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College of Education and Human Services

Teaching, Learning and Curriculum Studies – Ed.S.

Course Delivery
100% online
Total Credits
30
Customize your studies to match career goals
Built for experienced teaching professionals

Kent State University’s online Teaching, Learning and Curriculum Studies Ed.S. is built for experienced educators looking to deepen their expertise in curriculum design, instructional leadership, and research-based teaching practices. At 30 credits, this advanced graduate degree goes beyond the master’s level — preparing educators for leadership roles in K-12 schools, higher education, and curriculum development. It’s a flexible, fully online program for professionals ready to shape the future of education.

Teaching, Learning and Curriculum Studies Ed.S. Program Overview

The Educational Specialist degree in Teaching, Learning and Curriculum Studies provides a wide range of graduate study opportunities in progressive, research-based curriculum and teaching practices. The program provides educators with advanced professional development beyond the master’s degree for those who wish to become university educators or to hold leadership positions in areas of curriculum, supervision and teacher education.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate deep understanding and critical analysis of key theories, debates and research in teaching, learning and curriculum studies, including historical, social and contemporary contexts.
  2. Design, conduct and communicate research using appropriate methodology (qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods) that contribute knowledge or insights to the field.
  3. Lead and communicate innovative and professional ideas through writing, speaking and/or advocacy across practitioner and community audiences.

Program Structure

  • 3 major requirement credits (1 TLCS course): 3 research requirements credits (1 course), 3 foundation requirement credits (1 course), 21 program electives credits to be chosen from a list.

Teaching, Learning and Curriculum Studies Ed.S.Program Admissions Requirements

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

  • Master’s degree from an accredited college or university
  • Minimum 3.000 graduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale (minimum 3.250 graduate GPA is recommended)
  • Official transcript(s)
  • Résumé or curriculum vitae
  • Application essay
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:1
    • Minimum 79 TOEFL iBT score
    • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
    • Minimum 58 PTE score
    • Minimum 110 DET score

1International applicants who do not meet the above test scores may be considered for conditional admission.

Important Dates

Jan
12
Classes Begin
Spring 2026 Semester
May
11
Classes Begin
Summer 2026 Semester
Aug
24
Classes Begin
Fall 2026 Semester

Program Courses

Program Requirements

Major Requirements
Course List
Code Title Credit Hours
Major Requirements
TLCS 60003 TEACHING AND LEARNING I: THEORY, RESEARCH AND EDUCATIONAL PRACTICE 3
Research Requirement 3
Foundation Requirement 3
Program Electives, choose from the following: 21
Minimum Total Credit Hours: 30

Graduation Requirements

Graduation Requirements
Graduation Requirements Summary
Minimum Major GPA Minimum Overall GPA
- 3.000

Teaching, Learning and Curriculum Studies Ed.S. Program Tuition and Fees

Ohio Residents

Per Credit HourPer 3-Credit CourseApproximate Tuition Cost
$612.62$1,837.86$18,400 part-time1
$13,500 full-time2

Non-Ohio Residents

Per Credit HourPer 3-Credit CourseApproximate Tuition Cost
$622.62$1,867.86$18,600 part-time3
$13,700 full-time4

1The $612.62 per-credit-hour tuition rate applies to part-time Ohio resident graduate students taking fewer than 11 credit hours per semester.

2The flat-rate semester fee of $6,724.36 applies to full-time Ohio resident graduate students taking between 11-18 credit hours per semester. This amount is calculated at student completing the program in 2 semesters.

3The $622.62 per-credit-hour tuition rate applies to part-time non-Ohio resident graduate students enrolled in a fully online degree program and taking fewer than 11 credit hours per semester, PLUS a surcharge of $10 per credit hour.

4The flat-rate semester fee of $6,724.36 applies to full-time non-Ohio resident graduate students enrolled in a fully online degree program and taking between 11-18 credit hours, PLUS a surcharge of $10 per credit hour of actual credits taken each semester (between 11-18 semester credits or $110-$180). This amount is calculated at students completing the program in 2 semesters plus the surcharge of $370.

  • An additional Distance Learning fee for all students enrolled in a distance learning course is $15 per credit hour. Program tuition and costs are estimated and subject to change.
  • Actual tuition costs will vary based on a student’s chosen academic plan. The full cost of attendance consists of tuition and fees, and when applicable, food, housing, books, course materials, supplies and equipment, transportation and personal expenses for the enrolled terms. Other expenses not included in tuition and fees totals can be found on the Kent State University cost of attendance web page.
  • For a complete listing of tuition rates for approved online programs, please contact Kent State’s Financial, Billing & Enrollment Center at 330-672-6000 or via our website Contact Us link.

Careers

Education teachers, postsecondary
  • 2.1% slower than the average
  • 74,900 number of jobs
  • $72,090 potential earnings
Instructional coordinators
  • 1.3% slower than the average
  • 232,600 number of jobs
  • $74,720 potential earnings

Notice: Career Information Source

* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.

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Kent State University’s online Literacy Specialization M.Ed. builds advanced expertise in reading instruction, writing, and evidence-based literacy practices — all grounded in the Science of Reading. Designed for educators pursuing leadership in literacy education, the 34-credit program is fully online with rolling admissions.
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