If you are a teacher or other education professional and currently hold a master’s degree, take a look at the cheapest EdS curriculum and instruction online programs to help advance your career even further. Requiring less time than a full doctorate program, these endorsements allow you to increase your skills and potentially expand your career options and earning potential.
Education careers are becoming highly specialized. Instead of being general education experts, professionals need specialized skills in specific areas. These programs help you become an expert in curriculum and instruction, an important skill that can apply to preschool, kindergarten, elementary, high school, and college settings.
Not only are they broadly applicable, many degrees have an affordable price.
ARTICLE NAVIGATION: Rankings Table | Career Guide
Average Cost (In-state): ~$18,400
Least Expensive: University of West Florida ~$11,538
Most Expensive: Andrews University ~$46,296
We have created the most reliable set of rankings on the web. We use simple formulas to create a list of information that you can use to select the perfect online specialist degree in curriculum and instruction for your future. If you need an affordable EdS curriculum and instruction online program, search the degrees above the dividing line. These are all priced below the average, making them our “Best Buys” for EdS in curriculum and instruction programs.
Cheapest EdS Curriculum and Instruction Online Programs
| Rank | School / Degree | State | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | University of West Florida | (FL) | $11,538.00 $14,365.00 $11,538.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military |
2 | Henderson State University | (AR) | $11,550.00 $15,180.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
3 | Arkansas State University | (AR) | $12,011.00 | All Students |
4 | Northern Kentucky University | (KY) | $12,480.00 | All Students |
5 | Kennesaw State University | (GA) | $12,859.00 | All Students |
6 | Marshall University | (WV) | $13,350.00 | All Students |
7 | Delta State University | (MS) | $14,354.00 | All Students |
8 |  National University | (CA) | $14,586.00 | All Students |
9 | Mississippi College | (MS) | $15,170.00 | All Students |
10 | University of Missouri-Columbia | (MO) | $15,315.00 $14,009.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
11 | University of Arkansas | (AR) | $15,998.00 | All Students |
12 | University of Maine | (ME) | $16,500.00 | All Students |
13 | University of South Florida | (FL) | $16,611.00 $32,658.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
14 | University of Idaho | (ID) | $17,670.00 | All Students |
15 | Northwest Nazarene University | (ID) | $17,915.00 | All Students |
16 | William Woods University | (MO) | $17,950.00 | All Students |
17 | Middle Tennessee State University | (TN) | $18,030.00 $25,860.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
18 | University of Virginia | (VA) | $18,380.00 | All Students |
| School / Degree | State | Price | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Liberty University | (VA) | $18,697.00 $8,350.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Tennessee Technological University | (TN) | $19,620.00 $23,820.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
National Louis University | (IL) | $20,200.00 | All Students | |
Carson-Newman University | (TN) | $22,500.00 | All Students | |
Regent University | (VA) | $27,400.00 | All Students | |
Nova Southeastern University | (FL) | $33,900.00 | All Students | |
Andrews University | (MI) | $46,296.00 | All Students |
Program Note: To qualify for a ranking, the EdS in curriculum and instruction 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 educational specialist degrees in curriculum and instruction online. 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 EdS curriculum and instruction online programs in our directory may reflect a slightly different cost based on different editorial update schedules. The published costs are estimated sticker prices for the online specialist degree in curriculum and instruction, 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 EdS 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 EdS curriculum and instruction online programs 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 EdS curriculum and instruction online programs for use on your website. Our mission: Help consumers GetEducated ® about the best online colleges for cost and credibility.
Why Should I Pursue One of the Cheapest EdS Curriculum and Instruction Online Programs?
An EdS, regardless of the major, is a challenging program. Why go to the trouble? There are many reasons to complete one of these degrees, including:
- Improve education: Education is critical. After completing one of these degrees, you’ll have the chance to improve the academic system and make a real difference in the lives of students.
- Earn an excellent income: Many education professionals have high salaries. Principals, for example, have a median annual salary of $101,320, with the top 10% earning over $158,000 a year. Instructional coordinators have a median income of $66,490, with the top 10% earning over $105,000 annually.
