Master of Arts (MA)
Differentiated Instruction
MA under $15,500 • 2-Year Completion Time
Program Highlights & Benefits
Up to 50% transfer credits considered
Access to job postings throughout Ohio
Personalized advising from start to finish
Network with teachers and administrators across the state
The Master of Arts in Differentiated Instruction is designed for current educators (with at least 2 years of experience) who are interested in leading change and reform efforts in their educational settings. These educators are those looking for knowledge, skills, and dispositions to act as teacher-leaders in planning and implementing differentiated instructional improvements and curricular enhancements as they relate to all students.
Students will:
- Think critically, creatively, and analytically in ways that promote meaningful teaching and learning experiences
- Articulate learning theory, assess students’ needs and develop curriculum and instructional strategies to meet those needs
- Master a variety of cognitive and learning theories, differentiation in the content areas, instructional technology across the curriculum, various instructional approaches and the importance of managing the differentiated learning environment using research-based instructional strategies and data-driven decision making
Master's Capstone Experience
The capstone experience for Differentiated Instruction is the last course, Seminar in Differentiated Instruction. As the capstone course, candidates will demonstrate differentiated teaching instruction in a field setting by designing a unit of study or block of instruction using differentiated strategies. Candidates will then teach the unit to students in an educational setting, analyze student learning gains, and reflect on their implementation of differentiated instruction. Candidates also will demonstrate their proficiency, knowledge and skills by integrating technology as a teaching and learning tool throughout the unit or block on instruction and its implementation.
Areas of Study
| Course | Title |
| EDI 6010 | Differentiation and Learning Theory |
| SPED 6425 | Psychology and Methods of Teaching the Exceptional Learner |
| EDI 6020 | Curriculum and Instructional Development for the Differentiated Classroom |
| EDI 6030 | Instructional Methods of the Differentiated Classroom |
| EDI 6035 | Assessment of Student Learning |
| SPED 6365 | Instructional Strategies for Students with Specific Learning Disabilities and Emotional Disabilities |
| EDL 653o | Instructional Coaching and Mentoring |
| ESL 6350 | Cross-Cultural Studies for Teaching Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students |
| EDT 6010 | Integrating Technology Across the Curriculum |
| EDI 6040 | Seminar in Differentiated Instruction |
| Total Credit Hours: 30 | |
Tuition Guarantee
The special per credit hour cohort tuition is $495 for Differentiated Instruction Master’s. This rate is guaranteed not to increase over the life of the cohort. In addition, a technology fee of $18 per credit hour ($54 per 3 credit course) will be assessed for the purpose of supporting and enhancing student learning (Concordia e-mail, Blackboard, text notifications), and a $143 graduation fee. We reserve the right to offer different tuition rates, or change the prices of other programs.
Admission Requirements
- Minimum bachelor’s GPA of 2.85 for standard admission (if a student has an earned Master’s Degree of 3.00 or higher with a bachelor’s of less than a 2.85 they are still eligible for standard admission based on the MA 3.00).
- Students may be granted probationary admission for one semester if they have a bachelor’s degree with an earned GPA of at least 2.25 through 2.84.
- Objective Statement essay
- Two letters of recommendation
- Official sealed academic transcripts from institutions where degrees were earned
- Copy of current Ohio teaching license
Once all materials are submitted and your file is complete, the following steps will be taken:
- Your file will be reviewed by the Graduate Admission Committee.
- An admission decision will be reached immediately following the committee review, and you will be notified in writing within a few days.
NOTE: Admission to Concordia University Chicago depends on several factors, including: the cumulative GPA, program fit, professional experience, letters of recommendation, and an objective statement (critical writing sample). Students who do not have an undergraduate cumulative GPA of at least 2.25 (on a 4.00 scale) will not be considered for admission.
Applicants may enroll in one semester of classes as a “pending” student awaiting an admission decision. Please note that participation and enrollment in the cohort does not guarantee admission to the University. Pending students who are denied admission will not be automatically withdrawn from the class, and will not receive a tuition refund. Pending students are not eligible for financial aid, therefore, please complete the admission process and submit official transcripts by the beginning of the semester for full admission to the graduate cohort program.
The Office of Graduate Admission and Enrollment Services will send a letter upon receipt of your application, and non-refundable $60.00 application fee (includes 1-year Associate Membership in OAESA). If you have any questions regarding your admission status, please feel free to contact us at:
Office of Graduate Admission and Enrollment Services
Phone: 708-209-4093
Fax: 708-209-3454
Email: graduate.admission@CUChicago.edu
Other Contacts:
| Cohort Information | Graduate Information Office | 800-946-9608 |
| Payment Plan | Office of Student Business Services | 708-209-3237 |
| Financial Assistance | Office of Student Financial Planning | 708-209-3113 |
| Online FAFSA form | www.fafsa.gov | 800-4-FED AID |
NOTE: Those who intend to apply for financial aid should complete the financial aid process at the same time they apply for admission. Financial aid is available to admitted students (not pending/guest status) and is not retroactive.
This is only an introduction of the program. You are responsible to review the Graduate Catalog for program details.
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