Masters in Curriculum and Instruction Online Education Degree Program | WGU

Masters in Curriculum and Instruction Online Education Degree Program | WGU Skip to content Skip to Chat Master of Science Curriculum and Instruction Master's Apply Now OVERVIEW This Education Degree Enables You to Improve Teaching and Learning Great student outcomes begin with a great curriculum—one that provides focus, depth, and clarity for eager students. You can be an integral part in impacting the future for students and teachers alike with a master's degree in curriculum and instruction. If you already have a bachelor's degree in education and are interested in enhancing your career by building strong learning opportunities for students, a master's degree in curriculum and instruction could be an ideal fit. Stand out from the competition and lead impactful innovation in your organization with this valuable curriculum and instruction degree. WGU’s online M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction program provides you a direct path to become a leader in education, impacting individual students, entire classrooms, and your whole community. This program is built in alignment with the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards and the National Education Association's Teacher Leadership Competencies, ensuring that you will get the best quality degree that will prepare you for the next steps of your career. In earning this curriculum and instruction degree, you will acquire specialized skills and valuable expertise in instructional theory and practice, learning science, and educational research—all focused on how to better engage students and deliver improved learning outcomes. 62% of graduates finish within 12 Months* WGU lets you move more quickly through material you already know and advance as soon as you're ready. The result: You may finish faster. *WGU Internal Data Flexible Schedule Tuition per six-month term is $4,950 Tuition charged per term—rather than per credit—helps you control the ultimate cost of earning your degree online. Finish faster, pay less! Cost & Time Average salary increase $10,525* Graduates of this program report an average salary increase of $10,525 after completing their WGU degree. *WGU Internal Data Career Outlook Ready to Start Your WGU Journey? Next Start Date: {{startdate}} Start Dates the 1st of Every Month Apply Today Not Sure If You Need a Teaching License? If you aren't sure which program is right for you, or if you'll require a teaching license, you can learn more about licensure and if it's needed for your career goals. Learn About Teaching Licenses COURSES Curriculum and Instruction Courses Enhance your skill set with practical principles for curriculum development. Program consists of 10 courses At WGU, we design our curriculum to be timely, relevant, and practical—all to help you show that you know your stuff. Program Guide This online master’s degree program in curriculum and instruction is similar to an M.Ed. degree in that it provides the essential skills, knowledge, and field experience you need to design elementary and secondary school curriculum that meet the demands of today's educational systems. The WGU M.S. Curriculum and Instruction degree program was designed (and is regularly updated) with input from the experts on our Education Program Council. These respected authorities know exactly what it takes for a graduate to succeed designing curriculum in a range of subjects for elementary and secondary schools. DOWNLOAD PROGRAM DETAILS This program is made up of the following courses. You will typically complete them one at a time as you make your way through your program, working with your Program Mentor each term to build your personalized Degree Plan. You’ll work through each course as quickly as you can study and learn the material. As soon as you’re ready, you’ll pass the assessment, complete the course, and move on. This means that you can finish as many courses as you're able to in a term at no additional cost. WGU's M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction program is ideal for individuals who have teaching experience and want to increase their curriculum development skills and advance their careers. Similar to an M.Ed. program, it is for people who are passionate about education and who wish to provide students with learning experiences that educate, motivate, and inspire. Curriculum and Instruction Differentiated Instruction Differentiated Instruction examines how the classroom environment and students’ readiness levels, interests, and learning profiles influence learning. K–12 educators taking this course will acquire a deep understanding of their students in order to differentiate their curriculum, instruction, and assessments in response to individual students’ needs. This course will allow students to also learn how to effectively monitor and communicate students’ progress toward standards and adjust their practice as needed to empower students and nurture their abilities and aptitudes. As a result of their learning in this course, K–12 teachers will be prepared to act as catalysts for differentiation within their schools and districts. There are no prerequisites for this course. Designing Curriculum and Instruction I Designing Curriculum and Instruction I examines the influence that specific theories, design principles, and evaluation models have on the quality and effectiveness of a curriculum. During the course, candidates will conduct a curriculum analysis in order to determine the content that students need. The course requires candidates to learn how to define the scope and