Online master’s in Curriculum and Instruction
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Curriculum and Instruction Master’s

Join KU’s legacy of educational excellence with a Master's in curriculum and instruction online

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 that 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, this 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.

Curriculum
Classroom Environment
Admissions

*This program is an online Master of Science in Education (M.S.E.) degree in curriculum and instruction. It does not lead to initial or advanced teaching licensure. Prior teaching experience is not required but is strongly recommended.

Program Details

  • 100% online with no campus visits required
  • Two options: Teacher track and Non-teacher track
  • 10 courses (30 credit hours)
  • 8-week courses for focused study
  • Complete in as few as two years
  • Accredited under NCATE/CAEP standards
  • No GRE required for admission
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Build expertise that transforms classrooms

Master’s in curriculum and instruction online

For licensed teachers expanding their skills

This comprehensive master's program empowers working educators to become instructional leaders through evidence-based curriculum development and innovative teaching strategies. You'll create practical tools for immediate classroom use while building the theoretical foundation needed for educational leadership roles.

What you’ll learn:

Master advanced instructional strategies and curriculum development principles that address diverse learning needs in today's classrooms. You'll explore multicultural education approaches, educational technology integration, and research-based methods for creating inclusive learning environments. The program emphasizes practical application, enabling you to design and implement innovative curricula while developing the leadership skills needed to drive educational change in your school or district.

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

Ideal for:

  • Classroom teachers seeking instructional leadership roles
  • Curriculum coordinators and department heads
  • Educational consultants and instructional coaches
  • Teachers pursuing salary advancement or career changes
  • Educators wanting to specialize in curriculum development
  • Professionals transitioning into educational training roles
  • Teachers interested in pursuing doctoral studies later

Program highlights:

  • Design curriculum and assessments you can implement immediately in your classroom
  • Build a professional portfolio that showcases your growth as an educational innovator
  • Develop expertise in cutting-edge instructional technologies and differentiated learning
94%
Alumni surveyed would recommend KU SOEHS programs1
#38
Best Online Master’s in Education Programs1

Advance your skills, expand your impact

The University of Kansas online education programs are built for people who want to make a difference—in classrooms, schools, and communities. Whether you’re a teacher, administrator, parent, nonprofit professional, you’ll find programs that connect research to practice and provide tools you can put to use right away. With flexible online courses and dedicated faculty support, KU helps you grow your expertise while continuing the important work you’re already doing.

  • ✓ 8-week focused courses
  • ✓ Evidence-based, research-driven curriculum
  • ✓ Practical skills you can apply immediately
  • ✓ Top-ranked by the U.S. News & World Report*

*Retrieved on August 18, 2025 from usnews.com/education/online-education/university-of-kansas-155317

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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 are 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.

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.

ESPY 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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Flexible yet engaging

The thoughtfully designed C&I master’s program fits the rhythms of a working 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

Explore the Virtual Classroom

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.

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Make a lasting impact in education

Ready to join the next generation of educational leaders? KU's online education programs offer three starts per year, making it easier to begin your journey when the time is right for you.

Start an Application
Admissions Information

Jan
6
Application Deadline
January 6
Spring 2026 Term
Jan
20
Next Start
January 20
Spring 2026 Term
Sources
  1. Retrieved on March 14, 2025, from usnews.com/education/online-education/university-of-kansas-OEDU0797/education