Learning the latest techniques in curriculum and instruction can help you become a more valuable educator. Finding the cheapest online master’s in curriculum and instruction can help advance your career, make you eligible for licenses, and help you give kids the best education possible, while keeping an eye towards your budget.
It’s wise to research your options for a master’s program online—there are 167 programs offered by a total of 162 schools! That’s a lot, but we’ve got you covered. We gathered updated tuition data for each program, ranking the 96 cheapest programs. Compare and save up to $39,000 by choosing the most cost-efficient option!
ARTICLE NAVIGATION: Rankings Table | Career Guide
Average Cost (In-state): ~$18,000
Least Expensive (In-state & Out-of-state): Southeastern Oklahoma State University ~$8,160
Most Expensive: Drexel University ~ $47,115
Our data-driven research creates a truly reliable system of scientific rankings. We have no secret formulas, we just calculate total full-time tuition—including any fees—for the most accurate and reliable total cost. Our rankings cannot be bought, and therefore factually showcase the cheapest online master’s in curriculum and instruction. The online curriculum and instruction degrees listed above the gray dividing line are official Best Buys and cost less than the national average.
The Cheapest Online Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction
| Rank | School / Degree | State | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Southeastern Oklahoma State University | (OK) | $8,160.00 | All Students |
2 | The University of Texas at Arlington | (TX) | $8,200.00 | All Students |
3 | University of North Carolina at Charlotte | (NC) | $8,407.00 $15,635.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
4 | Concordia University - Nebraska | (NE) | $10,200.00 $12,750.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
5 | Northwest Missouri State University | (MO) | $10,500.00 | All Students |
6 | Mississippi College | (MS) | $10,560.00 | All Students |
7 | Georgia College & State University | (GA) | $10,628.00 | All Students |
8 | Evangel University | (MO) | $10,640.00 | All Students |
9 | Southwest Baptist University | (MO) | $10,725.00 | All Students |
10 | Emporia State University | (KS) | $10,956.00 | All Students |
11 | University of North Georgia | (GA) | $11,208.00 | All Students |
12 | Louisiana State University-Shreveport | (LA) | $11,220.00 | All Students |
12 | Texas Wesleyan University | (TX) | $11,220.00 | All Students |
14 | University of Louisiana at Monroe | (LA) | $11,340.00 | All Students |
15 | Eastern New Mexico University | (NM) | $11,635.00 $15,181.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
16 | Martin Luther College | (MN) | $11,700.00 | All Students |
16 | Indiana University Online | (IN) | $11,700.00 $15,600.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
18 | Montana State University-Northern | (MT) | $11,745.00 $31,907.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
19 | Montana State University | (MT) | $11,828.00 $39,261.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
20 | Appalachian State University | (NC) | $11,865.00 $44,386.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
21 | Adams State University | (CO) | $11,994.00 | All Students |
22 | Arkansas State University | (AR) | $12,001.00 | All Students |
23 | Texas A & M International University | (TX) | $12,111.00 $33,990.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
24 | Tarleton State University | (TX) | $12,313.00 $24,583.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
25 | Friends University | (KS) | $12,510.00 | All Students |
26 | Southwestern Assemblies of God University | (TX) | $12,600.00 | All Students |
27 | Peru State College | (NE) | $12,924.00 | All Students |
28 | Mississippi University for Women | (MS) | $13,110.00 | All Students |
29 | University of Central Missouri | (MO) | $13,190.00 | All Students |
30 | University of Nebraska at Kearney | (NE) | $13,237.00 $17,881.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
31 |  National University | (CA) | $13,260.00 | All Students |
32 | Minot State University | (ND) | $13,365.00 | All Students |
33 | Eastern Washington University | (WA) | $13,475.00 | All Students |
34 |  Purdue University | (IN) | $13,500.00 $20,100.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
35 | California State University-Bakersfield | (CA) | $13,570.00 | All Students |
36 | Angelo State University | (TX) | $13,578.00 $25,817.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
37 | Mid-America Christian University | (OK) | $13,640.00 | All Students |
38 | Belhaven University | (MS) | $13,662.00 | All Students |
39 | Chadron State College | (NE) | $13,680.00 | All Students |
40 | The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley | (TX) | $13,800.00 | All Students |
41 | University of North Texas | (TX) | $13,835.00 $16,052.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
42 | McKendree University | (IL) | $13,959.00 | All Students |
43 | Doane University | (NE) | $14,070.00 | All Students |