sequence of a curriculum to ensure vertical and horizontal alignment. This course will also teach how to map curriculum to address any gaps or unnecessary duplication within and across grade levels. There are no prerequisites for this course. Designing Curriculum and Instruction II Designing Curriculum and Instruction II examines commonly used curriculum and instructional models and demonstrates how they can be used during the design process to achieve curricular and instructional goals. This course demonstrates how to design curriculum and instruction that leverages digital tools to facilitate deep, authentic learning and provides strategies for ensuring successful curriculum implementation. Designing Curriculum and Instruction I is a prerequisite for this course. Assessment Standards-Based Assessment Standards-Based Assessment teaches candidates how to unpack academic standards to determine the essential learnings within the standards that should be assessed. This course teaches candidates how to determine, based on academic standards, which topics should be assessed and how to use proficiency statements to create and score standards-based assessments. This course also prepares students to analyze assessment data and develop a holistic assessment system for a specific subject and grade level. Differentiated Instruction is a prerequisite for this course. National Board Professional Teaching Standards Pathway The Reflective Practitioner The Reflective Practitioner defines what reflective teaching is and how accomplished teachers reflect meaningfully on their pedagogical choices to improve their practice. During this course, candidates will examine their teaching to determine how they can more effectively plan, facilitate, and evaluate learning. Candidates will also develop a professional growth plan and incorporate evidence-based practices that support the achievement of their professional goals. There are no prerequisites for this course. Learning as a Science Learning as a Science examines how research from the field of learning sciences can be applied to improve teaching and learning. This course explains how teachers can create a sense of community by examining personal biases and establishing a culturally inclusive learning environment. The course also provides evidence-based strategies for improving motivation, increasing understanding and retention, and teaching social-emotional skills that students need to be successful socially and academically. There are no prerequisites for this course. The Collaborative Leader The Collaborative Leader demonstrates strategies teacher leaders can use to collaborate with other professionals, families, and communities to build strong relationships and improve school effectiveness. This course examines models of collaboration and the benefits and challenges of collaboration. It also examines the characteristics of effective professional development and explains how to collaboratively design effective professional development opportunities for educators. Finally, this course demonstrates how accomplished teachers can build relationships with families and the community to create a positive learning experience for students. There are no prerequisites for this course. Research Data-Informed Practices Data-Informed Practices focuses on the development of data literacy skills. This course teaches candidates about the different types of data, the benefits and limitations of those data types, and how they can use data to identify and solve problems and inform decisions. The course also teaches candidates how to locate, collect, and analyze data from relevant and credible sources, and how to draw conclusions from data in order to drive continuous improvement. There are no prerequisites for this course. Educational Research Educational Research focuses on practical problem solving. This course teaches candidates to use scholarly literature and current research to inform their own practice. It also empowers candidates to recognize opportunities for improvement and engage in action research to systematically implement and evaluate changes. This course prepares candidates to conduct research for the capstone. Data-Informed Practices is a prerequisite for this course. MSCIN Capstone The Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction Capstone is the culminating course of the degree. It unites content area knowledge with the completion of a research project or study. This course teaches candidates, under the guidance of program faculty, to apply their data literacy and research skills to topics related to curriculum and instruction and to their career goals. Projects for this course include action research or applied research through the necessary qualitative, quantitative, or mixed research methods. Prerequisites for this course include Data-Informed Practices and Educational Research, as well as all prescribed courses in the candidates' area of study. Additionally, students wishing to add the Capstone with fewer than four weeks remaining in the term must receive permission from program leadership. 