The Curriculum and Instruction specialization offers students rigorous and individually tailored programs of study with two degrees. The thesis Master of Arts (M.A.) focuses on educational research in curriculum and instruction; and the non-thesis Master of Education (Ed.M.) degree programs are designed for students with bachelor degrees who have an interest in deepening their knowledge in a specific content area (in or outside the College of Education). The M.A. is a thesis degree emphasizing applying research, theory, and evidence-based practices to improve education. The following is information on the M.A. degree.