Master’s in curriculum and instruction online at KU

Every day, passionate educators like you step into classrooms, ready to make a difference. But being an educator isn’t for people who want to stand still. There's always room to grow, to innovate, and to better serve your students.

The University of Kansas School of Education and Human Sciences has empowered educators to transform teaching and learning since 1909. The online Master of Science in Education (M.S.E.) in Curriculum and Instruction* builds on this legacy, combining the excellence KU is known for with the flexibility working educators need.

Whether you're looking to enhance your classroom expertise, develop innovative curricula, or explore new horizons to apply your expertise, our program offers the comprehensive foundation you need to make a lasting impact. Here, you'll join a community of forward-thinking educators, each of whom brings unique experiences to the program. Together you’ll learn from faculty who are actively shaping the future of education through groundbreaking research and real-world application.

Video Transcript

Heidi Hallman:
In our online program, we seek to use the practitioner's knowledge as the site to engage a lot of the discussion of materials. So if practitioners would enter our online program with multiple years of teaching at a particular grade, we've really sought to have our courses capitalize on that knowledge and balance their new learning with the experiences they've had in the classroom. We seek to have them become more informed about their own choices in their own schools and kind of take a leader position within their schools with regard to knowledge about current issues and sort of what I think of as 21st century strands, which include infusing technology into the curriculum, working with diverse learners, seeing literacy as infused across content areas, looking at the reality of K-12 content standards in learning, and also the reality that teacher education needs to be paired with field experiences.

*This program is an online Master of Science in Education (M.S.E.) degree in curriculum and instruction. It does not lead to initial nor advanced teaching licensure. Prior teaching experience is not required but is strongly recommended.

KU’s master’s in curriculum and instruction at a glance

The online C&I master’s delivers a premier educational experience that transforms passionate teachers into educational innovators.

KU’s 100% online program allows you to:

  • Complete your degree in as few as two years
  • Study on your own schedule over 10 courses, 8 weeks each
  • Start when you’re ready: spring, summer, or fall
  • Learn from doctoral-level educators conducting groundbreaking research
  • Create an instructional portfolio that can be directly applied in your current classroom

The C&I master’s was designed conveniently without requirements like:

  • GRE scores for admission
  • Practicum or residency
  • Campus visits

Note: In order to enroll in this curriculum and instruction master’s program, a bachelor's degree is required.

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Why choose KU’s online curriculum and instruction master’s?

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Excel with a forward-thinking curriculum

Engage with a comprehensive curriculum that bridges theory and practice, preparing you to address the evolving needs of diverse learners. Develop the skills to create innovative learning experiences that make a lasting impact.

Explore the Curriculum

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Learn from accomplished faculty

Study with published researchers and experienced educators who understand the real-world challenges of today's classrooms. Our faculty doesn't just teach—they shape the future of education through groundbreaking research while providing personalized support.

Meet the Faculty

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Experience connected learning

Join a vibrant online community where 93% of your peers are fellow educators, bringing an average of 7.5 years of classroom experience to rich discussions and collaborative projects. Experience the power of peer-to-peer learning while maintaining work-life balance.

The Online Classroom

100%
KU SOEHS alumni recommended1
#38
Best Online Master’s in Education Programs2

Soar higher with a curriculum that advances your practice

The comprehensive C&I curriculum bridges theoretical foundations with practical applications, preparing you to tackle today's educational challenges while anticipating tomorrow's innovations.

Core areas of study

  • Advanced instructional strategies
  • Curriculum development and assessment
  • Educational technology integration
  • Multicultural education approaches
  • Research-based teaching methods
  • Student-centered learning design

Designed for practical application

  • Develop curriculum for immediate use
  • Create effective assessment strategies
  • Design inclusive learning environments
  • Build tech-enhanced learning 
  • Conduct action research in your own classroom

Elevate your career as an educator

  • Enhance instructional effectiveness
  • Deepen understanding of how students learn
  • Advance skills in differentiated instruction
  • Master research-based strategies
  • Leadership roles in curriculum development
  • Educational consulting opportunities

Online curriculum and instruction master’s: Course descriptions

KU’s master’s degree in curriculum and instruction is for current educators and teachers who want to learn more about effective instructional practices and curriculum development to make a difference. Here, you can read more about the courses available to those pursuing a master’s in curriculum and instruction online at the KU School of Education and Human Sciences. Each course listed is worth 3 credits.

Please note: Course list and sequence is subject to change.

Your route to success

Find your fastest path to graduation with our tailored course roadmaps. Select your start date to learn more:

Spring course roadmap

Summer course roadmap

Fall course roadmap

C&T 709 - FOUNDATIONS OF CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION

Basic concepts and processes of curriculum and instruction, including theories, planning models, resources for decision-making, current trends, research, and proposals for improvement of curriculum and instruction.

