ED5012
Overview of Higher Education
4 quarter credits
Students analyze the impact of higher education on individuals and society. Students also evaluate the history of higher education; examine the structure and scope of higher education institutions; and analyze the role of history, policy, and theory on current and future practices within the field. Additionally, students review current higher education literature, issues, and trends. Students continue to develop the Capella e-portfolio and career action plan. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning. Prerequisite(s): ED5010.
4 quarter credits
ED5130
Competency-Based Curriculum and Design
4 quarter credits
Students gain an understanding of the differences between professional standards, outcomes, and competencies, and how they can be integrated into curriculum design. Students build on this understanding, mapping competencies to outcomes and aligning standards to competencies and outcomes. Students practice integrating competency-based curriculum and instructional content with best-practice instructional approaches. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning. Prerequisite(s): ED6484. ED6484 does not apply to MS Educ Innov and Tech students.
4 quarter credits
ED5146
Assessment and Evaluation in Education
4 quarter credits
Students examine the background, context, and practice of assessment of student learning and evaluation of educational programs. They apply their knowledge to design appropriate assessment plans that can be implemented in the classroom; and school or organizational level to promote improvement and accountability.
4 quarter credits
ED5317
Foundations of Adult Education
4 quarter credits
Students analyze the foundations of adult education including past as well as present understandings. Students identify the aspects of the foundation of adult education, characteristics of adult students, the various contexts of adult education, and prominent learning theories as they apply to teaching adults; Students engage in interactive activities and assignments as they examine the various topics related to adult education. Prerequisite(s): Completion of or concurrent registration in ED5340.
4 quarter credits
ED5320
School Leadership and Management Practices
4 quarter credits
This course provides an introduction to the fundamental principles of school leadership and management aligned with six fundamental National Educational Leadership Preparation (NELP) program standards and their applications to the work of school leaders. Students examine business and public administration models and explore theoretical constructs from various disciplines. This course requires access to a P-12 classroom and/or educational stakeholders in a P-12 school or district. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning.
4 quarter credits
ED5322
School Leadership: Data, Decision-Making, and School Improvement
4 quarter credits
Students investigate improving P-12 schools by emphasizing the use of data to inform ethical decisions about teaching and learning. Students gain an understanding of instructional strategies to support students, technology integration, and Professional Education Unit (PEU) dispositions. Students also interact with practicing school administrators to gain direct insight into the field of school leadership. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning. Prerequisite(s): ED5010, ED5320.
4 quarter credits
ED5340
Theories and Principles of Adult Learning
4 quarter credits
Students assess learning theories, models, and principles and their application to instructional processes for adult students. Students analyze the instructor's role in enhancing adult learning and evaluate their personal philosophy, dispositions, and ethics relative to teaching adult students.
4 quarter credits
ED5343
Education in a Contemporary Society
4 quarter credits
Students evaluate multicultural theories by analyzing topics, such as cultural identity, cultural awareness, cultural competence, and apply these concepts to educational settings.
4 quarter credits
ED5344
Strategies and Best Practices for Teaching and Learning
4 quarter credits
Students develop effective ways to enhance adult learning in a variety of postsecondary settings. Students gain an understanding of the theories and characteristics of adult growth and development, changes experienced in adulthood and their implications for adult instruction and learning, and issues and trends in adult teaching and learning. Prerequisite(s): ED5012, ED5340.
4 quarter credits
ED5348
Adult Education Program Development
4 quarter credits
Students cultivate and utilize their knowledge of theoretical foundations, policies, evaluation models, and methods and materials for program planning to develop educational programs for adults in a variety of postsecondary settings. Students also evaluate instructional approaches, engagement strategies, and management of instructional environments. Prerequisite(s): ED5012.
4 quarter credits
ED5405
Infant and Child Development
4 quarter credits
This course addresses the developmental stages of children from the prenatal period to age eight years. Students examine how children develop physically, emotionally, socially, and intellectually; and evaluate the influences family, society, and culture have on infant, toddler, and K-grade three child development. Students also assess children's evolving needs and apply theory and research to recommend appropriate responses to those needs. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning except by coursework from Minnesota schools with approved licensure programs.
