Concordia University - Portland Reviews of Master's in Curriculum & Instruction

I enjoyed that each class was only 5 weeks long. Most of the professors were helpful, however, if I got a professor that was not as helpful I knew I only had to deal with them for 5 weeks. The classes are rigorous and they get you thinking. Although it is a Lutheran based college, the Master's program did not involve religion aside from a weekly inspirational quote or scripture on the Learning Management System welcome page. I felt that the courses were easy to navigate and the expectations are clear.... Read More You do have to be able to manage your time though as something is due just about every day of the week for most of the classes. There is limited time off so if you are expecting a spring break or summer vacation this is not the program for you.

When I was done with my Bachelor degree, I knew I wanted to get a Masters. I looked around for a school that I could do it in a year or so. Concordia was that right fit for me. I was able to do the classes at a quick pace and enjoyed the program and gained a lot from the classes. When I was done, I thought about getting my doctorate also but then decided to wait. I am glad I waited a few years now I am in the EdD program through Concordia, and I love it. There are struggles at times, but I am being... Read More pushed to learn more and get involved in more in-depth learning.

I have been impressed with Concordia's online M.Ed. program from the time I began the application process to now that I am a two classes shy from graduation. I always receive prompt response to any question, regardless if I'm asking Admissions, Finance, the Registrar, or one of my professors. The classes have been demanding, yet with good time management, they are doable. I work about 30 hours a week at my job and have plenty of time for my studies. My professors have been knowledgeable and supportive,... Read More and they respond to any inquiry within a few hours. Grades are also posted within a day or two after submitting. Yes, to be an online student, you have a lot of independence and need to take initiative to research and study. However, I've always felt supported by my classmates and by Concordia's staff. Best of all, I have learned so much that has already helped me to become a better teacher.

After completion of this degree, I was under the impression I could just continue to try and get my certification in teaching. However, upon trying to do this, I was told by the university they would refuse to sign a paper helping me to try to continue my completion. Upon further research, I found I completed a program I should have never been able to be accepted into because I am not a teacher and the program requires you to have a Bachelors in Teaching. This goes to show that this school does not... Read More check and help their students to succeed. I can not use this degree for anything related to teaching because I still have to do more school to get my certificate. All this degree did was cost me more money and debt. Do not fall prey to this institution. They will definitely deceive you.

This online experience was excellent. The classes were challenging and on point with what I needed to learn. The professors that I encountered were professional and responsive. I felt that the online component was very manageable and user friendly. It required a significant commitment of time each week and the classes were both interactive and collaborative with other students, who were of high caliber. I would recommend this university and this program to anyone who is independent and self-motivated... Read More and who can handle approximately 15 hours of reading and writing each week.

Concordia is more interested in signing up students than actually teaching them. By that I mean 80% of my professors (8 out of 10) hired appear to be teaching as a second job and putting in the effort of such. I have come to understand I am paying Concordia approximately $2100 per course so I can be handed a syllabus with 20 assignments, and then I'm set free. There is zero instruction from the professors; the learning I'm doing is solely from my research and through my motivation and even then I... Read More am not receiving feedback, let alone quality feedback on my ideas. Understand I am not basing my judgment of Concordia online with an on campus course, I am comparing Concordia online against other online classes I have taken as well as courses other colleagues have taken. The expectation level for the instructors at Concordia is truly sad especially when education in this country is already under attack by so many.

I'm currently in the 2nd week of my 3rd course. I have really enjoyed the program so far. I have learned a lot of new information that I can use in my classroom. The only complaint I have is the APA format. I was not familiar with APA and the instructors will count off points for every little period or comma. In fact, my first paper was considered plagiarism because I didn't put quotation marks around the quotes. I was able to redo the paper and corrected the errors and received a good great. Before... Read More considering this program, be sure you are familiar with APA format and you should do great!

This program is supposed to be for teachers of all age groups. As a high school teacher... do not take this program it is geared towards younger students. Also they are more concerned about your APA than anything. I once got a c on a paper with the comment that my content was great but I had APA issues. Isn't the point of learning the content not the fact that I was supposed to put the period after the parenthesis not before? I honestly do not feel like I learned anything about curriculum, maybe... Read More some new instruction but anyone that did teaching in their undergrad be prepared for a lot of repeat information.

I DO NOT recommend this online program to any working adult, especially educators who tend to have unpredictable schedules. Even though the program is advertised as being "flexible", it is not at all. If you do chose to attend Concordia University - Portland online, here are some things you can expect... You should be prepared to give up all of your time in the evenings and on the weekends. Expect to submit the equivalent of three to four fully researched essays per week (in their five week courses),... Read More whether as discussion board posts or as additional assignments/projects. I almost feel as if this institution is intentionally requiring lots of "busy work" so that students easily fall behind and end up paying more money in tuition. This has not happened to me, but when I began the program I had about 14 colleagues in my cohort, and now I have 3. Enter at your own risk!

While the program was rigorous, it was also excellent. I learned a plethora of information that I could use at work. The science concentration courses were very, very good courses for the program. This is by far the BEST school I have ever attended. Along with excellent courses that are beneficial for employment in the area of science, are also a GREAT administrative offices. The people are always available to answer any questions. They are very nice and respectful. If they cannot help you, they... Read More will transfer you to someone who can help you, AND will not hang up until they know the person that they transferred you to is available to help you. I love this school. It is the BEST educational choice that I have ever made. After graduating from the Master's program, I went ahead and enrolled in the Doctoral program. This school is Excellent, and it represents what college should be.