10 Courses Program consists of 10 courses At WGU, we design our curriculum to be timely, relevant, and practical—all to help you show that you know your stuff. Program Guide Capstone Project Special requirements for this program The online M.S. Curriculum and Instruction degree program requires the successful completion of a capstone project. You'll take what you've learned during your studies and apply it to a real-world situation, proposing a solution to an actual issue you're likely to face in a professional academic environment. Request Info Skills For Your Résumé As part of this program, you will develop a range of valuable skills that employers are looking for. Problem-Solving: Conducted research to find effective solutions to a problem. Communications: Provided valuable recommendations for educational program improvements, aligning with best practices and the latest research in the field. Research: Developed evidence-based processes rooted in research findings, enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of educational initiatives. Curriculum Development: Evaluated curriculum to ensure its relevance, accuracy, and alignment with learning objectives. Curriculum Development: Skillfully sequenced learning material, fostering incremental delivery of curricula to build upon learners' previous knowledge and skills. Instructional Design: Determined the most effective educational design model tailored to meet the diverse needs of learners. “Success for me was achieving my dream of furthering my education and knowing I was able to balance work, family, and school to accomplish my goal. It is rewarding to apply what I learned at WGU in my job every day.” —Tracy Tanwar M.S. Curriculum and Instruction WGU vs. Traditional Universities: Compare the Difference Traditional Universities TUITION STRUCTURE Per credit hour Flat rate per 6-month term SUPPORT Schedule and wait days or even weeks to meet with one of many counselors Simply email or call to connect with your designated Program Mentor who supports you from day one EXAMS Scheduled time Whenever you feel ready SCHEDULE Professor-led lectures at a certain time and place Courses available anytime, from anywhere TIME TO FINISH Approximately 2 years, minimal acceleration options As quickly as you can master the material, can finish programs in under 2 years Apply Now Traditional Universities TUITION STRUCTURE Per credit hour TUITION STRUCTURE Flat rate per 6-month term SUPPORT Schedule and wait days or even weeks to meet with one of many counselors SUPPORT Simply email or call to connect with your designated Program Mentor who supports you from day one EXAMS Scheduled time EXAMS Whenever you feel ready SCHEDULE Professor-led lectures at a certain time and place SCHEDULE Courses available anytime, from anywhere TIME TO FINISH Approximately 2 years, minimal acceleration options TIME TO FINISH As quickly as you can master the material, can finish programs in under 2 years Apply Now Why WGU? You Aren't On Your Own WGU has Program Mentors who work with you from the day you start, all the way through graduation. They help you chart your courses, answer your questions, and ensure you can go through your program. You're not alone when you choose an online degree at WGU. HOW WE DO IT Flexibility You Need Students choose WGU for their online degree program because of its flexibility. Whether you already have a full-time job, have responsibilities as a parent, or just have a busy schedule, WGU can work for you. A FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE Strong Alumni Network When you enroll in an online master's degree program at WGU, you join an impressive network of teachers. Over 19,000 students graduated from the School of Education in 2024 alone, taking their skills and impacting the educational system all around the United States. WHY THIS MATTERS Accredited, Respected, Recognized™ One important measure of a degree’s value is the reputation of the university where it was earned. When employers, industry leaders, and academic experts hold your alma mater in high esteem, you reap the benefits of that respect. WGU is a pioneer in reinventing higher education for the 21st century, and our quality is institutionally recognized. COST & TIME When We Say Affordable We Mean It By charging per six-month term rather than per credit—and empowering students to accelerate through material they know well or learn quickly—WGU helps students control the ultimate cost of their degrees. The faster you complete your program, the less you pay for your degree. Apply FREE Tuition Calculator Pay less by completing your program faster TOTAL COST: YEARS Cost Breakdown Tuition 4,950 E-Books and Resources Fee 200 TOTAL (per 6-month term) 6-month terms Total Cost A Master's Degree Is Within Reach There is help available to make paying for school possible for you: The average student loan debt of WGU graduates in 2022 (among those who borrowed) was less than half* the national average. Responsible Borrowing Initiative Most WGU students qualify for financial aid, and WGU is approved for federal financial aid and U.S. veterans benefits. Financial Aid Many scholarship opportunities are available. Find out what you might be eligible for. Scholarships WGU undergraduate students have approximately half the debt at graduation compared to the national average, according to the Institute for College Access and Success (2022). FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE A Different Way to Learn: Degree Programs Designed to Fit Your Life—and All the Demands on Your Time At WGU, we understand that you have professional responsibilities, family obligations, and personal commitments. That’s why we offer a personalized, flexible approach to higher education. If you work hard and put in the hours needed, you’ll get a solid, challenging, career-focused education that fits your life. Complete your coursework online, anytime and anywhere your schedule allows, and move through your studies and assessments as quickly as you are able. REQUEST MORE INFO "I can't say strongly enough how impressed I was with the WGU staff! They truly want to help you succeed! They are just so