44 | University of Massachusetts-Lowell | (MA) | $14,220.00 | All Students |
45 | Western Illinois University | (IL) | $14,295.00 $19,919.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
46 | Eastern Illinois University | (IL) | $14,339.00 | All Students |
47 | Bluefield University | (VA) | $14,590.00 | All Students |
48 | Maranatha Baptist University | (WI) | $14,660.00 | All Students |
49 | Greenville University | (IL) | $14,789.00 | All Students |
50 | University of Nebraska-Lincoln | (NE) | $14,833.00 $26,317.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
51 | Baker University | (KS) | $14,836.00 | All Students |
52 | Olivet Nazarene University | (IL) | $14,850.00 | All Students |
52 |  William Carey University | (MS) | $14,850.00 | All Students |
52 | Bob Jones University | (SC) | $14,850.00 | All Students |
55 |  Shawnee State University | (OH) | $14,916.00 $16,071.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
56 | University of Wisconsin-Superior | (WI) | $15,000.00 | All Students |
57 | Indiana State University | (IN) | $15,104.00 $19,427.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
58 | Empire State University | (NY) | $15,121.00 $17,941.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
59 | Shepherd University | (WV) | $15,180.00 $21,690.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
60 | Midwestern State University | (TX) | $15,183.00 $19,323.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
61 | York College | (NE) | $15,300.00 | All Students |
62 | Milligan University | (TN) | $15,435.00 | All Students |
63 |  Western Governors University | (UT) | $15,460.00 | All Students |
64 | Wilmington University | (DE) | $15,580.00 $9,220.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
65 | Concordia University - Chicago | (IL) | $15,660.00 | All Students |
66 | Elizabethtown College | (PA) | $15,750.00 | All Students |
67 | Ottawa University | (KS) | $15,765.00 | All Students |
68 | Illinois State University | (IL) | $15,771.00 $29,171.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
69 | Ohio University | (OH) | $15,822.00 $16,392.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
70 | Kansas State University | (KS) | $15,829.00 | All Students |
71 | Texas Tech University | (TX) | $15,830.00 $30,518.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
72 | Indiana Wesleyan University | (IN) | $15,840.00 | All Students |
73 | Oklahoma State University | (OK) | $15,925.00 $20,612.00 $15,925.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military |
74 | Clemson University | (SC) | $15,982.00 | All Students |
75 |  Liberty University | (VA) | $16,036.00 $10,000.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
76 | Stephen F. Austin State University | (TX) | $16,054.00 $30,742.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
77 | New England College | (NH) | $16,320.00 | All Students |
78 | William Woods University | (MO) | $16,425.00 | All Students |
79 | Black Hills State University | (SD) | $16,466.00 | All Students |
80 | Texas A & M University - Commerce | (TX) | $16,476.00 $31,164.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
81 | Southern Illinois University Edwardsville | (IL) | $16,502.00 | All Students |
82 | Sam Houston State University | (TX) | $16,559.00 | All Students |
83 | Saint Cloud State University | (MN) | $16,592.00 $24,257.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
84 | Bowling Green State University | (OH) | $16,598.00 $16,972.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
85 | Kent State University | (OH) | $16,947.00 $17,247.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
86 | Gannon University | (PA) | $16,950.00 | All Students |
87 | University of Louisiana at Lafayette | (LA) | $17,280.00 | All Students |
88 | Northern State University | (SD) | $17,323.00 | All Students |
89 | Lincoln Memorial University | (TN) | $17,615.00 | All Students |
90 | Carson-Newman University | (TN) | $17,640.00 | All Students |
91 | University of Idaho | (ID) | $17,670.00 | All Students |
92 | University of Kansas | (KS) | $17,850.00 | All Students |
93 | University of St. Thomas Houston | (TX) | $17,940.00 | All Students |
94 | Lindenwood University | (MO) | $17,970.00 | All Students |
95 | The University of Findlay | (OH) | $17,985.00 | All Students |
96 | Colorado State University-Global Campus | (CO) | $18,000.00 $16,200.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
| School / Degree | State | Price | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
McNeese State University | (LA) | $18,016.00 $20,016.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
McDaniel College | (MD) | $18,133.00 | All Students | |
University of Maine | (ME) | $18,150.00 | All Students | |
Plymouth State University | (NH) | $18,180.00 $24,480.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Minnesota State University-Moorhead | (MN) | $18,229.00 | All Students | |
Northwest Nazarene University | (ID) | $18,295.00 | All Students | |
Florida International University | (FL) | $18,300.00 | All Students | |
