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Masters in Curriculum and Instruction Online
A great curriculum is the reason behind producing great students. But what exactly is a great curriculum? It is the one which provides depth, focus, and clarity in the subjects for wafer students. Have you ever felt that you can have a notable impact on the curriculum, then you should know that you can become an integral part of the education system for the teachers and students? This is possible with the masters in curriculum and instruction online. If you have already pursued your bachelor’s degree in fields of education and also, if you are interested in building your career by strong learning possibilities for students, then masters in curriculum and instruction online would be a great fit for you.
Featured Online Programs
Best Online Masters in Curriculum and Instruction Programs
While pursuing your masters in curriculum and instruction online, you acquire a lot of valuable expertise and specialized skills. There are tons of colleges which provide this degree, but filtering the best ones among those would be a task for you. But you need not to worry, we have got a list of the best curriculum and instructions programs for you.
Link to this Page| College Name & Address | Tuition | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|
| #1 University of Virginia 1827 University Avenue, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903 | $16,578 | 95% |
| #2 University of Florida 341 Tigert Hall 300 SW 13th St, Gainesville, Florida 32611 | $10,770 | 90% |
| #3 Florida State University 222 S. Copeland Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32306 | $9,684 | 83% |
| #4 Texas A&M University, College Station JKW Administration Building, Suite 200, College Station, Texas 77843 | $6,677 | 82% |
| #5 North Carolina State University 2101 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695 | $9,095 | 82% |
| #6 University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign 601 E John Street, Champaign, Illinois 61820 | $14,997 | 85% |
| #7 Boston University One Silber Way, Boston, Massachusetts 02215 | $54,720 | 88% |
| #8 Michigan State University East Lansing, Michigan 48824 | $18,858 | 81% |
| #9 University of San Diego 5998 Alcala Park, San Diego, California 92110 | $27,288 | 81% |
| #10 Appalachian State University 287 Rivers St, Boone, North Carolina 28608 | $4,839 | 73% |
| #11 George Mason University 4400 University Dr, Fairfax, Virginia 22030 | $12,144 | 71% |
| #12 University of Cincinnati 2624 Clifton Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45221 | $12,790 | 71% |
| #13 California State University, Fullerton 800 N State College Blvd, Fullerton, California 92831 | $7,176 | 69% |
| #14 University of Kansas Strong Hall, 1450 Jayhawk Blvd, Room 230, Lawrence, Kansas 66045 | $9,989 | 67% |
| #15 Ohio University 020 Chubb Hall, Athens, Ohio 45701 | $9,444 | 65% |
| #16 Kansas State University 919 Mid-Campus Drive, Anderson Hall, Manhattan, Kansas 66506 | $10,212 | 65% |
| #17 University of Massachusetts, Lowell 1 University Ave, Lowell, Massachusetts 01854 | $14,590 | 66% |
| #18 Florida International University 11200 S. W. 8 Street, Miami, Florida 33199 | $8,912 | 63% |
| #19 Central Michigan University 106 Warriner Hall, Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48859 | $16,700 | 61% |
| #20 University of Nebraska, Kearney 2504 9th Avenue, Kearney, Nebraska 68849 | $6,048 | 56% |
| #21 Mississippi College 200 South Capitol Street, Clinton, Mississippi 39058 | $11,250 | 57% |
| #22 Sam Houston State University 1806 Ave J, Huntsville, Texas 77340 | $5,765 | 54% |
| #23 University of Texas, Arlington 701 S. Nedderman Dr., Arlington, Texas 76013 | $8,474 | 51% |
| #24 Emporia State University 1 Kellogg Circle, Emporia, Kansas 66801 | $6,394 | 50% |
| #25 Columbia International University 7435 Monticello Rd, Columbia, South Carolina 29203 | $9,360 | 51% |
Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available
Most Affordable Online Masters in Curriculum and Instruction Programs
Due to increase in financial aid, the surge in demand, lack of funding from the state, and the requirement for a greater number of faculty members and their payment, education is getting expensive on another level. Here’s a list of few of the most affordable online masters in curriculum and instruction.
