Best Online Masters Programs in Curriculum and Instruction

The Curriculum & Instruction: M.Ed. - Master of Education program, offered by University of Virginia, has been tailored for individuals seeking to have a positive impact within educational environments through the enhancement of instructional methods and the advancement of curriculum development strategies. It is important to note that this program is entirely online and operates in an asynchronous format. It is a 30-credit program that can be finished within one year (full-time) and 2-3 years (part-time).

Apart from fulfilling the core requirements encompassing the Curriculum & Instruction: M.Ed. - Master of Education program's fundamental pillars (curriculum, instruction, assessment, and diversity), students will have the opportunity to choose a specialized area of focus from the following options:

1. Applied Behavior Analysis (BCBA)
2. Educational Innovation
3. English as a Second Language (ESL)
4. Gifted Education
5. Instructional Technology
6. Literacy
7. Professional Studies
8. Social and Emotional Learning
9. Social Foundations
10. Special Education

Some attributes unique to the Curriculum & Instruction: M.Ed. - Master of Education program are:

• Students can pursue a Dual MBA/M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction with 60 credits.
• Regarding career outcomes, individuals from this program have pursued roles such as educators or curriculum developers in a wide range of educational settings, including pre-K-12 institutions, adult education programs, alternative schools, charter schools, community or technical colleges, continuing education programs, and state education departments. Additionally, various graduates have secured positions within government agencies, foundations, and museums, and there are instances where military personnel have transitioned into instructional roles.

The Master of Education (M.Ed.) program in Curriculum and Instruction offered at the University of Florida is a professional degree crafted to cater to the requirements of both current and aspiring educational professionals. It equips individuals to excel in a wide range of roles within established and emerging educational contexts. It is a 36-hour program that can be completed in 2 years.

This program offers three specialization options:

1. Educational Technology: The concentration courses available within the program of Educational Technology are Foundations of Educational Technology, Instructional Design, Designing Integrated Media Environments I and Emerging Learning Technologies
2. ESOL/Bilingual Education: Within this program, students have the option to integrate their Master's degree with a Second Language Acquisition and Teaching Certificate, offered in partnership with the UF Linguistics Program. Moreover, students are provided with the flexibility to select from an array of concentration areas, including Literacy, Reading, Education Technology, Linguistics, and more, enabling them to tailor their degree to their specific interests and career aspirations.
3. Teacher Leadership for School Improvement (TLSI): Within this program, students can choose from specialisations in Reading, Educational Technology, Media Literacy (enhancing literacy skills for 21st-century learners), Secondary (6-12th) Mathematics, Secondary (6-12th) Science, ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) and Interdisciplinary (providing the flexibility to select coursework from any specialization).

Notably, both the Educational Technology and TLSI specializations are accessible through online study formats.

The Master of Education in Learning and Instruction is a 45-hour program offered by Northeastern University that can be finished within the span of 1.5-2 years. It is designed for educators and leaders in K-12-focused schools and community organizations who aim to enhance the educational experience for current students and shape it for future generations. They will acquire the skills necessary to initiate transformative initiatives within classrooms, schools, or educational communities, contributing to improvements throughout the entire educational landscape. Specialisations are offered in Learning and Instruction and Special Education. Additionally, a capstone project in Learning and Instruction specialisation, combined with the experiential learning model, provides opportunities for practical, hands-on experience and real-world education.

The program's participants include professionals with backgrounds in K-12 education, leadership roles in community organizations, and experience as researchers and consultants. Although they come from diverse backgrounds, they share a common passion for deepening their understanding of educational theory and practice, while staying updated on innovative approaches to engage communities and drive positive change.

Some of the objectives of the Master of Education in Learning and Instruction program are:

• To effectively teach and lead in schools and communities, one must foresee and address the requirements of a diverse range of students.
• Grasp the influence of local, national, and global shifts on educational policies and methods.
• Identify possibilities for revolutionizing the classroom, school, or the larger educational environment.
• Cultivate the ability to act as a catalyst for social justice.

A wide array of career prospects exists for students of this program within and beyond the conventional K-12 educational system. These opportunities encompass roles such as a teacher assuming a leadership position within K-12 schools, an educator contributing to community organizations, a researcher engaged with educational institutions, or an educational consultant providing valuable insights. Additionally, individuals can explore opportunities as textbook authors or embark on careers as educational researchers, allowing them to have a substantial impact on the realm of education.

Ranked at #4 in the nation, the Online Master's degree program in Curriculum and Instruction (C&I) at Florida State University is specifically designed to cater to the needs of current educators dedicated to enhancing their instructional skills and aspiring to become leaders in education. It is a 30-credit program that can be finished in 2 years. The students also get the chance to complete a capstone defense where they submit their portfolio during Year 2.

