In this article, we profile the 30 most affordable online master's in curriculum and instruction degree programs from private, non-profit colleges and universities in 2018.
Earning a master's in curriculum and instruction helps position you for career advancement in education. This highly specialized master's in education degree is often the first step toward a boost in pay and on-the-job promotion. Online options are available at some of the nation's top private colleges. These schools offer online master's programs designed to equip working teachers with flexible and convenient online courses.
Ranking the Most Affordable Master's in Curriculum and Instruction Online Degree Programs
We looked at 84 private, non-profit colleges and universities listed by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) College Navigator, offering online master's in curriculum and instruction, or closely related degree programs. We narrowed our search by choosing to examine accredited schools with graduate tuition/fees of approximately $20,000 annually. We then listed the top 30 online degree programs in order of affordability.
Below are the resulting selections for the 30 most affordable private colleges to offer online master's in curriculum and instruction degree programs.
#30 – LeTourneau University
Online Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction
Longview, Texas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $20,115
LeTourneau University is a private college that offers an accredited online master's in curriculum and instruction program designed for busy educators who want to learn to prepare and address issues in curriculum at the campus and district level without having to quit their current job. Students take one online course at a time, with each class lasting between three and seven weeks. The program is designed to be completed in approximately two years or less, depending on the student's course load. Some of the courses offered include educational research for effective teaching, instructional leadership, management and delivery of differentiated instruction, public school law, and theoretical applications of teaching and learning. Both the school and program are accredited, and U.S. News and World Report ranks LeTourneau as the 27th best regional university in the West and the 4th best value institution.
#29 – Nova Southeastern University
Online Master's in Education – Curriculum, Instruction, and Technology
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $19,175
Nova Southeastern University's Fischler College of Education offers a master's in curriculum and instruction online degree program designed for working professionals who want to earn a specialized master's in education. Practicing curriculum developers, administrators, or teachers who want to pursue a graduate degree should apply to Nova's master's program. A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 2.5 is required. Courses are delivered online and taught by Nova instructors. These classes include assessment of learning, curriculum and learning, introduction to web authoring, research in education – process and application, and technology and the school curriculum. Nova Southeastern is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 214th best national university. Also, the online graduate education programs are ranked #84 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#28 – Houston Baptist University
Online Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction
Houston, Texas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $18,966
Houston Baptist University's online master's in curriculum and instruction program offers students 18 hours of core education curriculum in the area of school reform, development, research, and technology. The student will be recommended for graduation when they have completed 36 semester hours and passed the comprehensive examination. Courses are online and taught by Houston Baptist faculty members. These classes include American educational reform, curriculum and instruction for elementary and secondary classrooms, educational applications of technology, and teaching methodology for the professional. The school is accredited and ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the most recent edition of Best Colleges ranks the school as the 76th best regional university in the West.
#27 – Southern New Hampshire University
Online MEd in Curriculum and Instruction
Manchester, New Hampshire
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $18,810
Southern New Hampshire University's master's in curriculum and instruction online degree program offers several areas of specialization so that interested students may tailor their education degree toward career goals. The online curriculum and instruction master's degree prepares students in all educational settings to become leaders in their current and future roles. Not only do students earn a master's in curriculum and instruction but may specialize their degree in areas like dyslexia studies and language-based learning disabilities, education leadership, reading, special education, and technology integration. Admission does not require the GRE or GMAT. U.S. News and World Report ranks the school as the 101st best regional university in the North and the #1 most innovative institution in the country.
#26 – Gannon University
Online Master's in Curriculum and Instruction
Erie, Pennsylvania
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $17,920
Gannon University's online master's in education curriculum and instruction program is designed to facilitate the highest level of teacher performance in educational settings. The 30-credit master's degree can be completed by taking one course at a time, each lasting seven weeks. Students typically complete two seven-week classes each semester. Some of the courses offered include action research, learning theory, school curriculum, and technology literacy and integration. Gannon is accredited, as are its graduate programs. Also, U.S. News and World Report ranks the school as the 51st best regional university in the North and 10th best value institution.