Columbia International University | (SC) | $18,350.00 | All Students | |
Clarks Summit University (School Closed) Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction 14 | (PA) | $18,375.00 $15,375.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Bryan College | (TN) | $18,375.00 | All Students | |
University of Virginia | (VA) | $18,380.00 | All Students | |
Calvary University | (MO) | $18,442.00 | All Students | |
Union University | (TN) | $18,600.00 | All Students | |
Southwest Minnesota State University | (MN) | $18,731.00 | All Students | |
University of the Southwest | (NM) | $18,750.00 | All Students | |
Pennsylvania Western University | (PA) | $18,768.00 $21,573.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
 Eastern Oregon University | (OR) | $18,778.00 | All Students | |
The University of Tennessee - Martin | (TN) | $18,930.00 $20,640.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Central Washington University | (WA) | $19,095.00 $41,432.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Notre Dame College (School Closing) Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction 14 | (OH) | $19,100.00 | All Students | |
Concordia University Irvine | (CA) | $19,685.00 | All Students | |
University of Mary | (ND) | $19,798.00 | All Students | |
East Tennessee State University | (TN) | $19,800.00 $24,450.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Middle Tennessee State University | (TN) | $19,833.00 $28,446.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Missouri Baptist University | (MO) | $19,902.00 | All Students | |
Endicott College | (MA) | $20,108.00 | All Students | |
Ohio Dominican University | (OH) | $20,340.00 | All Students | |
University of Massachusetts Global | (CA) | $20,850.00 $12,000.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Cornerstone University | (MI) | $20,975.00 | All Students | |
Claflin University | (SC) | $21,048.00 | All Students | |
Concordia University Wisconsin & Ann Arbor | (WI) | $21,068.00 | All Students | |
Adrian College | (MI) | $21,100.00 | All Students | |
University of San Diego | (CA) | $21,300.00 | All Students | |
LeTourneau University | (TX) | $21,400.00 | All Students | |
Abilene Christian University | (TX) | $21,500.00 | All Students | |
National Louis University | (IL) | $21,500.00 | All Students | |
Tennessee Technological University | (TN) | $21,582.00 $26,202.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
City University of Seattle | (WA) | $21,660.00 | All Students | |
 Colorado Christian University | (CO) | $21,780.00 | All Students | |
Northern Michigan University | (MI) | $21,952.00 | All Students | |
Messiah University | (PA) | $22,050.00 | All Students | |
Houston Christian University | (TX) | $22,060.00 | All Students | |
California Baptist University | (CA) | $22,140.00 | All Students | |
University of Cincinnati | (OH) | $22,380.00 $22,830.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Concordia University Wisconsin & Ann Arbor | (WI) | $22,406.00 | All Students | |
Southern New Hampshire University | (NH) | $22,722.00 $17,070.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Central Michigan University | (MI) | $22,730.00 $12,020.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Freed-Hardeman University | (TN) | $23,495.00 | All Students | |
Southwestern College - Kansas | (KS) | $23,520.00 $17,940.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
George Mason University | (VA) | $24,210.00 | All Students | |
University of Colorado - Colorado Springs | (CO) | $24,463.00 $28,244.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Eastern University | (PA) | $24,984.00 | All Students | |
Fontbonne University (School Closing) Master of Arts in Education / Curriculum & Instruction CAEP,14 | (MO) | $26,805.00 | All Students | |
Portland State University | (OR) | $27,075.00 | All Students | |
Biola University | (CA) | $27,920.00 | All Students | |
Michigan State University | (MI) | $27,990.00 | All Students | |
Virginia Commonwealth University | (VA) | $28,349.00 $54,518.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
University of Holy Cross | (LA) | $29,810.00 | All Students | |
Northeastern University | (MA) | $30,195.00 | All Students | |
Pennsylvania State University | (PA) | $30,210.00 | All Students | |
University of Pittsburgh | (PA) | $30,590.00 | All Students | |
Texas A & M University | (TX) | $32,104.00 $70,232.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Boston University | (MA) | $34,620.00 | All Students | |
Wake Forest University | (NC) | $35,000.00 | All Students | |
Andrews University | (MI) | $39,960.00 | All Students | |
Dallas Baptist University | (TX) | $42,972.00 | All Students | |
Drexel University | (PA) | $47,115.00 $44,010.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
Program Note: To qualify for a ranking, the online master’s in curriculum and instruction program must be regionally accredited. Additional programmatic accreditation is noted in the rank table. Degrees labeled with superscript 14 indicate that options for this program have changed since publication.
