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College of Education

Curriculum & Instruction

Two students working on a table with a teacher leaning over the one on the left

Excellence in Education

The Department of Curriculum & Instruction at the University of Houston College of Education prepares teachers, teacher leaders and other educators committed to student success and lifelong learning. We offer an award-winning teacher education program and specialized graduate programs to help professionals advance their careers. Specifically, we offer a B.S. in teaching and learning, an education minor, an M.Ed. in curriculum and instruction, an Ed.D. in professional leadership and a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction. As part of a Tier One public research university in a diverse, dynamic city, we strive to end inequities in education in Houston and beyond. Join us!

Important Dates for Graduate Students: Admissions & Comprehensive Exams

CUIN Quick Links

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Want to be a Teacher?

We offer the following programs to help students become certified teachers in Texas:

We’re proud to be a three-time winner of the Distinguished Program in Teacher Education Award from the Association of Teacher Educators. We’ve also earned commendations from the Texas Education Agency for “Innovative Educator Preparation” and “Preparing the Educators Texas Needs.” Our students participate in a yearlong student-teaching internship with strong mentor support, giving them real world experience that sets them apart from their peers.

Get Certified: Learn more!

Seeking a Graduate Degree?

We offer master’s and doctoral programs with various specializations to meet your career goals.

Master's Programs
Doctoral Programs
  • Ph.D. in curriculum & instruction
    • Art education/visual culture
    • Bilingual/ESL education
    • Early childhood education
    • Learning, design & technology
    • Literacy education
    • Mathematics education
    • Science education
    • Teaching/teacher education
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A Leader in Online Education

As part of a Carnegie-designated Tier One public research institution, we prioritize rigorous, relevant coursework to support student success. Whether virtual or face-to-face, students can be confident in the quality of our instruction. In 2026, we earned a No. 18 ranking from U.S. News & World Report for our online master’s degree programs. We’re dedicated to flexibility to meet students’ needs. Pick a program that’s right for you!

News & Features

  • Woman with regalia sitting in front of a cougar statue

    Fall 2025 UH College of Education Graduates Share their Stories

    "The College of Education has helped me feel more confident and prepared for my next chapter," said Chantel Le, a health major graduating with a 4.0 GPA. Read more about the College's top graduates.

  • Sheng Kuan Chung

    Art Education Professor Wins National Award

    Professor Sheng Kuan Chung earned the Distinguished Scholar Award from the National Art Education Association’s Asian Art and Culture Interest Group. “The recognition strengthens my conviction that art education is not solely about teaching the subject matter,” he said.

  • Mikel Cole

    Associate Professor Selected for Fulbright Exchange in Romania

    Mikel Cole, a professor of bilingual/ESL education, will work with doctoral students at Alexandru Ioan Cuza University to improve their research and media literacy skills. “This feels like such a gift,” he said.

  • Alex Hernandez and Justin Burris

    Full Circle: The Student Becomes The Teacher

    Growing up, Alex Hernandez (left) found inspiration in his elementary school teacher, Justin Burris. Years later as a struggling UH student, Hernandez connected with Burris, now a professor, to help him fulfill his dream of becoming a teacher himself.

Short Takes

A sampling of faculty, staff, student and alumni happenings:

At least four alumni have won Teacher of the Year (TOY) awards for 2025-26:  Ashley Acosta, Thornwood Elementary in Spring Branch ISD (TOY); Nicole Benavides, Seven Lakes Junior High in Katy ISD (First Year TOY); Savannah Torres, Barbara Bennett Elementary in Alvin ISD (Rookie TOY) and Crystal Washington, Springwoods Village Middle School in Spring ISD (TOY).

Three-time alum Monica Gonzalez, an associate professor of mathematics education at East Carolina University, released the book “Promoting Equitable Math Instruction: Exploring Elementary Teachers’ Stories.”

Brendan Thompson, who earned a M.Ed. in curriculum and instruction in 2023 and a B.S. in health in 2020, won the 2025 Emerging Professional Award from the Texas Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance. 

Two faculty members earned promotions in fall 2025:  Bulent Dogan to clinical full professor and Anne Katz to clinical full professor.

By the Numbers

  • 900+CUIN students
  • 95%Overall passing rate on certification exams (TEA)
  • 1.5MHouston-area K-12 students
  • 1stFounding member of US PREP reform coalition
  • 3-Time WinnerTeacher Education “Distinguished Program” (ATE)
Waterfall outside Farish Hall

Contact Us

Department of Curriculum & Instruction
University of Houston College of Education
McElhinney Hall                             
3623 Cullen Blvd., Room 3001                   
Houston, TX 77204-5023 
Department phone: 713-743-0958