#25 – Lesley University
Online Master of Education – Curriculum and Instruction
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $17,690
Lesley University is one of the private schools on our list to offer curriculum and instruction online master's programs that are accredited and affordable. The 33-credit hour program can be completed entirely online and consists of accelerated eight-week terms. Online courses include classroom and school inquiry, dimensions of equity, dimensions of teaching and learning, essential linguistics, number and operations, and the teaching of writing. Elective courses may also be taken in areas like literacy, mathematics, science, or special education. Lesley is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 197th best national university in the country. Also, out of more than 800 surveyed institutions with graduate schools, Lesley's graduate education school was recognized by U.S. News.
#24 – Point Park University
Online Master's in Curriculum and Instruction
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,848
Point Park University offers curriculum and instruction online master's programs designed to prepare professional educators who are seeking leadership roles in a school setting. The online format requires no face-to-face meetings and allows students to take a three-credit course every eight weeks. Following this schedule, students typically complete their degree in about two years. Some of the courses offered include content area design and instruction, emerging teacher leadership, human diversity issues in education, issues in law and education, research methods, and technological applications across the curriculum. Point Park is ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 110th best regional university in the North, and its online graduate education programs have also earned recognition in the most recent edition of Best Colleges.
#23 – Dallas Baptist University
Online Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction
Dallas, Texas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,208
Dallas Baptist University offers an online master's in education curriculum and instruction degree program designed for working educators who desire to remain teaching while earning a specialized graduate education degree. The program consists of 21 credit hours of core curriculum requirements and 15 hours for the specialized concentration. Admission requires satisfactory scores on either the GRE or MAT; however, scores may be waived if the student earns an A- or higher in each of the first four courses of graduate work at Dallas Baptist. Courses include curriculum design and evaluation, introduction to exceptional learners, research in education, and supervision of instruction. The school is ranked with U.S. News and World Report as a top national university, and its online graduate education programs have also earned recognition.
#22 – Fresno Pacific University
Online Master's in Curriculum and Instruction
Fresno, California
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,980
Fresno Pacific University's online master's in curriculum and instruction program is designed for educators who want to grow professionally as curriculum leaders without having to step away from their current occupations. The program is ideal for working teachers and offers online classes that encourage professional development. No GRE or GMAT is required for admission, which adds to the seamless transition from teaching to earning an online degree. Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree with a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75. Some of the classes offered include conflict management and peacemaking in schools, curriculum design – theory and practice, historical foundations of curriculum, leadership – a personal perspective, and using technology to differentiate curriculum. Fresno Pacific is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 44th best regional university in the West.
#21 – Olivet Nazarene University
Online Master's in Curriculum and Instruction
Bourbonnais, Illinois
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,945
Olivet Nazarene University's online master's in curriculum and instruction degree program is designed specifically for today's teachers who lead busy lives. The 22-month program can be completed entirely online and consists of 33 credits and accelerated classes. Courses are taught by experienced Olivet faculty members who instruct both on-campus and online. These classes include applied learning theory, critical issues in education, educational research – principles and practices, habits of exemplary teachers, integrating technologies, and understanding today's children. Three different start dates are offered in the fall, spring, and late spring. Olivet is an accredited private institution, also ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News ranks the school as the 49th best regional university in the Midwest and the 7th best value institution.
#20 – Cornerstone University
Online Master's in Curriculum and Instruction
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,486
Cornerstone University's curriculum and instruction online master's programs are designed for working educators and teachers with the desire to earn a specialized online education degree. The program takes approximately 24 months to complete by taking flexible, online classes–one at a time. Courses include assessment for K-12 students, community building and educational leadership, curriculum and instructional theory, issues in education, reading diagnostic tools and remediation, and student motivation and behavior. Admission requirements include an official transcript, two letters of recommendation, a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75, and a minimum of one year of successful classroom teaching experience. Cornerstone is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 79th best regional university in the Midwest and the 22nd best value school.