The program equips educators with the knowledge and tools to address several key areas:

1. Understanding and meeting the diverse needs of their students.
2. Navigating the ever-evolving policy landscape, including new state and local standards.
3. Implementing research-based instructional strategies and resources relevant to 21st-century teaching.

Program participants will utilize their own teaching environments as practical settings to explore the concepts, techniques, technology, and methodologies introduced during their coursework, assessing their effectiveness within their local contexts. Engaging in this program requires educators to be committed to sharpening their understanding of students, subject matter, and educational standards. This will involve participants critically examining their own knowledge, skills, and instructional effectiveness, drawing insights from data collected through their teaching practices.

To ensure the program's success, students are expected to maintain regular and meaningful interactions with Pre-K - 12 learners in instructional roles. They will interpret the collected data using the theoretical and methodological tools introduced during the program. Additionally, online mentors will be available to offer guidance and support as educators navigate their academic journey.

The Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction is a 30-credit program provided by University of Pittsburgh. It can be achieved within the span of 2 years. The program aims to prepare individuals to craft impactful learning experiences for student learners. These experiences are characterized by their capacity to engage, promote equity, and empower students while enhancing their abilities in complex thinking, collaboration, and communication. As part of this program, participants will attain two distinct yet harmonious graduate certificates: one in STEAM Education and the other in Critical Technology in Digital Media for Learning.

Some unique features of the Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction program are:

• It is designed to enhance the capacity of practicing educators to create and facilitate cross-disciplinary (transdisciplinary) learning experiences. These experiences emphasize critical thinking, problem-based learning within real-world contexts, collaboration, creativity, and personal expression. These advanced teaching skills align with learning standards in most states, including Pennsylvania, and are grounded in equity-centered teaching practices.
• One of the program's key objectives is to bridge the gap in professional development and training for educators, particularly in teaching STEAM and critical technology and digital media skills. As part of their coursework, all students will attain both the STEAM certificate and the Critical Technology in Digital Media for Learning (CriT-DML) certificate. While students do have the option to substitute literacy courses for CriT-DML courses, this choice does not result in the acquisition of a second certificate.
• The MEd in Curriculum and Instruction program offers valuable prospects for career progression among present educational practitioners in various settings. Specifically, for classroom instructors, the State of Pennsylvania mandates that early-career teachers fulfill a minimum credit hour requirement of graduate-level coursework to attain their Level 2 teacher certification. Furthermore, numerous school districts provide financial incentives to teachers holding a master's degree, thus augmenting the program's potential benefits.
• The program entails completing a total of 30 credits, encompassing all STEAM courses as well as the mandatory general education courses. Additionally, a digital capstone project is a program requirement that will undergo assessment and evaluation by the faculty.

The Master of Arts in Education, Curriculum and Instruction, focusing on Instructional Technology (ITMA) is a 30-credit program offered by Virginia Polytec​​hnic Institute and State University. The core courses for the program are Foundations of IDT, Theoretical Foundations of TEL, Design for Learning, Program and Product Evaluation, Applied ID Theory, Project and Report and IDT Portfolio along with six electives to choose from. It is a 3-year long course.

Some features of the Master of Arts in Education, Curriculum and Instruction, focusing on Instructional Technology (ITMA) program are as follows:

1. This program is tailored to cater to the requirements of educators in K-12 schools, community colleges, and higher education, as well as corporate trainers and instructional development professionals in non-academic settings.

2. Its primary emphasis lies in crafting efficient solutions to enhance learning and performance.

3. The program highly emphasises individual professional experiences, which will serve as the cornerstone for most projects undertaken throughout the program.

The program is a distance learning course and the director is Ken Potter. Upon successful completion of this program, students will be awarded either an M.A.Ed. or Ed.S. in Curriculum & Instruction, specializing in Instructional Technology.

The North Carolina State University offers Master's Degrees in Curriculum and Instruction on two levels: MEd and MS. They also offer a certificate course in Counselor Education. The Master of Education (M.Ed.) and Master of Science (MS) in Curriculum and Instruction are 30-36 credit programs designed for educators and instructional leaders.

The primary focus of an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction program is to prepare educators to become experts in curriculum development and literature. The list of MEd in Curriculum and Instruction is as follows:

• Curriculum and Instruction (MEd)
• Curriculum and Instruction (MEd): Educational Psychology Concentration
• Curriculum and Instruction, Curriculum and Developmental Supervision (MEd)
• Curriculum and Instruction, New Literacies and Global Learning (MEd)
• Curriculum and Instruction, New Literacies and Global Learning (MEd): English Education Concentration
• Curriculum and Instruction, New Literacies and Global Learning (MEd): Middle Grades Education Concentration
• Curriculum and Instruction, New Literacies and Global Learning (MEd): Reading Education Concentration
• Curriculum and Instruction, New Literacies and Global Learning (MEd): Social Studies Education Concentration

