

Online curriculum and instruction master’s degree
If you imagine every class as a chance to build your students’ knowledge, then your curriculum is the blueprint that makes it all possible. The more you focus on the educational foundations that guide your classroom, the more you and your students will benefit: By developing your strengths as an instructor and learning to build a stronger curriculum, you can give your students the best possible advantage.
But before you build the perfect course content for your students, you need to have the right tools. With a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction* from the University of Kansas School of Education and Human Sciences, you'll learn to develop more effective instructional approaches, evaluate how well your students are learning, and integrate new technology and teaching strategies into class time. Our thoughtful training and proven methods will help you lead your classroom with confidence and clarity, giving you more time to focus on your students.
Challenge yourself to become a better educator, leader, or administrator.
The KU School of Education and Human Sciences offers online master's programs that pair the academic rigor of a highly respected university with a flexible schedule to accommodate your busy life.
To stay ahead of the curve, the online master’s degree in curriculum and instruction blends the latest theories with practical, hands-on implementation. A practitioner-focused approach means everything you learn can be applied directly to your own classroom. Ultimately, you'll improve not only your own curriculum development skills but also the educational experience of the students whose lives you touch. From there, your positive influence can reach an individual class or an entire school or district.
Download a copy of our online curriculum and instruction master's program sheet

Earn your degree in as few as two years
Program details
- 10 courses, 8 weeks per course, 30 credit hours
- Graduate in as few as two years
- Ranked #19 in the nation1
- Learn from renowned faculty with extensively published research and diverse real-world experience
- Create a working instructional portfolio that can be directly applied in your own classroom
- Complete your coursework anytime, anywhere, through our innovative online format
- No GRE required for admission
- There is no practicum or residency requirement for this program
What you'll learn
The online curriculum and instruction master's degree prepares you to be the best teacher you can be. You will learn the latest teaching theories, current methodological best practices, strategies for implementing change in curricula and instructional approaches, and models for achieving the best learning outcomes possible for students with different learning styles. Your classes will prepare you to teach diverse students in a multicultural classroom and how to best evaluate curriculum materials for bias and stereotypes.
For more detailed information on the topics covered in this program, view the course listings.
Career outcomes
As you consider the online master's degree in curriculum and instruction, you might find yourself wondering what exactly you can do with the degree. Master’s in curriculum and instruction jobs are unique because of the degree’s specialized focus on curriculum composition and teaching methods; it not only applies to traditional education roles, but it also opens up additional career paths in administration and even business as well.
When it comes to master’s in curriculum and instruction jobs, there are a few professional routes available to you. You can:
- Enhance your career as an educator
- Move into another grade level or school
- Transition to an administrative or leadership role
However, you will also gain tactical expertise and a standout credential to pursue one of the following positions at the school or district level:
- Curriculum developer
- Instructional coordinator
- Education consultant
- Curriculum development consultant
- Assistant principal or principal (depending on the state)
You can find information about job opportunities and more on our Careers page.
*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 in the state of Kansas.
Prior teaching experience is not required but is strongly recommended.
Note: In order to enroll in this curriculum and instruction master’s program, a bachelor's degree is required. No program can guarantee licensure. It is each student’s responsibility to determine the licensure requirements in his or her state and to apply for the licenses or endorsements necessary to his or her career goals. Our department staff and licensure officer can provide individual support during the application process to help you understand your state’s requirements.
Curriculum and instruction master's: Course descriptions
Our 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 really 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. All courses listed are worth 3 credits.
Please note: Course list and sequence is subject to change.
C&T 709 - FOUNDATIONS OF CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION
C&T 807 - MULTICULTURAL EDUCATION
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C&T 806 - INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES & MODELS
EPSY 715 - UNDERSTANDING RESEARCH IN EDUCATION
Students should expect to study much of this material in greater depth through additional course work 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
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C&T 874 - CONSTRUCTIVIST LEARNING TECHNOLOGIES
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C&T 802 - CURRICULUM PLANNING FOR EDUCATION SETTINGS
C&T 770 - PEDAGOGICAL CONSIDERATIONS IN THE 21ST CENTURY CLASSROOM
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C&T 801 - PLANNING FOR SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT
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C&T 898 - MASTER’S PROJECT
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- Retrieved on February 22, 2023, from usnews.com/education/online-education/university-of-kansas-155317