35 Best Online Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction

If you have a passion for helping people learn, then one of the best online Master's in Curriculum and Instruction may have your name on it.

Nobody becomes a master teacher without training and mentorship — and a Master's in Curriculum and Instruction can provide just that. You'll learn from the latest research on how people learn, and you'll develop leadership and classroom management strategies that will make you a leader in your field.

And while you probably didn't go into education to get rich, a master's degree opens doors to the highest paying jobs in education. Further, for all jobs, it confers a significant yearly wage premium. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics ranks a master's degrees in the field of education among the degrees that deliver a "relatively high" payoff.

For this ranking, we looked at fifty universities with online master's degrees in Curriculum and Instruction. This list does not include any schools that are not regionally accredited – the gold standard in accreditation. In fact, many programs have additional accreditation from the NCATE (National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education).

We ranked programs based on affordability and the quality of the program, taking information on annual tuition and fees from the National Center for Education Statistics. And we factored in national rankings like U.S. News and World Report as an indicator of quality and reputation.

Ranking Methodology: "It's science!"

The researchers and writers at Best Master's Degrees don't make recommendations based upon preference– we back our rankings with science. Here's a quick breakdown of how we organize ranking data:

• Finances (40%)
• Academic Rigor (35%)
• Student Gratification (25%)

Nearly half of the data used to score each ranking involves finances and are acquired from sources such as the National Center for Education Statistics, the U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Department of Education, Glassdoor, and PayScale. Financial data encompasses the cost of tuition, fees, and class supplied; the average price of living; access to financial aid and social services; and lastly, the projected annual salary acquired from degree outcomes and income for loan repayment. The second largest category of information involves the quality of education, how competitive degree applicants should be for consideration, and how exclusive a degree program is overall. The final 25 percent of collected data is dependent on student and alumni reviews from sources such as PayScale, Rate My Professor, and Students Review.

Want to Learn More?

The amount of information available for specific degrees is plentiful, and Best Master's Degrees aims to provide as many resources as we can. Check out our Methodology page for more information and resource links.

Below are the 35 best online Masters in Curriculum and Instruction.

 

#35 – Western Governors University

Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction

Salt Lake City, Utah

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Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,115

Western Governors University offers an NCATE-accredited, online MS in Curriculum and Instruction that will give you the skills to develop innovative instructional strategies to improve your students' learning. The program focuses on developing curricula that provide focus, depth, and clarity for students at all levels of education. Whether you teach in the K-12 world or are an educator in the corporate, nonprofit, or professional development arena, WGU's program will help you take the next step in your career. Comprised of 13 courses, one of the strengths of WGU's competency-based program is that it allows you to move through material quickly – as soon as you can prove that you've mastered the material. This radically changes the educational experience, eliminating unnecessary hoop-jumping. And you don't need a teaching certification for admission to the program.

#34 – University of Texas at Tyler

Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction

Tyler, Texas

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Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,492

The University of Texas at Tyler offers an online M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction which is a perfect choice for teachers who want to be prepared to teach high school dual credit or junior college level courses. The goal of the online program is to eliminate the barriers that might stand in the way of a practicing teacher obtaining a graduate degree. You'll collaborate with other educators and deepen your knowledge about pressing educational issues and how to research them. Students also develop skills in the emerging technologies available to today's educators. The program offers multiple areas in which to focus your degree, including Academic Coaching, STEM education, Educational Technology, and Single Content Area teaching. This is a 36-credit program, and you will need a teacher certification (in any field) for admission.

#33 – Brandman University

Master of Arts in Education, Curriculum, and Instruction

Irvine, California

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Graduate Tuition/Fees: $650/credit

Brandman University offers an NCATE-accredited, online MA in Education with a concentration in Curriculum and Instruction that will help you develop innovative curricula in line with the latest pedagogical research. You'll learn to use multiple instructional methods that will reach students that come from diverse backgrounds as well as levels of ability. You'll develop a theoretical framework using the methodologies that you learn. This is a 30-credit program, comprised of 18 credits of core coursework and 12 credits of electives. For admission, you'll either need a current teaching credential or you'll have to take the course "Teaching the Adult Learner" before beginning any coursework in the MAE, Curriculum and Instruction program. You can also choose to either take the program entirely online or to take it in a hybrid format.