A Master of Science (MS) in Curriculum and Instruction is a graduate-level program that prepares educators and instructional leaders to excel in various educational settings. This program enhances teaching methods, curriculum development, and educational leadership skills. The list of MS degrees is as follows:

• Curriculum and Instruction (MS)
• Curriculum and Instruction (MS): Educational Psychology Concentration
• Curriculum and Instruction, Curriculum and Developmental Supervision (MS)
• Curriculum and Instruction, New Literacies and Global Learning (MS)
• Curriculum and Instruction, New Literacies and Global Learning (MS): English Education Concentration
• Curriculum and Instruction, New Literacies and Global Learning (MS): Reading Education Concentration
• Curriculum and Instruction, New Literacies and Global Learning (MS): Social Studies Education Concentration

Graduates of Master's in Curriculum and Instruction programs may work as curriculum specialists, instructional coaches, curriculum designers, educational consultants, or school administrators.

Clemson University offers the Master of Education in Teaching and Learning, a fully online graduate program designed exclusively for current PK-12 educators. In just 18 months, students can elevate their professional expertise through our enriching curriculum. It is a 30-credit program. The M.Ed. program consists of two key components:

1. Foundational pedagogical coursework (18 hours)
2. Specialized courses tailored to your chosen area of focus (12 hours)

Some unique features of the Master of Education in Teaching and Learning program are:

• Tailoring education to specific interests is possible, with the choice of four distinct specialization areas: Effective and Reflective Teaching, Experiential Learning for Early Childhood, Instructional Coaching, or STEAM.
• Additionally, students are required to complete a capstone project.
• It's important to note that this program does not lead to initial teacher certification.
• Moreover, it's worth highlighting that Clemson University's M.Ed. in Teaching and Learning program has consistently earned recognition as one of the nation's top Online Graduate Education Programs by U.S. News and World Report for six consecutive years.
• This program offers exceptional quality at an affordable cost, making it an excellent choice for educators seeking to advance their careers and professional standing.

The Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Curriculum and Instruction, offered by Stony Brook University, is a 30-credit program and is designed to prepare professionals with educational responsibilities to advance as leaders and innovators in the field. Upon completing this program, individuals will have the opportunity to develop a strong foundation for continuous career growth as reflective practitioners who prioritize equity and social justice in education.

Graduates of the M.Ed. program will demonstrate growth as caring professionals who possess the skills to adeptly apply current theories and research to their pedagogical practice. This not only enhances their teaching effectiveness but also ensures that they stay updated with the latest developments in the field of education.

Furthermore, the M.Ed. program focuses on nurturing their capacities to take on leadership roles in the creation of effective learning communities among diverse learners. This means that program participants will be well-equipped to foster inclusive and supportive educational environments that cater to the needs of all students, regardless of their backgrounds or abilities.

In addition to its pedagogical benefits, the M.Ed. program serves a practical purpose as well. It satisfies the requirement for P -12 teachers who already hold an NYS initial teaching certificate to complete a master's degree in a related area in order to obtain professional certification. This ensures that educators in the program can advance their careers and achieve professional certification, which can lead to greater opportunities and responsibilities within the education sector.

Moreover, students with initial certification may also have the option to independently pursue professional certification after successfully completing the M.Ed. degree. This flexibility allows educators to tailor their professional development to their individual goals and career aspirations.

In summary, the M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction not only equips professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in their educational roles but also provides a pathway to obtaining professional certification, ultimately opening doors to a wider range of opportunities in the field of education.

The University of San Diego (USD) offers a highly flexible online Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction that allows students to choose their specialization courses from various areas, including School Leadership, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics), Inclusive Learning: Special Education, and Universal Design or Technology and Innovation. It is a 30-credit program that can be completed within 20 months.

Some unique attributes of the Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction are:

• The M.Ed. core courses and those specific to each specialization have been meticulously crafted for an online learning environment. Your professors, with guidance and assistance from the academic director, have carefully prepared the course content to ensure its suitability for online delivery.
• The online Master of Education program caters to K-12 educators who have at least two years of teaching experience in diverse classroom environments, including public district, charter, independent, or non-traditional schools. This program's inclusivity of educators from various backgrounds provides students with the opportunity to tap into the collective knowledge, experiences, and practical insights of their peers, thereby enhancing their learning journey.
• Moreover, this program is well-suited for educators aspiring to assume leadership roles, such as principals and superintendents, as well as those aiming for careers in educational technology and corporate educational positions.

Within this program, students can focus on honing their skills in designing, delivering, and evaluating lessons, units, and educational programs. The Master of Education online program guides individuals in systematically examining their teaching practices while comparing them with prominent national and international educational exemplars. Furthermore, it delves into the role of Common Core Standards in the development of curriculum.