The Department of Curriculum and Instruction is one of the premier research and teaching departments devoted to understanding the complex world of teaching, learning, curriculum, and policy. Faculty pursue a diverse array of research combining experience in schools with expertise drawn from a range of disciplinary fields. This world-class research is the foundation of its work preparing future teachers and the next generation of educational researchers.

The department offers an undergraduate degree program in Elementary Education. Students interested in Elementary Education can pursue one of five dynamic certification options:

  • Kindergarten through Ninth Grade - Students completing this core program option will be certified to teach general education at the grade levels of K-9 and will also be eligible to teach in a 4K classroom. 
  • English as a Second Language (ESL) K-12 and also Kindergarten through Ninth Grade - A minor in English as a Second Language can be added to the core K-9 program. Students selecting this combination will be certified to teach general education at the grade levels of K-9 (including eligibility for 4K) and also English as a Second Language in grades K-12.
  • Early Childhood Education (ECE) and Kindergarten through Ninth Grade - A minor in Early Childhood can also be added to the core K-9 program. Students selecting this combination will be certified to teach general education at the grade levels of K-9 (including eligibility for 4K) and also in Early Childhood (birth through grade 3).
  • Kindergarten through Ninth Grade, and Early Childhood Education, and English as a Second Language K-12 - Students may opt to complete both the ECE and ESL minors in combination with K-9 certification. Successful students receive certification in all three areas: general education in grades K-9 (including eligibility for 4K), Early Childhood (birth through grade 3), and also English as a Second Language in grades K-12.

  • Kindergarten through Ninth Grade and also Special Education K-12 (Dual Certification) - Students interested in both Elementary and Special Education should investigate the new Elementary Education and Special Education degree, housed in the Department of Rehabilitation Psychology and Special Education. Upon completion, students are certified in general education at the grade levels of K-9 (including eligibility for 4K), and also Special Education in grades K-12.

Three certificate programs, Arts and Teaching, Game Design, and Preparing to Teach Abroad, may be completed by undergraduates from across the campus.

Degrees/Majors/Certificates

Undergraduate programs are offered in the areas listed below. Upon successful completion of a program leading to certification, candidates are certified in their respective subject and grade level and become eligible for a Wisconsin teaching license obtained through the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.

Note: Students at UW–Madison become certified to teach secondary English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and World Languages only through graduate-level coursework, not as undergraduates. Information about the Master's degree program is available at UW–Madison Teach.

People

Information about faculty, staff, and other contributors to the Department of Curriculum and Instruction can be found on the department's website.

Resources and Scholarships

Information about scholarships, academic and career advising, study abroad opportunities, student diversity services, and other resources for students in the School of Education can be found on the school's Resources page.