#32 – Texas A&M University – Commerce

Master of Education and Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction

Commerce, Texas

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Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,032

Texas A&M University-Commerce (TAMUC) offers an accredited, online M.Ed. or MS in Curriculum and Instruction which will prepare you for a variety of roles in both K-12 education and at the community college level. If you want to acquire a teaching certificate, this program can qualify you to teach in Texas through the alternative certification program at TAMUC. You'll also be ready to take on roles as a content or pedagogy specialist, a curriculum specialist, or a teacher leader. The program is offered 100% online, but you can also choose to complete it in a hybrid format, taking face-to-face classes as well as online. The 36-credit program includes 18 credits of core courses in the major combined with 18 credits of electives.

#31 – Nova Southeastern University

Master of Science in Education: Curriculum, Instruction, and Technology

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

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Graduate Tuition/Fees: $25,344

Nova Southeastern University offers an NCATE-accredited, online MS Ed. program with a specialization in Curriculum, Instruction, and Technology. The program prepares educators who want to move into leadership roles in curriculum planning and development, and it includes an emphasis on integrating technology into classroom activities to create change. As part of the program, you'll gain experience using educational research, learning theories, and instructional technology to help your students learn. The course content is research-based and will teach the best practices in education. The program is equally applicable to teachers, curriculum developers, administrators, and instructional leaders who want to expand their expertise in this area. You will not need a teaching license for admission to the program.

#30 – Portland State University

Master of Arts or Science in Curriculum and Instruction

Portland, Oregon

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Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,481

If you're a professional wanting to pursue advanced work in education, Portland State's accredited, online master's in Curriculum and Instruction is well worth checking out. The program is grounded in social justice research and prepares educators to respond to increasingly diverse classrooms. It is also designed to help students develop as leaders in their educational settings as well as expand their knowledge base about how students learn best. This is a 45-credit, non-licensure program comprised of 24 credits of core courses and 21 credits of electives — all of which are available entirely online. The core part of the program is delivered in a cohort format, so you'll be able to build relationships and experience the support of your peers as you study. Electives are taken individually and can be completed at any time and in any sequence. A teaching license is not required for admission to the program.

#29 – University of West Florida

Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction

Pensacola, Florida

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Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,175

The University of West Florida offers an online, NCATE-accredited M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction which is designed to prepare master teachers for both teaching and leadership roles at various levels of K-12 education. Designed for experienced educators, the program hones leadership skills through three specializations: Elementary Education Comprehensive, Middle-Level Education Comprehensive, and Secondary Education Comprehensive. Each specialization is offered entirely online and consists of seven core courses combined with courses in a cognate area such as Reading Endorsement, Professional Training Option (PTO), Career and Technical Education, and Instructional Technology at the appropriate level. This 36-credit program is one of the most affordable on our list, making it a great deal for those who want a rigorous program without breaking the bank. You will need to have a professional teaching certification for admission.

#28 – University of North Carolina Wilmington

Master of Education in Curriculum, Instruction, and Supervision

Wilmington, North Carolina

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Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,218

The University of North Carolina Wilmington offers an online M.Ed. in Curriculum Studies for Equity in Education. This program seeks to foster a culture of inclusion and equity in P-12 learning environments. It does this by focusing on theoretical and real-world issues related to curriculum studies and educational practice. Program coursework is grounded in social justice, global education, critical pedagogy, and transformational praxis. Classroom teachers, school administrators, teacher educators, and others will be prepared to be effective leaders in curriculum and pedagogy. The program is comprised of 30 credits of courses and projects, and courses are online and synchronous to allow for a cohort-model program that is still accessible to working professionals. Students do need to participate in two short residences at UNCW. The program leads to a Curriculum Specialist License in North Carolina for qualified educators.

#27 – University of San Diego

Master of Education: Curriculum and Instruction

San Diego, California

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Graduate Tuition/Fees: $38,596

The University of San Diego offers an accredited, online M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction which gives students a significant choice in course selection. As a student, you'll be able to choose your specialization courses from offerings like School Leadership, Inclusive Learning: Special Education, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics), and Universal Design or the Literacy and Digital Learning offerings. The online program will equip you to examine both your own practices as well as leading national and international exemplars. You'll also consider how the Common Core Standards play a role in curriculum development. This 30-credit online program is comprised of five foundation courses (which includes a capstone research project) and five specialization courses. Each course is seven weeks long (two courses per 14-week semester), and you'll be able to start your studies in any semester.

