Curriculum and Instruction, Culture, Cognition and the Learning Process Concentration, Ed.S.

Curriculum and Instruction

Elevate your education career with an online Ed.S. program. Ideal for principals, superintendents, post-secondary teachers, and others.

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Curriculum and Instruction, Culture, Cognition, and the Learning Process Concentration, Ed.S.

100% ONLINE! The MTSU Specialist in Education (Ed.S.) degree Major in Curriculum and Instruction offers a Concentration in Culture, Cognition, and the Learning Process (CC/LP). This unique 30-hour, online degree program provides students with an opportunity to consider the impact and influence of educational neuroscience, cultural circumstances, and psychology on teaching and learning.

Every year more and more cultural diversity is present within public schools. Current educational research into cognition considers diversity and its impact upon teaching and learning.

Smells, memories, pain, learning—all these experiences and many more are made possible by just three pounds of tissue in our heads—the brain! This program is for all who would like to learn more about cultural diversity, mental processes, and cognitive/educational neuroscience and their impact on the exciting world of teaching and learning. What makes learning harder or easier? What actually is learning? What really happens when people learn? Should educators know something about the brains of the students sitting in their classrooms and what is happening—or not—and possible explanations about how this exciting mental process is occurring? This online degree program provides students with an opportunity to consider the impact and influence of educational neuroscience, cultural circumstances, and psychology on teaching and on learning in general.

*All students must be admitted to the Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) College of Graduate Studies. All coursework is delivered via the Desire to Learn (D2L) course management system. Have questions about this program? Email the Program Coordinator, [email protected].

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Careers
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Faculty
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News Briefs

Online education specialization degree equips educators for evolving, modern classroom

MTSU education professor Barbara Young has over 50 years of experience in the field of education, more than 30 of them spent on the Blue Raider campus. With this depth of educational knowledge, Young saw an opportunity to create and direct a unique, graduate-level program that would offer high quality online instruction and address the [ Read More ]

Bell Buckle principal calls MTSU’s Ed.S. online learning ‘ahead of the curve’

There’s a specialized program at Middle Tennessee State University that is preparing educators to learn more deeply about … learning. It’s the Specialist in Education, or Ed.S., degree in curriculum and instruction that explores cultural diversity, mental processes, and cognitive neuroscience and their impact on the exciting world of teaching and learning. Tabetha Sullens, a [ Read More ]

News Briefs

Online education specialization degree equips educators for evolving, modern classroom

MTSU education professor Barbara Young has over 50 years of experience in the field of education, more than 30 of them spent on the Blue Raider campus. With this depth of educational knowledge, Young saw an opportunity to create and direct a unique, graduate-level program that would offer high quality online instruction and address the [ Read More ]

Bell Buckle principal calls MTSU’s Ed.S. online learning ‘ahead of the curve’

There’s a specialized program at Middle Tennessee State University that is preparing educators to learn more deeply about … learning. It’s the Specialist in Education, or Ed.S., degree in curriculum and instruction that explores cultural diversity, mental processes, and cognitive neuroscience and their impact on the exciting world of teaching and learning. Tabetha Sullens, a [ Read More ]

Related Media

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CAREERS

Curriculum and Instruction, Culture, Cognition, and the Learning Process Concentration, Ed.S.


Every year more and more neurodiversity as well as cultural diversity are present within society, organizations, the work place, and in the educational arena. Currently, important research is ongoing in contributions of neuroscience to education, cognitive psychology, individual neurodiversity, and the historical and social context of multicultural education and the impact of cultural issues in education. This emerging research studies a plethora of dimensions of diversity and its impact on everyday life societal structure.

This online degree program provides educators, administrators, educational support personnel, as well other personnel involved in various types of employment, with an opportunity to study and reflect upon the impact and influence of research findings in the Learning Sciences and cultural circumstances on life, work, and the teaching and learning process. Graduates are found in numerous employment settings such as school systems, daycare facilities, community centers, mental health, social work, psychology, ministry, and life coaches.

