Best Online Master’s Degrees in Curriculum and Instruction

Remember your favorite classes in school? Whatever the subject, you were engaged and excited, and enjoyed how much you learned. While much of the credit goes to your teachers, curriculum design and instruction is just as valuable for a rewarding learning experience.

A master’s degree in curriculum and instruction can open doors in this dynamic field, and an online program means you can study without relocating to campus. But which program? Let’s take a look at several online master’s in curriculum and instruction degree programs so you can decide which one best will suit your needs.

Best Online Master’s Degrees in Curriculum and Instruction for 2024

We have ranked the top schools below. Our Rankings Data comes from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES.) Click the About the Ranking link below for more information about our methodology.

2 Year Schools 4 Year Schools
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About the Ranking
Base Methodology for OnlineColleges.me’s 2024 Online College Rankings
1. Create List of Eligible Schools and Programs
To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
• Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
• At least one program in the subject area offered partially or fully online.
2. Assign Weightings
After creating the list of eligible schools, OnlineColleges.me data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of affordability, support services, and online program availability metrics. Online program availability and overall affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings.
Online Program Availability
• Number of online programs in subject area reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education. Because exact numbers change often and can be difficult to verify, we use a range-based scoring system: 0-5 online programs = 1 star; 6-10 = 2 stars; 11-15 = 3 stars; 16-20 = 4 stars; 21+ = 5 stars. In our design, laptop icons = stars.
• For degree-specific pages, ex: Psychology degrees, we list the current number of online programs available at that school for that degree type, as self-reported by the schools.
Affordability
• Cost – Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on tuition and fees per academic year.
• Students w/ Institutional Aid – Percentage of students who receive financial aid from the school itself.
Support Services
• Academic Counseling – Existence of this service on campus or online.
• Career Placement – Existence of this service on campus or online.
About Our Data
OnlineColleges.me’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: January of 2024
• 1

  Buena Vista University

  Storm Lake, IA

  Private not-for-profit $

  Buena Vista offers an online Master of Education in Curriculum, Leadership, and Instruction with four emphasis choices. Educators can add to their skillset with a focus on teaching and Instructional Leadership, Talented and Gifted, ESOL, or Teacher Technology Integrationist. BVU designed this program for working educators so they can graduate in just two years without leaving their teaching classrooms. All program endorsements meet Iowa BOE standards; students should check with their state to confirm eligibility.

  Program Highlights:

  Master of Education — Teacher Leadership, Curriculum, and Instruction

  • Credits: 30
  • Length: 2 years
  • Cost: $285/credit
  • Mode: Fully online
  • Accreditation: HLC

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  11/1

• 2

  Concordia University-Nebraska

  Seward, NE

  Private not-for-profit $

  Concordia University Nebraska offers a Master of Education rooted in faith-based educational practices. This program is ideal for current educators; the required 45-hour practicum experience is designed for students to implement in their current classrooms. Students can choose an emphasis or endorsement from areas including Trauma and Resilience, ESOL, Instructional Technology Leadership, or STEAM. Each course in this fully online program is just eight weeks long, meaning students can graduate in two years.

  Program Highlights:

  Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction

  • Credits: 30
  • Length: 2 years
  • Cost: $340/credit (resident) | $425/credit (non-resident)
  • Mode: Fully online with in-person practicum
  • Accreditation: CAEP

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  14/1

• 3

  Culver-Stockton College

  Canton, MO

  Private not-for-profit $

  Current educators can earn speedy qualifications in curriculum and instruction with the one-year accelerated online Master of Education at Culver-Stockton College. All courses in the program are fully online, which means licensed teachers can continue teaching without interruption while earning their master’s. The program also provides five potential start dates each year, making the path to a degree even more accessible.

  Program Highlights:

  Master of Education with a Specialization in Curriculum & Instruction

  • Credits: 30
  • Length: 1 year
  • Cost: $400/credit
  • Mode: Fully online
  • Accreditation: HLC | Missouri DESE

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  14/1

• 4

  Greenville University

  Greenville, IL

  Private not-for-profit $

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  11/1

• 5

  Averett University

  Danville, VA

  Private not-for-profit $$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  12/1

• 6

  Ottawa University-Ottawa

  Ottawa, KS

  Private not-for-profit $$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  11/1

• 7

  Hood College

  Frederick, MD

  Private not-for-profit $

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  10/1

• 8

  Dordt University

  Sioux Center, IA

  Private not-for-profit $

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  14/1

• 9

  Olivet Nazarene University

  Bourbonnais, IL

  Private not-for-profit $$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  15/1

• 10

  Concordia University Ann Arbor

  Ann Arbor, MI

  Private not-for-profit $$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  10/1