4 quarter credits
ED5410
The Early Childhood Learning Environment
4 quarter credits
This course covers the early childhood environment and its effects on growth and learning. Students evaluate the physical environment, the role of the caregivers and teachers, and the interaction among children, and identify methods of increasing child engagement, effective communication, and learning. Students explore ways to create supportive and nurturing learning environments and how to monitor, reflect, and adjust them to best meet the needs of young children. Students also become familiar with the responsibilities associated with working in the early childhood learning field. This course requires access to educational settings, programs, and/or practitioners with a focus on children from birth to age eight. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning except by coursework from Minnesota schools with approved licensure programs. Prerequisite(s): ED5405. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning except by coursework from Minnesota schools with approved licensure programs.
4 quarter credits
ED5420
Exceptional Children in the Early Childhood Setting
4 quarter credits
In this course, students gain the skills and knowledge needed to apply research-based practices, including coordination with special service providers for students who have Individual Education Programs (IEPs), Individual Family Service Plans (IFSPs) or 504 plans, to meet the needs of young students in an inclusive environment. Students identify strategies to respond to behaviors and needs outside the expected stages of development. Students also examine authentic and formative assessment strategies that result in developmentally appropriate curriculum and instruction for children with various needs. This course requires access to educational settings, programs, and/or practitioners with a focus on children from birth to age eight. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning except by coursework from Minnesota schools with approved licensure programs. Prerequisite(s): ED5405.
4 quarter credits
ED5430
Children, Families, and Society
4 quarter credits
Students examine the importance of actively engaging families in the education and care of children. Students engage in an ecological approach to children's relationships with parents, caregivers, and the broader community. Students analyze the characteristics, lifestyles, and contributions associated with various groups to gain an understanding of the impact of human behavior on children's growth and development. This course requires access to educational settings, programs, and/or practitioners with a focus on children from birth to age eight. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning except by coursework from Minnesota schools with approved licensure programs. Prerequisite(s):ED5405
4 quarter credits
ED5440
Early Childhood Reading and Literacy Instruction
4 quarter credits
Students gain an understanding of theories that drive strategies and practices for teaching reading and promoting literacy in children. Students identify the factors significant to literacy development in children, including the classroom environment, family and community connections, and best practices in professional development for reading and writing instruction. Students also work with children on improving their reading and literacy ability and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and dispositions associated with excellence in reading and literacy curriculum development, instruction, and assessment. This course requires access to educational settings, programs, and/or practitioners with a focus on children from birth to age eight. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning except by coursework from Minnesota schools with approved licensure programs. Prerequisite(s): ED5405
4 quarter credits
ED5500
Standards-Based Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment
4 quarter credits
In this course, students examine national and state learning standards related to their content area or grade level. Students utilize research-based curriculum to craft assessments that are aligned to standards, and implement instruction that is meaningful to students and supports their academic achievement. This course requires access to a P-12 classroom and/or educational stakeholders in a P-12 school or district.
4 quarter credits
ED5503
Classroom Management Strategies
4 quarter credits
Students in this course apply strategies for managing student behaviors and develop the skills needed to create classroom environments that maximize the opportunity for each student to learn. This course emphasizes the roles, rights, and responsibilities of all stakeholders under The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and Section 504 legislation. This course requires access to a P-12 classroom and/or educational stakeholders in a P-12 school or district.
4 quarter credits
ED5504
Strategies for Differentiated Instruction
4 quarter credits
Students in this course examine the origins and complexities of student achievement gaps. Students also explore current student achievement research and best practices and identify instructional strategies most likely to eliminate achievement gaps. This course requires access to a P-12 classroom and/or educational stakeholders in a P-12 school or district.