#26 – University of Memphis

Master of Science – Instruction and Curriculum

Memphis, Tennessee

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Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,291

The University of Memphis offers an accredited, online, MS in Instruction and Curriculum Leadership which is intended for licensed teachers. As a student, you'll benefit from and learn to implement formative instructional practices, responses to intervention, and be prepared to work in diverse environments. You'll gain interactive, technology-enhanced, student-centered learning techniques for today's K-12 classroom, as well as leadership competencies which will help you stand out in the field. The core curriculum covers topics in special education, literacy, curriculum methods, technology, educational research, and educational psychology. If you're looking for a program that will give you state licensure, there is also an Instruction and Curriculum program that leads to state licensure for Library Information Specialist. The University of Memphis' program is 30 credits and can be completed in as little as one year.

#25 – Florida Atlantic University

Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction

Boca Raton, Florida

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Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,303

Florida Atlantic University offers an accredited, online M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction which provides a flexible schedule for busy, working teachers. This 36-credit program explores issues of curriculum, instruction, and assessment that teachers encounter at every level of education. You'll gain strong theoretical and practical foundations for your teaching practice, and a global perspective on education. The program is delivered in a cohort format, so you'll have the support of a team environment as you work through your studies. The entire degree can be completed in 24 months, with program start dates in January, May, and August. And on graduation, you'll be well prepared for doctoral studies or a teaching career at any level of education.

#24 – The University of Texas at Arlington

Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction

Arlington, Texas

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Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,952

The University of Texas at Arlington offers an online, NCATE-accredited M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Literacy Studies. The program will provide you with advanced coursework addressing the literacy needs of all students. And you'll graduate with advanced certifications. The Literacy Studies specialization can lead to three possible certifications: Reading Specialist, Master Reading Teacher, and English as a Second Language. All specializations in the M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction program at UT Arlington require 30 credits of coursework, and there's no thesis component. As a student, you'll take courses in accelerated seven-week terms which allows you to move quickly through the material, finishing the entire program in as few as 18 months.

#23 – University of Florida

Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction (Educational Technology)

Gainesville, Florida

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Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,761

If you have an interest in integrating the latest technology into the classroom, then the University of Florida's program might have your name on it. The school offers an accredited, online M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Educational Technology which takes two years to complete – or more, depending on your pace. You'll have the freedom to create your own program schedule, depending on course availability, so that you can continue to work while you study. There is a practicum in Educational Media at the end of the program, which involves a 16-week full semester experience. On graduation, you'll be well prepared for a career as an instructional designer or educational technologist.

#22 – University of Kansas

Master's in Curriculum and Instruction

Lawrence, Kansas

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Graduate Tuition/Fees: $18,014

The University of Kansas offers a Master's in Curriculum and Instruction that prepares teachers to be leaders in their educational setting. Students learn practical instructional techniques, and the practitioner focus of the CAEP-accredited program encourages students to integrate their learning into their own school sites. As a student, you'll be able to complete your coursework anytime, anywhere through KU's innovative online format. The program consists of ten, three-credit courses that take eight works each to complete. This means that you'll be able to graduate in two years – or decide to work at a slower pace. And there is no practicum or residency requirement for this program, making it an especially flexible option for working teachers. No teaching license is required for admission to KU's program.

#21 – Texas Tech University

Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction

Lubbock, Texas

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Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15.235

The College of Education at Texas Tech offers an NCATE-accredited online M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction. As a student, you'll be able to tailor your degree by choosing from several concentrations (like Language and Literacy Education or STEM), and as a non-cohort program, Texas Tech's program is both individualized and flexible. The program is comprised of 36 credits of coursework, and if you're interested in preparing yourself for doctoral studies, there's a thesis option. There are three start dates throughout the year, and you don't need a teaching license for admission.

#20 – Liberty University

Master of Education – Curriculum & Instruction

Lynchburg, Virginia

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Graduate Tuition/Fees: $24,794

Liberty University offers an NCATE-accredited, online M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction that will prepare you to work with children of all ages and learning abilities. This 100% online program will equip you with classroom management techniques and prepare you for leadership roles in multiple school settings – both private and public. Courses cover topics like behavior management, leadership, and American Christian Heritage, and you'll be able to choose among eleven specialized areas of study. As a graduate from Liberty's Curriculum and Instruction program, you'll be well prepared for a position as a K-12 educator or future studies. And if you've begun a program elsewhere, the school has a generous transfer policy, allowing students to transfer up to 50% of the degree credit total into the program.

