Curriculum and instruction

The Ed.S. in curriculum and instruction is a 60-credit program combining coursework and applied learning experiences. Students build technical expertise while gaining hands-on experience in the field.

What you'll learn

The Ed.S. in curriculum and instruction is designed to deepen your understanding of how curriculum, instruction and educational systems shape learning. Through advanced coursework, you'll connect educational theory and research with practical strategies you can apply in classrooms, schools and other learning environments.

As you progress through the program, you'll learn to:

• Design meaningful curriculum. Develop relevant, engaging and challenging learning experiences informed by curriculum standards, educational theories, instructional models and the needs of learners.
• Strengthen your instructional practice. Explore a variety of teaching strategies and learning theories while using technology, collaboration, inquiry, communication and problem-solving to support student learning.
• Use assessment to improve learning. Develop your ability to select, interpret and evaluate formal, informal and performance-based assessments to monitor progress and make informed instructional decisions.
• Apply research to practice. Become a critical consumer of educational research and learn to use evidence to inform curriculum, instruction and educational decision-making.
• Understand the broader educational landscape. Examine the philosophical, historical, social, political and cultural foundations that influence schools and educational organizations.
• Create effective learning experiences for all students. Strengthen your ability to design learning experiences and work effectively with students, families and colleagues from a range of backgrounds and experiences.
• Deepen your content expertise. Build on your knowledge of the subject areas you teach and strengthen your ability to translate that expertise into effective instruction.

View the online Curriculum and Instruction Graduate Handbook for curriculum and degree requirements.

Explore program courses in the University Catalog

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.  

View financial aid resources

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.

Curriculum and Instruction contact:
Janine Darragh (janined@uidaho.edu)

For questions related to admissions, application materials, transcripts or enrollment steps, contact Graduate Admissions:

Graduate Admissions contact:
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.

Find curriculum and instruction program faculty advisors

Applicants for the Ed.S. in curriculum and instruction must meet the following admission requirements:

Program availability:

• Semester intake: Fall, Spring and 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.