Top 30 Master's in Curriculum and Instruction

An online master’s in curriculum and instruction online degree is one of the best ways for teachers to advance their careers in education. By pursuing a master’s in curriculum and instruction, students will deepen their understanding of curriculum design and instructional planning. If you find yourself asking: “What can I do with a master’s in curriculum and instruction?” there are actually many potential career paths. Those who have earned a master’s in curriculum and instruction have had careers as department heads, curriculum designers, professors, teachers, and more.

Top Affordable Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction: Methodology

For students who want to pursue a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction we have compiled a list of the top programs available. These programs have been selected for this ranking based upon a scoring system that takes into account the cost of tuition and the length of the program. All of these programs have been accredited by nationally recognized accreditation boards and have had their nonprofit status verified. The programs are ordered from highest to lowest score. Note that tuition rates listed below are based on cost per credit, and individual programs may have additional fees. Online programs are indicated as such.

Featured Programs

Ranking the Top Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction Online and On Campus Programs

#1. University of Texas at Arlington

Online Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction – Literacy Studies

Arlington, Texas

Students at the University of Texas at Arlington can enroll in the school’s Online Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction – Literacy Studies. Through the pursuit of this degree, students will learn the skills needed to help create the advanced coursework needed to help students improve their literacy. A total of 30 credit hours are needed to complete this online master’s in curriculum and instruction program. The University of Texas at Arlington has received accreditation for this program from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. This program is designed to be able to be completed in 18 months.

Tuition: $8,200

Score: 100

#2. University of Louisiana at Monroe

Online Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction

Monroe, Louisiana

The University of Louisiana at Monroe offers students this Online Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction degree. This degree is offered in a number of concentrations, including Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Reading, Special Education, and much more. A total of 36 credit hours are needed to complete this degree. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has provided the University of Louisiana at Monroe with accreditation for this program of study. Courses in this program include Research-Based Instruction, Assessment & Accountability, Prioritizing and Mapping the Curriculum, and more.

Tuition: $10,800

Score: 99.75

#3. Louisiana State University in Shreveport

Online Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction: Literacy Education

Shreveport, Louisiana

This Online Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction: Literacy Education degree is offered to students by Louisiana State University. A total of 36 credit hours are needed to complete this degree program. This program is designed to provide students with the skills needed to help students learn how to read and improve their literacy. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has provided Louisiana State University with accreditation for this program of study. Students can expect to complete this online master’s in curriculum and instruction in under two years if enrolled full-time.

Tuition: $10,908

Score: 99.5

#4. Emporia State University

Online Master of Science in Curriculum & Instruction

Emporia, Kansas

Website

Upcoming Emporia State University students can enroll in this Online Master of Science in Curriculum & Instruction degree. This program of study is designed to teach students the education development skills needed to coordinate the design and implementation of educational programs. A total of 33 credit hours are needed to complete this degree. Emporia State University has designed this program so that it can be completed in just 12 months if taken full-time. Emporia State University has received accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission. Those who have completed this degree have gone on to have careers as curriculum directors, instructional specialists, instructional coordinators, and more.

Tuition: $10,956

Score: 99.25

#5. Arkansas State University

Online Master of Science in Education in Curriculum & Instruction

Jonesboro, Arkansas

Students can choose to enroll in this Online Master of Science in Education in Curriculum & Instruction degree offered by Arkansas State University. This degree program requires a total of 36 credit hours to complete. Arkansas State University has received accreditation for this program from the Higher Learning Commission. This online master’s in curriculum and instruction is designed to be completed in about 1-2 years, depending on the course load of the student. Courses in this degree include School Law, Theories of Instruction, Curriculum Management, and more. This program is offered in three different tracks: Curriculum Director Track, Special Education Director Track, and Those Seeking Arkansas Licensure Track.

Tuition: $11,412

Score: 99

#6. Kansas State University

Online Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction

Manhattan, Kansas

Kansas State University currently offers students an Online Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction degree. This degree is designed to teach students a critical understanding of curriculum and curriculum trends. Students will be able to design and implement a curriculum that fits the needs of their students. A total of 31 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. Kansas State University has received accreditation for this degree from the Higher Learning Commission. Students can expect to be able to complete this degree in its entirety in under two years.