- Universally-needed skills: While the education sector is not growing rapidly, there is a need for teachers, principals, and education experts all over the country. No matter where you want to live, you will find steady, reliable work.
- Become the best at what you do: With these degrees, you can expand your skills and become even better in your career. Professional development is one of the top reasons to earn an online specialist degree in curriculum and instruction.
What Is an EdS in Curriculum and Instruction?
If you are a teacher with a master’s degree who wants to improve your teaching skills and gain specific knowledge in a focused area, this type of degree may be the right choice. With these programs, you can reach the next level in your career without the expense and time of a doctorate.
This is an advanced education that goes beyond a master’s degree, allowing educators to gain new knowledge and more experience. In these programs, the focus is on curriculum development and instruction design.
Positioned between a master’s and a doctorate, in many cases the coursework from an EdS can transition into a doctorate program. In other words, if you complete one of these programs and want a doctorate later, the credits can often transfer into a doctoral degree.
The programs offer specialized training. For these online specialist degree in curriculum and instruction programs, you’ll learn how to properly create and implement a class curriculum. This may include learner-focused curriculum, research theory and design, program assessment, and more.
Most of these programs offer completion options in about two or three years. That number may change depending on a variety of factors. Many programs allow for a longer time frame so busy working adults can complete the degrees. Some programs can be completed in as little as 24 months, but these require a sizeable commitment of time and energy to complete.
Courses During an Online EdS in Curriculum and Instruction
Regent University – Education Specialist in Educational Leadership / Curriculum & Instruction
Regent University offers a variety of EdS programs with numerous focus areas, including adult education, educational psychology, and K-12 school leadership. Overall, this program focuses primarily on the creation and application of curriculum at various levels of education.
Courses throughout this program include “Advanced Curriculum, Instruction, & Assessment,” “Strategic Planning & Program Evaluation,” and “Curriculum & Assessment for College/University Teaching.”
Henderson State University – Educational Specialist in Curriculum Leadership / Curriculum Specialist
This program requires students to complete nine courses in curriculum development and academic leadership. While many of the courses focus on building and implementing curriculum strategies, others will focus on leadership within the school system.
Curriculum-based courses in this EdS curriculum and instruction online include “Curriculum Alignment” and “Leadership for Curriculum & Instruction.” There are also programs that create well-informed education leaders. These programs include “Educational Law and Political Systems,” “Supervision and Educational Leadership,” and “Fiscal Resources & Accountability.”
William Woods University – Education Specialist in Curriculum Leadership
Designed to fit the needs of working teachers, this program can be completed in two years or less. It’s delivered in eight-week sections with courses that specifically have real-world relevance for education experts.
The courses in this program focus on curriculum development. Students complete courses that include “Curriculum Auditing & Mapping,” “Urban Issues in Curriculum and Instruction,” and “Supplemental Programs Supporting Instruction.” In addition to the courses, there is also a “Curriculum Leadership Practicum,” which provides real experience for curriculum experts.
Accreditation for EdS Programs
Accreditation acts as a form of quality confirmation for the education system. It’s completed by independent groups that review and, assuming colleges and programs meet a high standard, grant the accreditation status.
There are two main forms of accreditation. The first and most common is institutional accreditation. This type is granted by regional groups that accredit schools in their territory. For example, the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) accredits programs throughout most of middle America.
There is also programmatic accreditation. This type of approval is granted by subject-specific groups that specialize in a certain topic. For example, the American Library Association Committee on Accreditation (ALA-CoA) accredits library and information degrees.
The largest accrediting body for these degrees is the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). This group accredits many programs in our database, including several of the most affordable options.
The Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) is another accrediting body in education. This group accredits education degrees while focusing on technology and innovations in the teaching industry.
Many programs do not have programmatic accreditation. That’s okay. As long as a degree comes from a school accredited by a regional body, it will deliver a reliable education.
Typical Admission Requirements for Online EdS Programs
These programs deliver some of the most challenging and rigorous learning you’ll experience. To ensure students have the necessary preparation, schools have correspondingly created high admission standards for their EdS curriculum and instruction online programs.
