Curriculum design plays a critical role in the effectiveness of education. With a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction, you’ll be ready to plan the future of education, ensuring high standards of educational quality using the latest theories and practices in learning.
Why You Need a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction
Whether you’re planning to become an instructional coordinator, or simply want to better understand resources and trends in curriculum as an educator, you’ll find what you need with a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction.
This degree will qualify you to develop school district curricula, set educational standards, train teachers, and help schools implement new technologies and techniques. It’s ideal not just for curriculum specialists, but all educators that work to develop learning plans for the classroom.
What You’ll Learn with Your Curriculum and Instruction Master’s Degree
Master’s degree programs in curriculum and instruction focus on the big picture of education, placing contemporary teaching theories and practices in a wider educational context. Along with core courses on curriculum design and instruction, many programs include courses such as:
- Literacy Studies
- Curriculum and Practice
- Instructional Theory
- Educational Leadership
- Special Education Curriculum
- Curriculum Evaluation
Master’s degree programs in curriculum and instruction often include a capstone experience as well. Some teachers decide to continue on for a terminal Doctor of Education program.
A Note on Doctoral Programs
There are some online PhD programs available, such as:
- University of West Florida Online Phd Curriculum and Instruction
- Clemson University Ph.D. Curriculum and Instruction
- University of Buffalo Curriculum, Instruction and the Science of Learning, PhD
Online Master’s Degree Programs in Curriculum and Instruction
As a growing area of interest in education, there are a number of accredited universities and institutions that offer an online master’s degree in curriculum and instruction. These include:
- The online master of education in curriculum and instruction from the University of Massachusetts Lowell is a 10-course degree program culminating in a research-based capstone project. Candidates focused on science education can choose from a wide range of specially-designed electives.
- In contrast, an online master of education in curriculum and instruction from Texas A&M University does not require a thesis. Instead, candidates are expected to complete coursework across a broad spectrum of topics.
- Some masters’ programs are available only to students residing in a certain state. For instance, the online master of education in curriculum and instruction – accomplished teaching, offered through the University System of Georgia, requires applicants to have a Georgia teaching certificate.
Common Courses
Obtaining a Masters in Education – Curriculum and Instruction is a great way to learn more about the topics and techniques used to create helpful educational programs for students at all grade levels.
This program may contain courses that can help expand your knowledge of the curriculum development process, as well as provide insight into the delivery of this material. The list of courses below can give you a more in-depth look at what to expect while enrolled in these programs.
- Strategies in Classroom Management: This class can help future or current educators manage disruptions in the classroom. In order for a curriculum to be effectively implemented, instructors must have a distraction-free environment for students to learn in. This course can outline some strategies for student involvement that may help to clear the classroom of activities and behaviors that can interrupt the learning process.
- Curriculum Design: Curriculum design is one of the most important components of effective instruction. This course can help students learn more about the regulations and requirements in place for curriculum development, as well as the models of curriculum development present in the educational field. Students may take a historical approach to learning about the changes that have shaped the current educational institution in present day.
- Classroom Supervision and Coaching: In order to educators to have the best outcome, it is vital to have a strategic plan for delivering the curriculum to students in a way that can be understood and absorbed. This course can help future curriculum development specialist organize methods for supervising and coaching students in a way that fosters success. Some of the topics provided in this course may be directly related to the delivery of course material and follow-up support of individuals in a classroom setting.
- Current Trends and Issues in Education: This course may include a look into the future of curriculum development from an educational standpoint. One of the most influential aspects of educational change may be the implementation of technology in the learning environment. Students can learn more about this change and how it may play into curriculum development for future generations. Issues with the use of technology may also be discussed in detail.
- Contemporary School Curriculum: Students enrolled in this course can gain a more up-to-date outlook on the current curricula in the U.S. Included in this course may be a delve into the response of pupils to the current curriculum alignment, methods that deter change within the current educational field and criticism present throughout society. This course can help educational students prepare for curriculum planning and development throughout their career.
Common Questions About A Degree in Curriculum and Instruction
Can this degree program be applied to any other areas of education rather than just teaching?
A degree that specializes in curriculum and instruction can be a very useful tool both in the classroom and outside of it. Some professionals that earn this degree can potentially work for state or government areas that research educational programs for various causes. You could possibly pursue a variety of careers outside of the classroom setting.
Can I enroll in this program if my bachelor’s degree is in another field than education?
It is common for interests to change in students that have completed bachelor’s programs in other disciplines. Depending on the school you choose for your master’s, there may be prerequisite requirements in place for you to be accepted. While there are some programs that are accepting of students from other degree programs, you should research your chosen school before submitting your application.
Can I pursue an out-of-state program for my Master’s in Education – Curriculum and Instruction?
There are certain universities that offer widely accepted degree programs. However, the acceptance of degree programs can vary by state. You can research your state’s requirements for certification and compare them to the out-of-state degree program to ensure you can receive certification after completing your degree.
Can I continue to work as a teacher while enrolled in this program?
Online degree programs are a great way to maintain your current position while gaining a higher degree. The flexible format of these programs can allow students to continue working full-time while completing courses at their own pace.
Estimated Cost and Length of a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction Degree
- Penn State University: Online Masters in Education – Curriculum and Instruction – $10,235 per semester – 1-2 years for completion
- The University of Massachusetts: Online Masters in Education – Curriculum and Instruction – $1,440 per course – 1-2 years for completion
- Southern New Hampshire University: Online Masters in Education – Curriculum and Instruction – $1,881 per course – 1-2 years for completion
Career Opportunities in Curriculum and Instruction
Education professionals with a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction often work in public or private educational institutions as instructional coordinators or designers. Still, there are many other opportunities available to those that specialize in curriculum and instruction. These include curriculum and education positions with:
- higher education institutions
- professional schools
- government educational facilities
- nonprofit organizations
educational support services
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that jobs for instructional coordinators will grow by 20 percent from 2010 to 2020. Salaries for instructional coordinators are positive as well, with a median annual wage of $60,050. As pressure mounts on school districts to improve teacher effectiveness, curriculum specialists are increasingly sought after.
