[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Online Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Online master’s in curriculum and instruction programs appeal to teachers with classroom experience who want to advance their careers. Students gain the skills needed to develop teaching standards and create educational materials and programs, preparing for in-demand jobs, such as instructional coordinator.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The[hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/instructional-coordinators.htm/”] Bureau of Labor Statistics[/hen-ui-link] projects jobs for instructional coordinators to grow 2% between 2023 and 2033. These professionals earned median annual salaries of $74,720, with the top 10% of earners making $109,500 that year.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This guide ranks the best online master’s in curriculum and instruction programs to help students find the right [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/online-colleges/”]online college[/hen-ui-link] for their needs. It also covers important information for prospective students, including common courses and potential careers and salaries for graduates.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Best Master’s in Curriculum Instruction Degree Programs Online[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”degree-overview”]What Is Curriculum and Instruction?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Curriculum and instruction professionals often work in public and private K-12 schools, colleges, and universities, developing and implementing new teaching standards, educational programs, and instructional materials. They may also work in social service agencies focused on adult education or oversee training programs for businesses or nonprofit organizations.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students pursuing an online master’s degree in curriculum and instruction can often specialize the degree through concentrations in areas such as adult education, gifted education, inclusive classroom instruction, and special education. Many master’s in curriculum and instruction programs require applicants to have some relevant experience. They also typically need a bachelor’s degree in a related field.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”masters”]What Is a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction Degree?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A master’s degree in curriculum and instruction gives learners the skills and knowledge they need to oversee curricular decision-making. Students learn how to create protocols for differentiated learning; evaluate new textbooks and teaching materials; create plans and programs aligned to testing standards; and meet local, state, and federal regulations. They also learn how to train teachers in new methodologies.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most degree-seekers have at least two years of classroom experience when they apply. Earning a master’s in curriculum and instruction online gives students the flexibility to balance their studies with personal and professional obligations. Graduates can make informed decisions, implement large-scale plans, and provide leadership through times of transition.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”choosing”]Choosing an Online Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction Program[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]When researching online master’s in curriculum and instruction programs, students should consider factors such as program cost, transfer policies, and on-campus requirements. The following list outlines several important considerations for prospective students.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Program Cost”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-base”]Public schools typically cost less than private schools, and in-state students often pay less than out-of-state students. However, many schools allow all online students to pay the same tuition rate regardless of residency, so be sure to do your research.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Transfer Policies”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-base”]Many schools offer transfer credits for prior academic, professional, volunteer, or military experience. Generous transfer policies can help students save time and money on a degree.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”School Size and Type”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-base”]A school’s size and type can affect factors like cost, class sizes, and student engagement. For example, a small private school may cost more but also offer more individualized attention from faculty than a larger public school.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Program Length”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-base”]While most programs require two years of full-time study, some programs offer accelerated timelines that allow students to graduate in just one year.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”On-Campus Requirement”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-base”]Some online master’s in curriculum and instruction programs have on-campus requirements. Students should ensure they can meet these requirements before committing to a program.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Thesis, Fellowship, and Work Requirements”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-base”]Some programs require learners to write a thesis, while others require an in-person practicum. Students should choose a program with requirements that align with their interests and goals.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Featured Education Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”what-else”]What To Expect From a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction Program[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Master’s in curriculum and instruction programs commonly examine topics such as student learning assessments, differentiated instruction, and curriculum design and evaluation. In addition to coursework, these programs may have thesis or practicum requirements.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students can further specialize their skills through related certificates in areas like instructional assessments; elementary, middle, or high school curriculum and instruction; and special education curriculum development.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction Program Courses[/hen-ui-heading]

• Theories of Learning: This survey class provides an overview of various learning theories and how they inform personal learning, cognition, behavior, and growth mindsets. Students examine both historic and contemporary learning theories.
• Teaching Diverse Learners: This course focuses on creating differentiated learning approaches for learners with various learning abilities and exceptionalities. Students learn how to provide culturally sensitive teaching materials to support learners from myriad backgrounds. They also learn teaching approaches for gifted and special education programs.
• Educational Psychology: Educational psychology examines psychological theories and principles used in developing and implementing instructional materials. Students explore topics like social development, cognitive development, and cultural awareness.
• Curriculum Design: This course covers curriculum design theories and how they relate to educational standards set by schools and governments. Students gain skills in curriculum development, design, and modification.
• Pedagogy: This course examines teaching methods and instructional strategies. Learners study topics like activity design, memory and metacognition, learning theories, and mental models and conceptual change.

