30 Most Affordable Online Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction at Private Non-Profit Colleges in 2021

Founded in 1863, Emporia State University is the third-oldest institution of higher learning in Kansas. The public university is located in the city of Emporia. ESU aims to prepare students for leadership, rewarding careers, and lifelong learning. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Emporia State enrolls 5,796 students and offers many challenging and engaging programs, including an MS in Curriculum and Instruction.

The Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction is a 34-credit program. Students may select concentrations in Curriculum Leadership Pre-K-12, Effective Practitioner Pre-K-12, or National Board Certification Pre-K-12. Candidates build the skills needed to develop, evaluate, and restructure curriculum that facilitates student learning. Courses include:

Curriculum Leadership: Models and Strategies Beliefs, Values, Issues in Educational Practices Developing Authentic Assessments Cultural Awareness for Educators Restructuring Classrooms with Technology

All students participate in a practicum experience that develops their abilities as a teacher-leader. Students in the National Board Certification program complete a National Board Certification portfolio and school-based project.

The University of Colorado Denver is one of the top public urban research universities in the nation. Ambitious research, creative innovation, civic engagement, and quality academics are the foundation of the school. Located in the heart of downtown Denver, CU Denver educates over 14,000 students. The university offers over 100 degree programs, such as an MA in Curriculum and Instruction.

The 30-credit Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction is designed for licensed educators. It features a concentration in Reading and Literacy. Students may choose to develop a 15-hour specialization in reading and writing and customize the other half of the program, or they may choose a track that leads to a Reading Teacher endorsement. In this program, students complete courses like:

Research in Schools Classroom Assessment Seminar and Practicum in Literacy Professional Development Literacy Assessment Informed Instruction Reading Development, Instruction, and Assessment

The program offers up to six scholarships annually. CU Denvers MA in Curriculum and Instruction emphasizes the importance of multiple literacies, including home, school, community, and mainstream. Students finish the program with a capstone course.

Central Michigan University is a public research university based in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. The university was established as a teachers college in 1892. Today, with an enrollment of over 23,300 students, CMU is one of Michigans largest universities. At least 9,000 of these students are enrolled online or at one of 30 satellite locations across the country. Among CMUs student-centered, innovative programs is an MA in Education with a focus on Curriculum and Instruction.

Students in the MA in Education in Curriculum and Instruction program complete core courses, program requirements, and then a selected emphasis. This emphasis may be in Instruction, Mathematics, or Reading. The program prepares effective educational leaders and requires a minimum of 30-34 credits. Courses include:

Methods of Educational Research Current Educational Issues Strategies and Techniques for Teaching Advanced Educational Psychology Theory and Practice in Curriculum Development

Students who select the Instruction emphasis complete a practicum in systematic curriculum development. This involves developing curriculum for a particular content area. An integrating experience is required in the form of a thesis, field study, or capstone project.

A public liberal arts university, Black Hills State is located in Spearfish, South Dakota. Seventy-eight percent of the universitys 4,500 students receive some form of financial aid. The university is committed to providing quality education that is both affordable and flexible. To make education more accessible to working professionals, BHSU provides many distance learning opportunities. Its 83 degree programs include an online M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction.

BHSUs Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction offers multiple areas of specialization and areas of emphasis. These include both subject areas and grade levels to customize your degree. All tracks connect theory and practice, enhance research abilities, and prepare candidates to be successful teacher leaders who effectively shape curriculum. Core courses include:

Educational Collaboration and Research Methods Applying Learning Theory to Instructional Design Curriculum Development and Instruction Cultural and Linguistic Diversity in Schools Action Research in Schools: Technology

Students complete a practicum related to their area of emphasis/specialization. The program also culminates in a capstone seminar. Applicants should have graduated with a GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.

Cleveland State University is a public research university founded in 1964. Its based in downtown Cleveland, Ohio and serves over 17,000 students. The university conducts important research and is recognized for providing upward mobility to its students. Its consistently ranked one of the nations best public universities by U.S. News and World Report. CSU offers over 175 academic programs across ten colleges and schools, including an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction.

The Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction has multiple specializations, such as Gifted and Talented Education, Educational Technology, and Educational Research Assessment. Each specialization has its own unique purpose, focus, and goals. However, students take common core courses like:

Curriculum, Theory, and Instruction Philosophy and Education Comparative and International Education Social Issues and Education Educational Research

Students participate in a practicum experience related to their area of specialization. They also complete an action research project. Some specializations lead to endorsements, such as the Computer and Technology Endorsement and the Gifted Education Endorsement.

Texas Tech University is nationally recognized for providing high-quality, low-cost education. It consistently appears on national rankings by both U.S. News and World Report and Princeton Review. TTU is also named a Best Value college by Forbes, and PayScale ranks the university for its high return on investment. The public university was founded in Lubbock, Texas in 1923. TTUs 36,500 students have the option of earning an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction online.

The Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction is a 36-credit program. It focuses on curriculum theory, development, design, delivery, assessment, and evaluation. Concentrations are available in Curriculum Studies/Teacher Education, Language and Literacy Education, STEM, and Blended Learning/Personalized Learning. All students complete core courses like:

Action Research Practical Applications of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Instructional Theory and Design Curriculum Theory: Design and Development Designing and Assessing Project-Enhanced Environments

Requirements include 18 hours of core coursework, 12 hours in emphasis courses, and either two electives in consultation with an advisor or six thesis hours. Students who dont complete a thesis are also required to take a comprehensive evaluation component. This may include portfolio, final project, or comprehensive examination.

The University of Nebraska at Kearney is a public university founded in 1905. U.S. News and World Report considers it one of the top 10 universities in the Midwest. UNK current enrolls 4,843 students and offers over 170 academic programs. U.S. News and World Report also recognizes UNK for its excellent online graduate programs. Among these high-quality programs is an MAE in Curriculum and Instruction.

UNKs Master of Arts in Education in Curriculum and Instruction is designed for practicing K-12 teachers. The 36-credit online program offers 11 concentration areas, including Instructional Effectiveness, Elementary Education, Secondary Education, English as a Second Language, and STEM. These concentrations give teachers the opportunity to advance in a given discipline or address a particular instructional concern. Required courses include:

Education Research Philosophy of Education Curriculum Development in Multicultural Education Overview of Assitive Technology Practicum/Field Experience

Admission requirements include GPA and either a Professional Biography or the Graduate Record Examination. This program does not lead to certification. Only the ESOL concentration leads to an additional endorsement. Successful completion of a comprehensive examination or project is required.

SUNY Albany is a public research university with campuses in Rensselaer and Albany, New York. An additional campus is located in the Township of Guilderland. The university was named one of Americas Top Colleges by Forbes. SUNY Albany is known for providing student-centered services, an innovative curriculum, and top-notch faculty. It also offers over 100 academic programs, such as an online MS in Curriculum Development and Instructional Technology.

The flexible, 30-credit Master of Science in Curriculum Development and Instructional Technology program is available both online and on campus. It provides students with the opportunity to explore curriculum and instructional design in 21st century, technology-infused environments. In this program, expect to take courses such as:

Communication, Technology, and the Knowledge-Building Enterprise Learning in the Academic Disciplines Cooperative Learning and Instructional Technology Systematic Design of Instruction Integrating Technology Across the Curriculum

SUNY Albanys CDIT program has been ranked the sixth-best in the nation by U.S. News and World Report. Students complete courses in Foundations of Education, Instructional Theory and Practice, Curriculum Development OR Instructional Technology, five Supporting Courses, and a three-credit Capstone Seminar.

Founded in 1855 as a prototype for land-grant universities, Michigan State has a long history of excellence. The public research university is located in East Lansing, Michigan. MSU is considered one of the top research universities in the world. According to U.S. News and World Report, 25 of the universitys degree programs are in the top 20 nationally. MSU offers more than 200 academic programs, including an MA in Teaching and Curriculum.

MSUs Master of Arts in Teaching and Curriculum helps current educators improve their practice, become teacher leaders, and engage in critical inquiry. The 30-credit program offers seven concentrations, including educational psychology, educational technology, literacy instruction, and K-12 educational administration. The curriculum is highly customizable, but students can expect to take courses like:

Diverse Learners and Learning Subject Matter Inquiry Into Classroom Teaching and Learning Philosophical Inquiry and Contemporary Issues in Education Designing Interdisciplinary Curricula Issues of Culture in Classroom and Curriculum

The program culminates in both a portfolio and a synthesis paper. The synthesis paper is 8-10 pages and tells the story of the students MATC experience. The portfolio includes several online artifacts, including evidence of self-reflection, feedback from faculty and peers, and evidence of progress. Students receive support and guidance in creating these components, including optional peer review.

Located in Manhattan, Kansas, Kansas State is a public research university opened in 1863. It was the first public institution of higher education in the state. K-State frequently appears in the top 10 in Princeton Review rankings. The school prides itself on preparing students for success, and the job placement rate is 96 percent. KSU serves nearly 24,000 students and offers over 250 academic programs. This includes an online MS in Curriculum and Instruction.

Students must earn a minimum of 31 credits to complete K-States Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction. The program emphasizes recent developments in educational research, theory, and practice. Students can choose from six areas of study, such as Educational Technology, English as a Second Language, Reading Specialist, and Learning Skills/School Improvement. Sample courses include:

Contemporary Issues in Teaching and Learning Educational Technology for Teaching and Learning Action Research in Education Teaching Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Learners Effective Teaching Methods

This program focuses on four areas of professional commitment: exemplary instruction, dissemination of useful research and scholarship, provision of leadership, and the celebration of diversity. The program is intended for teachers who want to improve their practice, earn additional endorsements, or progress toward school leadership.

