The careers available with a Master's in Curriculum and Instruction include educational design, leadership and consulting. A Master's in Curriculum and Instruction will focus on current theories, research and technology used to design curriculum content, instructional models and learning systems. These degree programs may offer courses in research methodology, instruction improvement, achievement gap strategies, personalized learning, adaptive assessments and competency-based curriculum.
Curriculum and Instruction Administrator
A curriculum and instruction administrator will lead, plan and coordinates education policies, programs and procedures. They may develop strategic business partnerships, such as with local companies for internships, or they may help develop regional student prospect plans, which involves educational marketing and recruitment. If they work at a community college, they may develop and sustain strategic partnerships with local universities to streamline the acceptance and transition of college credit courses for eligible students. Curriculum and instruction administrators may participate in human resource activities like new hire selection and teacher re-training.
Curriculum and instruction administrators may develop and articulate the school's curriculum goals and instruction mission to parents, teachers, staff and the community. This means that they must plan, lead and coordinate instructional programs that are consistent with regulations and school district standards. They may consult with the executive education management team by providing insight into curriculum and instruction trends, practices and technology. They may execute business development plans, collaboratively work with community agencies and promote programs that support student mentoring, internships and job shadowing.
Curriculum and Instruction Analyst
This type of curriculum and instruction administrator will have a strong computer and technical background. They will analyze data using a variety of methods and systems to benchmark programming, performance and program improvement. They must cooperate with appropriate IT personnel and target departments to ensure the continuity of accurate and timely data collections. For example, they may analyze everything from effective instruction to core curriculum adherence to academic intervention services. They should have strong interpersonal and organizational skills to effectively work with a wide range of parties.
These curriculum and instruction administrators may assist chief information officers in the planning and management of IT resources, program operations, instructional technology and associated curriculum content. These analysts may comparatively analyze curriculum and instruction performance against funds, costs and budgets. They may collect instructor feedback data for managers to use in professional development and coaching programs. They may analyze curriculum and instruction to ensure compliance with policies based on federal and state laws, State Board of Education regulations and local school boards' policies. They should excel at supporting instructional programs and facilitating communication between families and schools.
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The careers available with a Master's in Curriculum and Instruction also include educational consultant, instructional coach, curriculum designer, instructional designer, academic director, vice principal and education program specialist. Readers should note that the best Master's in Curriculum and Instruction programs will be accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), approved by the state board of teaching standards and aligned with Department of Education guidelines.