#19 – University of Houston

Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction – Learning, Design, and Technology

Houston, Texas

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Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,571

The University of Houston offers an accredited, online M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction for professionals who work in areas as diverse as education, healthcare, and business. UH's Learning, Design & Technology program is comprised of ten courses which will help you integrate technology into educational practice. You'll be introduced to a diverse range of technologies and be equipped to engage learners through authentic learning experiences in both online and blended instructional environments. As a bonus, students in UH's online program can complete the course requirements for Master Technology Teacher certification from the Texas State Board of Education at the same time – without taking additional courses. You'll also be able to gain multiple certificates in areas like Online Teaching and Learning or Designing and Developing Educational Multimedia.

#18 – University of Massachusetts Lowell

Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction

Lowell, Massachusetts

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Graduate Tuition/Fees: $18,348

If you're an experienced teacher and you want to broaden your professional knowledge, UMass Lowell offers an online, NCATE-accredited M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction which will help you do just that. For admission, you'll need a teaching license in your state, and all students should be working as a classroom teacher. The degree program is comprised of ten courses that culminate in an Action Research Capstone Project. Courses, like The Skillful Teacher and Dynamics of Curricular Change, encourage teachers to reflect on their own practice and to apply their learning to their own educational context. If you want to tailor your degree to your professional goals further, you'll be able to choose to complete either a Science Education Option or an Autism Studies Option.

#17 – Kansas State University

Master of Science in Education – Curriculum and Instruction

Manhattan, Kansas

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Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,431

Kansas State's NCATE-accredited, online Curriculum and Instruction master's degree offers teachers the opportunity to advance their knowledge while earning additional teaching endorsements. The program emphasizes recent trends and developments in educational practice, research, and theory and offers multiple areas of study — including Education Technology, English as a Second Language, Mathematics Education, and Reading Specialist. Areas of study like Education Technology are applicable to both K-12 settings as well as higher education and even various areas of industry. Students earn a minimum of 31 credits in the program, all of which can be completed online. You don't need a teaching license for acceptance to the program, and there are multiple start dates throughout the calendar year.

#16 – University of Central Missouri

Master of Science in Education – Curriculum and Instruction

Warrensburg, Missouri

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Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,567

Designed for professional educators, the University of Central Missouri offers an accredited online, CAEP-accredited MSE in Curriculum and Instruction to help you fine-tune instruction knowledge – and advance your career. The program is comprised of thirty graduate credits in one of three areas of specialization: K-12 Education, Middle-Level Education, and Secondary Education. The program is intended for working teachers, and you'll need to submit proof of teacher certification or professional endorsement for admission. Faculty members offer personal instruction and advising that will help you succeed. UCM offers flexible learning formats for online students that need to work around a busy schedule. You'll be able to take courses in the fall, spring, and summer semesters, so you don't need to wait to get started.

#15 – Arkansas State University

Master of Science in Education in Curriculum & Instruction

Jonesboro, Arkansas

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Graduate Tuition/Fees: 12,310

Arkansas State University offers an online, CAEP-accredited MSE in Curriculum and Instruction the will you for licensure in areas like Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Special Education or Gifted and Talented. Program coursework imbues leadership skills, dispositions, and practices, and equips students to serve as professional curriculum specialists. Designed for practicing teachers, ASU's program includes 36 credits of coursework which can be completed in as few as 20 months. This is an affordable program that features courses that are both tightly integrated and application-based. Students can start the program at multiple dates throughout the year, and the program is designed to be convenient and flexible for working students, so you'll be able to set your own pace of learning.

 

#14 – Florida State University

Master's in Curriculum and Instruction

Tallahassee, Florida

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Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,506

Florida State University's online Master's in Curriculum and Instruction is designed to help working teachers improve their instructional effectiveness and become teacher leaders. Program coursework helps teachers meet the diverse needs of their students through research-based instructional approaches — and you'll become familiar with the dynamic policy environment that comes with new state and local standards. The program is designed for practicing teachers who can use their own teaching context as exploration sites for the ideas, techniques, and technology they gain the program. Comprised of 33 credits, FSU's online program includes no practicum requirement and can be completed in two years on a part-time basis. All students take the same seven, core three-credit courses, with the remaining four courses giving room for students to accommodate their own professional interests.