CAEP Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
AAQEP Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation
Rankings Note: These online college rankings are based on a GetEducated Winter/Spring 2023 review of regionally accredited online curriculum and instruction master’s degrees. Total cost includes full-time tuition and fees and was valid at the time of collection and specific to the online learning program. School profiles for the online master’s degree programs in our directory may reflect a slightly different cost based on different editorial update schedules. The published cost is an estimated sticker price for the entire master’s in curriculum and instruction online including fees. Actual costs may vary by student. Factors such as transfer credits, prerequisite courses, professional licensing and financial aid availability will affect final cost.
Editorial Note: Online schools do NOT pay to be included in any GetEducated online degree ranking. These rankings are editorially independent, open to any regionally accredited or candidate college that offers an online master’s in curriculum and instruction that is available at least 80 percent through online learning and that is open to enrollment by the public. If your online college is regionally accredited and not currently reviewed by GetEducated, please contact us for inclusion.
These rankings of the cheapest online master’s in curriculum and instruction may NOT be re-posted online or reprinted in any format without a license from GetEducated ®. Consumer finance bloggers and writers can contact our editors for a free custom article on the cheapest online master’s in curriculum and instruction for use on your website. Our mission: Help consumers GetEducated ® about the best online colleges for cost and credibility.
Why Should I Complete an Online Master’s in Curriculum?
Teaching and education experts are in high demand. From school districts to large companies, the need for people who understand instruction and curriculum is widespread. You can become a high-demand pro in this industry by completing an online curriculum and instruction master’s degree.
Why should you complete one of these online degrees? Here are a few reasons:
- A specialty for your interests: These online master’s degrees come in many concentrations. Some programs focus on science, math, or social studies. Others concentrate on bilingual education, diversity in the classroom, and other important topics. No matter what your interests and career goals, there is an online master’s to fit your needs.
- Rewarding career: Teaching is one of the most rewarding and impactful careers. Every day, you wake up to a career that improves lives, helps people gain essential knowledge, and delivers essential skills that result in stable careers.
- Above-average pay: If those rewards aren’t enough, there’s a good chance you’ll be well paid. Instructional coordinators, for example, have a median salary over $63,000, while training managers have a median salary above $120,000.
Program Cost
While they are often affordable, there are many high-cost master’s in curriculum and instruction online as well. The most expensive program in our database is the Master of Science in Teaching, Learning & Curriculum / Advanced Studies from Drexel University, a private university based in Philadelphia. Drexel charges $47,115 for the program, which means students need over $23,000 annually for two years.
Fortunately, there are many more affordable options. The average cost of these programs is around $18,000, so most students need roughly $9,000 annually to complete one of these degrees. Overall, our database includes 55 online curriculum and instruction master’s that cost less than $15,000.
The cheapest online master’s in curriculum and instruction is the Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction from Southeastern Oklahoma State University. Both in-state and out-of-state students have an estimated cost of only $8,160 for the entire program. Assuming two years and four semesters, students need to generate $4,080 a year and only $2,040 a semester to complete this degree.
For students searching for an affordable online curriculum and instruction master’s degree, it’s best to start with public institutions, especially those in your own state. These generally (but not always) offer the lowest rates, so if you need the cheapest online master’s in curriculum and instruction, in-state schools are the best place to start. For example, if you are a North Carolina citizen, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte offers the Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction for only $8,407. Out-of-state students will need to pay over $15,000 for the degree.
Find out more about the cheapest online master’s in curriculum and instruction. Here’s the top three on our list:
#1. Southeastern Oklahoma State University – Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction / General
With CAEP accreditation and the same low tuition regardless of residency, the #1 cheapest online master’s in curriculum and instruction on our list offers high quality at an amazingly affordable price. For just $8,160, students can complete the entire online curriculum and instruction graduate program.
This master of education track examines all facets of pedagogy. Courses cover assessment and evaluation, K-12 curriculum development, professional ethics, and more. With an accelerated online format, students can graduate in as little as 12 months. Graduates will be well prepared to take their place in creating and supporting innovative and effective learning environments.
#2. The University of Texas at Arlington – Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction / Open Option
The second school in our rankings of the cheapest online master’s in curriculum and instruction also offers the same tuition rates to all students. At only $40 more than our first place school, the M.Ed in Curriculum and Instruction at The University of Texas at Arlington is another solid choice. The $8,200 tuition covers the entire 30-credit master’s program, and the curriculum is accredited by AAQEP.
