In this ranking, we highlight the most affordable online master's in curriculum and instruction degree programs at top-ranked institutions.
A master of education in curriculum and instruction degree program is designed to equip educators with additional skills needed to address critical issues and challenges in today's schools. Online degrees in curriculum and instruction allow working teachers and administrators to continue fulfilling daytime obligations while attending school. Many programs are nationally accredited, with available specialties or concentrations. Graduate students can learn in a flexible format while concentrating their studies on a specific area of interest.
Methodology
We reviewed approximately 115 top-ranked schools that offer an online master's in curriculum and instruction or related degree programs like teaching and curriculum or instructional technology. We examined school rankings from major publications like Forbes magazine, The Princeton Review, and U.S. News and World Report. We then chose the 30 most affordable programs based on the most recent graduate tuition/fees listed by NCES College Navigator. The most affordable school is listed in our #1 spot.
Below are the 30 most affordable top ranked schools for an online master's in curriculum and instruction degree.
#30 – Pennsylvania State University World Campus
Online Master's in Curriculum and Instruction
University Park, Pennsylvania
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $19,832
Penn State's World Campus offers an online master's in curriculum and instruction program that allows educators to concentrate their studies on a specific area of emphasis. Five available areas of concentration include children's literature, curriculum and supervision, elementary education, STEM education, and theory and practice in English, social studies, and world languages. Required courses include curriculum design – theory and practice, learning processes in relation to educational practices, and teaching as inquiry. Penn State is a nationally ranked institution by major publications like Forbes magazine and U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News ranks the school as the 47th best national university in the country. Additional rankings include the graduate education school, which is listed as #37 out of over 150.
#29 – Southern New Hampshire University
Online Master's in Curriculum and Instruction
Manchester, New Hampshire
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $18,810
Students looking for online degrees in curriculum instruction that offer a wide range of concentrations find Southern New Hampshire University to meet their needs. The program is designed to allow students to focus their studies on a specific area of curriculum and instruction, including dyslexia studies, education leadership, reading, special education, and technology integration. Required courses, no matter the concentration area, include curriculum development, ethics and school law, learning through technology, and the educator researcher. Southern New Hampshire is ranked with U.S. News and World Report as the 131st best regional university in the North and the #1 most innovative school.
#28 – Michigan State University
Online Master's in Teaching and Curriculum
East Lansing, Michigan
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,122
Michigan State University offers a variation of the online master's of education in curriculum and instruction degree program through their College of Education. Successful graduates earn a master's in teaching and curriculum degree by completing classes and projects delivered entirely online. Required courses may include curriculum in its social context, professional development and inquiry, professional roles and teaching practice, and teachers as teacher educators. A synthesis paper and professional portfolio are required, and delivered near the end of the student's program of study. Michigan State is a nationally ranked institution, according to U.S. News and World Report. Not only does the school rank #75 for best national universities, but the online graduate education programs rank #11 out of 1,200.
#27 – Fresno Pacific University
Online Master's in Curriculum and Teaching
Fresno, California
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,755
Fresno Pacific University offers an affordable online master's in curriculum and instruction degree program with an accelerated sequence of courses. While the average completion time is six semesters, students may finish the program sooner if accelerated coursework is taken. Required courses taken within the first year include conflict management and peacemaking in schools, curriculum design – theory and practice, historical foundations of curriculum, and successful online learning orientation. Fresno Pacific has earned regional rankings with U.S. News and World Report as the 37th best school in the West. Several of the school's graduate degree programs have also earned recognition in the recent edition of Best Colleges.
#26 – University of Cincinnati
Online Master's of Education in Curriculum and Instruction
Cincinnati, Ohio
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,468
The online master's of education in curriculum and instruction degree program offered at the University of Cincinnati is designed for teachers interested in gaining advanced skills for work in the classroom. Required courses include curriculum and instruction – theories and trends, educational research for master's students, teaching and learning in diverse classrooms, and the role of teachers in a democratic society. Each course is approximately seven weeks long, and students typically take two courses per 14-week semester. The University of Cincinnati is a nationally ranked institution by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. The online graduate education programs rank #30 out of approximately 1,200.
#25 – Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Online Master's in Curriculum and Instruction
Blacksburg, Virginia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,116
While affordable online degrees in curriculum instruction may be difficult to find, Virginia Tech offers an accredited program with the option to focus on instructional technology. The program is designed to meet the needs of educators in K-12 schools, community college instructors, and higher education professionals. The rigorous program prepares students to become professional instructional technologists. Required courses include applied theories of instructional design, design for learning, foundations of instructional design and technology, and software evaluation. Virginia Tech is a nationally ranked institution by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. The online graduate education programs rank #136 out of 1,200.