#19 – Colorado Christian University
Online Master's in Curriculum and Instruction
Lakewood, Colorado
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,407
Colorado Christian University's master's in curriculum and instruction online program provides students with the tools necessary to enhance their professional teaching and administration careers. The 36-credit hour program offers online courses that are typically taught in five-week blocks. Coursework can be completed in as little as twenty months, depending on student pace. Some of the courses offered include curriculum and instructional design, instructional methodologies, needs assessment and evaluation, research and analysis seminar, and studies in education. Alternative licensing options are available and require an additional 18 credits of an applicable teaching internship and courses. The institution is accredited and ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the West.
#18 – Averett University
Online Master's in Curriculum and Instruction
Danville, Virginia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,620
Averett University's master's in curriculum and instruction online degree program is open to applicants who are currently licensed to teach in the state of Virginia. This 15-month program requires 30 credits, which may be completed entirely online. The degree takes approximately 15 months to earn with classes taught in an accelerated, cohort-based format. Courses include adolescent and child psychology, curriculum development and design, digitally mediated instruction, evaluating instructional procedures, and meeting the needs of exceptional learners. Admission requires official transcripts from a regionally accredited college or university showing a minimum 3.0 GPA in the last 60 credits of bachelor's study and at least one year of full-time teaching experience. Averett is ranked with U.S. News and World Report as the 20th best regional college in the South.
#17 – Ottawa University
Online Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction
Ottawa, Kansas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,485
Ottawa University's online master's in education curriculum and instruction program is designed to provide foundational coursework so that students meet their educational and career goals. The program is open to adult learners who want to take flexible online courses that do not require on-campus visits. Some of the online courses offered by the program include curriculum design and content standards, differentiated instruction, diverse community of learners, leadership and management of change, and theory and practice curriculum development. A master's research project is also required. Ottawa is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 47th best regional college in the Midwest, and both the school and program are accredited.
#16 – Brandman University
Online Master's in Education – Curriculum and Instruction
Irvine, California
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,460
Brandman University's online master's in education curriculum and instruction program is designed for students seeking advancement opportunities in education or related fields and who want to broaden their knowledge and scholarly practice. Admission requires an earned bachelor's degree with an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better and two letters of recommendation. If the GPA falls short, other admission options may be available and include taking the MAT or GRE. Courses are delivered online and include assessing student learning, contemporary issues and trends in curriculum, democracy and social change, research and evaluation methods, and seminar in comparative education. Brandman is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the West, and its online graduate education programs rank #101 out of more than 1,200.
#15 – University of Scranton
Online Master's in Curriculum and Instruction
Scranton, Pennsylvania
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,402
University of Scranton offers one of the most affordable curriculum and instruction online master's programs on our list. Specifically designed for teachers who want to enhance their career development in the area of curriculum and instruction, the program can be completed entirely online and in just 14 months. Classes are taught by the same instructors who lead on-campus courses. These classes include advanced educational psychology, advanced foundations of education, curriculum theory and development, improving instruction, literacy and diversity, and teaching the gifted child. The institution is ranked and accredited. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks the school as the 6th best regional university in the North and the 22nd best value institution. Also, the online graduate education programs are ranked #113 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#14 – Ohio Dominican University
Online Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction
Columbus, Ohio
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,070
Ohio Dominican University's online master's in curriculum and instruction program is designed for licensed and practicing teachers and does not lead to licensure. Completely online, classes are offered specifically to accommodate the working teacher's schedule, and the degree may be earned in just two years. Some of the courses offered by the program include assessment practices, current trends in education, curriculum and instruction, instructional decision-making, psychology of learning, and research methods in education. A research project is also required. The university is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 108th best regional institution in the Midwest. Also, the online graduate education programs are ranked #136 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.
