The Best Online Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction Programs

Located in Tampa Bay, Florida, the University of South Florida-Main Campus enrolls more than 50,000 students. Online learners can pursue degrees through internet-based study, including the master of education in curriculum and instruction, secondary education with a concentration in foreign language education.

USF's 33-credit online master's in curriculum and instruction consists of nine credits of core courses, six credits of electives, and 18 credits of either foreign language education courses, or courses in the student's target language along with a comprehensive exam. Learners can take courses in one of 13 languages, including Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish.

For admission, prospective students need to pass a General Knowledge Test, hold a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 or higher GPA, have taken 30 credits of foreign language coursework, and demonstrate proficiency during a language interview.

The University of Virginia enrolls nearly 23,000 students through eleven schools. In addition to its on-campus education, UVA offers numerous online programs, including the master of education in curriculum and instruction.

One of the best online master's in curriculum and instruction, this program requires 15 credits of core courses and 15 credits in an area of focus such as literacy, social foundations, educational innovation, instructional technology, or English as a second language. The core courses draw from the disciplines of curriculum, instruction, assessment, and diversity. Part-time students can finish their degrees in five years, and full-time students can finish in two years and one summer.

Applicants to this program need a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and qualifying GRE scores or evidence of National Board for Professional Teaching Standards certification.

Calvary University offers approximately 50 degrees taught from a Biblical perspective. The university maintains two brick-and-mortar campuses and provides a robust online program, which includes the master of science in education with a concentration in curriculum and instruction.

Like other top ranking online master's in curriculum and instruction, Calvary's 36-credit master's in education includes courses such as the master teacher, educational assessment, and the graduate writing workshop. Students may choose a thesis track, a non-thesis track, or a master's project track. Learners in the thesis track take 12 credits of electives, a three-credit research course, and a six-credit thesis along with core courses and electives. Non-thesis students complete introduction to research and 18 elective credits. Those in the project track complete a research course, 15 credits of electives, and a three-credit project.

Applicants must submit official transcripts showing an acceptable GPA for admission.

Brandman University began in 1958 as an adult-education focused extension of Chapman University. Now a separate institution, Brandman still maintains its focus on adult learners by offering programs such as the online master of arts in education-curriculum and instruction.

Brandman's 30-credit program includes 18 credits of core courses and 12 credits in a specialization. Core courses include research and evaluation methods and democracy, education, and social change. Students emphasizing curriculum and instruction must either hold a valid teaching credential or take teaching the adult learner prior to enrolling in specialized coursework.

Prospective students must meet one of four GPA options: a 3.0 GPA in the last 30 credits; a GPA between 2.75 and 2.99 in the last 30 semester credits plus qualifying exam scores; a master's degree or higher; or a portfolio showing adequate preparation for graduate studies.

Located in Marion, Indiana, Indiana Wesleyan University maintains a total enrollment of nearly 15,000 students. Among its more than 120 degrees, IWU offers a master of education - major in curriculum and instruction.

Like other online master's in curriculum and instruction programs, IWU's curriculum emphasizes constructivist approaches to help learners achieve higher proficiency as educators. Students register once and then work with a cohort group to complete their 33-credit degree in 24 months. Learners take courses such as curriculum leadership for rigor and relevance and the teacher leader as a collaborative coach.

Applicants must possess a bachelor's degree or a master's degree with a 2.75 GPA or higher from an accredited institution. Prospective students also need a valid teaching license from a state agency or a qualifying Christian agency, one or more years of experience, and access to a classroom.

A private institution located in Danville, Virginia, Averett University began in 1869 and today enrolls about 1500 students in 35 programs.

Averett offers a fully online master of education in curriculum and instruction for applicants who hold a current teaching license in Virginia. In this 15- or 20-month, 31-credit degree, classroom teachers can learn to teach effectively to their students' strengths.

Like many other curriculum and instruction online master's programs, Averett's degree operates in an accelerated, cohort-based format. Learners take one or two classes at a time in six-week blocks. Courses include child and adolescent psychology, and technology in the 21st century classrooms.

Applicants need a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution showing a 3.0 GPA or higher in the last 60 credits, one year of teaching experience as a certified teacher, and a minimum score on the Praxis I, Praxis II, GRE, MAT, or Virginia DOE Test.

A private, comprehensive liberal arts institution affiliated with the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, Concordia University-Saint Paul enrolls more than 5,000 students in 80-plus degree programs.

The university offers a 30-credit online master of arts in education in curriculum and instruction with a K-12 reading endorsement for current, licensed Minnesota teachers.

Like many other curriculum and instruction online master's programs, Concordia's degree requires students to take a sequential curriculum. Courses include diversity in education and assessment, evaluation and supervision in literacy programs along with a capstone.

