Remember your favorite classes in school? Whatever the subject, you were engaged and excited, and enjoyed how much you learned. While much of the credit goes to your teachers, curriculum design and instruction is just as valuable for a rewarding learning experience.
A master’s degree in curriculum and instruction can open doors in this dynamic field, and an online program means you can study without relocating to campus. But which program? Let’s take a look at several online master’s in curriculum and instruction degree programs so you can decide which one best will suit your needs.
Best Online Master’s Degrees in Curriculum and Instruction for 2024
We have ranked the top schools below. Our Rankings Data comes from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES.) Click the About the Ranking link below for more information about our methodology.
- Create List of Eligible Schools and Programs
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- At least one program in the subject area offered partially or fully online.
- Assign Weightings
- Number of online programs in subject area reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education. Because exact numbers change often and can be difficult to verify, we use a range-based scoring system: 0-5 online programs = 1 star; 6-10 = 2 stars; 11-15 = 3 stars; 16-20 = 4 stars; 21+ = 5 stars. In our design, laptop icons = stars.
- For degree-specific pages, ex: Psychology degrees, we list the current number of online programs available at that school for that degree type, as self-reported by the schools.
- Cost – Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on tuition and fees per academic year.
- Students w/ Institutional Aid – Percentage of students who receive financial aid from the school itself.
- Academic Counseling – Existence of this service on campus or online.
- Career Placement – Existence of this service on campus or online.
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Storm Lake, IAPrivate not-for-profit $
Buena Vista offers an online Master of Education in Curriculum, Leadership, and Instruction with four emphasis choices. Educators can add to their skillset with a focus on teaching and Instructional Leadership, Talented and Gifted, ESOL, or Teacher Technology Integrationist. BVU designed this program for working educators so they can graduate in just two years without leaving their teaching classrooms. All program endorsements meet Iowa BOE standards; students should check with their state to confirm eligibility.
Program Highlights:
Master of Education — Teacher Leadership, Curriculum, and Instruction
- Credits: 30
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $285/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: HLC
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
11/1
-
Seward, NEPrivate not-for-profit $
Concordia University Nebraska offers a Master of Education rooted in faith-based educational practices. This program is ideal for current educators; the required 45-hour practicum experience is designed for students to implement in their current classrooms. Students can choose an emphasis or endorsement from areas including Trauma and Resilience, ESOL, Instructional Technology Leadership, or STEAM. Each course in this fully online program is just eight weeks long, meaning students can graduate in two years.
Program Highlights:
Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction
- Credits: 30
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $340/credit (resident) | $425/credit (non-resident)
- Mode: Fully online with in-person practicum
- Accreditation: CAEP
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
14/1
-
Canton, MOPrivate not-for-profit $
Current educators can earn speedy qualifications in curriculum and instruction with the one-year accelerated online Master of Education at Culver-Stockton College. All courses in the program are fully online, which means licensed teachers can continue teaching without interruption while earning their master’s. The program also provides five potential start dates each year, making the path to a degree even more accessible.
Program Highlights:
Master of Education with a Specialization in Curriculum & Instruction
- Credits: 30
- Length: 1 year
- Cost: $400/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: HLC | Missouri DESE
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
14/1
-
Greenville, ILPrivate not-for-profit $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
11/1
-
Danville, VAPrivate not-for-profit $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
12/1
-
Ottawa, KSPrivate not-for-profit $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
11/1
-
Frederick, MDPrivate not-for-profit $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
10/1
-
Sioux Center, IAPrivate not-for-profit $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
14/1
-
Bourbonnais, ILPrivate not-for-profit $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
-
Ann Arbor, MIPrivate not-for-profit $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
10/1
-
Milwaukee, WIPrivate not-for-profit $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
12/1
-
River Forest, ILPrivate not-for-profit $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
13/1
-
Marshall, TXPrivate not-for-profit $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
14/1
-
Ashland, OHPrivate not-for-profit $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
12/1
-
Jamestown, NDPrivate not-for-profit $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
11/1
-
Lakewood, COPrivate not-for-profit $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
-
Mequon, WIPrivate not-for-profit $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
12/1
-
Hartsville, SCPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
12/1
-
La Mirada, CAPrivate not-for-profit $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
13/1
-
Des Moines, IAPrivate not-for-profit $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
11/1
-
DeLand, FLPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
12/1
-
Jonesboro, ARPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
14/1
-
Pittsburgh, PAPrivate not-for-profit $$$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
11/1
-
Longview, TXPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
-
Crete, NEPrivate not-for-profit $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
10/1
-
Waxahachie, TXPrivate not-for-profit $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Lebanon, ILPrivate not-for-profit $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
-
Las Cruces, NMPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
-
Redlands, CAPrivate not-for-profit $$$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
11/1
-
Kearney, NEPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
13/1
-
Stafford, TXPrivate not-for-profit $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
13/1
-
Lynchburg, VAPrivate not-for-profit $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Montgomery, ALPrivate not-for-profit $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
13/1
-
Portland, MEPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
13/1
-
Bluefield, VAPrivate not-for-profit $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
14/1
-
Chicago, ILPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Clinton, MSPrivate not-for-profit $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
13/1
-
Victoria, TXPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
-
Grand Rapids, MIPrivate not-for-profit $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
-
Athens, OHPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Columbus, OHPrivate not-for-profit $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
14/1
-
Oklahoma City, OKPrivate not-for-profit $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
11/1
-
Maryville, MOPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
19/1
-
Virginia Beach, VAPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
21/1
-
Moscow, IDPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
San Angelo, TXPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
19/1
-
Searcy, ARPrivate not-for-profit $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Keene, NHPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
-
Shepherdstown, WVPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
14/1
-
Lakeland, FLPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
14/1
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Base Methodology for OnlineColleges.me’s 2024 Online College Rankings
To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
After creating the list of eligible schools, OnlineColleges.me data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of affordability, support services, and online program availability metrics. Online program availability and overall affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings.
