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

Thumbnail of C&I master's program sheet

Earn your degree in as few as two years

APR
24
Application Deadline
April 24
Summer 2023 Term
MAY
8
Next Start
May 8
Summer 2023 Term

Master of Science in Education (M.S.E.) in Curriculum and Instruction*

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

View Admissions Requirements

*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

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.

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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 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

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.

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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.

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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.

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C&T 898 - MASTER’S PROJECT

The final project is a collection of artifacts completed during courses in the master’s in curriculum and instruction online program, along with documentation of other activities demonstrating leadership and professionalism to demonstrate the four program outcomes: Teaching All Students, Knowing and Using Research, Pedagogical Content Knowledge, and Foundational Knowledge.

Content and resources

Admissions requirements

Review the necessary admissions requirements for the master’s in curriculum and instruction online.

Tuition information

Take a look at costs per credit hour and total estimated costs for our online graduate programs.

Online experience

Discover how students collaborate and develop their professional potential through our online classroom.

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IMPORTANT DATES

APR
24
Application Deadline
April 24
Summer 2023 Term
MAY
8
Next Start
May 8
Summer 2023 Term

EVENTS

Sources