Link to this Page| College Name & Address | Tuition | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|
| #1 Texas A&M International University 5201 University Blvd, Laredo, Texas 78041 | $3,350 | 47% |
| #2 Adams State University 208 Edgemont Blvd, Alamosa, Colorado 81101 | $4,590 | 30% |
| #3 Southeastern Oklahoma State University 425 W University Blvd, Durant, Oklahoma 74701 | $4,716 | 35% |
| #4 Appalachian State University 287 Rivers St, Boone, North Carolina 28608 | $4,839 | 73% |
| #5 Southwest Baptist University 1600 University Ave, Bolivar, Missouri 65613 | $5,004 | 46% |
| #6 Southern Arkansas University 100 E. University, Magnolia, Arkansas 71753 | $5,040 | 44% |
| #7 Florida Atlantic University 777 Glades Rd, Administration Bldg., Room 339, Boca Raton, Florida 33431 | $5,467 | 50% |
| #8 The University of Texas, El Paso 500 W. University Ave, El Paso, Texas 79968 | $5,497 | 37% |
| #9 The University of Texas, Tyler 3900 University Blvd, Tyler, Texas 75799 | $5,850 | 42% |
| #10 The University of Texas, Rio Grande Valley 1201 W University Dr, Edinburg, Texas 78539 | $5,959 | 46% |
| #11 Northwest Missouri State University 800 University Drive, Maryville, Missouri 64468 | $6,004 | 52% |
| #12 Louisiana State University, Shreveport One University Place, Shreveport, Louisiana 71115 | $6,196 | 31% |
| #13 Columbus State University 4225 University Ave, Columbus, Georgia 31907 | $6,300 | 38% |
| #14 University of Houston, Victoria 3007 N. Ben Wilson, Victoria, Texas 77901 | $6,338 | 19% |
| #15 University of Louisiana, Monroe 700 University Avenue, Monroe, Louisiana 71209 | $6,490 | 47% |
| #16 California State University, Bakersfield 9001 Stockdale Hwy, Bakersfield, California 93311 | $7,176 | 43% |
| #17 California State University, Fullerton 800 N State College Blvd, Fullerton, California 92831 | $7,176 | 69% |
| #18 The University of Texas, Arlington 701 S. Nedderman Dr., Arlington, Texas 76013 | $8,474 | 51% |
| #19 Evangel University 1111 N Glenstone, Springfield, Missouri 65802 | $9,450 | 56% |
| #20 American College of Education 101 West Ohio Street, Suite 1200, Indianapolis, Indiana 46204 | $9,500 | NA |
Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available
Understanding Masters in Curriculum and Instruction Programs
Understanding and digging in the depths of what and how you will be learning is an important factor before the course begins. So, let us discuss the masters in curriculum and instruction in detail.
Online Masters in Curriculum and Instruction Degree Types
For your masters in curriculum and instruction, you generally have three types of degree:
M. Ed Curriculum and Instruction
This program is related to development, design, operation, and implementation of instructional programs. This program helps develop the skills of an individual as an instructional specialist.
Master of Science Curriculum and Instruction
The master of science curriculum and instruction program will help you in supplementing the skills which you gained while pursuing your bachelor’s degree.
MA in Curriculum and Instruction
The MA in education curriculum and instruction will strengthen the knowledge, discipline-specific knowledge of the content, understanding of how curriculum and instruction skills and approaches can help in fostering understanding of concepts for students.
Curriculum and Skills Gained in Masters in Curriculum and Instruction Programs
As an instructional coordinator, you will learn five important skills. In case you are having your career as a teacher or having other experiences in leadership, you might already possess these skills. With masters in curriculum and instruction, you will expand your skills like communication, analytical, decision making, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
The program and its courses might differ with the institution you join. However, there are a few courses which are similar, those are as follows:
- Theories and Trends in Curriculum and Instruction: This subject focuses on the on-going trends which influence the curriculum and instruction. It includes theories, histories, politics, and research related to education. It also focuses on understanding the sources of biases and how they affect the work in curriculum and instruction.
- Academic Language and Content Area Learning: This subject deals with linguistic challenges that are faced by the learners of the English language in the content areas of Mathematics, Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies. It emphasizes assessment tools which are designed for assessing the content knowledge and associates it with the barriers in language development.
- Gifted, Creative, and Talented Children: This subject helps you in exploring the foundational philosophies and principles of gifted education, which includes the identification and characteristics of students with talents and gifts. You will learn about talent development strategies which support different concepts of giftedness, which includes academic, leadership, intellectual, artistic, and creative.
- Foundation of Learning Design and Technology: This subject provides an historic overview of the scope and delineates the skills, foundational knowledge, and attitude needed by the experts and professionals in the field of instructional design and educational technology.
- Assessment in STE Education: In this course you learn to recognize the relation between productive instruction and productive assessment, using education standards of STEM for teacher competence in educational assessment.
Accreditation for Online Masters in Curriculum and Instruction Programs
An accredited institution indicates that it has taken its responsibilities seriously as an educational institution. Accreditation is one of the most crucial factors prospective students. Your institute of masters in curriculum and instruction has an impact on the course credit transferability and also your eligibility for federal financial aid. So, it is important for you to make sure that you choose the institution which offers the program which has earned a regional or national accreditation.