Examples include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Administrators
  • Teacher Aides
  • Activity Directors/Senior Care Facilities
  • Curriculum Consultants
  • Counselors
  • K-12 Teachers
  • Memory Care Personnel
  • Educational Specialist Consultants
  • Educational Support Personnel
  • Early Learning/Day Care Personnel
  • Life Coaches
  • Gifted Education Facilitator
  • ELL/ESL Teachers
  • Special Education Teachers/Aides
  • Community Personnel/YMCA/Girl/Boys Club
  • Online K-12 Teachers
  • Special Education Teachers
  • University/Community College Clerical personnel
  • Librarians
  • Home School Educators
  • Social Workers
  • Music/Art Therapists
  • Band Directors
 

Employers of MTSU alumni in Tennessee include, but are not limited to:

  • School Boards
  • Day Care Facilities/Early Learning Programs
  • Franklin County Schools
  • Tennessee Schools for the Deaf
  • K-12 Public/Private School Systems
  • Assisted Living Facilities
  • Hamilton County Schools
  • Tullahoma School District
  • Home School Organizations
  • Memory Care Facilities
  • Knox County Schools
  • Wilson County Schools
  • Universities, Community Colleges
  • Senior Care Resource Organizations
  • Memphis School District
  • YMCA
  • Curriculum Consulting Organizations
  • Bedford County Schools
  • Metro/Davidson County Schools
  • Webb School
  • Language Academies
  • Coffee County Schools
  • Murfreesboro City Schools
  • Battleground Academy
  • K-12 / Adult Virtual Schools
  • Franklin City Schools
  • Rutherford County Schools
 

Alumni Success

EVERETT JAMES  

As a recent graduate, I can say with complete confidence that Middle Tennessee State University’s Online Specialist in Education, Curriculum and Instruction Major (C/I), w/Specialization in Culture, Cognition, and  Learning Process (CC/LP) graduate degree program contained the most enriching coursework that I have experienced as a college student.

From the time of my first class, it was apparent that Dr. Young has a holistic view of education regarding past, present, and future. Given the demographic trends in education, cutting edge discoveries in the the field of neuroscience, current events, and everything in between, I cannot imagine a more relevant and forward-thinking curriculum than what Dr. Young has developed for this program.

I was initially skeptical and nervous about the online learning platform, but I ended up loving it. the electronic discussion board forums were more riveting than they would have been in person because there was more time to contemplate each response and process everyone’s unique perspective spanning many diverse and professional backgrounds. Despite never meeting face2face in person, I felt / feel a special connection to my former classmates. In my opinion, the CC/LP program naturally attracts an open-minded and passionate group of graduate students. Also, Dr. Young, as instructor and advisor, motivated each of us to be reflective practitioners through assignments / feedback aligned with her pedagogical beliefs in terms of creating as many meaningful learning opportunities as possible.

The textbooks and resource materials were pragmatic, engaging to read, and very informative. As a matter of fact, I have found myself rereading portions of textbooks to incorporate into my own teaching. I cannot express my gratitude enough for how much this EdS program has accelerated my professional as well as personal development.

I would recommend the program to any life-long learner interested in increasing their content knowledge while also gaining a deeper understanding self and how to better educate via an increased sensitivity to learners’ multifaceted needs.

Everett James
Instructor / Expanded Core Curriculum
Band Director
Tennessee School for the Blind
Nashville, TN

 

SAVANNAH ANGLIN 

Dr. Young,

I wanted to say thank you for such a wonderful learning experience. Although the Specialization in Education was a 100% online degree, I felt like I got to know you on a personal level, and I felt supported all along the way. In addition, the interactive class discussion boards fostered a learning environment very similar to an onsite classroom setting. I was able to get to know several of my classmates and form ongoing friendships beyond the virtual classroom setting. We are still communicating and sharing resources and supporting each other since graduation.