4 quarter credits
ED5533
Curriculum Mapping: Reflection and Practice
4 quarter credits
Students formulate a research-based professional vision for curriculum design and develop a curriculum for a specific content and grade-level application using computer-based curriculum mapping applications. Students who have taken ED8533 should not take ED5533. Rather, they should choose any other graduate-level education course to fulfill their specialization requirements. Prerequisite(s): ED5500.
4 quarter credits
ED5538
Program Evaluation of Curriculum and Instruction
4 quarter credits
Students in this course examine theories, concepts, definitions, and models associated with the improvement of curriculum and instruction. Students collect and organize research, analyze and report data, and complete a program evaluation that demonstrates the integral role of program evaluation in curriculum and instruction improvement. This course requires access to a P-12 classroom and/or educational stakeholders in a P-12 school or district. Prerequisite(s): ED5533.
4 quarter credits
ED5551
Developing Fluent Readers
3 quarter credits
Students in this course for P-6 classroom teachers analyze educational principles relevant to the physical, social, emotional, moral, and cognitive development of P-6 students. Students examine ways to foster development of fluency and prosody skills, including word recognition, vocabulary, and comprehension. For MS Early Childhood Education and MS Reading and Literacy learners only. This course requires access to an Elementary classroom and/or educational stakeholders in a P-12 school or district. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning except by coursework from Minnesota schools with approved licensure programs. Prerequisite(s): ED5440; MS Reading and Literacy students are exempt from this prerequisite.
3 quarter credits
ED5552
Teaching Comprehension Strategies
3 quarter credits
In this course designed for education professionals, students investigate the content literacy needs of all middle school students. Students develop knowledge in reading theory, instructional practices, and comprehension strategies needed to develop independent readers and writers. Students apply practices in differentiated instruction and digital technology that will translate into effective literacy instruction. This course requires access to a Middle School classroom and/or educational stakeholders in a P-12. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning except by coursework from Minnesota schools with approved licensure programs. Prerequisite(s): ED5551.
3 quarter credits
ED5553
Assessment-Based Reading Instruction
3 quarter credits
This course for P-12 classroom teachers focuses on the application of individual and group reading assessment strategies. Students evaluate and determine the ways in which data-driven assessments inform the reading and literacy curriculum. Using quantitative and qualitative assessment data, students select best practice strategies and instruction methods and materials for students with different reading backgrounds and skills. This course requires access to a P-12 classroom and/or educational stakeholders in a P-12 school or district. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning except by coursework from Minnesota schools with approved licensure programs. Prerequisite(s): ED5551.
3 quarter credits
ED5554
Factors Influencing Reading Instruction
3 quarter credits
Education professionals create a community in which student literacy extends beyond the classroom and includes family and society. Students develop reading curriculum, strategies, and materials to use in a variety of contexts that will enhance secondary students' comprehension of and appreciation for digital literacy as well as narrative and informational texts. This course has a required clinical practice experience and students will need access to secondary classroom grades 9-12. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer except by coursework from Minnesota schools with approved licensure programs. Prerequisite(s): ED5551.
3 quarter credits
ED5555
Foundational Theories in Reading Instruction
3 quarter credits
In this course for P¿12 classroom teachers, students strengthen their understanding of literacy instruction through the lens of foundational reading theories and research-based practices. Students critically evaluate their school or district¿s literacy program to determine its effectiveness in meeting the needs of diverse student populations. Through analysis and application of reading theory, professional standards, and instructional strategies, students develop actionable recommendations for literacy improvement. Additionally, students investigate the integration of literacy instruction in all content areas, the use of data-driven decision making, and the importance of professional development. This course cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning, except through approved Minnesota licensure programs. Prerequisite(s): ED5551.
3 quarter credits
ED5570
History, Issues, and Trends in Higher Education
4 quarter credits
Students gain an understanding of the evolution of colleges, universities, and other postsecondary institutions. Students investigate the cultural, societal, and economic influences that have shaped the development of higher education curricula, culture, practices, and governance. Students also relate historical events and milestones to current issues and trends in higher education.
