Online Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction Programs

A master’s degree in curriculum and instruction can provide you the skills to develop curriculums and pursue education leadership roles. Curriculum designers have an increasingly difficult job and must take into account evolving instruction methods, classroom technologies, and a diverse student body.

If you have an interest in pursuing a degree in this field, the following page highlights popular online master’s programs and offers insights into the associated admission requirements, costs, and career paths.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

We chose to highlight the following schools based on several factors, including top position in organic or paid search results (as of October 2023), relevancy of program offerings, and categorization as a nonprofit. These programs are listed alphabetically by school and not weighed against each other in our methodology.

A master’s in curriculum and instruction will teach you a combination of effective education strategies, research tools, and learning theories to develop and evaluate curriculums for various student groups. Programs may focus on different aspects, including the technical or social areas of curriculum and instruction.

You can understand a program’s focus by reading the course overview and identifying which of the following degrees is awarded upon graduation:

Online master’s programs in curriculum and instruction usually consist of 30-36 credits that take full-time students 12-18 months to complete. Part-time students’ graduation time depends upon your course load, but often takes 24-36 months. Most programs offer time estimates on their website for prospective students to review.

Graduate programs had an average tuition price of $20,513, according to the latest data available by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

The NCES also states that the average online master’s in education tuition comes to around $8,155 a year.

Online master’s in curriculum and instruction have various rates, with some costing as low as $10,000. Prospective students can save money by applying for financial aid and comparing the total price of programs.

Master’s degrees in curriculum and instruction offer different tracks including licensure, non-licensure, and endorsements.

Programs that lead to teaching licensure or certification are typically state-approved and meet degree and licensure requirements simultaneously, through course- and fieldwork. You may be required to take additional exams after graduation to achieve licensure.

If you already hold a valid teaching license, you can enroll in a program that leads to an add-on certification or endorsement, which demonstrates specialized knowledge in areas including gifted education, special education, or English as a second language.

You should ensure that your future institution has received institutional accreditation, which demonstrates that a certain standard of education has been met and enables eligibility for federal financial aid.

Programs and departments that receive programmatic accreditation show an additional level of approval from an agency that specializes in the same field.

Both the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) are the main accreditors for educator preparation programs at the initial and advanced licensure levels.

Master’s in curriculum and instruction online programs’ admission requirements vary by institution. The list below focuses on the typical admission requirements you may face for this degree.

You can work in public or private institutions with a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction as a teacher, principal, or curriculum specialist. If you already have a career in education, you can use the degree to pursue career advancements in leadership or administration.

Administration or leadership roles, including principals, may offer a higher salary than the average teacher’s wage. If you do not wish to work for a school, there are career paths in areas including government and writing.

Note that some career paths, such as P-12 public school teachers and administrators, may require a state-issued license or certification to practice.

If you have a passion for education, then pursuing an online curriculum and instruction master’s degree may be worth the time and financial commitment. If you earn this degree, you will have an increased potential for career opportunities, advancements, and salary increases.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that many education-related roles will grow or shrink slightly between 2022 and 2032. You may need to stand out in the increasingly competitive job market and demonstrate your specialization with a master’s degree.