C&T 807 - MULTICULTURAL EDUCATION

In order to provide the student with an understanding of multicultural education, the course will examine the effects of such issues as ethnicity in America, the melting pot theory, separatism, cultural pluralism, legal issues, and bilingual education upon the curriculum and instruction in today's classrooms. It will include an evaluation of materials for bias and stereotypes. Field experiences are a part of this course.

View Full Description

C&T 806 - INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES & MODELS

Analysis of models of teaching which represent distinct orientations toward students and how they learn. The application of these models is complemented by the study of research evidence on effective teaching strategies. Prerequisite: C&T 709.

EPSY 715 - UNDERSTANDING RESEARCH IN EDUCATION

This course introduces the concepts and skills involved in understanding and analyzing research in education and related areas. The course provides an overview of basic, general knowledge of various research methodologies for the remainder of the curriculum and instruction master’s program.

Students should expect to study much of this material in greater depth through additional coursework before being fully prepared to conduct independent research. However this course should enhance their ability to locate, read, comprehend, and critically analyze research articles and reports. Topics in the course include quantitative and qualitative methods and designs, historical and descriptive research, and program evaluation.

C&T 803 - DIFFERENTIATING CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION

This course is designed for educators interested in expanding curriculum and instruction to accommodate diverse learners in the K-12 classroom. Topics include models, methods, and resources for differentiating curriculum and instruction; designing and modifying differentiated curriculum; evaluating student learning; and introducing students, parents, and colleagues to differentiation. This is an evidence-based, practical course for teachers, administrators, and support personnel.

View Full Description

C&T 874 - CONSTRUCTIVIST LEARNING TECHNOLOGIES

This course explores the design and use of new educational technologies to support constructivist learning. Throughout the course, students will (1) get hands-on experiences with emerging educational technologies, (2) examine how the underlying learning theories are reified into concrete learning environments, and (3) analyze how the affordances of new technologies (e.g., modeling and visualization) can facilitate the constructivist learning processes. This course is suitable for students who wish to develop greater knowledge about the ways emerging computer technologies can empower constructivist learning.

View Full Description

C&T 802 - CURRICULUM PLANNING FOR EDUCATION SETTINGS

This course focuses on organizing and managing curriculum development in educational settings. Curricular decisions such as writing philosophies, setting goals and objectives, selecting and organizing content, and designing and monitoring evaluation procedures will be emphasized. Providing leadership for the collaborative process of curriculum planning in organizational settings will receive attention.

C&T 770 - PEDAGOGICAL CONSIDERATIONS IN THE 21ST CENTURY CLASSROOM

This course will explore the current theories and capabilities of instruction in the 21st century classroom and will bridge the theories with pedagogical practice and considerations. We will examine relevant theories of instruction, analyze 21st century learning environments, and identify and practice instructional strategies for student engagement, critical thinking and collaboration in the classroom.

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C&T 801 - PLANNING FOR SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT

The course will emphasize the latest research and practice related to school improvement. Students will function as a member of a school improvement team to assimilate and synthesize research and practice into the development, revision and/or assessment of a school improvement plan for a specific school site.

View Full Description

C&T 890 - Bridging Theory to Practice: Capstone Portfolio

This capstone course provides a space and opportunity for students to reflect on their learning in the M.S.E. online programs. Students will create a digital portfolio demonstrating their knowledge and skills related to the C&T learning outcomes. Students will demonstrate their engagement with relevant literature and explain how they can use, share, or apply their learning from the program to their current or future context.

Personal support at every step

Your journey to becoming a more effective educator starts with the right guidance. Erica and Allison, your dedicated admissions outreach advisors, understand the unique challenges teachers face when pursuing graduate education. They'll help you understand how the program aligns with your teaching goals, guide you through the application process step by step, answer your questions about online learning at KU, and connect you with any other resources you need for success.

Admissions Outreach Advisors Erica and Allison

Learn from the leaders in education innovation

KU’s School of Education and Human Sciences faculty doesn’t just teach about educational excellence—they define it. As active researchers and experienced educators, they bring both theoretical depth and practical wisdom to every course.

Meet your mentors

KU faculty members go above and beyond to support your success by providing regular, meaningful feedback on your work, offering additional resources tailored to your interests, and sharing insights from their current research. Combining impressive academic credentials with real classroom experience, KU’s curriculum and instruction faculty understand the challenges you face because they've faced them too.

