Best Universities offering graduate programs in Curriculum and Instruction

The Department of Curriculum & Instruction offers two pathways for the master’s degree. A master of science with secondary teacher certification is offered as an M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction with named options in Secondary English, Social Studies, Mathematics, and Science. Additionally, the department offers a Research Master’s program, with a focus on advanced work in education. In both programs, master's degree students should expect both an atmosphere of intellectual inquiry and the serious academic standards befitting a graduate research program in curriculum and instruction.

The M.S. in curriculum and instruction prepares students for advanced work in education. In some cases, work leading to the degree prepares students to enter a new career as an educational specialist (e.g., curriculum developer, content-area specialist, school department head, curriculum supervisor, early childhood specialist, ESL or bilingual teacher, or reading teacher). In other cases, it prepares students to perform at a higher level in their existing job. In yet other cases, it prepares students for Ph.D. study. Motivations for master's degree work include professional updating, maintenance of accreditation, acquisition of new perspectives and skills, development of specialized knowledge, preparation to work with student teachers, preparation for leadership among teachers, and preparation for advanced graduate study.

Students in the Teachers, Schools, and Society program area begin with three foundational courses that encompass the collective identity as scholars and practitioners. These courses center on the history of education; critical pedagogy; and perspectives in curriculum, teaching, and teacher education. In addition, all students in the School of Teaching and Learning take a course focusing on introduction to research in curriculum and instruction, scholars in the field, and expectations of the professoriate.

Students take at least three courses in the chosen specialization throughout their program. Finally, students are required to take 12 credit hours of research courses, chosen in consultation with their advisor. Additionally, students have opportunities to take electives, additional courses in their chosen specialization, courses in other specializations, and additional research courses.

As a student in the on-campus TSS Ph.D. program, you will explore and rethink the intersections of curriculum, teaching, and teacher education with society and politics in an increasingly diverse world. You, along with your cohort, will be prepared to disrupt the status quo and challenge issues of equity in education through transformational learning.

The master of arts in education and human development in the field of curriculum and instruction with a concentration in reading and literacy education degree program prepares teachers, education professionals, and others with diverse experiences for leadership roles in school and out-of-school settings. The program incorporates traditional and novel contemporary aspects of literacy curriculum and instruction and provides pathways to becoming reading specialists and literacy coaches. Study in theories and practices in the arts, humanities, museums and informal learning environments, and digital technologies prepares educators for new teaching and learning opportunities.

The Curriculum & Instruction Master's program, located in Washington DC, prepares teachers and other educational personnel for increased responsibilities in the planning, implementation, research, and evaluation of curriculum and instruction. Students have the opportunity to analyze and critique current standards and impact the future of education in K-16 settings. Optional internships give students a first-hand experience in local schools and educational organizations to impact organizational and social change. Unique to the George Washington University's program, students in the program will individualize their program by selecting a concentration in Interdisciplinary Studies, Elementary Education, or Reading and Literacy.

Students enrolled in the Curriculum and Instruction Master’s program (Interdisciplinary Studies: Literacy and Reading Education) qualify for state licensure as a literacy coach and reading specialist, which can lead to other leadership positions at school, district, and state levels.

The Master’s Certification Program (MCERT) is a one-year graduate-level teacher preparation program that leads to elementary, middle school, secondary or preK-12 teacher certification and a Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree. Grade level/content area specializations include Art, Elementary Education, English, Mathematics, Middle School Math and Science, Physical Education, Secondary Sciences, Social Studies, TESO, and World Languages.

The Department of Teaching and Learning, Policy and Leadership (TLPL) at the University of Maryland College Park is ranked 12th in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. MCERT students receive instruction from high-caliber faculty and explore in-depth opportunities to connect content and pedagogy. MCERT students participate in a year-long inquiry project (in lieu of a thesis) which culminates in the writing of a graduate seminar paper. MCERT students present their research at the end of the program.

