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Curriculum and Instruction (Gifted Education), MEd

Curriculum and Instruction (Gifted Education), MEd

Academic programs / Graduate degrees / Curriculum and Instruction (Gifted Education), MEd

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Curriculum, Education, Gifted, Instruction

Advance your education career by supporting academically gifted children as they explore their full potential. This online program prepares you to tailor instruction and pedagogy to individual learning needs.

Program description
Degree awarded: MEd  Curriculum and Instruction (Gifted Education)

The MEd program in curriculum and instruction with a concentration in gifted education prepares teachers, school administrators, school psychologists, early interventionists and family members to work effectively with gifted children. Students gain the theory and pedagogy needed to identify and serve this population of learners.

Students learn how to identify learning potential and address specific needs of gifted and talented students. They gain an understanding of gifted students' affective and academic needs, and they learn how to design and provide appropriately challenging, differentiated curriculum and instruction.

Students also learn how to develop a continuum of gifted programs and services; work with school administrators, teachers, school boards and parents; and advocate for gifted students at local and national levels.

The program is designed for public and private school teachers in regular classrooms, honors classrooms and gifted programs, and for school administrators and gifted program coordinators.

The program also provides the twelve credit hours of coursework in gifted education required for the Gifted Education (K-12) endorsement from the Arizona Department of Education. Students should refer to the Arizona Department of Education website for additional requirements.

This program does not lead to teacher certification. Students should contact an advisor for information on other programs that lead to teacher certification in the state of Arizona.

At a glance
Degree requirements

30 credit hours including the required capstone course (SPE 597)

Required Core (3 credit hours)
TEL 504 Learning and Instruction (3)

Concentration (24 credit hours)
COE 501 Introduction to Research and Evaluation in Education (3)
SPE 572 Testing and Measurement in Gifted Education: Methods (3)
SPE 573 Differentiating Instruction for Gifted Learners: Teaching Methods (3)
SPE 585 Creativity: Foundations of Research and Development in Gifted Education (3)
SPE 586 Advising the Gifted Learner: Social and Emotional Needs (3)
SPE 587 Special Populations in Gifted Education (3)
SPE 588 The Gifted Learner: Foundations of Identification, Education and Development (3)
SPE 589 Gifted Education Programming: Models, Methods and Services (3)

Culminating Experience (3 credit hours)
SPE 597 Special Populations in Gifted Education (3)

Admission requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. three letters of recommendation
  4. personal statement
  5. resume
  6. proof of English language proficiency

Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

The letters of recommendation should be from individuals who can speak to the applicant's potential for success in a graduate program.

The personal statement should describe the applicant's interests and reason for seeking this degree.

Tuition information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Attend online
ASU Online

ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program’s ASU Online page for program descriptions and to request more information.

Career opportunities

Graduates possess skills in creating and strengthening gifted programs, developing instructional methods, advocating for learners and working with school districts and families. This prepares them to expand or pursue education careers working with gifted learners.

Career examples include:

  • educator in gifted or honors classrooms
  • gifted coordinator
  • school administrator
Contact information
What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

3 year programs

These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
What are concurrent programs?
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
What are joint programs?
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is WRGP (Western Regional Graduate Program)?
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.

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