kind, caring, and just wonderful!! I loved my experience at WGU!” —Melissa Lundgren M.S. Curriculum and Instruction CAREER OUTLOOK A Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction Opens Doors to Career Success Effective teaching is no accident. It happens by design. With the tools you'll acquire in your curriculum and instruction master’s degree, you'll be prepared to help schools create courses of study that are engaging, meaningful, and memorable. You'll stand out from the competition and become a leader in creating courses that enhance student understanding, promote classroom diversity, and create better learning opportunities for students and teachers alike. Once you have completed your curriculum and instruction degree online, you’ll be in demand. You’ll have the knowledge, skills, and expertise to be a valuable asset to school districts nationwide. MORE ABOUT CAREERS Return on Your Investment Many WGU graduates may see an increase in income post-graduation Average income increase in annual salary vs. pre-enrollment salary from all degrees. Source: 2024 Harris Poll of 1,655 WGU graduates. Survey was sent to a representative sample of WGU graduates from all colleges. Respondents received at least one WGU degree since 2017. 2% The number of all instructional coordinators needed nationwide is projected to grow by 2% through 2033. —U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Career Opportunities for Curriculum and Instruction Graduates Graduates of WGU School of Education have found meaningful, rewarding education careers including: Private Learning Center Instructor Instructional Coach Area Superintendent Curriculum Director Academic Advisor Learning and Development Coordinator Private Tutor Corporate Trainer Impressive Class of Graduates Graduates of the WGU School of Education include recipients of many professional honors, including: Gates Millennium Scholars Intel Grant for Mathematics and Technology Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction Award Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award Association of Public Charter Schools Educator of the Year Award ADMISSIONS Master in Curriculum and Instruction Admission Requirements To enroll in this program, you must be in possession of a bachelor's degree from an appropriately accredited institution and have experience in an educational environment. Through the duration of the program, you will need access to a population of learners OR educators in a kindergarten to 12th grade environment. Often this population can be found in the current K-12 school district or school you’re serving. A population is a minimum of 15 participants. This audience will be used to respond to some assessments from a K–12 classroom teacher perspective. GENERAL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS Transfer Credits TRANSFER INFORMATION Get Your Enrollment Checklist Download your step-by-step guide to enrollment. VIEW CHECKLIST Get Your Questions Answered Talk to an WGU Enrollment Counselor. CONTACT AN ENROLLMENT COUNSELOR More About the M.S. in Curriculum & Instruction More About This Degree Financial Aid Curriculum and instruction is a rapidly growing field that strives to transform the educational landscape through improved curriculum design and teaching best practices. Incredibly important to the future of our nation's success, curriculum and instruction specialists work in both in schools and the corporate sector to improve learning—which results in a better-educated population with superior achievements, goal attainment, and career or life outcomes. A master's degree in curriculum and instruction can prepare you for many careers including: Curriculum specialist Curriculum coordinator Instructional coach Training and development specialist Training and development leader Most master's degree programs are 2 years, but at WGU you can accelerate your program and graduate faster. Most students finish their curriculum and instruction program in just 18 months. A master's degree in curriculum and instruction gives you additional credentials and skills that enhance your education career. The program will be designed to teach you about how to improve the future of education and transform instruction. A master's degree in curriculum and instruction may be a good fit for those who want to become a principal, as it gives you important credentials and skills that can help you prepare to lead a school. WGU is approved to offer federal student aid . You will need to apply using the FAFSA, which is used to determine your eligibility for aid. WGU’s FAFSA school code is 033394. Scholarships are available for new WGU students and returning graduates. This video shows more about scholarship opportunities and how they can help you pay for school. Get information on: How to apply Eligibility requirements Examples of scholarships What happens after you apply FAQs Other financial aid options WGU's tuition is a flat rate that is charged every six months. You can take as many courses as you are able in that six-month term—with no extra cost. You simply pay for the term and do as much work as you can or want to during that time. This means that finishing faster helps you save money—a major benefit you won't find at most other schools. Ready to Start? Apply Today The University Accreditation Newsroom Careers WGU Store For Students Student Portal Admissions Catalog Title IX Alumni Services Achievement Wallet Most Visited Links Business Programs Bachelor's Degrees Student Experience Online Degrees Scholarships Support Military Scholarships Financial Aid Faculty Testimonials Student Communities Cookie Policy