About the Department

The UW–Madison Department of Curriculum and Instruction is one of the premier graduate programs in the nation devoted to understanding 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, we are consistently recognized as one of the very best programs of its kind. Our pursuits combine real-world experience in schools with expertise and research drawn from cross-disciplinary fields.

Mission

Our mission is to advance knowledge of, and professional practice in, teaching and learning. The mission is discharged through faculty activities in teaching, public service, and scholarship. These functions should not be seen as separate, but interdependent in the sense that excellence in any one area depends upon excellence in the other two.

Teaching

The Department offers programs of undergraduate preparation for students to enter educational careers in schools and other agencies; master’s level work to enhance professional skills and pursue scholarship in greater depth; and doctoral level work to develop competence as a research scholar. The graduate program focuses on five areas of research: Curriculum Studies and Global Studies; Design, Informal, and Creative Education; Disciplinary Studies; Languages and Literacies; Multicultural Education, Teacher Education, and Childhood Studies.

Public Service

Faculty members participate in public service at the local, state, and national level. This includes in-service programs for teachers; consulting with schools and other agencies on matters of curriculum development; assisting teachers with supervisory work; coordinating state-wide professional activities; assisting in cooperative research and evaluation; consulting with state, national, and international agencies; serving in professional organization; and teaching special off-campus courses for university credit. Often these activities are undertaken in response to specific requests from school districts, professional organizations, public agencies, or individual teachers.

Scholarship

Faculty scholarship examines issues within both curriculum and instruction and in educational personnel in schools and other agencies. Scholarship includes historical, analytic, and conceptual studies to clarify issues; empirical research examining effects of educational practice; and normative studies that recommend policy and practice in the field.