Tuition: $13,175

Score: 98.75

#7. Western Governors University

Online Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction

Salt Lake City, Utah

Offered entirely online, this Online Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction degree is made available to students by Western Governors University. Through the pursuit of this degree, students will understand the importance of curriculum. They will learn how to analyze, design, and implement a curriculum that is effective in providing students the skills and education they need to succeed. A total of 30 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. Western Governor University anticipates that students will be able to complete this online master’s in curriculum and instruction in about 18 months. Courses in this program include Designing Curriculum and Instruction, Differentiated Instruction, and more.

Tuition: $13,450

Score: 98.5

#8. Chadron State College

Online Master of Education – Curriculum and Instruction

Chadron, Nebraska

Offered at Chadron State College, this Online Master of Education – Curriculum and Instruction can be completed entirely online. To complete this master of curriculum and instruction, students must earn a total of 36 credit hours. Chadron State College has designed this degree program so it can be completed in under two years. Chadron State College has received accreditation for this degree from the Higher Learning Commission. Courses in this program include Educational Philosophy, School Law, Curriculum Development, and more. This degree affords students the opportunity to learn the skills needed to create and maintain effective school curriculums.

Tuition: $13,680

Score: 98.25

#9. University of Massachusetts Lowell

Online Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction

Lowell, Massachusetts

Students at the University of Massachusetts can enroll in this Online Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction. This program of study is designed to provide students an understanding of the key concepts needed to become effective at evaluating, designing, and implementing school curriculum. A total of 30 credit hours are needed to complete this online master’s in curriculum and instruction program. The University of Massachusetts has received accreditation for this degree from the New England Commission on Higher Education. This degree is offered in two different concentrations: Science Education Option, and Applied Behavior Analysis and Education Option.

Tuition: $14,100

Score: 98

#10. University of Southern Mississippi

Online Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction

Hattiesburg, Mississippi

This Online Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction is offered to students by the University of Southern Mississippi. This program is designed to be completed in just three semesters, or 18 months. The University of Southern Mississippi has designed this program with working teachers in mind and offers this program in a part-time format. Students are also able to earn an additional Gifted Education certification. The University of Southern Mississippi has received accreditation for this program from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Tuition: $14,820

Score: 97.5

#11. South Dakota State University

Online Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction

Brookings, South Dakota

Students studying at South Dakota State University can enroll in this Online Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction. This program of study teaches students how to create curriculum and instructional plans that provide the most for their students. A total of 32 credit hours are needed for the completion of this degree program. South Dakota State University has received accreditation for this degree program from the Higher Learning Commission. This curriculum and instruction master’s can be completed entirely online in under two years. Students can choose from specializations in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, and Secondary Education.

Tuition: $14,944

Score: 97.25

#12. University of Illinois

Online Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction

Champaign, Illinois

The University of Illinois offers students this Online Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction degree to its students. A total of 32 credit hours are needed to complete this degree. The University of Illinois has received accreditation for this degree from the Higher Learning Commission. Students can expect to be able to earn this degree in under two years. Through the pursuit of this curriculum and instruction master’s, students will learn how to plan, implement, improve, and evaluate school curriculums. This degree is offered in three different concentrations: Perspectives & Practices, Digital Learning, and Bilingual/Bicultural.

Tuition: $15,680

Score: 97

#13. Nicholls State University

Online Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction

Thibodaux, Louisiana

This Online Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction degree is offered to students by Nicholls State University. Through the pursuit of this degree program, students will learn how to evaluate curriculum and instructional plans. They will learn the skills needs to make changes and implement a curriculum that better suit the needs of their students. This degree is offered in the following concentrations: Early Childhood Education, High Incidence Disabilities, Reading Specialist, Elementary Education, and Secondary Education. Nicholls State University has received accreditation for this program from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. A total of 39 credit hours are needed to complete this degree.

Tuition: $16,068

Score: 96.75

#14. University of Colorado Denver

Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction

Denver, Colorado

The University of Colorado Denver offers this Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction degree to its students. This degree program is offered to students on campus. A total of 36 credit hours are needed to earn this curriculum and instruction master’s. This program of study teaches students concepts such as curriculum theory, teacher inquiry, and much more. The University of Colorado Denver has received accreditation for this program from the Higher Learning Commission. Students can expect to be able to complete this degree in under two years. Some of the courses in this program include Curriculum in Urban Studies, Curriculum Development & School Improvement, and more.

