Our Department
The UW–Madison Department of Curriculum and Instruction is one of the premier graduate programs in the nation devoted to understanding and advancing the complex world of teaching, learning, curriculum, and policy. We develop mission-driven teachers and researchers who think critically about their subject areas — and in doing so, we strive to impact the world beyond the classroom.
Reinforced by world-class research and renowned faculty, our program is consistently recognized as one of the very best of its kind. Our pursuits combine real-world experience in schools with cross-disciplinary expertise, innovation, and a drive to transform classrooms into thriving, engaged communities.
A tradition of excellence
We’ve been ranked among the top graduate programs in the nation every year since 2001 by U.S. News & World Report.

94% first-year job placement
With a 94 percent first-year job-placement rate for classroom teachers, our students leave UW–Madison prepared for what’s next in their professional careers.

Diverse research
Our faculty’s diverse research areas include curriculum studies; global studies; design, informal, and creative education; disciplinary studies; languages, literacies, and multicultural education; teacher education; and childhood studies.
Meet Our Students
Somi Hwang, Curriculum and Instruction MS student
“I majored in design in South Korea and chose to come to the Department of Curriculum and Instruction to learn how to enhance current curriculum visually. It was my only option since I knew UW–Madison had one of the best programs in the U.S.”

News
- Student scholars explain their work at Summer Education Research Poster Symposium
- UW–Madison alum Lesko is new executive editor of Teachers College Record
- Latest Learning Connections alumni magazine now available online
- National Teacher of the Year Urtubey delivering free public presentation July 26
Events
- September
- September 15Studying Abroad as a School of Education MajorInfo Session12:00 PM, WI Idea Room, Education Building