A private Christian research university, Regent University is based in Virginia Beach, Virginia. It was founded in 1978 to prepare innovative leaders with a Christ-centered education. One of the fastest-growing schools in the country, Regent offers 132 areas of study. The universitys online programs are ranked by U.S. News and World Report as some of the nations best. One of these programs is an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction.

Regents Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction emphasizes strategic planning and evaluation, project-based learning, and curriculum improvement. A STEM concentration is embedded into the program. It also offers concentrations in Adult Education, Teacher Leader, Christian School, and Gifted Talented. Courses include:

Research Design Classroom Management Instructional Strategies for At-Risk Students Philosophical Foundations in Education Technology in Education

Graduates are prepared to develop and deliver curriculum in settings including higher education, private schools, public schools, and the workplace. They may work as content specialists, lead teachers, department heads, and curriculum development. Graduates are also employed in administrative, corporate, and non-profit settings.

Concordia University Chicago is a private Christian liberal arts university in River Forest, Illinois, about 10 miles outside of downtown Chicago. Its one of the Midwests most affordable private universities. Concordia was founded as a teachers college in 1864. Today, its a comprehensive university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Concordia offers over 100 degree programs that prepare students practically, academically, intellectually, and ethically for meaningful careers. The university has an online MA in Curriculum and Instruction.

The Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction is a 30-credit program that shapes master teachers. Students build knowledge of curriculum models and theories, contemporary educational issues, effective instruction and leadership, action research, curriculum development, and more. Courses include:

Curriculum Construction Assessment, Evaluation, and Data-Driven Decision Making Curriculum and Instructional Development for the Differentiated Classroom Instructional Coaching and Mentoring: Teacher Leadership Socially, Culturally, and Linguistically Diverse Students: Perspectives for Practitioners

Concordias Curriculum and Instruction program can be completed in 12 or 24 months. Students must submit a culminating project that demonstrates growth, reflective practice, and proficiency. It also shows the candidates ability to integrate technology and interpret theory into practice.

Founded in 1881, South Dakota State is the largest and longest-operating university in South Dakota. The public research university is located in the city of Brookings. Academic programs are flexible and emphasize affordability and experiential learning. About 12,000 students are enrolled at SDSU. With nearly 200 program offerings, the university has something for everyone. For you, theres an online M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction.

The Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction helps educators develop a more effective, personalized, and productive approach to teaching. Students choose between four specialties: Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Secondary Education, or Adult and Higher Education. They also select a coursework only plan or a plan that combines less coursework with a research project. Courses include:

Educational Assessment Curriculum: Theory Into Practice Current Issues in Education Effective Teaching: Theory Into Practice Advanced Educational Psychology

Applicants must submit a resume, two letters of professional reference, and a goal statement. Students develop skills and knowledge through lectures, research, practicums, and internships. The coursework only option requires 35 credit hours, while the research option requires 32 credit hours, including Research Problems.

The University of Massachusetts Lowell is a mid-sized public research university located north of Boston in Lowell, Massachusetts. UMass Lowell is committed to providing quality, affordable education that prepares students to solve problems and help people in their careers. More than 17,000 students take advantage of the universitys 170 outstanding degree programs. One of these programs is an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction.

The 10-course Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction is designed for teachers who want to enhance the contributions they make to education. Students broaden their professional knowledge by taking 30 credits related to curriculum design, teaching strategies, and history and theory. Students take courses such as:

Educating Diverse Populations Dynamics of Curricular Change Curriculum Design K-12 Models of Teaching Assessment of Learning

This program is ranked one of the nations best online graduate programs by U.S. News and World Report. It culminates in an Action Research Capstone project. Students may pursue a Science Education option or an Autism Studies option. Additional credits are required for these options.

Virginias largest research university, George Mason is a young university that has made rapid progress in a short time. U.S. News and World Report has named George Mason one of the top up-and-coming schools to watch. Its also recognized by Forbes as one of Americas Best College Buys. Enrollment numbers over 34,000 students, and the school has five campuses in total. George Mason offers an affordable online M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction.

George Masons Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction features a concentration in Blended and Online Learning in Schools. Its designed for educators who want to plan and teach online courses, blend online and face-to-face instruction, or evaluate online programs. In this unique 30-credit program, youll take courses such as:

Blended and Online Teachers and Learners Models of Blended and Online Learning Tools for K-12 Blended and Online Learning Designing K-12 Blended and Online Learning Blended and Online Communication

Students complete two project development practicums. All students in the program are paired with a faculty advisor for one-on-one support. The curriculum is based on the International Association for K-12 Online Learnings (iNACOL) National Standards for Quality Online Teaching.

