The field of education is incredibly important for any industry to thrive, as it trains our future professionals and experts. By earning a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction, you’ll be at the forefront of reforming education.
In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about getting your Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction online. From coursework to the best curriculum and instruction programs, CareerKarma has got you covered.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a master’s degree in this subject can lead to several rewarding opportunities. The median annual wage for education, training, and library occupations was $50,790 in May 2019. This was a much higher average than the median annual wage for all occupations of $39,810. Whether you wish to work in school administration or as an instructional coordinator, the future of this field looks bright.
Read on to learn more about what a curriculum and instruction degree entails and why you may want to earn one online.
What to Know Before Enrolling in an Online Program
A graduate degree program in curriculum and instruction can be very beneficial. Graduates will have a firm grasp of far-reaching concepts such as instruction theory, educational technology, and several others. By preparing students for niche areas of their professional goals, a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction opens several career doors for graduates.
Today, over six million students are pursuing an online education. In particular, graduate students are twice as likely to earn a degree by earning their degrees online. Though online learning has previously been stigmatized, it provides a host of benefits over traditional learning.
Online Learning Quality
Many of today’s students prefer earning their Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction fully online rather than in a classroom. Web-based students follow the same rigorous curriculum as their brick-and-mortar counterparts, often leading to the same number of post-degree job opportunities. However, online programs consist of low student-to-professor ratios, allowing for a more focused approach to learning.
Moreover, students can find several resources available exclusively online. From video lessons and online forums to interactive learning guides, you can expect a high-quality learning experience via the Internet.
Online Learning Cost Savings
A major issue regarding most college programs is how costly they are. However, online programs and courses are often much less expensive than their traditional counterparts, as you’ll see from the programs listed below.
If you partake in an online master’s program, then you’ll save a fortune as you won’t be paying pesky fees for boarding, meal plans or transportation. Financial aid is also available for online learners, which should never be overlooked.
Online Learning Convenience
Most online programs are asynchronous, meaning you can complete your studies whenever and wherever you want to. Not only will you be able to save money by earning your degree online, but you’ll also be able to do it from your home. This will allow you to continue your education whenever and wherever you’re comfortable, instead of sacrificing your leisure or livelihood.
Whether you’re working a full-time job or taking care of your loved ones, the flexibility of online classes will surely make your learning stress free.
Coursework for an Online Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction Program
An online master’s degree program in curriculum and instruction prepares you to be the best instructor you can be, regardless of your title. Such programs offer a holistic understanding of teacher education and educational technology. Students learn the latest teaching theories, the best strategies for implementing change in curricula, and models for achieving the best learning outcomes possible for every kind of learner.
From in-depth foundational courses to enticing capstone projects and research work, a typical curriculum covers a lot of material. Here are examples of some courses you should expect to take:
- Fundamentals of Learning
- Curriculum Development
- Issues and Trends in Curriculum and Instruction
- Analysis of Teaching Behavior
- Integration of Educational Technology
- Multicultural Education
- Educational Law
- Instructional Design and Modeling
Students may also choose from a variety of engaging electives that align with their professional goals. Furthermore, learners will also be able to pursue content tracks of their choosing (such as elementary education). Other content tracks or specializations include math education, special education, and English education.
Depending on which college or university you attend, along with your chosen content track, you will be able to pursue a variety of rewarding career paths. Make sure you think hard about what you want to do in your profession rather than how much you want to make. This mindset will allow you to perform at a high level in both your program and your future career, opening you up to better and bigger opportunities.
Now, let’s talk about the best master’s degree programs in curriculum and instruction that are available online from the below schools.
Best Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction Programs
University of Florida (Gainesville, FL)
Program Name: Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction
Credit Requirements: 36 credits
Tuition In-State: $516/credit hour
Tuition Out-of-State: $620/credit hour
Starting off our list is the affordable and excellent online master of education program offered by the University of Florida. At UF, experienced instructors engage you with educational technology. UF graduates can expect to gain employment in leading educational positions across the globe.
Students may complete the program in two years (if they are taking two courses per session). Students may take more or less than two depending on their schedules, which allows maximum flexibility. Featuring innovative and exciting courses, this program allows students to participate in solving the leading issues of instructional design and technology.
Admission Requirements: Eligible applicants must hold a full-time job in education and also a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants should possess a minimum 3.0 GPA. Moreover, applicants must submit three recommendation letters, a statement of purpose, and a resume; however, the admissions process does not require GRE scores.
