategies and emerging technologies
- Hold an Idaho Limited Occupational Specialist (LOS) Certificate and want to earn a graduate degree
- Want to lead career and technical education programs and strengthen workforce development in your community
Educate to elevate
Curriculum
The Ed.S. in curriculum and instruction, career and technical education emphasis is a 30-credit program combining coursework and applied learning experiences. Students build technical expertise while gaining hands-on experience in the field.
Explore program courses in the University Catalog
View the online curriculum and instruction graduate handbook
Internships
Upon completion of your coursework, you will be required to take certification exams by the state in which you will work. You also will complete a one semester internship experience in a classroom environment, where you will learn alongside experienced teachers. You also will receive personal mentorship from our leading education faculty.
Career outcomes
Current job openings
1,260 in ID, WA, OR, MT and HI* Career data provided by Lightcast.
Costs and funding
University of Idaho is committed to making graduate education accessible and helping students navigate the cost of earning an advanced degree. In addition to financial aid and scholarship opportunities, many graduate students receive funding through assistantships, research opportunities and other forms of academic support.
Here are a few key resources to help you understand graduate tuition, funding opportunities and available financial support:
- Submit your FAFSA: Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an important first step in accessing federal financial aid and certain institutional funding opportunities.
- Estimate your cost of attendance: Visit U of I’s cost of attendance page to explore estimated tuition, fees and living expenses associated with your graduate program.
- View a breakdown of tuition and fees: Visit the Student Accounts page to explore current tuition rates, fees and detailed cost information based on your program, residency status and enrollment level.
- Explore scholarships and graduate funding opportunities: Graduate students may qualify for scholarships, fellowships and other funding opportunities based on academic achievement, area of study and professional experience.
- Learn about assistantships: Many graduate programs offer Research Assistantships (RAs), Teaching Assistantships (TAs) or Graduate Assistantships (GAs), which may provide tuition support, stipends and valuable professional experience. Assistantship availability and funding levels vary by program and department.
- Connect with your program: Some graduate funding opportunities are coordinated directly through academic departments or faculty research projects. Prospective students are encouraged to review department funding information and speak with program representatives about available opportunities.
If you have questions about financial aid, scholarships or graduate funding, U of I’s experienced financial aid counselors and graduate program staff can help you explore options and make informed financial decisions throughout the admissions process.
Contact information
Have questions about the program, research opportunities or the graduate student experience? Connect with our program team for personalized guidance about curriculum, faculty mentorship, application requirements and graduate funding opportunities.
Program contact:
Janine Darragh
janined@uidaho.edu
For questions related to admissions, application materials, transcripts or enrollment steps, contact Graduate Admissions:
Graduate Admissions:
graduateadmissions@uidaho.edu
208-885-4001
Interested in research areas or finding a faculty mentor? Explore faculty expertise, research interests and advising opportunities on the department’s faculty page.
Application information
Applicants for the Ed.S. in curriculum and instruction, career and technical education emphasis must meet the following admission requirements:
Program availability
- Semester intake: Fall, Spring or Summer
- This program is not available to international applicants requiring F-1 visa status
- Deadlines: General application deadlines
- Start dates: View the academic calendar to see start and end dates
University requirements
- Education level: Bachelor's degree in a similar or related field from an accredited or recognized institution (earned or expected before the start of the graduate program). The academic program may also require a master’s degree earned prior to the start of the EDS program.
- Transcripts for all post-secondary education will be required. Unofficial transcripts may be used for initial admission review. Official transcripts sent directly by the issuing institution(s) will be required if admitted. View more information on the Graduate Admissions page.
- GPA: 3.0 (Applicants with a lower undergraduate GPA who have relevant professional experience in the field, have already earned a graduate degree, or have completed graduate-level credits may still be considered for admission with approval from the academic program.)
- GRE: Not required
- Letters of recommendation: Three
- Resume
- Statement of Purpose
- Writing Sample: Provide one professional writing sample such as journal, publication, term paper
- Valid picture ID (required to verify students’ identity and will be kept confidential)
- English proficiency (for applicants whose education was completed in countries where English is not an official language).
- Accepted tests: TOEFL: 4.5, IELTS: 6.5, Duolingo: 115, PTE-A: 58. Learn what qualifies as proof of English proficiency.
- Application Fee: $50
Application and admission process
Applications are submitted online and are specific to the program and term selected. Applicants seeking admission to multiple programs must submit a separate application for each program.
Before submitting an application, applicants must provide personal and academic information from all post-secondary institutions attended, recommender information, required program-specific materials, and their intended program and start term.
Applications are reviewed for admission by the academic program. Only complete applications, including required letters of recommendation and payment of the application fee, will be forwarded for evaluation and admission decision. Applicants are strongly encouraged to complete their applications early to allow sufficient time for a thorough review.
Visit Graduate Admissions to learn more and start your application.
Overview
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Have questions?
Have questions about the program? Connect with our program director or request more information to learn about curriculum, faculty advisors, research opportunities, graduate funding and career outcomes.