#13 – Claflin University
Online Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction
Orangeburg, South Carolina
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,024
Claflin University's master's in curriculum and instruction online degree program is designed to meet the needs of the 21st century educator who wants to advance their knowledge in this highly specialized field of education. Current teachers and educators with professional licensure and a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution may be eligible for admission. All classes are delivered online and include behavior management, comparative education, curriculum integration, educational research methods, introduction to educational research, reading and writing across the curriculum, and working with diverse learners. Claflin is a private liberal arts institution that has earned recognition from major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top national school.
#12 – Freed-Hardeman University
Online Master's in Curriculum and Instruction
Henderson, Tennessee
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,260
Freed-Hardeman University offers an accredited and affordable online master's in education curriculum and instruction program intended for students seeking an advanced degree without add-on licensure. The program is delivered entirely online with classes taught by Freed-Hardeman professors. Online courses include computer applications in education, developmental psychology, inclusive teaching, learning theory and principles, procedures in classroom management, and teaching secondary school literacy. Admissions criteria include an undergraduate degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and test scores on one of two tests (the MAT or GRE). The school ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 43rd best regional university in the South and the 14th best value school.
#11 – Concordia University
Online Master's in Curriculum and Instruction
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,200
The online master's in education curriculum and instruction program at Concordia University is a 31-credit program with online courses aligned with the Michigan Curriculum Framework and Grade Level Content Expectations. The program is also accredited with the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. Online courses include assessment and evaluation, classroom and community, cultural issues in the curriculum, and curriculum and instruction. Admission to the program requires official transcripts for all previous college coursework, two academic or professional recommendations, and a complete resume. The GRE is not required. In recent years, the university has earned recognition from major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top institution.
#10 – Southwestern College
Online Master of Education Curriculum and Instruction
Winfield, Kansas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,085
One of the most affordable private schools on our list to offer curriculum and instruction online master's programs is Southwestern College. The completely online program is designed for working teachers who wish to become professional educators in the highly specialized area of curriculum and instruction. Online courses include current educational trends, curriculum development, educational practice and innovation, instructional design, instruction and English language learners, race and power in schools, and reading assessment and intervention. Southwestern is ranked and accredited. Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank the school as the 115th best regional university in the Midwest. Also, the online graduate education programs are ranked #113 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#9 – McKendree University
Online Master's in Curriculum Design and Instruction
Lebanon, Illinois
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,662
McKendree University's online master's in curriculum and instruction program is a convenient option for educators who want to earn an online graduate degree in a highly specialized field of education. Classes are delivered online and taught by the same professors who instruct on campus. These courses include action research planning, adapting the curriculum for students with special needs, character development in education, contemporary issues in education, curriculum theory and design, educational research and statistics, and multicultural education. Admission requires official transcripts from accredited colleges attended with a GPA of 3.0 or better. McKendree is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 74th best regional university in the Midwest and 35th best value school. Also, the online graduate education programs rank #98 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#8 – Missouri Baptist University
Online Master of Education – Curriculum and Instruction
Saint Louis, Missouri
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,405
Missouri Baptist University offers an online master's in education curriculum and instruction degree program designed to offer students the opportunity to enhance their understanding of curriculum and instruction. The MSE in curriculum and instruction may be completed entirely online or through the school's hybrid approach, which blends both online and classroom instruction. Courses include applications of technology, current influences in education, curriculum mapping, developing responsible learners, integration of curriculum and assessment, legal issues in regular and special education, and methods of inquiry. To be admitted to the program, students must submit a complete application along with official transcripts. The institution is ranked among some of the best regional universities in the Midwest by U.S. News and World Report.
#7 – Buena Vista University
Online Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction
Storm Lake, Iowa
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,126
Buena Vista University's online master's in curriculum and instruction is a 30-31 credit hour program designed for working teachers seeking to advance their classroom career. The program is offered entirely online with conveniently scheduled courses led by university faculty members. These courses include assessment and evaluation of classroom learning, introduction to graduate study and research, learning and motivation, principles of instructional design and curriculum planning, professional development and instructional leadership, and social and cultural foundations of education. Buena Vista is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 24th best regional college in the Midwest and 17th best value school. The online graduate education programs are also ranked.