A few accreditation bodies are as follows:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC): SACSCOC is a regional accreditation body for higher education institutions which grant degree in the Southern states. This accreditation assures that the quality of education and effectiveness of its member institution is always high.
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC): HLC is an independent agency which is one of the six regional institutional accreditors in the US. It accredits the post-secondary institutes which grants degree to the institutions in the North Central region.
- New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE): NECHE is a regional accreditation body for universities and colleges in six states of New England. It is recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education as a reliable accreditation body for the quality of education provided by its member institutes.
- National Council of Accreditation in Teacher Education (NCATE): NCATE is a professional accreditation body which focuses on accreditation the teacher education programs for the universities and colleges in the US.
Timeline for graduation from Masters in Curriculum and Instruction Programs
For your masters in curriculum and instruction online, you would be required to earn about 30 to 40 credits. It will approximately take 18 months to two years for you to complete this course. For pursuing your masters in curriculum and instruction online, you can either opt for full-time master’s course or part-time masters course. You can also opt for an accelerated masters program so that you can complete your course sooner. You can get a confirmed timeline for your course by checking out the course duration of the institute in which you are about to take the admission. You can also check if your institute allows asynchronous classwork wherein you can complete your course with your own pace.
Online Masters in Curriculum and Instruction Programs Admission Requirements
The admission requirement varies with every institution, however, there are a few procedures and requirements which are similar in almost all the masters in curriculum and instruction programs admission process.
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Minimum GPA Criteria | Most of the institutes expect you to be holding a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution in the US or any comparable degree from an international institution. You need a minimum of 3.0 GPA (on the scale of 4.0) in all the coursework you have attempted while your undergraduate studies. |
| GRE/GMAT test score | Every institute has a different cut-off for your GRE and GMAT score. You can learn more about this on the website of the institution. If you have not appeared for tests like GRA, then there are also a few institutes which offer no-great programs. |
| Transcript | You need to submit an official transcript from each school, college, or university which you have attended for your studies till date. There are also a few institutes which allow unofficial transcripts, so it is recommended to get it check from the official website of the institute. |
| Statement of Purpose | In less than 500 words, you need to mention why the masters in curriculum and instruction is the best fit for you, specifically from the institution in which you are applying for your master’s program. It should clarify your purpose behind getting the course and selecting the respective institution. |
| Letter of Recommendation | You need at least two letters of recommendation which are at least a page long. It should include your work ethics and commitment to the work, and other achievements in the field. The LOR can be written by your professor or a colleague who has seen your work and has been a part of your career in the field of education. |
| Resume or Curriculum Vitae | You need to submit your updated resume or CV which highlights your achievement, volunteer work, and additional knowledge in the field. |
| Writing Sample | Writing sample measures your ability to write, professionally, and succinctly. You need to submit at least one page of the writing sample, and should be taken seriously. You can also use a paper which you have used in another class or the one which was already published. |
How to Pay for Online Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction Programs
According to a research made by the Nation Center for Education Statistics, students pay about $11,930 average as their graduate studies expense while students who attend private institutes pay around $25,440. No wonder the tuition fees just won’t stop getting expensive. But there are many financial aids at rescue which will save you from getting a burnt hole in your pocket. Here are a few financial aid services for your masters in curriculum and instruction online:
Scholarships
Scholarship is another financial support which is awarded to the students based on their financial need, academic achievement, or other criteria. Scholarships are usually need-based and merit-based and they need to be paid back as well.
Grants
Grants are financial awards which are provided by state, federal, or local government to fund the education of the student. The best part about grants is that it does not require a payback. Grants are awarded to the students usually based on their financial situation and merit.
Student Loan
Student loans are typically of two types, public student loan and private student loan. Here, the student borrows money from the government (public student loan) or private lender (private student loan) to pay the expenses of the college. The student has to pay back the money after completing the education to the lending body along with the interest which has been built up over the time.
Fellowships
Fellowship is a monetary award which is given to the student who has displayed extraordinary pursuits in academics. It is typically a merit-based scholarship awarded to the students for advanced study of an academic subject.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Filling the FAFSA form online is the first and foremost step for getting financial aid. Filling this form makes you eligible for getting various financial aids like loans, federal grants, and also qualifies you for work-study.
A good financial guide can help you in getting smooth execution of your tuition expenses and saving a lot of your money.
