If there's one thing that all teachers can agree on, it's that teaching – while still a profession that offers scope for a long and fulfilling career – has changed a lot in recent decades.
Major sociological and technological changes have put pressure on teaching professionals – and with the increased demand for outcomes, teachers are looking to add to whatever tools they might have at their disposal.
So while a Master's in Curriculum and Instruction is not necessary to get started in teaching – for those who are committed to the profession long-term, it makes a lot of sense both professionally and financially to make the investment. And with online learning available, options abound.
Why Pursue a Master's in Curriculum and Instruction?
Most importantly, it makes a difference in the classroom. The U.S. Department of Education reports that high-quality teacher preparation dramatically impacts student outcomes – even outweighing negative factors like poverty.[footnote]https://www.ed.gov/teacherprep[/footnote].
A Master's in Curriculum and instruction will provide you with the skills and knowledge to improve your effectiveness in the classroom – and enhance student achievement (which is the goal of good teaching, right?).
Accredited Online College Programs
Explore our featured online programs and find the right match for you today.
What Will I Learn in a Master's in Curriculum and Instruction Program?
In a Curriculum and Instruction program you will learn research-based strategies and best practices for developing effective, culturally sensitive instructional programs – and for managing safe, supportive learning environments.
Some programs also focus on developing leadership skills – this will help you in the important work of engaging your local community in support of student learning and to advocate for the success of all students.
Does a Master's in Curriculum and Instruction Make Sense Financially?
Master's degrees in education generally do pay off. In an article by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Education is listed among the professions in which having an advanced degree delivers a "relatively high" payoff.[footnote]https://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/should-i-get-a-masters-degree.htm[/footnote] That's strong language for the BLS.
Are Online Programs Reputable?
The days when an online degree was considered a dubious achievement are well in the past. In fact, most people who are interested in pursuing a Master's in Curriculum and Instruction are teachers looking for a accessible way to pursue an advanced degree – so if you're ready to take the plunge into a Master's program but can't leave your home or work to do so, there are plenty of good, accredited online options available. Online programs provide flexibility while providing a path to an advanced degree that employers will respect.[footnote]http://www.onlinelearningsurvey.com/reports/gradelevel.pdf[/footnote]
What Are the Best Online Masters in Curriculum and Instruction?
If you've already started your search, you'll know that there are a lot of programs out there. We at College Choice have helped you out by gathering the information – like reputation scores, tuition, and early career earnings – from a variety of sources. We then weigh the data to deliver a composite score that reflects both high academic standards and the likely return on your tuition investment.
As you peruse the ranking, here are a couple other points to keep in mind:
All schools on the list are regionally accredited, ensuring a level of legitimacy to the program.
The average tuition we list is based on out-of-state per-credit tuition. Many programs have additional fees – so be sure to look closely before you commit!
We hope our College Choice ranking helps you in your search for the best Masters in Curriculum and Instruction Program!
Best Online Master's in Curriculum and Instruction Degrees
See our rankings methodology page.
