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
“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.”
– Somi Hwang, Curriculum and Instruction M.S.: Research student
News
- UW-Madison’s Ruppar named co-editor of new journal, Inclusive Practices
- Teacher-guided play viewed as a key to deeper student learning
- Mueller to receive Outstanding Dissertation Award from Inclusive Education Research SIG
- Stonehouse, Smith receive 2020 Awards in the Creative Arts
- ‘On my Own’ examines the difficult paths students must chart through community college