Students in the Open Option program have unparalleled flexibility, with the ability to choose six focus area courses from nearly any field from engineering to theater. The focus area courses are meant to support the student’s professional development, add a new academic discipline to their toolbelt, or provide add-on certificates such as Bilingual or ESL.
Required core classes cover topics including:
- Effective teaching and learning for 21st century students
- Advanced teaching models for diverse learners
- Understanding and designing classroom research
- Implementing and disseminating classroom research
#3. University of North Carolina at Charlotte – Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction
Our third-place least expensive online master’s in curriculum and instruction comes from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. The M.Ed in Curriculum and Instruction costs $8,407 for North Carolina students and $15,635 for those who live outside the state.
In this program, teachers will learn how to incorporate innovative methods into their classrooms to promote enhanced student achievement. Participants can choose from focus areas in Middle Grades, Secondary Education, or TESL. Courses explore topics such as culturally sustaining pedagogy, curriculum theory, equity and education, educational research methodology, and more. Students will also complete advanced coursework in the subject area of their initial licensure.
Degree Program Types: What to Expect from a Curriculum and Instruction Master’s Degree Online
These online degrees come in many forms. Some are “master of arts,” while others are “master of science” degrees. The differences between the two are subtle, and there is a lot of overlap in topics and courses. Overall, a master of arts program tends to focus more on the theory and philosophy of teaching, while a master of science focuses on data, research, and scientific principles in the teaching profession. Both, however, build strong educators who understand the details of curriculum and instruction.
Another type found in this database is the “master of education.” These are programs that focus on building education leaders and managers. Instead of creating effective classroom teachers, these programs are often used by aspiring college administrators, school principals, and education coordinators.
Regardless of the degree type, you can find a variety of unique specializations. While all of these degrees help build your knowledge of effective curriculum, some also offer concentrations. For example, students in the Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction from the University of Florida can specialize in Education Technology or Teacher Leadership for School Improvement.
Other concentrations for these online curriculum and instruction master’s programs include:
- STEM teaching
- Bilingual education
- Reading and literacy
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social studies
- Student assessment
- Education diversity
- Teacher leadership
These are just a few examples. No matter what your specific interest, if you enjoy teaching and the learning process, there is an online master’s in curriculum and instruction that is right for you.
Courses in an Online Curriculum Master’s Program
Each online program is unique. There are parallels; all of these programs build your overall insights into teaching, curriculum, and instruction. But as we have noted, there are a variety of types and specializations that impact what you learn. These differences can impact the available jobs after graduation, so you need to understand the coursework before enrolling.
Our database consists of over 160 programs, so it’s impossible to go over each course in every program. However, we can review some courses in a small sample of programs so you better understand the different subjects, courses, and program structures.
Appalachian State University – Master of Arts in Curriculum Specialist
Appalachian State University in North Carolina offers an online master’s degree for aspiring curriculum specialists. The degree includes 33 hours of required courses, including “Teacher as a Researcher,” “Advanced Curriculum Design,” and “Teacher Leadership and School Improvement.” Students also need to choose between “Instructional Technology,” or “Digital Technologies in Education,” which are both three credit hours. Finally, students must complete a “Product of Learning” portfolio.
Mississippi College – Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction
This program builds effective education leaders by focusing on evidence-based instruction, assessments, and education standards. The program starts with three required courses, including “Research – Methods and Procedures,” and “Curriculum Development.” The program continues with seven classes (three credits each) that include “Studies in the Teaching of Elementary School Language Arts, “Teaching Elementary and Junior High Mathematics,” and “Project-Based Science Curriculum.”
Liberty University – Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction / Early Childhood
Liberty University offers a Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction, which offers a choice of 14 specializations. The Early Childhood specialization helps you become a daycare operator or preschool teacher, and includes Advanced Education Core Courses, Early Childhood Cognate, Professional Courses, and Gate Courses. The Early Childhood Educations Cognate classes include “Current Issues in Early Childhood Education, “Advanced Child Development,” and “Elementary Curriculum & Methods.”
The classes and structure vary, so research the program before enrolling in an online master’s in education.
Accreditation for Online Curriculum and Instruction Master’s Degrees
Accreditation is the act of reviewing and verifying an education. Schools and degrees are reviewed by independent organizations that assess the academic process. These accrediting bodies have authority from the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
Schools can receive institutional accreditation from regional groups. This form of approval covers the entire school. It’s delivered through groups like the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), and the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
Specific programs can receive programmatic accreditation from groups that specialize in a subject or field. A sports management degree, for example, may have accreditation from the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA).