#13 – Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Master of Arts in Education, Curriculum and Instruction

Blacksburg, Virginia

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Graduate Tuition/Fees: $17,190

Virginia Tech's Department of Learning Sciences and Technologies offers a broad-based master's in Education, Curriculum, and Instruction with a focus on Instructional Technology. The program is certainly appropriate for K-12 educators but is equally applicable to those in higher education — as well as those outside the academic world, like corporate trainers and other instructional development professionals. Students in the program focus on creating effective solutions that will support learning and improve classroom performance. This rigorous, online graduate program will prepare you for a career as a professional instruction technologist in a variety of settings. The plan of study is comprised of ten three-credit courses, three of which are electives. Classes begin in the fall semester, and all students take courses in the same order.

#12 – Regent University

Master of Education – Curriculum and Instruction

Virginia Beach, Virginia

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Graduate Tuition/Fees: $17,837

Regent University offers an online, CAEP-accredited Master of Education with a concentration in Curriculum and Instruction in multiple focus areas. You'll gain a competitive edge as you deepen your understanding of the best teaching practices available. Presented from a Christian worldview, the degree program is centered around the spiritual truths that support the value of education and will help you make a difference in your students' lives. This online Curriculum and Instruction master's degree is extremely flexible, with several options for specialization, including STEM and Gifted and Talented. There is also an option for those who are just moving into the teaching profession from another career. Regent University's online graduate education program rank nationally as the very best in Virginia, according to U.S. News and World Report.

#11 – Emporia State University

Master of Science – Curriculum and Instruction

Emporia, Kansas

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Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,939

Emporia State University offers an NCATE-accredited, online master's in Curriculum and Instruction with three options for specialization at the Pre-K-12 level — Curriculum Leadership, Effective Practitioner, and National Board Certification. Emporia has over a century and a half of experience preparing outstanding teachers and administrators, and now their excellent program is available online. Students receive a solid background in curriculum and learn to maximize student achievement by bridging theory to practice. Graduates become valuable expert resources within their own educational settings. The program consists of 33 credit hours of coursework, which includes a practicum. You do not need to have a teaching license for admission to Emporia's program. Students learn in a flexible, convenient, supportive online setting — and if you opt for an accelerated program, can complete the entire program in one calendar year.

#10 – University of Nebraska 

Master of Arts in Education – Curriculum and Instruction

Kearney, Nebraska

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Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,520

The University of Nebraska at Kearney offers an online, accredited MA. Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction degree that is designed to improve the teaching skills of K-12 teachers in all areas and grade levels. The program offers the opportunity to gain knowledge and skill in curriculum design, development, and evaluation in a flexible, online learning format. Core coursework in UNK's program covers the areas of research, democracy, diversity, and technology, and concentrations include STEM, Elementary Education, ESL, and Reading/Special Education. While UNK's online program does not lead to certification, the ESL concentration does lead to an additional supplementary endorsement for licensed teachers.

#9 – University of Virginia

Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction

Charlottesville, Virginia

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Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,945

If you want to delve into a career in teaching literacy, the University of Virginia's online, accredited M.Ed. in Curriculum Instruction – Reading Education may be a good fit for you. The program will prepare you for literacy work in multiple education settings — including community colleges, industry, and adult education centers. You'll gain expertise in authentic methods of assessment, instructional planning, and curriculum adaptation. The University of Virginia's program offers the flexibility of an online program that can be completed either full-time or part-time, without sacrificing the rigor of a top-rated university program. Teachers in Virginia have the option of taking six extra credits, thereby adding the Commonwealth of Virginia's K12 reading specialist endorsement to their teaching license. Otherwise, the program is comprised of 30 credits of coursework.

#8 – SUNY Albany

Master of Science in Curriculum Development and Instructional Technology

Albany, New York

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Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,114

The Southern University of New York in Albany offers an online, accredited MS in Curriculum Development and Instructional Technology that can be tailored to meet your own career goals. Students can choose the teacher certification track or a track designed who want to hone their teaching skills without needing certification. The 30-credit program offers a considerable range of choice – with half the credits being devoted to a chosen specialization. And for those with a special interest in online education, University at Albany has an option to complete a 15-credit program for a Certificate in Online Learning and Teaching (COLT). This program is designed specifically to prepare online educators for all facets of web-based practice. You'll gain skills in everything from program design and development to implementation and assessment.