Online Program Availability
Affordability
Support Services
About Our Data
OnlineColleges.me’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: January of 2024
Program Spotlights: Curriculum and Instruction Master’s Degrees Online
If you’re interested in an online master’s in curriculum and instruction, you should note that not all programs are the same. Some are fully online, others are hybrid, and some offer synchronous vs asynchronous classes. There are thesis and non-thesis options, and even practical differences like the availability of part-time or accelerated degree options. Which options are best for you is a personal question, depending on your individual circumstances. A few programs stand out in terms of prestige, course offerings, student support, and more. Have a look at these online master’s in curriculum and instruction to see if they might be a match for you:
University of Florida
Program details: The University of Florida offers students a highly flexible, fully online Masters of Education (MEd) in Educational Technology, with both foundational courses in instructional design, and the option to further focus on curriculum development through elective options. Students may study at their own pace, so you can graduate in fewer than two years on the intensive route, or take longer with a part-time study plan.
- Cost: $448.73/credit
- Length of program and credit requirements: Time to graduate varies depending on courses per semester; 33 credits
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
University of Virginia
Program details: The University of Virginia offers a distance-learning online MEd program in Curriculum and Instruction for students located anywhere in the United States with the exception of California. This degree program is designed to prepare students for a career in an educational setting, museums and heritage work, or other community-based settings with an educational mission. Within the program, you will have the option to specialize further in fields including literacy, science education, ESL, and more.
- Cost: $17,280/year (in-state); $27,540/year (out-of-state)
- Length of program and credit requirements: 30 credits, with a maximum of 6 transfer credits accepted
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Texas A&M University
Program details: The MEd in Curriculum and Instruction at Texas A&M University is offered in two formats: An on-campus degree program, or an online program which does not require a thesis, and can instead be completed through either a final examination or a capstone project. Whichever option you choose, your online degree offers flexibility in terms of time commitment, and it is possible for students originally enrolled in the in-person program to transfer to online. All students will design their own degree plan with the help of their assigned academic advisors.
- Cost: $5,447.68/semester (resident); $11,801.80 (non-resident)
- Length of program and credit requirements: Time to graduate varies, to a maximum of seven years; 36 credits
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
How Much Does an Online Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction Cost?
Earning an online master’s in curriculum and instruction can be a major financial commitment. Remember, any accredited online master’s program should be eligible for federal student loans, although you’ll need to complete the FAFSA to receive funding. You may also be eligible for school-specific aid, including grants, scholarships, and work study programs.
Moreover, differences in financial aid opportunities and tuition mean that costs for online master’s programs in curriculum and instruction will vary, so be sure to do your research before you apply. The more aware you are of the cost of your program before you begin, the easier it will be to form a plan to pay for it.
How Much Your Online Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction Could Cost
| School | No. of Credits | Cost per Credit | Total Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Virginia | 30 | N/A (UVA does not charge tuition on a per credit basis) | $17,280/year (in-state) -$27,540/year (out-of-state) |
| University of Florida | 33 | $448.73 | $14,808.09 |
| Florida International University | 36 | $508.33 | $18,300 |
| Michigan State University | 30 | $933 | $27,990 |
| North Carolina State University | 30 | $525 (in-state)-$1,635.17 (out-of-state) | $15,750 (in-state)-$49,055.1 (out-of-state) |
What to Expect in Your Online Master’s Degree Program in Curriculum and Instruction
Once you’re enrolled in your online master’s program in curriculum and instruction, it’s time to learn! As a student in an MEd program, your courses will likely emphasize the foundations of teaching and learning, and the specific challenges of creating a curriculum that meets the educational needs of students from different cultural backgrounds, educational histories, and more.
Curriculum and Instruction online master’s programs offer a lot of variety. Some programs have a thesis component, with a project or research paper as the capstone of your degree. Others may have a more traditional final exam, or require you to complete a certain number of hours of supervised practical experience in a classroom setting.
Whichever program you choose, there will be a traditional lecture-based classroom component with either synchronous or asynchronous classes. Here are a few of the classes you’re likely to see as you pursue your online degree:
Common Online Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction Courses
Curriculum and Instruction
For an aspiring education professional in curriculum and instruction, this course is a vital introduction to the principles of the field. Here you’ll learn the fundamentals of curriculum design and how they impact instruction in an individual, classroom-level, student-to-teacher context. This course will likely be one of the first you take, and will almost certainly be a program requirement rather than an elective.
