Master of Education (M.Ed.)
Curriculum and Instruction
Next Start Date January 13
Est.Program Length Fall Cohort: 4 Semesters, Spring Cohort: 6 Semesters
Course Length 7 weeks
Credit Hours 33
Cost Per Credit $486.98*
Accreditation CAEP
Transfer Credits Accepted 9
*Out-of-state students will be charged an additional $37.71 per credit.
M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction Overview
Build on your teaching skills and prepare for an administrative position when you pursue our master’s in curriculum and instruction online. As you learn from experienced faculty, you’ll explore planning, instruction, and assessment techniques to help you develop learning environments that support the academic outcomes of students. Designed for working teachers and school professionals, our program’s online format allows you to fit studies into your busy schedule.
Our master’s in curriculum and instruction teaches advanced topics that will prepare you to meet the varying needs of all students to create meaningful learning experiences. The online program improves your critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills to help you excel at curriculum design and instruction in the classroom.
Our master’s in curriculum and instruction online program will teach you:
- The theoretical and practical principles of curriculum design and development
- Research-based instructional models related to effective instruction for students in either Pre-K–6 or 6–12 classrooms
- Formal and informal assessments for examining student performance
- Tools used to develop appropriate instruction for all students
- The methods used for analyzing strengths and issues in multicultural education to create a caring learning setting for all students
- How to transform into an instructional leader through the skills used to support effective student learning and development
In addition, the program requires the completion of your choice of capstone experience. A total of up to four credit hours, you can choose between a capstone seminar, National Board Certification seminar, capstone project, or research and practice.
The M.Ed. Curriculum and Instruction is Designed for:
- Teachers who have excelled in the classroom and want to transition into an administrative role.
- Teachers who want to pursue an opening for an advanced career at their school.
- Teachers who feel as if the biggest classroom is other teachers.
International students residing outside the United States of America may apply and enroll into the Shawnee State University’s Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction degree. The program is administered all online and the international student will maintain a full course of study. Admitted students will not be issued an I-20 for entry into the United States. The program will be completed by the student from their home country. Please refer to www.studyinthestates.dhs.gov for more information pertaining to enrollment in an online program from your home country.
Graduate Quickly
Earn your master’s degree in only 18 months.
Study Anywhere
Designed to fit the schedule of working teachers.
Gain Knowledge for Pre-K to 12
Learn to meet the diverse needs of all students.
Courses and Requirements
11 Total Courses In This Program
With a total of 33 credit hours, our master’s in curriculum and instruction online program covers advanced topics in education and focuses on the key principles of curriculum design and instruction. You will also choose one of four courses to complete the program’s required capstone experience.
Cognitive/Motivational Theories
Provides an overview of childhood, adolescent and young adult cognitive development and motivation theory in the context of current research. Prepares teachers to understand the relationship between human brain function and all aspects of human behavior and development and to create developmentally appropriate teaching practices that support the learning of each individual, typical and atypical.
Technology Integration Learning
This course examines antecedents, foundations, issues, trends and practices associated with the theory and practice of computer-based instructional technologies; project-based approach.
Philosophy of Education Prof. Ethics
This course examines classic ethical approaches to problem-solving in conjunction with the knowledge, skills and dispositions needed to make professional decisions in the modern educational environment. Includes analysis and discussion of ethical case studies related to education.
Educational Data Analysis
Examines measurement techniques, quantitative and qualitative data collection methods, and statistical and qualitative data analysis techniques. Emphasis is on the understanding and application of descriptive and inferential statistics in educational research and K-12 classrooms.
Educational Research
Introduces research terminology, methods, purposes, and procedures, along with critical evaluation of research. Formal methods for writing research reports in APA style are introduced. Development of a proposal for the capstone course begins in this class.
Select one of the following:
Capstone Seminar
Provides instruction and supervision for the continued development of the capstone project, with a focus on style, technical aspects, and research methodology.
National Board Certification Seminar
Provides information for students desiring to seek National Board Certification through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. Introduces the development of the professional portfolio, which is continued and completed in EDUC 5508. Credit for EDUC 5507 and EDUC 5508 is awarded for completing the process and is not dependent on achieving national certification. Note: Students are responsible for all costs associated with applying for National Board Certification.
Capstone Project
This is the culminating experience in which students complete the research proposal begun in EDUC 5505 or they complete the National Board of Certification Application process.
Research and Practice
This course provides an option for students who may need additional time to complete the Capstone Project.
Principles of Curriculum Theory
Introduces the fundamental and historical concepts and principles of curriculum design and development, with a wide range of curriculum models in different theoretical frameworks to serve the needs of all students, both typical and atypical.