Applicants need a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution and a minimum 3.0 GPA. Prospective students also need to submit a personal statement of 400-1000 words, discussing their traits, experiences, and goals. Concordia also requires applicants to possess a current, valid Minnesota teaching license.

Located in Pensacola, Florida, the University of West Florida enrolls about 13,000 students pursuing 70-plus degrees.

The school offers an online master of education in curriculum and instruction to help elementary teachers, reading specialists, and secondary teachers prepare for school leadership roles. As a result, applicants must hold or currently seek a professional teaching license. As with other curriculum and instruction online master's programs, out-of-state applicants to UWF's program should make sure the program is accepted in their states.

The curriculum in this 36-credit degree consists of 21 credits of core courses and cognate courses in elementary education, middle education, or secondary education. Core courses include exceptionalities and issues in teacher education: a biopsychosocial perspective.

Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA or higher along with a current teaching license and must submit GRE or MAT scores.

Located in Irvine, a city in southern California, Concordia University-Irvine operates within the Concordia University System, a consortium of eight Lutheran-operated universities and colleges. Concordia Irvine maintains an enrollment of more than 4,000 students, of which about 1,500 study at the undergraduate level.

The university offers an online master of arts in education in curriculum and instruction to provide educators with innovative, research-based content that will help them develop as teachers in a global and digital world.

Like many other online master's degree programs in curriculum and instruction, Concordia's degree requires about 10-15 hours of work each week and takes 12-24 months to complete. New students can begin at multiple start dates throughout the year. The 30-credit program includes courses in brain-based teaching and learning; coping with stress and violence in today's classroom; and school community and diverse family structures.

Located in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex, Dallas Baptist University educates nearly 5,000 students across 78 undergraduate programs, 31 master's programs, and two doctorates. As a Christian liberal arts school, the university is affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas and other faith-based entities.

DBU offers a 36-credit master of education in curriculum and instruction to prepare learners for careers as instructional coaches and curriculum directors. The degree combines academic instruction with community service and personal reflection. DBU's degree can combine with other programs, allowing students to earn two master's degrees or a master's degree and an advanced certificate.

The curriculum includes 21 credits of core courses and 15 credits of the student's chosen specialization. Core courses include defense of degree, improvement of instruction, and curriculum design and evaluation. The school's seven specialization options include Christian school administration, professional life coaching, and instructional technology.

Located in Commerce, Texas A&M-Commerce serves nearly 10,000 students in about 100 programs. TAMU-C is the fourth-oldest institution of higher learning in Texas and the third-largest in the Texas A&M System.

The university offers both a master of education in curriculum and instruction and a

master of science in curriculum and instruction. The M.Ed. serves certified and experienced teachers while the MS serves those enrolled in an alternative certification program. Both degrees require 36 credits, and feature core courses, specializations, and a comprehensive exam.

These online master's degree programs in curriculum and instruction include courses in classroom management for teachers, diversity and equity in education, and research literature and techniques. Applicants need a bachelor's degree, a valid teaching certificate, and passing scores on an admissions exam.

Founded in 1964, Nova Southeastern University educates more than 20,000 students in 150-plus degrees. This private, nonsectarian university introduced its first off-campus educational program in 1972 and today maintains a vibrant non-traditional program, which includes a master of science in education with a specialization in curriculum, instruction and technology.

This online master's degree in curriculum and instruction welcomes current educators, and anyone with a bachelor's degree and a 2.5 GPA or higher. Ideal candidates should want to improve their knowledge of curriculum development and technology integration. Once enrolled, students take 36 credits in courses such as internet for educators, theories of learning, technology for school curriculum, and web 2.0 tools: applications for teaching and learning. To graduate, students must have a 3.0 GPA or higher and submit an acceptable portfolio of work.

Arizona State University graduates 20,000 students each year across more than 40 academic areas. ASU's online students can pursue one of 150-plus undergraduate and graduate degrees, including the master of education in curriculum and instruction or the master of arts in curriculum and instruction: English as a second language (ESL).

These online master's degree programs in curriculum and instruction each require 30 credits. The M.Ed. serves practicing teachers who wish to expand their knowledge in the fields of autism spectrum disorders, early childhood education, or gifted education. The MA prepares students to teach English language learners in U.S. schools or other educational settings.

ASU learners take courses such as verbal behavior, emergent literacy, sociolinguistic issues in bilingual education, and a practicum conducted near their homes. Applicants need a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA or higher in the last 60 credits.

A public research university, Texas A&M University-College Station maintains the largest study body in Texas and the second largest in the U.S. The school's Department of Teaching, Learning and Culture educates more than 1,200 undergraduate students and about 400 graduate students. TAMU-CS offers on-campus and online programs, including the master of education in curriculum and instruction. Students can specialize in reading, STEM, teacher certification, or generalist.

