ETAP programs include teacher preparation in key academic subjects and advanced study and research in areas relevant to curriculum, instruction, and instructional technology. Programs at the masters and doctoral levels provide specializations in Language and Literacies, Instructional Technology, Science and Mathematics Education, and Studies in Learning and Teaching. More general programs of study are available including post-masters certificates in a path toward lifelong professional development. All areas of study are designed to enhance understanding and expertise within each field in light of current theory and practice.

ETAP offers programs at the masters, certificate, doctoral and post-doctoral levels.

Masters Degrees and Teacher Certification (MS/MA)

We offer several masters programs for students seeking to specialize in instructional technology, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), or general educational studies, and for students seeking initial or professional secondary teacher certification in New York State (English, Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Physics, Mathematics, Social Studies, French, Spanish, and TESOL). Some programs can be pursued online, or through a combination of online and on-campus courses. Graduates of our masters programs have gone on to a broad range of careers, including:

Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS)

The Certificate of Advanced Study in Curriculum and Instruction allows students to design a flexible program of study using coursework from a variety of schools and colleges at the University. The program offers coursework for students seeking advanced study in any of the doctoral program specializations. The Certificate of Advanced Study does not require a dissertation of original research as is required for the doctorate.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Curriculum and Instruction

The Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum and Instruction offers a broad and intensive investigation of issues in educational theory and practice. Theory and practice are each seen as necessary extensions of the other and as establishing criteria by which the other can be judged. The PhD program emphasizes cutting-edge theory in curriculum and instruction and rigorous standards of research in the construction of new knowledge about education. Doctoral students are encouraged to engage in active programs of research, both with faculty and independently, that demand strong conceptual understanding of contemporary issues in education and a flexible array of responses.

Areas of Doctoral Study

The Department offers a flexible array of specializations based on the interests of current faculty and students. Students are encouraged to combine elements across these areas, integrate them with offerings from other departments, and develop their own courses of study to help them achieve their educational goals.

The Studies in Learning and Teaching specialization prepares students to engage in effective research and practice that addresses the connections between learning and teaching across disciplines and differences, classes and cultures, genders and geographies. It values students' and teachers' voices as important sources of knowledge and understanding explored by faculty and doctoral students of learning and teaching. Research areas include pre-service teacher education, in-service teacher professional development, the history of teaching and teacher education, the relational context of teaching and learning, relational and phenomenological methodologies, reflection and reflective practices, boys’ relational lives in school, diversity and social justice, and transformative learning and authentic assessment.

The Instructional Technology specialization fosters scholarly expertise in theories of learning and instruction and their application to the use of new and emergent technology. Research areas explored by faculty and doctoral students
include instructional theories, learning theories, instructional systems design, the application of advanced technology in education settings such as multimedia, interactive video, computer tools, the use of media in teaching and learning, communications and education, media literacy, educational system design, and distance education through online learning.

The Language and Literacies specialization focuses on research and scholarship in first and second language teaching and learning including literacy, technology, writing, English, TESOL and literature. Research areas explored by faculty and doctoral students include pre-service and in-service teacher develop-ment, the anatomy of classroom and online instructional language, and the roles of language and context in teaching and learning, social and cultural factors that affect teaching and learning, second language development and language use, intercultural discourse, and the linguistic and literacy development of diverse students.

The Science and Mathematics Education specialization prepares students to examine critical issues in the teaching and learning of science and mathematics at the K-12 and post-secondary levels. Research areas explored by faculty and doctoral students include teacher professional development, diversity justice, cognition, assessment, socio-cultural issues in teaching and learning, instructional theory, integration of technology, postsecondary education, cooperative learning, calculus reform, persistence and attrition, and curriculum development.

Doctoral alumni from ETAP take on leadership roles in a broad range of careers, including:

Post-Doctoral Studies

ETAP also offers opportunities for qualified individuals to engage in post-doctoral work of a scholarly nature. The post-doctoral associate's work will coincide with the expertise of one or more faculty members and thus foster collegial interactions among participants as well as to further knowledge within the field of inquiry.