Advanced Assessment in Curriculum and Instruction
Examines teachers’ use of formal and informal assessments in measuring student performance and in developing appropriate instruction for all students, both typical and atypical. Focuses on the design, implementation, and evaluation of strategies for assessing student learning for diagnostic purposes as well as for measuring achievement (including high-stakes testing). Note: MUST HAVE CURRENT OR EXPIRED TEACHING LICENSE/CERTIFICATE OR BE IN A SCHOOL-RELATED SUPPLEMENTAL SERVICES POSITION SUCH AS SPEECH THERAPIST OR LIBRARIAN.
Critical Studies in Multicultural Education
Assists students to acquire the critical pedagogy framework with which to examine strengths and issues in education in the American pluralistic society and around the world, with an emphasis on anti-oppression and social justice to maximize learning for all students in a just and caring environment.
Teachers as Leaders
Explores ways of transforming teachers to instructional leaders through understanding various leadership roles and skills for supporting effective student learning and development for all students. Note: Students must have current or expired teaching license/certificate or be in a school-related supplemental services position, such as speech therapist or librarian.
Select one of the following:
Curriculum Planning and Implementation Pre-K–6
Focuses on research-based curricular and instructional models that are associated with effective and standards-based instruction and learning for both typical and atypical students in PreK-6 classrooms. Emphasis on purposes, materials and practices associated with effective secondary schools. Note: MUST HAVE CURRENT OR EXPIRED TEACHING LICENSE/CERTIFICATE OR BE IN A SCHOOL-RELATED SUPPLEMENTAL SERVICES POSITION, SUCH AS SPEECH THERAPIST OR LIBRARIAN.
Curriculum Planning and Implementation 6–12
Focuses on research-based curricular and instructional models that are associated with effective and standards-based instruction and learning for both typical and atypical students in 6-12 classrooms. Emphasis on purposes, materials and practices associated with effective secondary schools. Note: MUST HAVE CURRENT OR EXPIRED TEACHING LICENSE/CERTIFICATE OR BE IN A SCHOOL-RELATED SUPPLEMENTAL SERVICES POSITION, SUCH AS SPEECH THERAPIST OR LIBRARIAN.
Admission Requirements
Before applying for this program, you must have:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum 2.75 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- A valid teaching license
How to Apply
In order to apply to our master’s in curriculum and instruction, please contact an enrollment counselor and submit the following:
- Completed application
- Transcripts from a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, showing an overall 2.75 GPA or higher on a 4.0 scale
- A copy of your teaching license
- A reflective personal essay
- Two letters of recommendation from educational or professional sources plus disposition forms
Costs & Financial Aid
The M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction online program is offered at a tuition rate of $486.98 per credit hour for in-state students and $524.69 per credit hour for out-of-state students. Nine credits may be transferred into the program.
Shawnee State University is meeting the needs of local teaching populations with several new scholarship opportunities for teaching professionals to earn their graduate degree in Education.
Component Cost Total* Full Program Tuition $486.98 per credit hour $16,070 Total $16,070 Tuition with Maximum Transfer Credits (Up to 9) $486.98 per credit hour $11,688 Total with Transfer Credits $11,688 Component Cost Total* Full Program Tuition $524.69 per credit hour $17,315 Total $17,315 Tuition with Maximum Transfer Credits (Up to 9) $524.69 per credit hour $12,593 Total $12,593 Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Fees are charged per semester unless otherwise noted. This program takes three semesters to complete, depending on transfer credits. For a personalized estimate of time to completion, call an enrollment advisor at 855-815-0323 or request more information.
* Tuition and fees are subject to change.
Financial Aid
To help make your online education more affordable, Shawnee State offers financial aid in the form of loans, scholarships, and grants. If you have questions, our experienced enrollment counselors and tuition planners will assist you through the process.
Learn More About Financial Aid
Military Students
At Shawnee State, we want those who have served our country to get the education they deserve. As a veteran or current member of the U.S. military, you can receive federal and state educational benefits through the VA, and we will provide you with guidance and support throughout your online education.
Let Us Serve YouCareer Outcomes
The online master’s in curriculum and instruction will equip you with the skills needed to pursue a variety of careers, including instructional coordinator, curriculum director and more.
Salary and job growth information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Instructional Coordinators create instructional material, coordinate educational content, and implement technology in specialized fields to assist teachers in developing curricula. The median wage for instructional coordinators is $66,680 per year.
- Curriculum directors collaborate with schools to create standards for instructors to adhere to in order to improve education. They determine long-term goals, help train teachers and evaluate and revise materials. Curriculum directors earn an average annual salary of $73,458.
- Responsible for managing a school’s student services, academics, and faculty research, postsecondary education administrators earn a median annual salary of $92,360. Employment for the occupation is projected to grow 10 percent through 2026.