University of Illinois (Champaign, IL)
Program Name: Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction
Credit Requirements: 32 credits
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Tuition: $490/credit hour
UI offers an excellent and versatile set of master’s programs regarding curriculum and instruction. Students can earn a master of education in three tracks; bilingual/bicultural studies, digital learning, and perspectives and practices. UI not only features a flexible and thorough master’s degree program, but all online learners at UI pay the same tuition, even if they live outside of Illinois.
Each of the three aforementioned tracks includes 32 credits. Full-time students typically graduate in two years. Online coursework is delivered through a convenient asynchronous format. Before graduating, students present an action research project that they have worked on throughout their time in the program.
Admission Requirements: Applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, along with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Applicants should also submit a personal statement, a resume, and three reference letters.
Columbia International University (Columbia, SC)
Program Name: Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction
Credit Requirements: 30 credits
Tuition: $500/credit hour
CIU provides another great master’s degree program in curriculum and instruction. This unique program uses a biblical approach to developing and analyzing curriculum. Created by several veteran instructors, learners will be prepared to be leaders in the field and assume roles related to content development. The program features fully online coursework that is delivered asynchronously.
Full-time students can finish this 30-credit master’s degree program in curriculum and instruction program in as few as 15 months. Students learn about differentiated instruction, curriculum development, and sound instructional strategies. Moreover, in-state and out-of-state students pay the same tuition. If you’re looking for an affordable program with a trained faculty and ample services, this may be your best bet.
Admission Requirements: Eligible applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, a minimum 2.7 GPA, at least two years of teaching experience, and a current teaching license. Prospective students also need to provide an application essay and a reference from a church leader.
Texas A&M University (College Station, TX)
Program Name: Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction
Credit Requirements: 36 credits
Tuition In-State: $503/credit hour
Tuition Out-of-State: $1,004/credit hour
Texas A&M’s online master’s degree program in curriculum and instruction provides an all-encompassing and dynamic curricular experience. The program explores optimal theories and practices that lead to positive school climates as well as measurable school improvement. Graduates will possess effective teaching and research tools that will increase educational opportunity and workplace access.
The 36-credit program features 18 credits of core classes. The remaining 18 credits are dedicated to electives. All learning takes place online and faculty deliver mostly asynchronous courses. Full-time students can graduate within two years. Students can also enroll in a Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction.
Admission Requirements: Incoming students must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college and a minimum 2.75 GPA. Prospective students should submit three letters of recommendation and two essays. GRE scores are not required.
Florida International University (Miami, FL)
Program Name: Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction
Credit Requirements: 36 credits
Tuition: $508/credit hour
FIU’s versatile and flexible master’s degree program is an excellent option for prospective students for many reasons. It prepares teachers for the changing demands of the field, and to meet the needs of the growing minorities of students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. The online master provides you with the foundation to become a better educator in a variety of settings, from public schools to universities.
Courses include fundamentals in curriculum and instruction, curriculum development, and research. As a bonus, FIU distance learners pay the same tuition regardless of their location. Most students graduate from this program in as little as 12 months. If you desire an advanced degree that will enhance your marketable skills in a relatively short amount of time, then this might be the right option for you.
Admission Requirements: Eligible applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree, a minimum 3.0 GPA, and a valid teaching certificate. Additional application materials include a resume, a statement of purpose, and two recommendation letters.
Online Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction FAQs
Some of the best licenses/certifications in this regard can be found on the TESOL website, and the NBC website.
A master’s degree in this subject can get you high-ranking jobs such as:
Postsecondary Education Administrators – $95,410
Instructional Coordinators – $66,290
Elementary, Middle, and High School Principals – $96,400
Online Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction: Final Thoughts
An online curriculum and instruction program will include certain features that could be just right for some students and wring for others. Below are some factors you should consider before choosing the right program.
You should pursue a program that is affordable and doesn’t require arbitrary fees, such as graduation fees. An online program trumps a traditional program in terms of cost because you do not have to pay for other services such as commuter fares or boarding fees.
Furthermore, you should research whether your program is asynchronous or not. A self-paced course will be beneficial because you can complete it on your own time instead of worrying about deadlines. Most universities offering programs including asynchronous courses are considered more convenient than their traditional counterparts. If you have a part-time job, take care of a family member, or are located far away from any reputable institution, then online classes are your best bet.
You should also research whether the school whose program you’ve enrolled in is reputable. You can visit school websites, check reviews of the programs and individual instructors, and contact schools directly for further information. It is also important to make sure your program is accredited and legitimate so that you don’t face issues down the road like when it comes to transferring credits or seeking employment.
Ultimately, the right program is different for everybody depending on their circumstances and aspirations. However, you should make sure that you are receiving a degree from a reputable and accredited institution. The expenses of your program may be even partly covered for by the company you work for. Researching such factors is imperative so that you get the best online education possible without having any big regrets.
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