#6 – Carson-Newman University
Online Master's of Education in Curriculum and Instruction
Jefferson City, Tennessee
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,780
Offered both in hybrid or online formats, the curriculum and instruction online master's programs at Carson-Newman University are designed for working educators seeking advanced knowledge in curriculum and design. For those enrolled in the online format, one course is taken at a time every eight weeks during fall and spring semesters, while during the summer up to four courses may be completed. Courses include educational research, effective home and community relations, evaluation for continuous improvement, evaluation of learning, foundations of leadership, language and culture, and techniques for inclusion. Carson-Newman is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 59th best regional university in the South and the 13th best value school.
#5 – William Woods University
Online Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction
Fulton, Missouri
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,500
William Woods University's master's in curriculum and instruction online degree program is designed to fit the needs of busy and working teachers seeking expertise in this highly specialized field. In just two years or less, students may earn their online degree by taking courses taught by the same professors who lead on-campus classes. These classes include appraisal of student learning, current issues in teaching and learning, curriculum construction, improvement of instruction, literacy instruction, research design, and schools and the law. Admission requirements include a completed application and official transcripts showcasing a 2.5 GPA or higher. William Woods is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 91st best regional university in the Midwest. Also, the online graduate education programs are ranked #197 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#4 – Gardner-Webb University
Online Master's in Teacher Leadership – Curriculum and Instruction
Boiling Springs, North Carolina
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,772
Gardner-Webb University's curriculum and instruction online master's programs include the master's in teacher leadership with concentration in curriculum and instruction. Upon completion of this online degree, students will be recommended for graduate-level licensure in curriculum and instruction, which requires a satisfactory score on the Praxis II examination. Courses are delivered online and include current issues and special topics for teacher leaders, leading differentiation strategies for diverse populations, measurement assessment and action research for teacher leaders, and philosophy and methodologies of curriculum and instruction for teacher leaders. Gardner-Webb is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 220th best national university in the country and is one of the most affordable schools on our list.
#3 – Greenville University
Online Master's in Curriculum and Instruction
Greenville, Illinois
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,524
Greenville University's online master's in curriculum and instruction program is one of the most affordable programs on our list. The course of study is delivered entirely online and requires 10 classes that take approximately 24 months to complete. The program is not an initial licensure and endorsement program, so students should be licensed upon applying. Courses include assessment for learning, curricular design, equity in school and society, literacy for today's society, managing change in education, managing learning technologies, and trends and issues in education. Admission to the program requires an earned bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, official transcripts from all attended schools, and a written statement of educational philosophy. Admission does not require the GRE at this time.
#2 – Ohio Valley University
Online Master's in Curriculum and Instruction
Vienna, West Virginia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,840
The School of Graduate Education at Ohio Valley University offers a master's in curriculum and instruction online degree program designed to equip qualified teachers at the classroom level. All courses are delivered online and taught by the same university instructors teaching in the classroom. The program offers a small cohort size and attention from online faculty. Courses include advanced studies in research-based practices for teaching and learning, assessment in education, current issues in education, and curriculum design. Successful applicants are certified teachers who hold a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited institution. Ohio Valley is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 45th best regional college in the South.
#1 – Western Governors University
Online Master's in Curriculum and Instruction
Salt Lake City, Utah
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,790
Western Governors University offers the most affordable online master's in curriculum and instruction on our list. The program is open to licensed teachers who wish to increase their skills in curriculum development and advance their career. Courses are delivered online and taught by university professors. These courses include assessment for student learning, curriculum design, curriculum evaluation, differentiated instruction, introduction to curriculum theory, learning theories, and research questions and literature review. The school is accredited and ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the West. Western Governors is our #1 most affordable private school offering online master's in curriculum and instruction degree programs.
GSH Staff
September 2017