The coursework was rigorous and exciting! I am much more well-rounded in terms of cultural diversity. My newly acquired knowledge about contributions of neuroscience to the field of education and classroom management have changed who I am as an educator. Course information regarding cultural issues in education and the history of multicultural education has allowed me to make lesson modifications that have enabled me to better deal with classroom diversity.

Overall, I would most definitely recommend this degree program to any educator who wishes to broaden their horizon and become a more effective educator. I truly believe the things I learned will help me make a more positive impact on my students for years to come. Thank you again, Dr. Young!

Savannah Anglin
Special Education Teacher
Hickman County Schools

 

ELISHA LAWRENCE 

I am a student pursuing a Doctor of Education in Assessment, Learning, and Student Success: Higher Education Concentration at Middle Tennessee State University. The classes within the Culture, Cognition, and the Learning Process, Specialist in Education degree are not part of my program. I was given approval by my advisor to substitute some of the courses in this degree into my degree plan and I am very glad that I did. I am finishing up SPSE 7720 Brain-Based Teaching and Learning this semester and I have learned so much. The content of this class was challenging but deeply rewarding.

I have not taught in the K-12 setting but these classes are equally applicable to teaching in other contexts. Learning about how people learn and retain information is fascinating. Dr. Young sets up her course to be highly interactive despite it being fully online. She does an excellent job of providing substantial resources that help you engage with the content of the course. I learned so much about how the brain works and the practical ways to teach considering that. I highly recommend taking courses in this program to grow as a teacher. I plan to substitute as many courses as I can from this degree so that I am better prepared to teach wisely and effectively in the future.

Elisha Lawrence
Ed.D. Program / MTSU
Career Advisor
Middle Tennessee State University
Murfreesboro, TN

MTSU Career Development Center

MTSU’s Career Development Center

MTSU offers a comprehensive Career Development Center that serves students throughout the full student experience and beyond. They collaborate with faculty and staff to equip students with the tools to be marketable to the world of work and continuing education.  

Students can schedule an appointment or check online resources and job boards at mtsu.edu/career

Students can find current internship opportunities by talking to faculty and visiting the University job and internship board called Handshake

Wondering what you can do with your major? Check out our What Can I Do with A Major In guides. 

REQUIREMENTS

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FACULTY

INFORMATION

The Womack Educational Leadership Department offers the Specialist in Education degree (Ed.S.) with a major in Curriculum and Instruction and a Concentration in Culture, Cognition, and the Learning Process. This online degree program provides an opportunity to consider the impact and influence that cultural circumstances and mental processes have on learning and teaching in general.

Applicants must have:

  1. an earned master’s degree in any area from an accredited university or college required prior to admission application;
  2. a grade point average (GPA) in previous academic work that reflects potential for success in the Ed.S.

Overview

Thank you for your interest in Middle Tennessee State University’s (MTSU) Online Specialist in Education Degree (Ed.S.) program with a Concentration in Culture, Cognition, and Learning Process (CC/LP). The College of Education and Department of Educational Leadership and University College at Middle Tennessee State University offers a 100% Online Specialist in Education (Ed.S.) degree with a major in Curriculum and Instruction and Concentration in Culture, Cognition, and the Learning Process. This unique online graduate degree concentration provides students with an opportunity to consider the impact and influence of the Learning Sciences: educational neuroscience, educational research, psychology of human growth and development, and cultural circumstances on societal structure and teaching and learning in general.

  • Terminal degree awarded upon completion rather than +3o
  • Recognized as terminal degree beyond the Master’s degree
  • Test out the possibility of continuing forward to a PhD / EdD in Education
  • May transfer 24 of the 30 EdS hours on to a doctoral program in education
  • Thesis / Comprehensive exam is not required
  • 100% established accredited online graduate program / MTSU University College and College of Education, Womack Department of Educational Leadership
  • May enter any semester – plan out individualized progress to graduation
  • Courses are on set rotation schedule
  • Distinctive concentration differentiates this degree from other EdS degrees
  • GRE / MAT not required for admission
  • Teaching License not required for admission
  • Master’s Degree from an accredited university is required for admission
  • Letters of Recommendation not required

The MTSU Specialist in Education (Ed.S.) degree Major in Curriculum and Instruction offers a Concentration in Culture, Cognition, and the Learning Process (CC/LP). This 30-hour degree program provides graduate students with an opportunity to consider the impact and influence of educational neuroscience, cognitive psychology, and cultural circumstances on teaching and learning and life in general.