Greenville University is a Christian liberal arts university in Greenville, Illinois. It was founded in 1892 by the Free Methodist Church. Today, Greenville Universitys mission is to empower students for lives of character and service. It provides Christ-centered education from distinguished, caring faculty. The university offers over 50 academic programs on campus, at partnership locations, and online. One of these programs is an online MA in Curriculum and Instruction.

Greenvilles Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction can be completed in 24 months. Students learn the most up-to-date theories and methods in learning assessment, curricular design, educational technology, leadership, and literacy. The curriculum also integrates Christian values and prepares students to serve a culturally diverse world. Courses include:

Managing Change in Education Trends and Issues in Education Assessment for Learning Curricular Design Literacy for Todays Society

A teaching certificate is not required to enroll in this program. Students learn to implement effective methods of curriculum and instruction in corporate as well as educational contexts. Candidates complete a hands-on capstone research project that involves designing and implementing improvement in their school, district, or organization.

Located in Boiling Springs, North Carolina, Gardner-Webb University is a private Christian university founded in 1905. The student-oriented, Christian-centered university enrolls nearly 4,000 students and offers more than 80 fields of study. Ninety-seven percent of students would recommend GWU to others. Thirty percent of students take courses exclusively online. One of GWUs online program options is an affordable MA in Teacher Leadership in Curriculum and Instruction.

The Master of Arts in Teacher Leadership in Curriculum and Instruction is designed for teachers who want to enhance their career opportunities and leadership abilities. The five-semester program focuses on the design, implementation, and evaluation of curriculum and instruction. Students also learn to conduct, interpret, and apply research. Courses include:

Issues and Models in Curriculum Instructional Leadership Assessment and Evaluation Reform and Change Theory Research Design and Methods

Three years of teaching experience is strongly recommended for this program. Each semester, candidates take one module comprised of six or seven integrated semester hours. Students complete a one credit-hour internship during the third, fourth, and fifth semesters.

According to U.S. News and World Report, the University of Cincinnati is one of the top-tier public universities in the United States. Founded in 1819, the public research university currently enrolls 44,000 students. Students enjoy a combination of real-world experience and academic excellence. The university offers a diverse array of courses both in person and online. This includes an online M.Ed in Curriculum and Instruction.

The Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction is for K-12 teachers dedicated to improving learning outcomes. Students select one of three concentrations: General Studies, Gifted, or STEM. Coursework helps candidates develop a broad understanding of the American education system and how they can build opportunities for effective learning. These courses include:

Educational Research Curriculum and Instruction: Theories and Trends Teaching and Learning in Diverse Classrooms Improving Instructional Effectiveness Attitude Formation and Change in the Classroom

The curriculum for this program is frequently updated to reflect the latest research, methods, and trends in education. The program consists of 30 credit hours, and each course is seven weeks long. It can be completed in just five semesters. Students complete a clinical experience.

Ohio University is a public university based in Athens, Ohio. The school also has multiple regional universities and varied opportunities for distance learning. In total, OU serves 29,985 students. U.S. News and World Report counts Ohio University among the best public universities in the country. It also ranks several of the schools undergraduate and graduate programs as some of the nations best. Ohio University offers an Advanced Masters in Curriculum and Instruction.

The Advanced Masters in Curriculum and Instruction helps current educators advance their skills and knowledge. Teachers complete coursework and clinical experiences in their own classrooms. The program emphasizes innovation in curriculum development, pedagogy, assessment, leadership, student learning, teaching, action research, and community involvement. Students take courses like:

Formative Instructional Practices Advanced Differentiated/Instructional Adaptations Principles of Curriculum Emerging Technologies for Teaching Teacher as Action Researcher

Students must submit a portfolio and a masters research project. The program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. It is also aligned with national standards for teacher preparation and ongoing professional development.

Penn State World Campus is Pennsylvania State Universitys digital campus. Its also referred to as Penn State Online. Courses are both developed and facilitated by the award-winning, distinguished faculty at Penn State. Launched in 1992, the World Campus serves about 20,000 students. Many of its programs are recognized as some of the nations top online programs by U.S. News and World Report. One of these excellent programs is an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction.

The Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction is a 30-credit program that prepares students to effectively manage contemporary challenges in education. It offers five emphases, including STEM Education, Curriculum and Supervision, and Social Studies. Courses in the online program replicate those in Penn States prestigious residential program. Courses include:

Curriculum Design: Theory and Practice Learning Processes in Relation to Educational Practices Overview of Contmporary School Curriculum Teaching as Inquiry Strategies in Classroom Management

Each emphasis includes a designated number of core courses, as well as suggested emphasis and elective courses. The program concludes with a masters paper. In addition to the emphases described above, students have the option to customize their own program in collaboration with an adviser.