FAQs about Curriculum and Instruction Masters Programs
Answering the most frequently asked questions about masters in curriculum and instruction so that most of your doubts get solved.
| Q: What to do with a Masters in Teaching and Curriculum? |
| A:With your masters in teaching and curriculum, you can become an instructional coach, educational consultant, curriculum designer, academic director, and a lot more. This will be discussed in detail in the very next section: Careers and Salary Outlook. |
| Q: What is Curriculum and Instruction degree? |
| A:It is a degree which focuses on educational theory, curriculum development, and student data evaluation. With a degree in curriculum and instruction, you will learn to integrate educational technology into programs and material which are instructional. |
| Q: Should I go for masters in curriculum and instruction online or offline? |
| A:The online as well as offline courses are challenging and rigorous. The only difference that online masters makes is, you are studying with a greater convenience based on where and when you wish to learn. |
| Q: Do I need a bachelor’s degree in education to qualify for masters in curriculum and instruction? |
| A:No, to qualify for masters in curriculum and instruction you need a bachelor’s degree and you can be from various backgrounds like social workers, teachers, and administrators. |
| Q: Can I get financial aid for my masters in curriculum and instruction? |
| A:Yes. All you need is a good financial guide. All the possible ways of financial aids are mentioned in the “How to Pay” section. |
Careers and Salary Outlook for Curriculum and Instruction Masters Graduates
With a masters in curriculum and instruction online, you can expect an exponential increase in the earning potential. Masters in curriculum and instruction jobs offer a flourishing and promising career and also offers job satisfaction. You will also become eligible for opportunities which would advance your career and various leadership roles. Given below are a few of the job roles which you might like to consider.
| Job Role | Average Salary | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Instructional Coordinator | $62,460 | This role involves overseeing the curriculum. They have various tasks like evaluating how effective the curriculum and teaching technique is, reviewing student test data, observing the teachers in the classroom, conducting training sessions for teachers, and recommending various teaching techniques. |
| Post-Secondary Teacher | $76,430 | The teachers seek to modify or develop the curriculum for a degree program, plan individual lessons, teach courses, and create program outcomes while assessing the progress of the students and helping them in achieving their goals. |
| K-12 Principal | $92,510 | In achieving academic excellence, principals play a major role. They are responsible for evaluating the curriculum needs of their institute and the program which improves learning. They also identify teacher leaders and modify curriculum to implement the strategies. |
| Director of instructional technology | $73,989 | Director of instructional technology needs to work with new methodologies which serve the goals to create a well-rounded and strong learning experience for students. They are also responsible for developing new methods to present curriculum using computer-based or online learning platforms to the students. |
| Instructional Technology Manager | $61,611 | They are responsible for carrying out procedures and policies for work related to technology in education. With advanced knowledge, instructional technology manager must operate efficiently and must make sure that the new methodologies are included in the process. |
Certifications and Licensing for Curriculum and Instruction Masters Graduates
A certification is awarded by an organization to the student who completes a process of assessment and clears it with passing marks. A certification indicates that a student has mastered a particular topic or subject. It is always suggested to get a certification other than degree since it showcases your interest and additional knowledge in the field.
For masters in curriculum and instruction online, you don’t need any license as such. However, there are a few licensing:
- National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification: This licensing facilitates the educators for mobility among the states and other jurisdictions which have signed the agreement and are members of NASDTEC.
Certification you can opt is as followed:
- Applied Behavior Analysis: It is a certification program which focuses on improving or changing behaviour like communication or social skills using learning theories and principles.
- Education Technology Certification: Education technology certification courses provide a base of skills and knowledge for teachers who are using technology in education. For example, in classrooms.
Additional Resources for Curriculum and Instruction Professionals
The students and professionals should join various organizations, and conferences, it will not only teach you various skills but will also help you in broadening and improving the skills which you already have. You will get to network with few of the best people in the industry and will learn to communicate in the best way in both manners – in front of large groups and individuals. As you will develop new relations, you will also gain emotional intelligence. Here are a few additional resources for your masters in curriculum and instruction online.
- American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE): AACTE is a leading association on educator preparation. It is dedicated to evidence-based and high-quality preparation which assures that the educators are fully prepared to teach the learners.
- American Educational Research Association (AERA): AERA is a national research society which strives to encourage scholarly inquiry about education and increase the knowledge about education. It focuses on promoting the use of research in improving education.
- International Literacy Association (ILA): Previously known as the International Reading Association (IRA), ILA is a source of cutting-edge resources which is translated into practical resources for students as well as educators.
- International Conference on Education, Teaching and Technology: It is a conference on Research in Teaching, Education, and Learning. It is a conference which brings together researchers, academics, and scholars.
- International Conference on Education and Curriculum Planning: It is a leading industry and academic gathering which presents fundamental and novel advances in the educational field. It brings together education researchers, academics, practitioners, and students.