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction Certifications and Licenses[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many curriculum and instruction professionals need a state license to work in public schools. Professionals may need a teaching license or an educational administrator license if working as instructional coordinators. Educational administrator licensure requirements vary by state, but they typically include a master’s degree from an accredited institution, previous teaching experience, and completion of a practicum.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Licensure candidates may also need to take edTPA or Praxis exams or a subject area test. Additionally, some states may require [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.nbpts.org/national-board-certification/overview/”]national board certification[/hen-ui-link]. Because every state sets unique requirements, newly located instructional coordinators may need to meet additional requirements to earn licensure in a new state.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”accreditation”]Accreditation for Online Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction Degree Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]When researching prospective online master’s in curriculum and instruction programs, students should consider a school’s[hen-ui-link href=”/resources/accreditation/”] accreditation status[/hen-ui-link]. Accreditation indicates that a school meets high standards with respect to faculty quality, academic rigor, and student learning outcomes. Only students at accredited schools qualify for federal financial aid, and many schools only accept degrees and credits from accredited institutions. Many employers also prefer candidates with an accredited degree.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Schools may receive regional or national accreditation, with regional accreditation generally considered the more prestigious of the two. Programs within a school may also receive accreditation, such as social work, business, and education programs. The[hen-ui-link href=”https://caepnet.org/”] Council for the Accreditation of Education Preparation[/hen-ui-link] accredits education programs.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”careers”]Curriculum and Instruction Careers[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Graduates with a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction can [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/education-degrees/”]pursue roles[/hen-ui-link] in classroom teaching, administration, curriculum design and implementation, and teacher coaching. Below, we cover several common careers and potential salaries for graduates.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background” theme=”secondary”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Instructional Coordinators”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”]

[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-4 text-tertiary”]Median Salary[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/instructional-coordinators.htm/”]$74,720[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-4 text-tertiary”]Projected Job Growth 2023-2033[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/instructional-coordinators.htm/”]2%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text]

[/hen-ui-grid] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-left”]Instructional coordinators work with school administrators, teachers, and local boards of education to design and implement new teaching standards and instructional materials. They also train educators on how to implement new materials and standards.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-left”]Instructional coordinators need relevant work experience and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction or a related field. Some states also require these professionals to hold a teaching or education administrator license.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Special Education Teachers”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”]

[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-4 text-tertiary”]Median Salary[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/special-education-teachers.htm”]$64,270[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-4 text-tertiary”]Projected Job Growth 2023-2033[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/special-education-teachers.htm”]0%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text]

[/hen-ui-grid] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-left”][hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/special-education-teachers/”]Special education teachers[/hen-ui-link] work in K-12 settings at public and private schools, instructing students with learning exceptionalities. They conduct individual assessments to provide appropriate instruction and work with other teachers to ensure activities engage learners at their ability levels.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-left”]Special education teachers need at least a bachelor’s degree in education or a related field. Some states require a degree in special education, while others accept general degrees in education or particular content areas. All public schools also require state licensure.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”]

[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-4 text-tertiary”]Median Salary[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/kindergarten-and-elementary-school-teachers.htm”]$62,310[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-4 text-tertiary”]Projected Job Growth 2023-2033[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/kindergarten-and-elementary-school-teachers.htm”]-1%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text]

[/hen-ui-grid] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-left”][hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/education/#kindergarten-and-elementary-school-teachers/”]These professionals[/hen-ui-link] help K-6 students develop the fundamental skills and knowledge needed to advance to middle school. They develop and teach lesson plans, create assessments, and grade assignments.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-left”]K-6 teachers need at least a bachelor’s degree in education. Some states require teachers to hold a degree in one or more subject areas, such as math, reading, or music, and to have student-teaching experience. Teachers in public schools also need state licensure.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”High School Teachers”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”]

[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-4 text-tertiary”]Median Salary[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/high-school-teachers.htm/”]$64,580[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-4 text-tertiary”]Projected Job Growth 2023-2033[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/high-school-teachers.htm/”]-1%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text]

[/hen-ui-grid] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-left”][hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/education/#high-school-teachers/”]High school teachers[/hen-ui-link] instruct students in grades 9-12. They teach individual subjects and AP courses, help learners prepare for standardized tests like the SAT and ACT, and write letters of recommendation for students applying to college.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-left”]High school teachers need at least a bachelor’s degree. They also need state licensure if they want to work in a public school.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”School Principals”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”]

[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-4 text-tertiary”]Median Salary[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/elementary-middle-and-high-school-principals.htm/”]$104,070[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-4 text-tertiary”]Projected Job Growth 2023-2033[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/elementary-middle-and-high-school-principals.htm/”]-1%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text]

[/hen-ui-grid] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-left”][hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/education/”]School principals[/hen-ui-link] oversee K-12 learning institutions. They manage staff, develop class schedules, set and maintain curricular standards, and provide student discipline when needed. They also communicate with parents about student progress.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-left”]School principals need a master’s degree in education administration or a related subject. They also need teaching experience and a school administrator license when working in a public school.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”faqs”]Questions About a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction Degree[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What Can You Do With a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Graduates with a master’s in curriculum and instruction can work as administrators and instructional coordinators in public and private K-12 settings, developing and implementing new curricula and standards.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What Is Curriculum and Instruction?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Curriculum and instruction involves ensuring that teaching materials follow best practices, meet state testing standards, and promote strong student learning outcomes.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What Does a Curriculum and Instruction Specialist Do?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]These professionals review and implement new teaching materials, set education standards, and help teachers adjust to new curricula.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How Long Is a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction Degree?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An online master’s in curriculum and instruction typically takes two years of full-time study to complete, though some programs offer accelerated timelines.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Learn more, do more.[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h5″]More topic-relevant resources to expand your knowledge.[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”slider” ids=”269,183,238″][/hen-ui-article-row] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Popular with our students.” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,1538,905″][/hen-ui-article-row]