• 11

  Wisconsin Lutheran College

  Milwaukee, WI

  Private not-for-profit $$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  12/1

• 12

  Concordia University-Chicago

  River Forest, IL

  Private not-for-profit $

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  13/1

• 13

  East Texas Baptist University

  Marshall, TX

  Private not-for-profit $

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  14/1

• 14

  Ashland University

  Ashland, OH

  Private not-for-profit $

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  12/1

• 15

  University of Jamestown

  Jamestown, ND

  Private not-for-profit $

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  11/1

• 16

  Colorado Christian University

  Lakewood, CO

  Private not-for-profit $$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  15/1

• 17

  Concordia University-Wisconsin

  Mequon, WI

  Private not-for-profit $$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  12/1

• 18

  Coker University

  Hartsville, SC

  Private not-for-profit $$$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  12/1

• 19

  Biola University

  La Mirada, CA

  Private not-for-profit $$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  13/1

• 20

  Drake University

  Des Moines, IA

  Private not-for-profit $$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  11/1

• 21

  Stetson University

  DeLand, FL

  Private not-for-profit $$$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  12/1

• 22

  Arkansas State University

  Jonesboro, AR

  Public $

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  14/1

• 23

  Carlow University

  Pittsburgh, PA

  Private not-for-profit $$$$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  11/1

• 24

  LeTourneau University

  Longview, TX

  Private not-for-profit $$$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  15/1

• 25

  Doane University

  Crete, NE

  Private not-for-profit $

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  10/1

• 26

  Southwestern Assemblies of God University

  Waxahachie, TX

  Private not-for-profit $

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  16/1

• 27

  McKendree University

  Lebanon, IL

  Private not-for-profit $

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  15/1

• 28

  New Mexico State University-Main Campus

  Las Cruces, NM

  Public $

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  15/1

• 29

  University of Redlands

  Redlands, CA

  Private not-for-profit $$$$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  11/1

• 30

  University of Nebraska at Kearney

  Kearney, NE

  Public $

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  13/1

• 31

  North American University

  Stafford, TX

  Private not-for-profit $

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  13/1

• 32

  Liberty University

  Lynchburg, VA

  Private not-for-profit $

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  17/1

• 33

  Faulkner University

  Montgomery, AL

  Private not-for-profit $$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  13/1

• 34

  University of Southern Maine

  Portland, ME

  Public $

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  13/1

• 35

  Bluefield University

  Bluefield, VA

  Private not-for-profit $

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  14/1

• 36

  DePaul University

  Chicago, IL

  Private not-for-profit $$$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  17/1

• 37

  Mississippi College

  Clinton, MS

  Private not-for-profit $$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  13/1

• 38

  University of Houston-Victoria

  Victoria, TX

  Public $

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  15/1

• 39

  Cornerstone University

  Grand Rapids, MI

  Private not-for-profit $$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  15/1

• 40

  Ohio University-Main Campus

  Athens, OH

  Public $

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  17/1

• 41

  Ohio Dominican University

  Columbus, OH

  Private not-for-profit $$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  14/1

• 42

  Mid-America Christian University

  Oklahoma City, OK

  Private not-for-profit $$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  11/1

• 43

  Northwest Missouri State University

  Maryville, MO

  Public $

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  19/1

• 44

  Regent University

  Virginia Beach, VA

  Private not-for-profit $$$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  21/1

• 45

  University of Idaho

  Moscow, ID

  Public $

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  16/1

• 46

  Angelo State University

  San Angelo, TX

  Public $

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  19/1

• 47

  Harding University

  Searcy, AR

  Private not-for-profit $$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  16/1

• 48

  Keene State College

  Keene, NH

  Public $

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  15/1

• 49

  Shepherd University

  Shepherdstown, WV

  Public $

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  14/1

• 50

  Florida Southern College

  Lakeland, FL

  Private not-for-profit $$$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  14/1

Program Spotlights: Curriculum and Instruction Master’s Degrees Online

If you’re interested in an online master’s in curriculum and instruction, you should note that not all programs are the same. Some are fully online, others are hybrid, and some offer synchronous vs asynchronous classes. There are thesis and non-thesis options, and even practical differences like the availability of part-time or accelerated degree options. Which options are best for you is a personal question, depending on your individual circumstances. A few programs stand out in terms of prestige, course offerings, student support, and more. Have a look at these online master’s in curriculum and instruction to see if they might be a match for you:

How Much Does an Online Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction Cost?

Earning an online master’s in curriculum and instruction can be a major financial commitment. Remember, any accredited online master’s program should be eligible for federal student loans, although you’ll need to complete the FAFSA to receive funding. You may also be eligible for school-specific aid, including grants, scholarships, and work study programs.