#24 – Portland State University
Online Master's in Curriculum and Instruction
Portland, Oregon
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,100
Portland State University's online master's of education in curriculum and instruction offers a flexible and convenient approach to distance learning. The same faculty members who teach on campus deliver coursework to students entirely online. The program is designed for busy teachers who want to earn advanced skills in their profession. Required courses include curriculum and culture, educational measurement and assessment, issues in education, and theories of instruction. PSU is a nationally ranked institution, according to U.S. News and World Report. The School of Education ranks #140 in the country and the university ranks #16 as the most innovative school.
#23 – George Mason University
Master's in Curriculum and Instruction Online
Fairfax, Virginia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,304
George Mason University is a nationally ranked institution that offers an affordable online master's in curriculum and instruction degree program. The program is designed for K-12 teachers interested in advancing their skills to better serve the classroom. Required courses include designing K-12 online learning, the art of online instruction, and understanding online presence. The content for Mason's online program is guided by the International Association for K12 Online Learning's National Standards for Quality Online Teaching. George Mason is a nationally ranked institution by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. The school's graduate education programs rank #51 out of approximately 150, and the online graduate education programs rank #95 out of 1,200.
#22 – SUNY at Albany
Online Master's in Curriculum Development and Instructional Technology
Albany, New York
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,477
The online master's of education in curriculum and instruction available at University at Albany (SUNY) is designed for those with an interest in expanding their skills in curriculum development and instructional technology. Required courses include fundamentals of program development, media in teaching and learning, systematic design of instruction, and understanding learning and teaching. At least five courses are required in the student's specialization area as developed with their advisor. A research seminar and master's thesis are also required. SUNY Albany is ranked nationally by U.S. News and World Report as the 129th best national university. The graduate education school ranks #66, and the online graduate education program ranks #14 out of 1,200.
#21 – North Carolina State University
Online Master's in Curriculum and Instruction
Raleigh, North Carolina
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,224
North Carolina State University's curriculum and instruction online master's programs emphasize new literacies and global learning with concentrations suitable for K-12 teachers. The unique program design is aimed to enhance teacher skills in an ever-changing educational environment. The new literacies focus offers classes in social networking and virtual world communication – from text messaging to social media. The program is offered entirely online and includes classes such as teachers as leaders, teachers as researchers, and theory and research in global learning. NCSU is ranked as the 89th best national university in the country, according to U.S. News and World Report. The online graduate education program ranks #188 out of 1,200.
#20 – Freed-Hardeman University
Online Master's in Curriculum and Instruction
Henderson, Tennessee
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,080
Freed-Hardeman University, a private Christian institution, offers curriculum and instruction online master's programs designed with the working educator in mind. The M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction is an entirely online program designed to equip teachers through 36 hours of course credit and a culminating research project. Required courses include computer applications in education, developmental psychology, foundations of curriculum, instructional theory and design, and research methods. Freed-Hardeman is regionally ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 46th best regional university in the South and the 35th best college for veterans.
#19 – Kansas State University Global Campus
Online Master's in Curriculum and Instruction
Manhattan, Kansas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,972
Kansas State University's Global Campus offers an online master's in curriculum and instruction degree program with six areas of concentration. Students may specialize their studies in areas such as digital teaching and learning, educational computing, English as a second language, mathematics education, reading specialist, and teaching civics and government. A minimum of 31 credits must be earned to successfully graduate from the program. Kansas State is nationally ranked with U.S. News and World Report as a best national university and top public school. The institution's online graduate education programs rank #53 out of 1,200 and the School of Education ranks #89 out of over 150.
#18 – University of Kansas
Online Master's in Curriculum and Instruction
Lawrence, Kansas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,958
The University of Kansas offers an affordable online master's of education in curriculum and instruction program that is designed for current educators who want to learn effective instructional strategies and practices. Students may complete coursework anywhere, anytime, through the online format, and graduate within two years. According to the program website, students may graduate sooner. Required courses include curriculum planning for education settings, differentiating curriculum and instruction, foundations of curriculum and instruction, multicultural education, and understanding research in education. The University of Kansas is nationally ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 115th best national university. The 2016 edition of Best Colleges ranks the school's graduate education programs #15 out of over 150.
#17 – Indiana Wesleyan University
Online M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction
Marion, Indiana
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,700
One of the more affordable online degrees in curriculum instruction is found at Indiana Wesleyan University. The program is designed for teachers seeking an advanced degree in curriculum and instruction. Candidates complete 33 credit hours in classes like curriculum leadership for rigor and relevance, leading instructional improvement, orientation to the master of education program, personal attributes and leadership, and the teacher leader in a professional learning community. Indiana Wesleyan is a regionally ranked private institution. Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank the school as the 30th best regional university in the Midwest and the 12th best value school.
