COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Elementary Education with a concentration in Creativity, Talent, and Transformation is a 30-credit-hour graduate program designed to prepare educators to foster creativity, talent development, and transformative learning in diverse educational settings. The curriculum combines theory, research, and applied practice to help teachers, mentors, and education professionals enhance instructional effectiveness while also developing leadership skills that support school and community improvement. Core coursework includes foundational studies such as Creativity: Theories, Research, Practices, and Issues, Rethinking Talent and Transformation, Mentoring Across the Life Span, Research and Current Topics in Talent Development and Creativity, Project-Based Instruction, Research Seminar in Education, and Emerging Frameworks for Gifted and Talented Education. Students also select from alternative courses that expand their understanding of multicultural teaching, professional development models, and curriculum design for rigor, depth, and complexity, allowing for a more personalized academic experience aligned with individual interests and career goals. The program places a strong emphasis on research-informed practice, requiring students to engage in inquiry-based learning that connects educational theory with real-world classroom applications. A key component of the degree is the completion of a thesis, supported through advanced research courses that guide students in conducting independent scholarly work in education. In addition, students must complete a comprehensive examination to demonstrate mastery of program content and competencies. Overall, the program is designed for working professionals and educators seeking to deepen their expertise in creativity-focused education while also preparing for roles such as instructional leaders, mentoring coordinators, gifted education specialists, professional development facilitators, and educational researchers.