This master's degree curriculum and instruction online requires 36 credits. Students pursuing a Reading Specialist Certification or a Master Reading Teacher Certification may need additional credits. Courses in the program include using advanced literacy to teach and learn across disciplines, organization and leadership of reading programs, and writing development assessment and instruction. Students also complete a practicum.

Applicants need a bachelor's degree with a 2.75 GPA or higher.

Founded almost 150 years ago, William Woods University now educates more than 3,500 students, including traditional undergraduates and non-traditional learners. The school's campus sits in Fulton, Missouri, a town near St. Louis. The university offers almost 20 online programs, including the master of education in curriculum and instruction.

This master's degree curriculum and instruction online prepares students for National Board Certification. Many William Woods' learners are PK-12 teachers looking to become curriculum designers or directors. This 33-credit program requires 10 courses plus an action research project. Courses include literacy instruction, curriculum construction, and appraisal of student learning. The action research project can take the form of a classroom-based study or an article for publication in a professional journal.

Applicants need a bachelor's degree with a 2.5 GPA or higher.

A private and nonprofit institution based in Seattle, City University of Seattle maintains more than 20 locations around the world, and enrolls nearly 7,000 students in six schools. City University's programs all provide flexible degrees tailored to adult learners.

The university's master of education in curriculum and instruction helps teaching professionals improve their students' classroom performance through current, research-based methodologies. This master's in education curriculum and instruction online uses a performance-based model in which learners make their own classrooms the basis for learning. As part of the program, students can pursue their National Board Certification.

The curriculum consists of three foundational courses, four emphasis courses, and a master's thesis project. Courses include instructional theory and design and school and community engagement. Applicants need to submit proof of a bachelor's degree and a current teaching certificate.

A comprehensive Christian university affiliated with the Church of the Nazarene, Northwest Nazarene University is located in Nampa, Idaho. The school serves more than 2,000 undergraduate and graduate students through 60-plus academic programs offered both online and on campus.

Online students can complete NNU's 33-credit master of education in curriculum, instruction, and innovation in about 12 months. This master's in education curriculum and instruction online promotes personalized learning in innovation, instructional coaching, and curriculum design. The curriculum aligns with NNU's Ed.S. and doctoral programs. Courses include innovative instruction, data-driven decision making, and education in a globalized & multi-cultural society along with a portfolio.

Applicants need a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA or higher from a regionally accredited college or university. Once accepted, students can begin the program with a spring, summer, or fall cohort.

Located in Tallahassee, Florida, Florida State University educates nearly 42,000 students at its main campus, on branch campuses, and online. The university offers nearly 300 academic programs, including an online master's in curriculum and instruction.

FSU master's in education curriculum and instruction online helps current educators become teacher leaders by improving their understanding of diverse student populations, research-based instructional approaches, and dynamic policy environments. Students begin the degree in the fall semester and take core courses in a mostly asynchronous format. Learners go on to complete 33 credits across 11 courses and a 0-credit portfolio.

Courses include culturally responsive teaching and making sense of data to inform instruction. In addition to the core coursework, students may select one of eight specializations, such as social science education, autism spectrum disorder, and elementary education. Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA or higher and minimum scores on the GRE.

Affiliated with the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod and located in Seward, Nebraska just west of Lincoln, Concordia University-Nebraska serves about 2,500 students in more than 100 programs, including the online master's in curriculum and instruction.

Students in this master's in education curriculum and instruction online take 12 courses worth a total of 36 credits. The curriculum consists of a 12-credit core, 12 credits in curriculum and instruction, nine credits in research, and a personalized capstone project. Courses include psychological foundations of teaching and learning, and enhancing learning through linguistic and cultural diversity. These inquiry-based courses focus on professional development and InTASC Model Core Teaching Standards. Each course lasts eight weeks.

Applicants need to submit transcripts, a resume, and a letter of intent. Transfer applicants can bring up to 25% of courses in from another school. The university offers start dates throughout the year.

Located in Emporia, Kansas, Emporia State University began in 1863 as a public institution and now offers more than 65 academic programs in settings across the state and online. Students can pursue ESU's fully online master's in curriculum and instruction with one of four specialization options.

ESU's master's in education curriculum and instruction online requires 33 credits and takes just 12 months to complete. Students can emphasize curriculum leadership preK-12; effective practitioner preK-12; instructional coach/teacher leader preK-12; or national board certification preK-12. Core courses include supporting technology integration for school leaders; beliefs, values and issues in educational practice; and contemporary teaching and learning strategies.

Applicants do not have to submit a teaching license or GRE scores, but they must hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution with a 2.75 GPA or higher in the last 60 hours of coursework.