#16 – Ohio University
Online Master's in Curriculum and Instruction
Athens, Ohio
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,510
Ohio University's online master's of education in curriculum and instruction degree program is designed for teachers who possess a teaching license or certificate in a content area, or at any level (P through 12). Courses are delivered entirely online with required classes in emerging technologies for teachers, formative instructional practices, principles of curriculum, and universal design for learning. The university also offers a doctoral program in curriculum and instruction for interested students. Ohio University is ranked as a best national institution, according to U.S. News and World Report. Also ranked is the online graduate education program, which is listed as #62 out of 1,200.
#15 – Iowa State University
Online Master's in Curriculum and Instruction
Ames, Iowa
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,172
Iowa State University's education department offers curriculum and instruction online master's programs designed for full-time classroom teachers. The online program consists of 32 credit hours, which includes research, applications, and leadership study in educational technology. Required courses include designing effective learning environments, principles and practices of flexible and distance learning, and using technology in learning and teaching. Iowa State University is ranked by major publications like Forbes magazine and U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News ranks the institution as the 108th best national university and the 52nd top public school. The graduate education school ranks #78 out of over 150.
#14 – University of Houston
Online Master's in Curriculum and Instruction
Houston, Texas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,074
For teachers looking for a graduate degree in curriculum and instruction online, the University of Houston's College of Education offers a unique program in early childhood education. Students graduating from the program earn an online master's in curriculum and instruction with a specialization in early childhood education. The program is one of the few to offer this type of specialty through distance learning. Required classes include early childhood curriculum, functions of play, introduction to early childhood research, and teaching young children. The University of Houston ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 187th best national university. Also, the online graduate education programs at UH rank #1 out of 1,200.
#13 – Ball State University
Online Master's in Curriculum and Educational Technology
Muncie, Indiana
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,904
Affordable online degrees in curriculum instruction are available at Ball State University. The Master of Arts in curriculum and educational technology is a 30-hour program designed for teachers wanting to implement innovative curricular design and technology in K-12 school systems. Two specialization tracks include curriculum and educational technology. Required courses include curriculum integration of learning technology, principles and procedures of curriculum development, and technology policy and pedagogy. Ball State University is nationally ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 168th best national university in the nation and the 91st top public school. The institution's online graduate education programs rank #11 out of approximately 1,200.
#12 – Texas A&M University
Online Master's in Education
College Station, Texas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,656
Professional teachers with a desire to earn a graduate degree in curriculum and instruction find various opportunities available at Texas A&M University. The online master's in education (generalist) degree prepares students to pursue the online Ed.D. in curriculum and instruction. The program is delivered entirely online with courses that explore topics in analysis of teaching behavior, cultural foundations of education, curriculum development, and reflective inquiry. Texas A&M is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report and Forbes magazine. In fact, U.S. News ranks the school as the 70th best national university and the 21st best value school. The online graduate education program ranks #44 out of 1,200.
#11 – South Dakota State University
Online Master's in Curriculum and Instruction
Brookings, South Dakota
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,329
South Dakota State University's distance learning department offers a master's of education in curriculum and instruction program with four available areas of specialization – adult and higher education, early childhood education, elementary education, and secondary education. Required core courses include child development theory and application, current issues in education, educational assessment, educational technology, and topics in cognitive development. Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank the university as a best national institution. In fact, the school ranks #187 for best national universities, #105 for top public schools, and #149 for best colleges for veterans.
#10 – University of Idaho
Online Master's in Curriculum and Instruction
Moscow, Idaho
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,222
The College of Graduate Studies at the University of Idaho offers an online master's of education in curriculum and instruction program with a non-thesis requirement. Students work directly with an advisor or professor to prepare and design their course work plan to fulfill major requirements. The online format offers flexibility and a work-at-your-own-pace design. Required courses cover such topics as curriculum standards, learning models, and theories and practice in teaching. The University of Idaho is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 168th best national university in the country. In previous years, the online graduate education programs have earned recognition. Most recently, the graduate education school ranks #176 in the nation.
#9 – University of Colorado
Online MA in Curriculum and Instruction
Denver, Colorado
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,804
The School of Education and Human Development at the University of Colorado offers a graduate degree in curriculum and instruction that is tailored for working teachers who want a flexible learning format. According to the program website, approximately 95% of students enrolled in the online program work full time. Required courses include culture of education policy, curriculum theory, human development over the lifespan, history of public schooling, motivation and engagement, and working with families and communities. University of Colorado has earned national rankings with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the 2016 edition of Best Colleges names the school the 199th best national university. Also recognized are the school's graduate education programs. The online graduate education program ranks #36 out of 1,200.