KU C&I faculty are:

  • Published researchers shaping educational policy and practice
  • Experienced K-12 educators who understand classroom realities
  • Dedicated mentors who provide personalized guidance
  • Active contributors to national educational organizations
  • Authors of widely used educational texts and resources

Barbara Bradley

Barbara Bradley

Barbara Bradley, Ph.D.
Professor, Reading Education
Elementary Education Program Coordinator

Research interests:

  • Preschool
  • Early childhood
  • Early literacy
  • Book sharing with informational texts
  • Read alouds
  • Oral language development
  • Formative experiments
  • Design research
  • Design-based research

Read Bio

Hyeson Cho

Hyesun Cho

Hyeson Cho, Ph.D.
Professor

Research interests:

  • TESOL
  • Critical literacy
  • Digital literacy and multiliteracies
  • Academic literacy
  • Racialized and gendered identity
  • Language teacher identity
  • Teacher education for diverse students
  • Service-learning
  • Heritage language education
  • Education of minoritized students
  • Technology-integrated language instruction

Read Bio

Laurie Cleavinger

Laurie Cleavinger

Laurie Cleavinger, Ph.D.
Teaching Professor

Research interests:

  • Project-based instruction
  • Inquiry learning
  • Pedagogical content knowledge

Read Bio

Jaclyn Dudek

Jaclyn Dudek

Jaclyn Dudek, Ph.D.
Instructional Design Manager
Assistant Professor

Research interests:

  • Qualitative Methods
  • Place-based learning
  • Learning Design 
  • Informal and family learning

Read Bio

Heidi Hallman

Heidi Hallman

Heidi Hallman, Ph.D.
Chair, Department of Curriculum and Teaching
Professor

Research interests:

  • Sociocultural theories of language and literacy
  • Social contexts of language and literacy development
  • At-risk learners
  • Ethnographic and Qualitative approaches to research

Read Bio

Karen Jorgensen

Karen Ann Jorgensen

Karen Jorgensen, Ph.D.
Chair, Department of Curriculum and Teaching
Teaching Professor

Research interests:

  • Biliteracy development in early childhood through adulthood
  • Pre- and in-service teacher education
  • Supporting striving readers in grades 5-12 and adulthood
  • Integration of children's/young adult literature into learning

Read Bio

Carrie LaVoy

Carrie LaVoy

Carrie LaVoy, Ph.D.
Teaching Professor

Research interests:

  • Methods of differentiating assessment and instruction
  • Investigating why students (at all levels) struggle with mathematics
  • Improved methods of training pre-service teachers in mathematics education

Read Bio

Lonna Summers Rocha

Lonna Summers Rocha

Lonna Summers Rocha, Ph.D.
Associate Teaching Professor

Research interests:

  • In-service teachers
  • University TESOL programs
  • Critical pedagogy
  • Bilingual paraeducators
  • Qualitative research
  • Reflexivity

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Kwangok Song

Kwangok Song

Kwangok Song, Ph.D.
Associate Professor

Research interests:

  • Bilingual and biliteracy practices
  • Out-of-school literacy
  • Digital literacy
  • Classroom discussions
  • Online discussions
  • Discourse analysis

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Steven Hugh White

Steven White

Steven Hugh White, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Elementary Education - Social Studies

Research interests:

  • Geography
  • GIS
  • Social studies education
  • Instructional strategies

Read Bio

Cheryl Wright

Cheryl Wright

Cheryl Wright, Ph.D.
Assistant Teaching Professor

Research interests:

  • Approaches to curriculum reform
  • Transformative education
  • Evidence-based practices that support interactive and positive learning environments
  • Application of real-world knowledge to be a changemaker

Read Bio

The Jayhawk online learning experience

At KU, online learning doesn’t mean you’re on your own. KU’s virtual classrooms buzz with the same energy and collaboration you'd find on campus, creating an environment where meaningful connections flourish alongside academic growth.

Your classroom community

Step into virtual spaces where theory meets real-world experience. Your classmates bring diverse perspectives from classrooms across the country. This rich mix of experience creates dynamic discussions and opportunities to share practical solutions to today's teaching challenges.

Explore the Virtual Classroom

Flexible yet engaging

The thoughtfully designed C&I master’s program fits the rhythms of a professional's life:

  • Eight-week courses that align with your teaching schedule
  • Asynchronous learning balanced with interactive group projects
  • Live discussion sessions that work with your timeline
  • Collaborative assignments that build your professional network
  • Access to course materials 24/7

Begin your journey to teaching excellence at KU

Every day in classrooms across the country, dedicated teachers like you are looking for ways to make a bigger impact. KU believes that pursuing advanced education should enhance your ability to serve your students, not disrupt it. The online curriculum and instruction master's program is designed to meet you where you are—bringing together passionate educators, experienced faculty, and immediately applicable learning in a flexible online format.

Smiling female teacher in glasses engaging with three students in classroom


IMPORTANT DATES

MAY
19
Application Deadline
May 19
Summer 2025 Term
JUN
2
Next Start
June 2
Summer 2025 Term

EVENTS

Check here for upcoming events!

The University of Kansas School of Education and Human Sciences—Webinar
Wednesday, April 16, 6-7 p.m. CT | Register

Sources
  1. Based on a limited sample of self-reported data from students and alumni of the University of Kansas School of Education and Human Services online programs in education from cohorts between 2020 and 2023.
  2. Retrieved on March 14, 2025, from usnews.com/education/online-education/university-of-kansas-OEDU0797/education