The Master of Arts degree program in Education, Curriculum and Instruction, with a focus on Instructional Technology (ITMA) offered through the Instructional Design and Technology program at Virginia Tech is designed to meet the needs of professional educators in K-12 schools, community colleges, and higher education, as well as corporate trainers and other instructional development professionals outside of the academic realm. The focus of the program is on the creation of effective solutions to support learning and improved performance. Individual professional experiences are highly valued and will form the basis for most of the projects developed throughout the program. Because this is a distance program, all courses are offered electronically via the World Wide Web. Depending on the nature of the course, supporting instructional content may consist of Web-based tutorials, textbooks, CDs, or other appropriate materials.

The Master of Arts degree program in Education, Curriculum and Instruction, with a focus on Instructional Technology (ITMA) is a rigorous graduate program designed to prepare you to be a professional instructional technologist. As a graduate of the program, you will enjoy the respect and opportunities afforded by completing one of the finest degree programs with a focus on Instructional Technology in the country.

The Ph.D. prepares students to do research and teach mathematics and mathematics education at colleges and universities. Specifically, this 90-credit hour Ph.D. program prepares students to conduct original research on topics in Mathematics Education, such as studies on how students and teachers learn mathematics, examinations of equity in mathematics education, assessments of students’ and teachers’ mathematical knowledge, studies about teachers’ beliefs, and studies about how technology can be used to enhance mathematics learning.

The doctoral program focuses on K-12 mathematics teaching and learning. Most students entering the program have K-12 teaching experience, and graduates of the program often become university faculty who prepare elementary and secondary teachers.

The program is headquartered in Bloomington, but it is often possible to complete some of the coursework on the IUPUI campus.

Master’s course work more than five years old may not always be applied to the degree, so individuals who completed master’s degrees more than five years prior to applying should check with program faculty about transferring in master’s level coursework.

Learning and instruction is the application of psychological principles and concepts to solve problems in educational and training settings. Our program examines individual differences, cognitive and social development, learning and motivational theory, instructional design, curriculum delivery, classroom management, and assessment through research and hands-on experience.

The Curriculum and Instruction master’s degree program provides advanced professional and foundational courses that support graduate study in the University of Idaho College of Education. Candidates must fulfill the requirements of the College of Graduate Studies and of the Department of Curriculum and Instruction.

Curriculum and Instruction master's degree graduates understand that curriculum should be relevant, engaging, challenging and integrative for the learner. They know how to select, adapt and reflect on theories and engage in reflective practices in light of curriculum standards, theories, models and learners.

The Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction program is designed to provide education professionals with a deeper understanding of pedagogy, curriculum design, philosophies of education, theories of learning and strategies for meeting the needs of diverse learners. Concentration courses within the program are selected in consultation with an adviser.

The VCU Graduate Bulletin website documents the official admission and academic rules and regulations that govern graduate education for all graduate programs at the university. These policies are established by the graduate faculty of the university through their elected representatives to the University Graduate Council.

A graduate student admitted to a program or concentration requiring a final research project, work of art, thesis or dissertation, must qualify for continuing master’s or doctoral status according to the degree candidacy requirements of the student’s graduate program. Admission to degree candidacy, if applicable, is a formal statement by the graduate student’s faculty regarding the student’s academic achievements and the student’s readiness to proceed to the final research phase of the degree program.

The M.S. in Physical Education with a concentration in Curriculum and Instruction is designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of teachers with K-12 certification. Through convenient online coursework, students will engage in practically based and personally relevant readings and projects designed to improve their teaching in the classroom with students. The program can also provide coursework necessary for interested professionals to be able to sit for required examinations necessary for alternative licensure in physical education in the state of New Mexico.

This is a fully online program and can be completed in 3 semesters. The Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction serves professionals who seek to further their careers in such fields as K-12 education, coaching, private clubs and camps, recreation programs and physical education or physical activity industries. Earning an advanced degree is a factor that determines pay grades in many school districts, organizations and corporations. This degree will strengthen knowledge and practice applicable to a variety of professions.

This program is now fully online and can be completed in 3 semesters.