Online Masters in Curriculum and Instruction Programs

Online Masters in Curriculum and Instruction programs provide teachers a way to advance their own education. Programs often include a specific focus. Indeed, this might be elementary education, or instructional technology. Look for traditional campuses with online programs. Or, choose an online university. Study teaching theories and lesson planning. With minimal disruption to a teaching schedule!

Why Consider an Online Masters in Curriculum and Instruction Degree?

Earning an online Masters in Curriculum and Instruction (C&I) might enhance a current teaching career. Or, help foster the skills needed in educational leadership. Ultimately, distance learning uses educational software platforms. These vary between universities. Many online C&I programs are asynchronous. You access your courses when you have the time. From anywhere in the world. Set your own schedule. This convenience is valuable to those with busy timetables. And, many online schools have very flexible start dates. So, once you have made your decision, and been accepted, you get started working towards your degree right away.

Learning Outcomes

Online Masters in Curriculum and Instruction programs explore three main themes. These revolve around:

• Lesson planning,
• Teaching,
• Evaluation.

First, students explore and study theories in curriculum design. Often, this includes a focus on a content area or learning group. Examples include elementary education, and special needs students. Second, students study delivery and implementation methods. Usually with a view towards classroom management. Or instruction improvement. Lastly, students go in depth into educational tests and measurement. They learn how to plan and design all-inclusive curricula. The goal being to foster student achievement. And integrate academic theory – ‘best practices’ into their teaching.

What is a M.Ed.?

The M.Ed., short for Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction is a professional development degree. It often consists of 30 to 36 credits. Usually, the M.Ed. culminates in a thesis or capstone design project. It is a Masters degree that highlights curriculum design, teaching methods and educational research. Plus, it familiarizes students with contemporary education theory. It also stresses practical application of findings. Teachers might take what they have learned into their classroom. Or into a leadership position. The M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction teaches educators how differentiate their teaching styles. The ultimate goal? To improve student performance. Online MEd students often choose a concentration area to develop specialized knowledge. Some of these emphases might include the following topics:

• Children’s Literature
• Teaching English to foreign students
• STEM Education
• Curriculum and Supervision
• Instructional Strategies

Students who apply into online MEd Curriculum Design programs typically have a Bachelor of Education. And teaching experience.

Online Master of Science in Instructional Design

The online Master of Science in Instructional Design is another type of Curriculum and Instruction degree. MSEd programs may entail about 48 credit hours. Students are typically required to have a Bachelors degree from an accredited university. This degree path teaches educators how to integrate online education into lesson design. Also, how to use multimedia educational tools in an ethical way. Ways to design effective instruction for online courses. MSEd programs typically highlight research based practices. They bridge contemporary theory with systematic design of course content. For instance, integrating the psychology of learning with software tools. Or, incorporating filmmaking practices into instructional design.

Online Master of Arts in Curriculum and Design

The online Master of Arts in Curriculum and Design often requires completion of 30 to 39 credit units. Prospective students usually need a Bachelors degree from an accredited university. And, a valid teaching credential. Online MA programs are composed of core courses and electives. Plus, students may have a choice of a capstone activity. This could be a thesis, project or examination. While the MSEd has a technical approach, the MA stresses systems thinking. Students learn to synthesize data. They use research to inform their classroom skills. To foster student achievement through their instructional models.

What to Look for in an Online Curriculum and Instruction Master’s Degree?

Each university has something to offer. Whether it is a connection to their campus. Or an online learning model that makes you feel supported in your endeavors. Ultimately, you want to look at the courses you would be taking. And measure your career aspirations against that curriculum. Or search for a flexible online Masters in Curriculum and Instruction program. One that lets you tailor your courses to your interests. Whether this is enriching young readers or working towards instructional supervision. Aside from the learning component, learn about accreditation. Your state Education Board is a source of information. Especially about teacher licensure and endorsement requirements.

Online Masters Accreditations

Wondering whether there are accredited online Masters in Curriculum and Instruction programs? The short answer is yes. The qualifier, this is up to you to check. Online schools and programs are subject to the same accreditation process(es) as on-campus programs. They are held to the same high-standards under the Department of Education. At the institutional level, most schools are regionally accredited. The Higher Learning Commission is an example. It is among the six regional accrediting bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Regional agencies accredit colleges and universities. National agencies accredit trade and vocational schools. Some accredited universities have the next tier of accreditation for their programs. The main accreditor is the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

What are Potential Career Outcomes in an Online Curriculum and Instruction Master’s Program?

Students graduating with an online Masters in Curriculum and Instruction may be prepared to pursue various careers. Some may continue to teach. Others may seek supervisory positions. Or consulting positions in either education or business. Common career paths include Instructional Coordinators and Curriculum Specialists. (BLS)

FUN FACT: (BLS) studies show that wage premiums for teachers and education administrators increase with a Master’s degree.

Continued Education, Licenses

For interested students, online Doctoral programs in Curriculum and Instruction may be available. These are designed to foster leadership qualities in education professionals. If you plan to pursue a career as an Instructional Coordinator in the public-school system, you may be required to have a license. Your state’s Board of Education can fill you in on whether you need a teaching or education administrator license. (bls.gov)

Take the Next Step

Perhaps you are a licensed teacher, a corporate trainer or administrator. You want to meet the challenges in the contemporary classroom. Earning an online Masters in Curriculum and Instruction may help you make sense of empirical data. It may inspire you to create engaging content. And to implement teaching methods that enhance student performance. Your next step is to browse sponsored listings. Connect with prospective schools using the on-page form to request info. Many online schools have electronic applications. Schools with rolling admissions may have a next start date around the corner. You don’t want to miss out.

GradSchools.com offers 112 Graduate Schools with Masters in Curriculum and Instruction Online Programs