Theories of Learning
The way that students learn is a complex subject, with a rich academic history. In this course, you’ll learn the philosophical and scientific ideas behind learning, including how the physical brain works, different learning styles, and more. The topics covered in this course can help you as you design a curriculum to encourage learning for different learning styles across different subjects.
Multicultural Education
As an education professional, you’ll be working with, and on behalf of, students from a wide variety of backgrounds and personal circumstances. A course in multicultural education will help you understand how different cultures approach education, and how to craft a curriculum that suits the needs of students from a wide variety of backgrounds.
Educational Technology
Technology is becoming increasingly important in our daily lives. This course will be an introduction to new technology in education, and how to measure its usefulness and implementation in appropriate contexts. Subjects include assistive technology for students with specific needs to technology that spans entire school systems.
Classroom Assessment
When you’re looking at the impact of a curriculum change, new technology, or any other education innovation, you’ll want to know how to determine if it is successful. Classroom assessment includes how to measure the success of curriculum, education, and teaching strategies in real time. Knowing that you’re using proven assessment methods can help implement successful, evidence-based policies.
Job Outlook: What Can You Do with a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction
Your online master’s in curriculum and instruction can lead to careers in the world of education, but also in the corporate world, government and nonprofits. This is a master’s that equips you with transferable skills that can be used to enhance your existing career, so you can take on more responsibility in your current role. With this in mind, here are a few potential careers to consider once you’ve graduated:
Instructional Coordinator
Schools and school systems rely on instructional coordinators to oversee both curriculum design and teaching standards. In this role, you’ll be designing curricula for different courses and educational materials, and working with local boards of education, teachers and principals to implement and assess.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| $42,000 | $66,490 | $105,210 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022
High School Teacher
For teachers who’ve recently completed their master’s, a postgraduate degree in curriculum and instruction can be a tool to advance within their school. Often, a focused master’s can be helpful in becoming a department head while teaching at the high school level.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| $46,480 | $62,360 | $101,710 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022
Training and Development Manager
If an organization like a private company, government agency, or nonprofit wants to design a new training program or enhance their existing one, a training and development manager is their go-to. With your wide body of knowledge in learning theory and instructional coordination, your master’s will have qualified you well for this role.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| $68,450 | $120,000 | $210,470 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022
FAQs About Online Master’s Programs in Curriculum and Instruction
Even after learning about specific online master’s programs in curriculum and instruction, many students have questions about the degree process and how it will impact them, and need answers before they apply. If this sounds like you, we’ve got you covered. Here are some of the most common and most pressing questions our readers have about earning an online master’s in curriculum and instruction:
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Are online master’s degree programs in Curriculum and Instruction fully online?
An online master’s in curriculum in instruction is just what it sounds like: a 100% online degree. While classes may be synchronous or asynchronous, they are generally completed entirely online, from wherever you choose. The only exception is when a program has an on-site component, which may involve working with a school or another institution face-to-face in your community. In these cases, it’s not likely that you will need to relocate to campus.
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What does the admissions process look like for this degree?
The admissions process for your online master’s in curriculum and instruction will generally be straightforward, similar to many other online graduate programs. You will likely have to apply online, and provide an essay or personal statement, official transcripts from your undergraduate education, and letters of recommendation. Depending on your program, you may be required to submit GRE scores as well, and many programs require a minimum undergraduate GPA, often 3.0 or higher.
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How long does it take to complete a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction online?
A full-time online master’s degree program in curriculum and instruction will typically take two years to complete. Some schools offer more intensive, accelerated programs which can be completed in as little as one year. Alternatively, there are schools that offer part-time or self-paced programs, which may take several years to complete, but require much less time spent studying per week, making them a potentially good fit for students with personal or professional obligations outside of their studies.
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What academic and career support services are available to online students earning their master’s in Curriculum and Instruction?
During your online master’s program, you’ll still be able to reach out to professors and fellow classmates, even if you aren’t meeting with them physically. Many professors offer online office hours via video for online master’s students, and can facilitate virtual study groups. Also, be sure to take advantage of online career resources from your school, including resume review, online career fairs, and more.
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Can I work while pursuing an online Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction degree?
One of the advantages of pursuing your master’s degree online is that it’s very possible to work full- or part-time while you study. This is true for degrees in many fields, including an online master’s in curriculum and instruction. Students taking part-time or asynchronous classes find the flexibility of an online degree makes it easier to work around personal or professional responsibilities.
Other Master’s Degree Options in Education
If you are interested in a master’s degree in education but are unsure what specialization to pursue, check out these other degree pages to learn about your options:
Master’s Degrees in Education – Early Childhood Education (ECE)
Master’s Degrees in Education – Educational Leadership
Master’s Degrees in Education – Higher Education
Master’s Degrees in Education – Library Sciences
Master’s Degrees in Education – Music Education