Tuition: $16,272

Score: 96.5

#15. Ohio University

Online Master in Curriculum and Instruction

Athens, Ohio

Students at Ohio University can enroll in this Online Master in Curriculum and Instruction. This degree is designed for current educators and teachers. Through the pursuit of this degree, students will deepen their understanding of curriculum design. They will learn how to create traditional and nontraditional curriculum solutions that provide the most for their students. A total of 30 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. Ohio University estimates that students will be able to complete this degree program in under two years. The Higher Learning Commission has provided Ohio University with accreditation for this online master in curriculum and instruction.

Tuition: $16,650

Score: 96.25

#16. Northwestern State University of Louisiana

Online Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction

Natchitoches, Louisiana

The Northwestern State University of Louisiana offers this Online Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction degree to its students. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has provided accreditation to Northwestern State University for this master in curriculum and instruction online program. A total of 36 credit hours are needed to complete this curriculum and instruction master’s. Students can expect to complete this degree in under two years. Through the pursuit of this degree, students will learn how to create a curriculum that is effective for students. Concentrations in this degree include English Education, Reading, Professional Teaching Standards, School Librarian, and Transition to Teaching.

Tuition: $17,100

Score: 96

#17. University of Kansas

Online Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction

Lawrence, Kansas

Students at the University of Kansas can enroll in the school’s Online Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction degree. This program of study is designed to teach students the variety of different instructional strategies available for teaching. Students will learn how to use curriculum theory to design curriculum that leverages new technologies to more effectively educate. A total of 30 credits are needed to complete this program of study. Students can expect to complete this program in as little as two years. The University of Kansas has received accreditation for this curriculum and instruction master’s from the Higher Learning Commission.

Tuition: $17,850

Score: 95.75

#18. Sam Houston State University

Online Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction

Houston, Texas

Students at Sam Houston State University can enroll in this Online Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction degree. By enrolling in this degree program, students will work through a curriculum that teaches them how to design instructional plans that are most effective for their students. They will learn how to apply a variety of concepts and theories to create the best curriculum for their students. A total of 30 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has provided Sam Houston State University with accreditation for this master of curriculum and instruction online master’s of education curriculum and instruction.

Tuition: $18,090

Score: 95.5

#19. University of Nebraska at Kearney

Online Master of Arts in Education – Curriculum and Instruction

Kearney, Nebraska

The University of Nebraska at Kearney offers students this Online Master of Arts in Education – Curriculum and Instruction degree. This program of study is offered to students entirely online. A total of 36 credit hours are needed to complete this degree program. The University of Nebraska at Kearney has received accreditation for this degree program from the Higher Learning Commission. Courses in this program include Education Research, Philosophy of Education, Curriculum Development, and more. Students can choose from concentrations including Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, English as a Second Language, Instructional Effectiveness, Montessori, School Librarian, and others.

Tuition: $18,144

Score: 95.25

#20. Regent University

Online Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction

Virginia Beach, Virginia

This Online Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction degree is offered to students by Regent University. This degree program is offered entirely online. A total of 33 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. Regent University has received accreditation for this online master in curriculum and instruction from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. This program is offered in a number of different concentrations. Those who have completed this master’s of education curriculum and instruction have gone on to. have careers as curriculum developers, lead teachers, department heads, and more.

Tuition: $18,150

Score: 95

#21. Florida International University

Online Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction – Curriculum Development

Miami, Florida

Students at Florida International University can enroll in this Online Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction Development degree. This program of study is designed to be completed entirely online. A total of 36 credits are needed to complete this degree. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has provided Florida International University with accreditation for this online master in curriculum and instruction. Students can expect to complete this degree program in under two years. Courses in this program include Curriculum Design for Childhood Education, Fundamentals of learning, and Politics of Curriculum.

Tuition: $18,300

Score: 94.75

#22. University of Colorado at Colorado Springs

Online Master of Arts in Curriculum & Instruction

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Website

The University of Colorado at Colorado Springs offers this Online Master of Arts in Curriculum & Instruction degree to its students. This program of study provides students with the opportunity to understand the skills and concepts needed to create, design, implement, and iterate on school curricula. The University of Colorado at Colorado Springs offers this master’s of education curriculum and instruction in two different concentrations: Literacy Education, and Math & Science Education. A total of 30 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. The Higher Learning Commission has provided the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs with accreditation for this degree.