Why Pursue?

Cultural literacy and the contributions of neuroscience are of utmost importance to the field of education.

Educators and others do not work with students or colleagues in the workplace on a daily basis that have similar cultural or ethnic affiliations.

The Ed.S. interdisciplinary online graduate degree program provides an opportunity to address a plethora of diversity issues facing society today.

The Ed.S. online program’s flexibility, as well as the graduate-level program’s unique course of study, make it appealing to a diverse group of applicants.

Graduates are found in various settings such as Administrators, Counselors, Support Personnel Positions, ELL/ESL teachers, Social Workers, Teachers, and Ministers.

  • Terminal degree awarded upon completion rather than +3o
  • Test out possibility of continuing forward to Ph.D. / Ed.D. in Education
  • May transfer 24 of 30 hours on to doctoral program in education
  • No thesis / No comprehensive exam required
  • 100% established accredited online graduate program
  • May enter any semester – plan out individualized progress to graduation
  • Courses are on a set rotation schedule
  • Distinctive specialization differentiates this degree from other Ed.S. degrees

Testimonial

”I was interviewed by Kelly Clarkson, the musician/talkshow host/songwriter, on her Kelly Clarkson show about how I am influenced by Dolly Parton and how I incorporate her music in my elementary music lessons. When I was thinking about my answers to her questions, I did reflect a lot on the topics covered in your classes. I thought about diversity, bias, equality, equity, and how I can demonstrate positivity in my classes to my students. I know my answers in the interview did not directly quote these ideas, but I wanted you to know that this program has really helped me develop my reflections into words and actions. Interacting with my classmates in the discussions, reading and learning from different resources, and writing my own ideas down formally in essays has helped me become better in advocating my ideas and philosophies. As a result, I felt much more confident expressing my thoughts and ideas on national TV.” -Alice Asako Walle, Music Teacher, Metro/ Nashville Public Schools | VIDEO

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Program Goals

Engage students in examining the most critical ongoing, as well as newly emerging, issues of diversity in America with a focus on social justice and fairness in society.

Prepare students to incorporate issues of diversity in daily life and work.

Encourage students to examine attitudes toward diverse ethnic and cultural groups, develop ways to combat racism, sexism, classism, and other forms of discrimination in classrooms, schools, workplace, and communities.

Guide students to develop practical knowledge of learning theories and build awareness of applications of learning theories and human development principles in a variety of settings.

Introduce students to the broad topics of cultural issues and diversity as related to today’s society and schools and workplace environments.

Introduce students to recent developments in neuroscience, cultural issues, educational research, psychology, and their impact on teaching and learning and life in general.

Resources

Learn More

There’s a specialized online Ed.S. program at Middle Tennessee State University that is preparing graduate students to learn more about cultural issues and learning sciences: It’s the Online Specialist in Education (Ed.S.) in Curriculum and Instruction that explores the science of learning, cultural diversity, mental processes, and cognitive neuroscience and their impact on the exciting world of teaching and learning and life in general.

After viewing CC/LP information for specifics, send a contact number to [email protected] for a return phone call.

Dr. Barbara Newman Young
[email protected]
Professor / Department of Educational Leadership
Certified Online Instructor (COI) &
Certified Online Faculty Developer (CFD)
Online Learning Consortium (APPQMR)
EdS Degree Program Developer / Coordinator / Advisor
Concentration: Culture, Cognition, and the Learning Process
College of Education: Office: COE 383
Middle Tennessee State University
Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37132

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