#8 – Emporia State University
Online Master's in Curriculum and Instruction
Emporia, Kansas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,488
Emporia State University offers an online master's in curriculum and instruction that is designed for working teachers. The program has three available concentrations, including curriculum leadership, effective practitioner, and national board certification. All classes are delivered online and include such program requirements as classroom management through positive reinforcement, cultural awareness for educators, developing authentic assessments, and restructuring classrooms with technology. Once a student selects their specific area of concentration, nine credit hours must be completed to satisfy degree requirements. Emporia State is regionally ranked according to U.S. News and World Report. In the 2016 edition of Best Colleges, the school's online graduate education programs rank #30 out of 1,200.
#7 – Gardner-Webb University
Online Master's in Curriculum and Instruction
Boiling Springs, North Carolina
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,430
The online curriculum and instruction graduate degree program at Gardner-Webb University is designed for teachers and education professionals who want to gain valuable preparation to succeed in their careers. The program is fully online, with interactive chats, discussion boards, and live webinars. Courses implement Christian values and contemporary issues faced in the classroom. Required classes include current trends in instruction, research, and theoretical base. Gardner-Webb is a regionally ranked institution. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks the school as the 41st best regional university in the South. The online graduate education programs rank #116 out of approximately 1,200.
#6 – Appalachian State University
Online Master's in Curriculum Specialist
Boone, North Carolina
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,409
Appalachian State University's Distance Education Division offers online degrees in curriculum instruction designed for working educators. Required courses include advanced topics in diversity, connecting learners and subject matter, curriculum planning, product of learning, public school administration, and supervision and instruction. Students interested in specializing their studies to include curriculum design or instruction may take electives that focus on these topics. Appalachian State is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 10th best regional university in the South and the 13th best value school. The online graduate education programs rank #73 out of approximately 1,200.
#5 – Sam Houston State University
Online Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction
Huntsville, Texas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,213
The online master's in curriculum and instruction at Sam Houston State University is designed for teachers interested in bringing positive educational changes to support student achievement. The program requires the completion of 30 credit hours, with courses delivered entirely online. Required classes include current issues in education, curriculum trends for classroom teaching, integrating current technology in teaching, and research in teaching. While the program is online, certain concentration fields may require face-to-face research meetings. Students are not, however, required to select a specific concentration area. Sam Houston is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a best national university. The institution's online graduate education program ranks #30 out of approximately 1,200.
#4 – University of North Carolina Wilmington
Online Master's in Curriculum, Instruction, and Supervision
Wilmington, North Carolina
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,832
University of North Carolina at Wilmington offers a graduate degree in curriculum and instruction that is designed to prepare classroom teachers and administrators to be effective leaders in their school districts. The program requires classes in curriculum and instruction, research, and supervision, as well as a thesis or culminating project. Required courses include action research in curriculum and instruction, educational program design and evaluation, and learning-centered supervision. UNC-Wilmington is a regionally ranked institution by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the publication lists the school as the 16th best regional university in the South and the 6th top public school. The online graduate education program ranks #53 out of 1,200.
#3 – Florida Atlantic University
Online Master's in Curriculum and Instruction
Boca Raton, Florida
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,657
Florida Atlantic University offers various curriculum and instruction online master's programs that are designed for working teachers and administrative professionals. Students may choose specialty areas, or enroll in the curriculum and instruction program without certification pursuits. Core courses include design components of curriculum, foundations of global education, global perspectives of curricular trends across nations, program evaluation in curriculum and instruction, and U.S. curricular trends and issues. The university is nationally ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a best national institution. Additional rankings include the graduate education school, which ranks #171 in the country.
#2 – Arkansas State University
Online MSE in Curriculum and Instruction
Jonesboro, Arkansas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $5,810
Arkansas State University offers curriculum and instruction online master's programs that are designed for working educators who desire to advance their careers by acquiring additional skills. The program may be completed in as little as 20 months and offers two areas of emphasis – curriculum director and special education director. Required courses include curriculum management, ethical leadership, introduction to statistics and research, philosophies of education, school and community relations, supervision and evaluation of teaching, and theories of instruction. Arkansas State is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 53rd best regional university in the South and the 21st top public school.
#1 – Regent University
Online Master's in Curriculum and Instruction
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $1,167
Regent University's online master's in curriculum and instruction degree program is accredited and affordable. The program is designed for working teachers and industry professionals who require flexible classes in order to complete an advanced degree. Four areas of concentration are available, including adult education, Christian school, gifted and talented, and teacher leadership. Required courses include curriculum design and instructional strategies, history of America adult programs, and research and resources. Regent is a nationally ranked institution. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks the school as among the best national universities. Additional rankings include #46 out of 1,200 for best online graduate education programs. The low tuition costs place Regent in our #1 spot for the most affordable top-ranked schools for an online master's in curriculum and instruction.
This concludes our listing of the top ranked and most affordable online master's in curriculum and instruction degree programs for 2016.
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