4 quarter credits
ED5572
Politics and Public Policy in Higher Education
4 quarter credits
Students examine the politics of competition for resources, the expectations of consumers and providers, and the role of state and local government in higher education institutions. Students explore change theory and ethical implications for public policy. Prerequisite(s): ED5012
4 quarter credits
ED5574
Financial Management and Institutional Development
4 quarter credits
Students examine higher education revenue sources and review expenses and cost drivers associated with institution management. Students investigate tuition and fee revenue, government appropriations, gifts and grants, and investment income. Students also study the growing expense of faculty and staff compensation, technology upgrades, and long-term debt service obligations. Additionally, students examine the complexities of financial aid, institutional budget planning, and program management. Prerequisite(s): ED5012.
4 quarter credits
ED5700
Foundations of Special Education
4 quarter credits
This course provides an overview of the historical and conceptual foundations of special education. Students examine current issues relevant to the education of students with disabilities and analyze the social construction of disability. In addition, students analyze how culture and context influence their work with their students. Students develop an ethical decision-making framework needed to advocate for students with disabilities and their families.
4 quarter credits
ED5706
Assessment and Planning for Students with Disabilities
4 quarter credits
Students analyze referral, assessment, placement, and planning procedures for students with disabilities. Students evaluate the use of formal and informal assessments, design individual education plans, and examine appropriate methods for reducing bias in assessment. Students also apply methods and strategies used within the Response to Intervention framework with P - 12 students. This course requires access to a P - 12 classroom and/or educational stakeholders in a P - 12 school or district. Prerequisite(s): ED5700.
4 quarter credits
ED5707
Instruction for Students with Disabilities
4 quarter credits
Students identify ways to develop differentiated academic lesson plans (e.g., reading, writing, calculation, or mathematical reasoning). Students examine how research-based instruction can support students with disabilities. Students also develop methods of managing the social, emotional, and behavioral needs of students with disabilities. This course requires access to a P - 12 classroom and/or educational stakeholders in a P - 12 school or district.
4 quarter credits
ED5712
Communication, Consultation, and Collaboration for Special Education
4 quarter credits
Students investigate communication and interaction among children, families, teachers, and the community to support the learning and well-being of students with diverse learning needs. Students assess methods of consulting and collaborating with teachers, agencies, support personnel, and other professionals to provide effective special educational services. Students identify collaboration and communication practices that improve programs, services, and outcomes for students. Prerequisite(s): ED5700.
4 quarter credits
ED5724
Applied Linguistics
4 quarter credits
Students investigate foundational linguistic concepts with an emphasis on the structure of English, including phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics. Students identify cross¿linguistic relationships and analyze pedagogical approaches to English language instruction. The course also incorporates technology-based tools that support linguistic analysis and classroom practice. Throughout the course, students communicate their linguistic insights effectively for academic and professional contexts. This course requires access to an English language learner.
4 quarter credits
ED5726
Second Language Acquisition
4 quarter credits
Students analyze the processes by which P-12 English Language Students (ELLs) develop proficiency in a second language. Students also explore the developmental stages of first and second language acquisition and evaluate the impact of first language literacy on second language acquisition. Prerequisite(s): ED5724.
4 quarter credits
ED5728
Methods, Curriculum, and Materials for English Language Students
4 quarter credits
This course presents ways in which the theoretical model of communicative competence guides the instruction of English Language Students (ELLs). Students examine and apply various differentiation strategies in the planning and delivery of appropriate instruction to ELLs and evaluate ways to use instructional technology in the teaching, learning, and assessment of ELLs. Prerequisite(s): ED5726.
4 quarter credits
ED5730
Culture, Society, and Language
4 quarter credits
Students in this course explore the fundamental components of societal influences, individual differences, language and the processes of adaptation. Students use their understanding of these elements to enhance their own competence and pedagogical effectiveness.
4 quarter credits
ED5805
Assessment and Analytics for Differentiated Instructional Design
4 quarter credits
Students apply theories of constructivism, neurodiversity, and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework to assess student achievement in a competency-based, online learning setting. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning. Prerequisite(s): ED5813 or ED5803 or EDT5104 or EDT5126; ED6484.
