Online Curriculum and Instruction Degrees by Level

Curriculum and instruction degree programs are designed to enhance the professional knowledge of licensed teachers and provide students with a deeper understanding of the curriculum planning process. Typically this type of degree is offered at the graduate-level with master's degree programs available online.

Overview of an Online Master's Degree Program in Curriculum and Instruction

This type of curriculum and instruction degree is designed for professional, licensed teachers who wish to advance their knowledge in teaching and curriculum development. Students study curriculum design and development, including new instructional techniques. Courses familiarize students with contemporary theories and practices of knowledge acquisition. Graduates are prepared to enhance curriculum development in school systems as instructional coordinators or school administrators.

Program Information

Usually consisting of approximately 30-36 credit hours, an online master's degree in curriculum and instruction typically requires 2 years to complete. Programs components are offered entirely online. Course instruction and materials are provided through mixed media, including PowerPoint presentations, online bulletin boards, video lectures, reading assignments and group projects. Some online curriculum and instruction programs offer specialty tracts, such as science education or autism studies.

Common Online Courses for a Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction

Common online courses include a number of core classes, such as those outlined below, and a number of elective courses that may include adult literacy, the use of computers as learning tools and technology use in education.

Instructional Supervision Course

This online course provides instruction in institutional and social settings for instructional supervision. Topics include the functions, practices and common activities of supervision. Students learn the analysis and discussion of supervisory case studies.

Issues in Curriculum Course

Students gain an advanced understanding of the definition and practice of curriculum in this class. Lessons include in-depth study of the latest trends and issues in the practice of curriculum development.

Curriculum Design Course

The focus of this course is on both theory and practice, including the analysis and use of curriculum design methodologies. Topics include various methods and models for approaching the design process.

Career Information

Graduates from an online curriculum and instruction program are ready to take on leadership roles within a school system or a similar learning environment. Career opportunities include instructional coordinator positions, also commonly referred to as curriculum specialists, directors of instructional material or instructional coaches.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has projected job growth within this area to grow at a faster than average rate of 23% between 2008 and 2018 (www.bls.gov). As of May 2009, the BLS also reported the median annual salary of instructional coordinators as $58,780, with elementary and secondary schools providing the highest levels of employment for this occupation.
Administrative positions at the school or district level are also available to those with a master's degree in curriculum and instruction. Opportunities may include assistant principal, academic dean or staff developer. The BLS reports employment growth within this area to grow by about eight percent between 2008 and 2018, and reports $85,220 as the median annual salary for education administrators at elementary and secondary schools (www.bls.gov).

Continuing Education Information

Instructional coordinators are typically required to complete continuing education coursework in a number of topics, such as curriculum training, teacher evaluation techniques, teacher observation analysis and methods for new teacher orientation.