Earning an online Master of Education (MEd) in Curriculum and Instruction can help you shape curricula, enhance student outcomes, and take the next step in your education career. While graduate school may seem like a big commitment, fully online programs offer the flexibility busy educators need. In this OMD student resource, you’ll learn about top online MEd programs for C&I and how this degree can equip you to lead meaningful change in classrooms and school systems.
- Inside Real Programs
An inside look at actual online programs, exploring their structure, curriculum, costs, admission criteria, and more…
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Insightful and guiding answers to common questions prospective students like myself have about earning this degree…
Read more - Cost Breakdown
A clear overview of how much my degree might cost and the factors influencing total expenses…
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What doors open after graduating with my master’s degree…
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Reputable Online Curriculum & Instruction MEd Programs
Michigan State University — Master of Arts in Teaching and Curriculum (MATC)
Michigan State’s MATC online master’s program is designed for both new and experienced educators. The curriculum emphasizes practical application, allowing students to customize their studies with focus areas like literacy, technology, or ESL. Courses are delivered asynchronously, ideal for full-time teachers who need flexibility. MSU’s College of Education is highly regarded — the program was ranked #1 in online curriculum and instruction by U.S. News & World Report in 2024.
Duration: 30 credits
Mode: Online, asynchronous
Cost: $933 per credit (same in-state or out-of-state)
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree (with 3.0 GPA in final two undergraduate years)
- 3 letters of recommendation
- Academic statement of purpose and a writing sample
- Résumé or CV (teaching experience recommended)
- Transcripts from all previous college work
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction
The University of Illinois offers an online M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction that combines research-based theory with practical skill-building. UIUC’s program is notable for its focus on technology and diversity: students can choose a general track (“Perspectives and Practices”) or concentrate in areas like Digital Learning or Bilingual/Bi-cultural Education, integrating the latest educational tech and multicultural strategies into their studies. Class sessions are typically asynchronous, but some courses may include live discussions or group projects to build community. UIUC is nationally ranked for online education.
Duration: 32 credits
Mode: Online, asynchronous coursework with occasional synchronous sessions
Cost: $520 per credit
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree (minimum 3.0 GPA preferred)
- 2–3 letters of recommendation (academic or professional)
- Statement of purpose outlining goals and interest in C&I
- Résumé highlighting any educational or teaching experience
- Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
University of Virginia — Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction
The University of Virginia’s Curry School offers an online M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction that is both flexible and comprehensive. A distinctive feature is the choice of emphasis areas: you can specialize in topics like Literacy, Instructional Technology, Gifted Education, ESL, and more, or opt for a custom mix of courses. The curriculum covers the four pillars of curriculum, instruction, assessment, and diversity, ensuring you develop well-rounded expertise in designing and implementing effective learning experiences. While this degree does not lead to initial teacher licensure, it can help currently licensed teachers add endorsements (for example, in ESL or Gifted Education) and deepen their practice.
Duration: 30 credits
Mode: Online, asynchronous
Cost: $640 per credit
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Two letters of recommendation (academic or professional)
- Goal statement (1–2 pages outlining professional goals and fit for program)
- Current resume
- Transcripts of all undergraduate (and any graduate) coursework
FAQs from Prospective Curriculum & Instruction MEd Students
Q: Why is accreditation important for an online MEd program?
A: Accreditation, especially for graduate school, is crucial because it signals that a program meets high standards of quality and rigor. A university with regional accreditation has been vetted for academic excellence, and for education programs, specialized accreditation (like CAEP for educator preparation) adds another layer of trust. Employers and licensing boards often require degrees from accredited institutions, and credits or credentials may not transfer from an unaccredited program.
Q: Will an online MEd in Curriculum & Instruction make me a licensed teacher or administrator?
A: Generally, an MEd in Curriculum & Instruction is not an initial teaching licensure program. These degrees are geared toward enhancing instructional skills and curriculum design for those already in the education field, rather than granting a first teaching certificate.
If you’re not yet a licensed teacher, you would usually need to complete a separate certification program or an alternate route for licensure. However, some C&I programs do offer pathways to additional endorsements or certifications. For example, a program might allow you to take courses that qualify you for an ESL or Gifted Education endorsement. If your goal is to become a licensed teacher or principal, you may need a specific licensure track (often a different M.Ed. in Teacher Education or Educational Leadership).
Q: Do I need to be a teacher or have classroom experience to get into a Curriculum & Instruction MEd?