CAEP Accreditation
For curriculum and instruction degrees, there are two important accrediting groups. The first is the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), which accredits bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in education.
Some of the programs in this database that are CAEP-accredited include:
- Northwest Missouri State University – Master of Science in Education / Curriculum & Instruction
- Chadron State College – Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction
- Georgia College & State University – Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction
- Louisiana State University-Shreveport – Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction
AAQEP Accreditation
The other important group is the Association for Advancing Quality Educator Program (AAQEP). This is a newer group, founded in 2017, that provides approval for all types of educator preparation, including online master’s in curriculum and instruction.
Programs in our database that have accreditation from the AAQEP include:
- National University – Master of Education / Curriculum & Teaching
- The University of Texas at Arlington – Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction
Programmatic accreditation is further evidence of a degree’s overall quality. However, if a program itself is not accredited, that’s okay. All the programs in our database have institutional accreditation, so you can be certain they deliver a reliable education.
Typical Admission Requirements for an Online Master’s Degree
To enroll in an online master’s degree, you first need a bachelor’s, which is a four-year program. Once the bachelor’s is complete, you’ll have access to a variety of master’s programs that have different requirements.
Each is different, but common requirements include a minimum GPA (usually between 2.5 and 3.0), a statement of purpose, multiple letters of recommendation, and a full resume. Certain programs may also require an active teaching license for admission.
Admission requirements vary widely. Let’s look at a few examples to understand what schools may expect from incoming students:
Montana State University-Northern
To enroll in the Master of Science in Education / Instruction & Learning, students need to submit three letters of recommendation, a letter of intent, and their resume. Applicants must have a 3.0 GPA or higher.
Minot State University
Candidates entering the master of education program need a GPA of 2.75 or higher on a 4.0 scale. This GPA must be from the previous 60 hours of study. Your bachelor’s degree must be in education or a related area, and you must be currently working in education for at least two years.
Licensing and Certification for Curriculum and Education Careers
After completing an online master’s in curriculum and instruction, you’ll be qualified for a variety of high-quality careers, including instructional coordinator, training and development manager, and school principal.
Most of these careers do not require a license or certificate, but there is one main exception: school principal. In addition to teaching experience, elementary, middle, and high school principals must have licensure as school administrators. Each state defines its own license requirements, but most require a master’s degree and passing a licensing exam.
Instructional coordinators are different, as few will need a state-mandated license. Instructional coordinators in public schools will need a license, but many work for private groups, universities, and academic services. These employees in these settings do not need a license.
Voluntary certification can be useful for graduates of these online programs. They boost your knowledge of education and create more job opportunities. Possible credentials for instructional coordinators, adult teachers, and company trainers include:
- International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) – Certified Instructional Coordinator (CIC)
- Association for Talent Development (ATD) – Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP)
- International Board of Standards for Training, Performance and Instruction (IBSTPI) – Certified Training and Development Professional (CTDP)
Salary and Career Outlook
Education professionals are in high demand, and many of these experts earn top-notch salaries.
Instructional coordinators, for example, have a median salary of $63,740, which is $18,000 more than the median for all occupations. Talented coordinators with experience can expect high incomes. The top 10% in this career field earn salaries above $101,000.
Training and development managers can expect even higher salaries. While these professionals need roughly five years of experience, the median salary is $120,130, while the top 10% earn over $207,000 a year. If these large salaries tell us anything, it’s that experts who understand training, instruction, and curriculum are in high demand.
Most of these education-based professions have strong expected growth as well. The BLS expects instructional coordinators to grow by 7% between 2021 and 2031, outpacing the national rate of 5%. The expected growth for training managers is also 7%, while principals will grow by 5%. The growth may not be outstanding, but it signals a steady and ongoing need for education experts.
What’s the Next Step in My Education?
Regardless of your profession, learning is never complete. Some may choose to continue their formal education, while others will stay up-to-date on the education sector through seminars, publications, and events.
If you decide to continue your education, you may complete a doctoral degree in curriculum and instruction or a related subject. These degrees are especially useful if you aspire to teach at the college level. For example, if you want to be a professor of education at a major university, a doctorate is the right choice.
Become an Expert in Curriculum with an Online Education
You can be an expert in curriculum and instruction by enrolling in one of these excellent online degrees. With GetEducated.com, you can submit your information to receive resources on the top master’s in curriculum and instruction online. Take the first step today!