Tuition: $18,600

Score: 94.5

#23. SUNY University at Albany

Online Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction

Albany, New York

This Online Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction degree is offered to students by the University at Albany. A total of 36 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. Students in this program will learn how to be leaders and innovators in education. They will develop the skills needed to create effective curricula and learning plans for their students. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education has provided the University at Albany with accreditation for this program of study. Students in this degree program can expect to earn their master’s of education curriculum and instruction in under two years.

Tuition: $20,340

Score: 94.25

#24. University of Texas at El Paso

Online Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction

El Paso, Texas

Students enrolled at the University of Texas at El Paso can enroll in this Online Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction degree. This program of study is offered to students in two different concentrations: A Bilingual Education concentration, and an Early Childhood Education concentration. The University of Texas at El Paso has received accreditation for this master’s of education curriculum and instruction program from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Courses in this program include Dual Language Education, Learning Contexts & Curriculum, Scholarly Writing for Education, and more.

Tuition: $20,700

Score: 94

#25. Central Michigan University

Online Master of Arts in Education – Curriculum and Instruction

Mount Pleasant, Michigan

Central Michigan University offers this Online Master of Arts in Education – Curriculum and Instruction degree entirely online. This program of study requires a total of 33 credit hours to complete. By enrolling in this master’s of education curriculum and instruction, students will work to develop the skills needed to design and evaluate curriculum and instructional plans. Central Michigan University has received accreditation for this program from the Higher Learning Commission. Courses in this program include Current Educational Issues, Methods of Educational Research, Theory and Practice of instruction, and more. By completing this degree, students will be ready for leadership positions in educational organizations.

Tuition: $21,021

Score: 93.75

#26. University of San Diego

Online Master of Education: Curriculum and Instruction

San Diego, California

Website

Students at the University of San Diego can enroll in the schools’ Online Master of Education: Curriculum and Instruction degree. This program of study is made up of ten courses for a total of 30 credits. Students in this degree will work to gain a deeper understanding of curriculum design and instruction techniques. They will exit this degree program prepared for a variety of leadership roles in education. Courses in this program of study include Teaching Digital Readers, Social Justice & Educational Equity, Cognition & Learning, and more. The University of San Diego has received accreditation for this degree from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Tuition: $21,300

Score: 93.5

#27. University of Florida

Online Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction

Gainesville, Florida

Website

The University of Florida offers students this Online Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction degree. This program of study is offered online with an emphasis on Educational Technology. Students in this program will learn how to design curriculum and instructional plans that leverage the latest in educational technologies. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has provided the University of Florida with accreditation for this online master of curriculum and instruction degree. Students can expect to complete this degree in two years. A total of 36 credit hours are needed to complete this degree program.

Tuition: $22,284

Score: 93.25

#28. University of Cincinnati

Online Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction

Cincinnati, Ohio

This Online Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction degree is offered by the University of Cincinnati. Students in this program of study will develop the skills needed to plan, develop, implement, and evaluate educational programs. A total of 30 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. The University of Cincinnati has received accreditation for this degree from the Higher Learning Commission. Courses in this program include Mathematics as Problem Solving, The Role of Teachers in a Democratic Society, Integrating STEM into Practice, and more. This degree is offered in three different concentrations: STEM Education, Gifted Education, and Teaching and Learning: General Studies.

Tuition: $22,380

Score: 93

#29. Michigan State University

Online Master of Arts in Teaching and Curriculum

East Lansing, Michigan

Michigan State University students can enroll in this Online Master of Arts in Teaching and Curriculum. This degree is designed to help teachers develop their skills so they can become leaders in the field of education. They will become adept at evaluating and improving instructional plans and curriculum. A total of 30 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. Michigan State University has received accreditation for this program of study from the Higher Learning Commission. Courses in this program of study include Learning Science with Technology, Inquiry into Classroom Teaching and Learning, History of American Education, and more.

Tuition: $22,650

Score: 92.75

#30. George Mason University

Online Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction

Fairfax, Virginia

Students at George Mason University can enroll in this Online Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction. This online master’s in curriculum and instruction degree is offered entirely online in an asynchronous format. A total of 30 credit hours are needed to complete this degree program. George Mason University has received accreditation for this master of curriculum and instruction online degree program from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. This degree is offered in concentrations including Assistive Technology, Learning Technologies, Literacy/Reading, and more. Students can expect to be able to complete this degree in its entirety in under two years.

Tuition: $25,560

Score: 92.5

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This concludes our ranking of the top master’s in curriculum and instruction programs

NPCO Staff