Are you looking to go into the field of education, but aren’t quite sold on becoming a teacher? Well, the good news is, you have plenty of options.
If you want to learn how to become a high school teacher, a master’s in curriculum and instruction probably isn’t right for you. But, for teachers hoping to change careers or college students looking for other avenues to work in education, this may be the best thing for you.
Though a master’s degree may be a bit of a challenge, it is fantastic for your professional development. Besides, with all of the new developments in online learning, there is no reason you couldn’t enroll in an online program and continue to work in a learning environment at the same time.
Want to know more? Keep reading for all the information you need to decide if a master’s in curriculum and instruction is the right degree program for you.
What Is a Curriculum and Instruction Master’s?
A Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction is a fantastic degree for those who want to be involved in the development of educational programs, educational technology, student learning, and overall curriculum development. Earning a curriculum and instruction degree allows you to learn all about education, student data evaluation, and of course, curriculum development in order to prepare you for a job in this amazing teaching and learning field.
Prerequisites and Other Requirements
Prior to applying to any schools or programs, you’ll want to know what all of the prerequisites are for that specific school or program. While we can’t tell you the specifics for every place you are considering, we can give you a general guideline to follow, so be sure to double-check the requirements for specific schools and programs before submitting applications.
The most obvious requirement for almost every curriculum and instruction master’s degree program is to have completed a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Many schools will accept any type of degree, though it is always best to have earned a degree in a similar field, such as an online bachelor’s degree in elementary education.
After that, you’ll likely need to have maintained a specific GPA to be accepted into most programs, but almost no curriculum and instruction degree programs require entrance exam scores.
Why Do You Need a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction?
While a master’s in curriculum and education isn’t necessarily a required degree for many education-related jobs, it is very beneficial. Say, for example, you are an elementary school teacher looking to improve your classroom curriculum. Having earned a curriculum and instruction master’s degree is a fantastic way to help with planning lessons and homework assignments throughout the year.
You may also need to earn this degree to secure your job as a public school teacher, or even to prepare for applying to other jobs in the future. There are plenty of reasons you may benefit from earning this degree, but the main benefits are improving as a teacher and securing higher-level jobs.
Career Opportunities with a Curriculum and Instruction Master’s
Since many teachers opt for a curriculum and instruction master’s degree, it makes sense that they may be considering applying to new jobs. Teaching can be an exhausting job, from trying to handle the endless energy of elementary school kids to the rebelliousness of middle and high schoolers, so it makes sense to consider a change in your career. There are many different jobs you can apply for with this degree, and most of them pay excellently.
Careers With a Curriculum and Instruction Master’s
While there are options for career positions within the education world for you after you have earned a curriculum and instruction master’s, there are also plenty of options outside of education. For many, this degree helps them land positions in non-profit organizations, government agencies, and even the field of healthcare.
Of course, many pursue this degree to further their career in education, and there are plenty of career opportunities for that as well. You can apply for jobs in advanced teacher and leadership positions, principal or vice-principal, or some form of curriculum director. You can work in any position from the director of curriculum to education specialist.
Salary With a Curriculum and Instruction Master’s
It is common knowledge that the higher your college degree is, the better you will be paid. This is true for almost any job and is no different in the education world. With curriculum and instruction positions expected to grow six percent in the next decade, we can say it is a desirable field to go into.
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average instruction coordinator earns around $66,290 per year. However, there are many working similar positions who earn over $103,000 per year. As with any job, you will likely be paid more based upon your education and experience, so earning a master’s degree is the right way to go.
The Best Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction Programs
Earning a master’s in curriculum and instruction is possible through many colleges and universities, but ensuring a high-quality education is only possible through some. We recommend checking out this list of some of the top curriculum and instruction master’s programs before deciding on which program you want to enroll in.
The University of Indiana-Bloomington
The University of Indiana at Bloomington is well-known for being a lovely university. Offering a wide range of programs, it is no surprise to find both a Master of Education (MSEd) in Educational Leadership and a Doctor of Education (EdD) in Curriculum and Instruction. These programs can be taken in sequence to create the perfect cacophony of education.
The MSEd in Educational Leadership is a program that can be completed completely online and will help you to learn all about how to deepen and improve upon both your classroom and professional leadership abilities. The EdD in Curriculum and Instruction can be earned as the cherry on top, as you will learn all about the research that goes into curriculum design and creation.
Michigan State University
Offered as an in-person, online, or hybrid program, this Master of Arts (MA) in Teaching and Curriculum is the perfect program for anyone who wants to learn everything they can about teaching kindergarten through high school-aged students. Designed specifically for certified teachers with experience teaching, this program also covers curriculum design for both K-12 schools and public universities.
Though the program may be designed for certified teachers, you do not necessarily have to be one to enroll. In fact, while enrolled in this program, you can choose to earn a few certificates alongside your degree. With options ranging from Arabic or English as a second language to a reading specialist certification, there are many possibilities when enrolling in Michigan State University’s MA program.
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
If you are interested in earning a Master of Science (MS) in Curriculum and Instruction, look no further than the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. This program can be completed in an online, on-campus, or hybrid format, and offers students the education they need to advance in their careers.
This program is also designed for those who are currently teachers or plan to work in higher positions within the field of education. If you are interested, there are optional concentrations for members of the program. You can choose to add a concentration in bilingual-bicultural education, digital learning, or both if you are feeling ambitious. Whatever path you choose, enrolling in the MS in Curriculum and Instruction through the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Should You Earn a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction?
Even if you do enjoy working as a teacher and intend to continue being one for a long time, earning a master’s in curriculum and instruction can be a fantastic aid to you, your students, and your career. Whether you could use a boost in planning your classroom curriculum and assignments or need to get an edge over the competition for highly desirable teaching jobs, this degree will help you more than you know.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
