The Department of Curriculum and Instruction has a strong tradition here at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC). It is housed within the College of Education and Human Services, which celebrated its 50th Anniversary in 1994. Our mission encompasses the threefold mission to which SIUC and the College of Education and Human Services are committed: Teaching, Research, and Service.

The Department is dedicated to the preparation of educators who practice their profession throughout a variety of human service institutions, schools, colleges, universities; as well as through governmental agencies, businesses and industries.

Through quite a variety of program offerings, the Department of Curriculum and Instruction serves a large and diverse student population. We attract students from around the state, the nation, and the world. All programs in the Department are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), the North Central Association of colleges and Schools (NCA), and the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE). The College of Education and Human Services Department of Curriculum and Instruction is a member of the Holmes group.

The structure of course work offered in CI affords both students and instructors an optimal environment for strengthening higher order thinking skills. Small class sizes encourage reflectivity, critical thinking, evaluation, synthesis, and analysis through the use of group discussion, collaborative learning, role playing, and simulation. The faculty of the Department serve as models for those preparing to teach, thus playing a significant role in the preparation of educators for all levels and subjects. Faculty also maintain contacts with government agencies and business and industry to facilitate student employment in settings outside of K-12 schools.