Curriculum

Minor Concentrations Available

The CSI program is designed for high-level scholar-practitioners interested in curriculum leadership positions in schools and other educational communities. It is founded on the belief that curriculum is best understood not simply in terms of classrooms and schools, but as situated within social, cultural, political and historical contexts. The program encourages both micro- and macro-level analyses of curriculum, especially as they interact with each other, and attention is given to the theoretical, practical and interdisciplinary dimensions of curriculum study. Minor concentrations are available in numerous areas including: reading and language, language and literacy, special education, educational leadership, educational psychology, disability studies and technology and education.

Community College Leadership (CCL)

The Community College Leadership(CCL) Doctoral Program is designed for professionals currently working in community colleges and higher education settings who desire entry into a quality doctoral program experience that allows them to continue meeting family and work responsibilities. Offering a curricular focus on theory, practice, scholarly foundations, students enhance their critical thinking ability, problem-solving dexterity and research skills that transfer to the leadership challenges faced in community college positions such as program director, department chair, academic dean, provost, or president.

Disability and Equity in Education (DEE)

Minor concentrations available

The DEE program is designed for individuals interested in exploring the historical, political, social, cultural and philosophical values, beliefs and processes that have constructed disability in education. The interdisciplinary nature of this program opens up the possibilities for inquiry into theoretical, practical and/or policy studies. The program encourages activism that envisions and creates equitable educational communities. It prepares individuals for continued practice as teachers and educational leaders, or for roles in teacher Education, community leadership or disability-related policy. Minor concentrations include: curriculum and social inquiry, reading and language, language and literacy, educational leadership, educational psychology and technology and education.

Educational Leadership (EDL)

Meets academic requirement for Superintendent Certification
Illinois Type 75 Administrative Certificate also available

This program is designed to prepare individuals to serve in school and school district leadership roles in the areas of administration and supervision. Based upon an articulated set of student outcomes, the program emphasizes the relationship between leadership and management. By combining coursework and internship experiences, the program integrates theory, research and practice into a cohesive plan of study for educational leaders. The program meets superintendent endorsement requirements. Applicants not possessing an Illinois Type 75Administrative Certificate (Principal Level) may obtain it through the program by taking an additional four courses.

Educational Psychology (EDP)

Concentration in School Psychology (more information)

The concentration in School Psychology program is built on the scientist-practitioner model and prepares individuals to work as psychologists in schools and other educational settings, to engage in research, to pursue clinical work in schools or other clinical settings and to pursue academic teaching posts. Individuals completing this option and participating in the Illinois School Psychology Internship Consortium (ISPIC) internship may be eligible to apply to sit for the Illinois Clinical Psychology licensing examination. In addition to the doctoral level coursework required in all NCE doctoral programs and the departmental core courses, students must complete all coursework required for School Psychology certification. Students who have completed an Ed.S. in School Psychology may be able to apply coursework from the Ed.S. to the School Psychology Doctoral Program.

Concentration in Human Learning and Development (more information)

The concentration in Human Learning and Development program is designed to prepare individuals for leadership and research positions in a broad range of educational settings, universities and continuing education programs for children, adolescents and adults. Throughout the program, students critically reflect upon theory, research and practice related to learning and development across the life span. In addition to the doctoral level coursework required in all NCE doctoral programs and the departmental core courses, students will complete a set of electives in line with their individual developmental needs in the doctoral program. Individuals whose undergraduate and master’s degrees are not in psychology may be required to complete psychology course prerequisites in addition to the program requirements for all NCE doctoral students.

Reading and Language (R&L)

Minor Concentrations Available

This program is designed to prepare graduates who are interested in school-based leadership positions, advanced clinical work or college teaching. It is distinguished by a close blending of theoretical and practical courses and experiences so that graduates are prepared as professionals with the competence to make a difference in their jobs. Rigorous coursework and carefully supervised internships in clinical supervision, teaching, research, staff development and evaluation constitute the core of the preparation experience. The courses in this program are taught by nationally and internationally distinguished faculty. An advisor can assist in selecting the minor concentration.