Online Master of Education in Diverse and Equitable Instruction (DEI)

Program Requirements

The Master of Education program with a concentration in DEI comprises 31 credits. Each course is three credits unless otherwise noted. Aside from the Thesis Advising class, all courses are eight weeks long. Explore the impact of diversity on learning and develop strategies to support all students, including those with diverse cultural backgrounds and neurodiverse conditions. The curriculum emphasizes social-emotional learning (SEL), culturally relevant pedagogy and inclusive literacy, preparing graduates to address the varied needs of students in today's classrooms.

The program also allows you to earn a DEI Certificate. Those interested in obtaining a Certificate in Diverse and Equitable Instruction can do so by completing any four DEI courses within two academic years. 

M.Ed. DEI Program Degree Requirements

Learning Outcomes

The Curry College Diverse and Equitable Instruction online program gives educators across multiple settings an opportunity to develop more self-awareness and a deeper understanding of the current research and best practices for diverse and equitable instruction inclusive of all learners. Individuals explore multiple perspectives and frameworks that will provide them with a comprehensive background in the critical aspects of DEI.

Students graduating from the DEI Master of Education program will have the ability to:

• Design and implement culturally responsive educational practices that respect and celebrate diversity and inclusion.
• Understand the principles of neurodiversity and assess and support neurodiverse learners through tailored educational strategies.
• Integrate SEL principles into their teaching, fostering students' emotional well-being and social skills alongside academic achievement.
• Advocate for social justice within educational settings, using their knowledge of equity, ethics and educational law to challenge systemic inequalities.
• Lead initiatives that promote diversity, equity and inclusion in schools, influencing policies and practices to create more equitable educational systems.

Two-Year Course Plan

Year One

Fall Semester

MED 6470 Human Development, Diversity and Learning
MED 6471 Culturally Responsive Educational Practices

Spring Semester

MED 6472 Neurodiversity and Neuroeducational Assessments
MED 6473 Inclusive Literacy and Communication Models

Summer Semester

MED 6474 Fundamentals of Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) 
MED 6475 Diverse Perspectives in Mathematics 

Year Two

Fall Semester

MED 6476 Equity, Ethics and Educational Law 
MED 6477 Social Justice and Educational Advocacy

Spring Semester

MED 6478 Educational Research
MED 6479 Thesis Advising
MED 6480 Capstone Seminar Thesis

M.Ed. Program Course Descriptions

Applied Practice and Thesis 

If you plan to continue working while pursuing your graduate education degree, you can put your knowledge into practice in your classroom. The culminating thesis allows you to apply new learning focused on one facet of DEI that is most applicable to your field. The thesis course also enables you to showcase the skills you've acquired throughout the program and conduct original research that contributes to greater diversity, equity and inclusion in education.

Admission Requirements

Curry reviews applications on a space-available basis. Admissions requirements include:

• An earned bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• Current resume.
• One letter of recommendation.
• A personal statement (500 words) that reflects your commitment to the field of education and outlines how the Master of Education program can best prepare you to be an educator. The statement should reflect your educational and professional background, highlight your personal attributes related to teaching and learning, and address how you will collaborate with other practitioners in the program to facilitate an enriched classroom experience.
• An interview with the Director of Graduate Studies.

We do not require Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) scores for admission to the program.

M.Ed. DEI Program Tuition Rate

Curry College proudly offers fixed tuition, with no tuition increase, as long as you remain enrolled with your original cohort group. The M.Ed. in Diverse and Equitable Instruction online program also charges no additional course fees. 

M.Ed. DEI Tuition

Note: Alumni receive a 20% tuition discount. We offer financial aid and payment plans.

Teachers aren’t the only individuals who can benefit from a DEI-focused M.Ed. program. Those in public and private education, human resources, training, youth services and non-profits can further their careers or bolster their professional development. Graduates may take on leadership positions where they spearhead efforts to integrate equity and inclusion into educational practices, policies and environments.

Career Opportunities

Employers across the field recognize that those with a DEI background can add immense value to their institution, including in roles such as:

• DEI Coordinator or Director
• Educational Consultant
• Curriculum Developer
• Teacher or Educator
• School Administrator
• Higher Education Faculty
• Policy Analyst
• Community Outreach Coordinator