4 quarter credits
ED5808
Leading in Instructional Design and Technology
4 quarter credits
Students acquire project management skills such as planning, evaluating, communicating, anticipating risks, applying ethical standards, and managing collaborative partnerships. Students identify and apply the tools, methods, and processes used to effectively budget, implement, and manage e-learning development projects. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning. Prerequisite(s): ED5813, ED6484.
4 quarter credits
ED5813
Principles and Strategies of Instructional Design
4 quarter credits
Students examine the process of instructional design and apply design research and theory while developing instructional strategies. Students examine the process of addressing student needs, structuring the content, and applying principles of learning and instruction to create effective instructional content. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning. Prerequisite(s): Completion of or concurrent registration in ED5130; ED6484. ED6484 does not apply to MS Educ Innov and Tech students.
4 quarter credits
ED6484
Application of Learning Theories to Instructional Design
4 quarter credits
Students investigate theories of learning and instruction and gain empirical guidance for designing effective instructional solutions that target specific learning outcomes. Students further develop an understanding of the foundational theories of learning and instruction and their applications to instructional design. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning. Prerequisite(s): ED5343.
4 quarter credits
ED6504
Leadership in Higher Education
4 quarter credits
Students analyze and apply leadership theories and decision-making structures to higher education challenges. Students explore organizational structure, the culture and politics of higher education, and strategies for leading in higher education settings. Students develop a personal philosophy of leadership. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning.
4 quarter credits
ED6576
Higher Education Program Administration
4 quarter credits
Students explore the distinctions between leadership and management and identify the knowledge and skills needed to address higher education administrative challenges. Students determine communication skills necessary at personal and organizational levels and strategies for articulating a shared vision. Additionally, students explore current best practices in human resources leadership and management and their connections with ethical practices. Prerequisite(s): ED6504.
4 quarter credits
ED6822
The Funding of Educational Institutions
4 quarter credits
Students investigate the complex financial landscape of education, focusing on how federal and state legislation, judicial decisions, and diverse funding sources shape school and district operations. Students identify best practices for securing and allocating funds, managing budgets, and ensuring responsible use of public resources. Emphasis is placed on evaluating financial health, per-pupil expenditures, and facilities, as well as leveraging external partnerships to enhance educational quality. Throughout the course, students develop the skills to analyze funding processes and their impact on institutional vision, mission, and goals. This course requires access to a P-12 classroom and/or educational stakeholders in a P-12 school or district. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning. Prerequisite(s): ED5320 or ED7820.
4 quarter credits
ED6823
Education and the Law
4 quarter credits
In this course, students analyze the laws and legal issues affecting P-12 school systems and their constituents and study the tools and methods used to prevent and resolve legal problems. This course requires access to a P-12 classroom and/or educational stakeholders in a P-12 school or district. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning. Prerequisite(s): PhD and EdS Leadership in Educational Administration students must have completed or be concurrently registered in ED7820. MS Leadership in Educational Administration students must have completed or be concurrently registered in ED5320 or ED7820.
4 quarter credits
ED6852
P-12 Principalship
4 quarter credits
Students in this course gain an understanding of the responsibilities and issues associated with the role of the 21st-century P-12 principal. Topics include effective P-12 school leadership and management, curriculum and instruction planning and assessment, and collaboration with stakeholders. This course requires access to a P-12 classroom and/or educational stakeholders in a P-12 school or district. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning. Prerequisite(s): PhD and EdS Leadership in Educational Administration students must have completed ED7820 and ED7014. MS Leadership in Educational Administration students must have completed ED5320 or ED7820.
4 quarter credits
ED6857
Personnel Administration
4 quarter credits
Students in this course study school policy making, staffing assignment, salary negotiation, grievance procedures, records, supervision, and the evaluation of professional and non-professional employees. This course requires access to a P-12 classroom and/or educational stakeholders in a P-12 school or district. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning. Prerequisite(s): ED5320.
4 quarter credits