#7 – California State University, Fullerton

Master of Science in Education-Elementary Curriculum and Instruction

Fullerton, California

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Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8170

If you want high-quality preparation to teach at the elementary level, but tuition cost is of high importance then Cal State Fullerton's online MSE in Curriculum and Instruction is worth checking out. The program offers plenty of room for customization, with specializations in several areas, including Education for Social Justice, Technology in Education, Early Childhood Education, Math and Science education, Professional Inquiry and Practice, and Staff Development. Cal State Fullerton's program's combine research, theory, and practice to help you thrive as an educator in a culturally diverse community. This highly affordable, 33-credit program allows you to complete the requirements for both your MSE with a concentration in Curriculum and Instruction and your Multiple Subject Credential.

#6 – University of Colorado Denver

Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction

Denver, Colorado

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Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,751

CU Denver offers an accredited, online, MA in Curriculum and Instruction program which allows you to choose between a Personalized Professional MA degree, an MA degree plus endorsement, and endorsements in a variety of areas. The program is primarily intended to provide licensed K-12 teachers the essential skills and understanding to teach an increasingly diverse student body. However, students are also prepared for curriculum development, implementation, and assessment — skills that are equally applicable to community colleges, professional development, and other educational settings outside the academic sphere. CU Denver's program is comprised of 30 credits minimum, and there are multiple concentration areas to choose from, like Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education, Mathematics Education, and Special Education.

#5 – Penn State World Campus

Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction

University Park, Pennsylvania

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Graduate Tuition/Fees: $$23,129

Penn State World Campus offers an online M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction that currently ranks among the top ten in the nation, according to U.S. News and World Report. The program will challenge you to engage in leading-edge scholarship and research, advancing your knowledge in areas like curriculum, teaching, and educational supervision. As a student, you'll be able to choose courses from one of five emphases, including Children's Literature, STEM Education, and Curriculum and Supervision. Or, if you want to study an area that is not offered, Penn State offers the option of working with an advisor to customize your own master's program. This is a 30-credit program, and you do not need a teaching license for admission.

#4 – North Carolina State University

Master of Education or Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction: New Literacies and Global Learning

Raleigh, North Carolina

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Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,066

North Carolina State University offers both an M.Ed. and an M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction: New Literacies and Global Learning (NLGL). The program, which is designed for experienced teachers, will hone your ability to teach and learn in a diverse and rapidly changing world — a world brought to our doorstep through new literacies like text messaging and social media. The focus of the program is on improving the teaching of reading, social studies, and English language arts in a modern, tech-centered world. The M.Ed. is a 30-hour cohort-based program, so students experience the support of their peers as they progress through the course material. The M.S. is a 36 credit program, which includes a six-credit thesis.

Students will need to be able to come to campus for some courses.

#3 – Texas A&M University

Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction

College Station, Texas

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Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,455

Texas A&M University offers an online M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction which will help you develop effective teaching and research tools. The program combines theory, methodology in an advanced content area which will both build your teaching competence and widen your career horizons. You'll gain classroom research techniques for evaluating and documenting student and program success as well as research-supported instructional methods for successful classrooms. This 36-credit program is delivered 100% online, and there is no thesis option. Courses in the core curriculum include Cultural Foundations of Education, Curriculum Development, and Analysis of Teacher Behavior. Students also have 24 credits of electives, so you can easily tailor the degree to your own interests. This master's program does not lead to teacher licensure.

#2 – Florida International University

Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction

Miami, Florida

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Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,966

If you have a passion for teaching students from diverse backgrounds, Florida International University's MS in Curriculum and Instruction: Curriculum Development Specialization might be a good fit for you. The program will help empower you to create change in your classroom and become a leader in your school. The Curriculum Development specialization puts special emphasis on meeting the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse learners. As a student, you'll learn from faculty who have years of experience in diverse classrooms. You'll gain a thorough understanding of the trends and issues in curriculum development and instruction, along with research-based methods to improve student achievement. For admission to FIU's 36-credit master's program, you'll either need a valid teacher certification or a letter of eligibility and passing scores on the Teacher Certification Exam.

#1 – Arizona State University

Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction

Phoenix, Arizona

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Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,007

At the top of our list is Arizona State University's accredited, online M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction. Arizona State is a leader in online education, and their accredited, affordable, and flexible programs are some of the best available. The Curriculum and Instruction program has a concentration in early childhood education and prepares teachers to meet the educational, social and emotional needs of children from birth through age eight. The program combines online coursework with applied activities and in-person clinical experiences so you'll be ready to hit the ground running on graduation. The endorsement track is intended for students who already have their teaching certificate and want to further their knowledge and skills or prepare themselves for doctoral studies. ASU also offers a certification option, which allows students to become licensed teachers for children birth through grade three.