Moreover, differences in financial aid opportunities and tuition mean that costs for online master’s programs in curriculum and instruction will vary, so be sure to do your research before you apply. The more aware you are of the cost of your program before you begin, the easier it will be to form a plan to pay for it.

How Much Your Online Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction Could Cost

What to Expect in Your Online Master’s Degree Program in Curriculum and Instruction

Once you’re enrolled in your online master’s program in curriculum and instruction, it’s time to learn! As a student in an MEd program, your courses will likely emphasize the foundations of teaching and learning, and the specific challenges of creating a curriculum that meets the educational needs of students from different cultural backgrounds, educational histories, and more.

Curriculum and Instruction online master’s programs offer a lot of variety. Some programs have a thesis component, with a project or research paper as the capstone of your degree. Others may have a more traditional final exam, or require you to complete a certain number of hours of supervised practical experience in a classroom setting.

Whichever program you choose, there will be a traditional lecture-based classroom component with either synchronous or asynchronous classes. Here are a few of the classes you’re likely to see as you pursue your online degree:

Common Online Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction Courses

Job Outlook: What Can You Do with a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction

Your online master’s in curriculum and instruction can lead to careers in the world of education, but also in the corporate world, government and nonprofits. This is a master’s that equips you with transferable skills that can be used to enhance your existing career, so you can take on more responsibility in your current role. With this in mind, here are a few potential careers to consider once you’ve graduated:

Instructional Coordinator

Schools and school systems rely on instructional coordinators to oversee both curriculum design and teaching standards. In this role, you’ll be designing curricula for different courses and educational materials, and working with local boards of education, teachers and principals to implement and assess.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022

High School Teacher

For teachers who’ve recently completed their master’s, a postgraduate degree in curriculum and instruction can be a tool to advance within their school. Often, a focused master’s can be helpful in becoming a department head while teaching at the high school level.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022

Training and Development Manager

If an organization like a private company, government agency, or nonprofit wants to design a new training program or enhance their existing one, a training and development manager is their go-to. With your wide body of knowledge in learning theory and instructional coordination, your master’s will have qualified you well for this role.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022

FAQs About Online Master’s Programs in Curriculum and Instruction

Even after learning about specific online master’s programs in curriculum and instruction, many students have questions about the degree process and how it will impact them, and need answers before they apply. If this sounds like you, we’ve got you covered. Here are some of the most common and most pressing questions our readers have about earning an online master’s in curriculum and instruction:

• Are online master’s degree programs in Curriculum and Instruction fully online?

  An online master’s in curriculum in instruction is just what it sounds like: a 100% online degree. While classes may be synchronous or asynchronous, they are generally completed entirely online, from wherever you choose. The only exception is when a program has an on-site component, which may involve working with a school or another institution face-to-face in your community. In these cases, it’s not likely that you will need to relocate to campus.

• What does the admissions process look like for this degree?

  The admissions process for your online master’s in curriculum and instruction will generally be straightforward, similar to many other online graduate programs. You will likely have to apply online, and provide an essay or personal statement, official transcripts from your undergraduate education, and letters of recommendation. Depending on your program, you may be required to submit GRE scores as well, and many programs require a minimum undergraduate GPA, often 3.0 or higher.

• How long does it take to complete a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction online?

  A full-time online master’s degree program in curriculum and instruction will typically take two years to complete. Some schools offer more intensive, accelerated programs which can be completed in as little as one year. Alternatively, there are schools that offer part-time or self-paced programs, which may take several years to complete, but require much less time spent studying per week, making them a potentially good fit for students with personal or professional obligations outside of their studies.

• What academic and career support services are available to online students earning their master’s in Curriculum and Instruction?

  During your online master’s program, you’ll still be able to reach out to professors and fellow classmates, even if you aren’t meeting with them physically. Many professors offer online office hours via video for online master’s students, and can facilitate virtual study groups. Also, be sure to take advantage of online career resources from your school, including resume review, online career fairs, and more.

• Can I work while pursuing an online Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction degree?

  One of the advantages of pursuing your master’s degree online is that it’s very possible to work full- or part-time while you study. This is true for degrees in many fields, including an online master’s in curriculum and instruction. Students taking part-time or asynchronous classes find the flexibility of an online degree makes it easier to work around personal or professional responsibilities.

Other Master’s Degree Options in Education

If you are interested in a master’s degree in education but are unsure what specialization to pursue, check out these other degree pages to learn about your options:

Master’s Degrees in Education – Early Childhood Education (ECE)

Master’s Degrees in Education – Educational Leadership

Master’s Degrees in Education – Higher Education

Master’s Degrees in Education – Library Sciences

Master’s Degrees in Education – Music Education

Master’s Degrees in Education – Special Education (SpEd)

Master’s Degrees in Education – Teaching