The fundamental requirement is a master’s degree. Students must complete a graduate program in education, curriculum, school administration, or a similar topic before they can enroll in these degrees.
Like most master’s degrees, many of these programs will require a statement of purpose, sometimes called a letter of intent. Basically, this letter tells the school why you want the degree and what you plan to do with the education after graduating. It must describe your professional goals and what special skills or knowledge you hope to gain from the education.
You will likely need letters of recommendation as well. These letters must come from school administration and leaders who are familiar with your work. Many schools require as many as three letters of recommendation.
Teaching experience is often required for entry into these programs. To enroll, many schools require at least three years of teaching or experience in an education setting.
Program Cost for These Online EdS Degrees
The average cost for these programs is $18,400. While they can vary in size, most take about about two years to complete, which means students have an average annual cost of roughly $9,200.
The programs can be surprisingly affordable. The cheapest EdS curriculum and instruction online comes from the University of West Florida. Its Education Specialist in Curriculum & Instruction has a low price of only $11,538. However, this price is for in-state students only. Students whose residency is outside of Florida pay $14,368 for the program.
The most affordable EdS curriculum and instruction online for all students is the Educational Specialist in Educational Leadership in Curriculum Director from Arkansas State University, which charges $12,011 for the program. In this case, this price is available to all students, not just Arkansas residents.
Overall, this list contains 18 programs priced below the average of $18,400. This includes eight programs priced below $15,000.
The least affordable EdS curriculum and instruction online come from Andrews University, a private Christian school in Michigan. Its Educational Specialist in Curriculum & Instruction costs $46,296. It’s roughly 2.5 times more expensive than the average and four times more expensive than the cheapest EdS curriculum and instruction online.
With diligence and research, you can find a program that works best for your budget. In general, the most affordable EdS curriculum and instruction online programs will come from in-state public institutions. If you need a low-priced EdS, start your search with these options.
Licensing and Certification Requirements
To enroll in one of these programs, you need teaching experience. You’re already a teacher, so you should already have a teaching license or certificate. However, these programs may count towards continuing education, which you will need to renew your certification. If you are taking classes in one of these educational specialist degree in curriculum and instruction online programs, they may fulfill your continuing education credits.
These degrees may lead to a career as an instructional coordinator, which requires a different set of certifications. Instructional coordinators in public schools may need licensing as an education administrator, which is the same certification required to become a principal. States have different licensing tests for principals, so you’ll need to check your state’s requirements.
Salary and Career Outlook for Curriculum Professionals
With these advanced degrees, you can enjoy excellent salaries. In addition, you’ll work in an industry that may not see rapid growth but generally provides career stability.
One of the most common careers you may choose is an instructional coordinator. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, these professionals have a median salary of $66,490 while the top 10% have earnings over $105,210.
Another typical career is principal, an occupation that has surprisingly high salaries. The median annual salary for principals (all levels) is $101,320. The top 10% in this education leadership role earn over $158,770, making this an extremely lucrative career choice.
Education, however, may see little to no growth. The BLS expects education administrators to only grow by 1% between 2023 and 2033. For perspective, the growth for all occupations will be 3%.
However, the benefit of working in education is the widespread need for teaching and curriculum skills. All school districts and local governments need people who understand education. While growth could be slow, you can expect to find positions in almost any location.
A Doctorate: The Next Step in Your Education
An EdS can lead to a wonderful career, and for many positions it’s the only education you’ll need. However, you may continue your education in a doctorate program. The benefit of these EdS programs is that many can transfer directly into a doctorate of education or a doctorate of philosophy in education. You’ll need to check with the school, but many have built their EdS degrees to transition directly into a doctorate program.
A doctorate of philosophy in education is a great choice if you want to become an education professor or researcher. However, if you want to continue your career in school administration, especially collegiate leadership, a doctorate of education is a better option. These degrees are often held by university presidents and deans.
Become an Education Expert with the Right Online EdS Program
If you are ready to become an expert in education, visit GetEducated.com to learn more about these advanced degrees. With a reliable list of the top degrees in education, we can help you make the most informed decision.