A: Not necessarily. While many MEd in C&I students are current teachers, most programs do not require you to be a licensed teacher to apply. You will need a bachelor’s degree and some programs prefer applicants with professional experience in education or a related field.
The good news is that a number of online C&I programs welcome career changers and aspiring educators. That said, having experience working in schools or training can strengthen your application and help you get more out of the coursework. If you lack formal teaching experience, highlight any related experience such as tutoring, curriculum development in another setting, or volunteering with educational organizations.
Q: How long does it take to complete an online MEd in Curriculum & Instruction, and can I work while studying?
A: Most online MEd programs in Curriculum & Instruction are designed with working professionals in mind, so you can absolutely work while earning the degree. The typical program length is around 1.5 to 2 years for a full-time student, or 2 to 3 years part-time. Programs often offer flexibility in pacing: you might take one or two courses per term based on your schedule.
Q: What will I learn in a Curriculum & Instruction master’s program?
A: You can expect to learn how to become an expert in designing, delivering, and improving educational programs, as the coursework blends theory and practice. You’ll study foundational theories of learning and curriculum development, and also get hands-on experience crafting curricula and assessments. Common courses include Curriculum Design, Instructional Strategies, Assessment and Evaluation, and Educational Research. You’ll explore how to integrate technology into teaching, adapt instruction for diverse learners, and use data (like test results) to improve curriculum effectiveness.
Prices of the Online Curriculum & Instruction MEd
The cost of an online MEd in Curriculum & Instruction can vary significantly based on the institution and format, but a few key factors come into play. Tuition is often charged per credit, so the number of credits required (usually 30–36) will directly impact your total cost. Public universities may offer lower rates for in-state students, though some state schools charge the same tuition for online students regardless of residency. Private institutions generally have higher per-credit costs, but might offer more scholarships or discounts. Below is a comparison of three schools to give a sense of credits and tuition:
| School | No. of Credits | Cost per Credit | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan State University | 30 | $933 | $27,990 |
| University of Virginia | 30 | $640 | $19,200 |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | 32 | $520 | $16,640 |
Note: It’s a good idea to contact the school’s financial aid office or use their online tuition calculator for the most accurate, personalized estimate.
Careers for an MEd in Curriculum & Instruction
Earning an MEd in Curriculum & Instruction opens up a variety of career pathways both inside and outside the traditional classroom. This degree signals that you have advanced skills in designing curricula, improving instruction, and leading educational initiatives.
For current teachers, an MEd in C&I can lead to roles at the school or district level, where you’ll influence what and how students learn. It can also make you a stronger candidate for department head or mentor teacher positions. Below, we highlight three promising careers for C&I graduates, each offering strong growth and/or salary potential according to the BLS:
Instructional Coordinator (Curriculum Specialist)
Instructional coordinators — sometimes called curriculum specialists — oversee school curricula and teaching standards. In this role, you might evaluate and refine curricula, train teachers on new content or educational technologies, analyze student performance data, and ensure compliance with academic standards. This career is ideal if you want to impact education on a broader scale. Many MEd grads find this work rewarding as it allows them to mentor fellow teachers and drive school-wide improvement.
Median Annual Salary: $74,620
Job Growth: 2%
Annual Job Openings: 20,100
Training and Development Specialist
The skills you gain are highly transferable to the corporate and nonprofit world. Training and Development Specialists design and implement training programs for adults in workplace settings. Your background in curriculum design and instruction means you can create effective employee training modules, workshops, or e-learning courses. You’ll assess training needs, develop instructional materials, and often lead training sessions to upskill employees. With organizations increasingly focused on continuous learning and professional development, skills in curriculum planning and instructional techniques are in high demand.
Median Annual Salary: $64,340
Job Growth: 12%
Annual Job Openings: 42,200
Training and Development Manager
For those aiming for leadership positions, becoming a Training and Development Manager can build on your Curriculum & Instruction expertise and often rewards you with a high salary. Training and Development Managers oversee the staff and strategy of an organization’s training programs. In this role, you might manage a team of training specialists, plan out the annual training curriculum for a company, set budgets, and evaluate the effectiveness of training initiatives in improving employee performance. To reach a manager level, you’ll likely need some years of experience as a trainer or educator; however, your advanced degree will help signal that you understand instructional design at a high level.
Median Annual Salary: $125,040
Job Growth: 7%
Annual Job Openings: 3,600