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

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Updated June 24, 2021

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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.

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.

30 Most Affordable Master's in Curriculum and Instruction Online Degree Programs in 2021

  1. Florida Atlantic University
    Location

    Boca Raton, FL

    Tuition

    $45.95

    Florida Atlantic University is a public university based in Boca Raton, Florida. It has five other campuses located throughout the state. Princeton Review ranks FAU as one of the best public universities in the Southeast. In addition, the school is ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. News and World Report. FAU offers over 170 degree programs across 10 renowned colleges. This includes an online M.Ed in Curriculum and Instruction.

    The 36-credit Masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction balances theoretical and practical application. Students complete critical writing and research projects related to curriculum, instruction, and assessment. The degree can be finished in two years and also addresses global perspectives and diversity. Courses include:

    U.S. Curricular Trends and Issues Design Components of Curriculum Program Evaluation in Curriculum and Instruction Global Perspectives of Curricular Trends Across Nations Educational Research

    This degree program is designed for certified teachers and other professionals, not for those seeking teacher certification. Students take core courses, research/statistics courses, and a capstone course. The capstone course requires action research in schools and communities.

  2. Appalachian State University
    Location

    Boone, NC

    Tuition

    $69.73

    Located in Boone, North Carolina, Appalachian State University was originally established as a teachers college in 1899. Today, the public university serves over 19,000 students. U.S. News and World Report ranks ASU as one of the top regional universities in the South. Its online programs are also ranked as some of the nations best. ASU offers over 150 degree programs, including a Curriculum Specialist MA.

    The Master of Arts Curriculum Specialist program requires 39-credit hours. It prepares students to become curriculum instructional specialists focused on improving student learning opportunities. The program develops leadership skills and knowledge of instruction, learners, content knowledge, curriculum development, and research. Students take courses such as:

    Supervision of Instruction Connecting Learners and Subject Matter Curriculum Planning Teacher Leadership and School Improvement Assessment to Improve Learning and Inform Teaching

    Students apply their curriculum specialist skills in site-based leadership and management experiences. They are placed with administrators or supervisors to observe and evaluate curriculum issues in public school or agency settings.

  3. Sam Houston State University
    Location

    Huntsville, TX

    Tuition

    $53.06

    Sam Houston State is a public university in Huntsville, Texas. SHSUs motto is The Measure of a Life is its Service. Its online graduate programs are ranked as some of the nations best by U.S. News and World Report. SHSU currently serves more than 21,000 students and boasts over 130 degree programs. The universitys education programs, such as the M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction, are also nationally recognized.

    SHSUs Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction is a 30-credit program. It focuses on research, development, and implementation of curriculum changes that support student achievement. The program can also prepare students to teach at the community college level. In this program, you can expect to take courses like:

    Current Issues in Education Research in Teaching Curricular Trends for Classroom Teaching Assessment of Learning Instructional Coaching

    For applicants with a 3.0 GPA or higher, the GRE requirement is automatically waived. Students complete research projects and explore a combination of pedagogy, methodology, and theoretical applications.

  4. Florida International University
    Location

    Miami, FL

    Tuition

    $54.19

    With an enrollment of 56,886 students, Florida International University is one of the largest universities in the United States. According to U.S. News and World Report, its also one of the best. The top-tier research university is known for its diverse student body and varied opportunities. FIU offers more than 190 degree programs, including an MS in Curriculum and Instruction.

    The online Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction is a 36-credit program. It gives students the tools to affect positive change in their classrooms and schools. The program emphasizes curriculum and instruction that meets the needs of diverse learners, both culturally and linguistically. Courses include:

    Curriculum Development Learning Styles Applications Developing a Global Perspective Curriculum Evaluation and Improvement in Urban School Systems Action Research for Educators

    Applicants must submit two letters of recommendation, a resume, and a statement of purpose. The program is comprised of six accelerated eight-week terms. Students complete an Action Research Project at the end of the program, working to identify and solve curriculum-related issues in a K-12 setting.

  5. University of Texas at Arlington
    Location

    Arlington, TX

    Tuition

    $41.88

    The University of Texas at Arlington is a public research university enrolling nearly 42,000 students. The university is recognized as one of the Best in the West by the Princeton Review and as a Best Value college by Forbes. Its an educational leader and research powerhouse that values ingenuity, diversity, and excellence. UT at Arlington has an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction.

    The Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction offers concentrations in Literacy Studies, Mathematics Education, and Science Education. The 30-credit program includes core courses on instructional strategies, curriculum design, and diversity in education. Students also complete courses in education research and in their selected concentration. In this program, you can expect to take courses like:

    Advanced Teaching Models for Diverse Learners Understanding and Designing Classroom Research Implementing and Disseminating Classroom Research Effective Teaching and Learning for 21st Century Students

    UT at Arlingtons program is fully accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. It can be completed in 18 months. The program culminates in a final capstone course. No thesis or internship is required.

  6. Western Governors University
    Location

    Salt Lake City, UT

    Tuition

    $16.74

    The idea for Western Governors University originated from 19 US governors at a Western Governors Association meeting. It was founded in 1997 as a private, nonprofit online university based in Salt Lake City. The student-centered university offers one of the best values in higher education. Courses are designed in partnership with employers in the field, and students can complete coursework at an accelerated pace. WGU offers an MS in Curriculum and Instruction.

    The Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction empowers candidates to develop innovative instructional materials that improve student outcomes. The program is self-paced, with some students finishing in just six months. Tuition is charged per term, so students ultimately control the cost of their degree. Courses include:

    Introduction to Curriculum Theory Learning Theories Educational Psychology Curriculum Design Curriculum Evaluation

    A teaching license is not required to enroll in this program. The program culminates in a capstone course. WGU is the first university offering all competency-based degrees. This means that students can progress through courses as soon as they demonstrate mastery of the material. Ninety-seven percent of graduates recommend WGU.

  7. East Carolina University
    Location

    Greenville, NC

    Tuition

    $58.63

    Established as a small teachers school in 1907, East Carolina University is now South Carolinas third largest university. ECU serves over 29,000 students and is located in Greenville, South Carolina. ECU is devoted to innovation, excellence, and service. The university is comprised of 12 colleges offering more than 250 degrees and certificates. One option is an MA in Curriculum and Instruction.

    ECUs Master of Arts in Education in Curriculum and Instruction is a 39-credit program. It provides advanced study in curriculum and instruction with concentrations in English Education and History/Social Studies Education. Candidates are prepared to become district or school leaders in their selected educational field. They complete courses such as:

    Understanding and Engaging in Educational Research Introduction to Differences in Human Learning in Schools Addressing Differences in Human Learning in Schools Leadership and Communication Skills in Education Directed Research Project

    Students conclude the program with a directed reading and research project. This program leads to eligibility for 9-12 English advanced licensure or 9-12 Social Studies advanced licensure. The College of Education accepts applications year-round, so students can begin the program at almost any time during the year.

  8. Arkansas State University
    Location

    Beebe, AR

    Tuition

    $39.24

    Arkansas State University was founded in 1909 in Jonesboro, Arkansas. The public university is a catalyst for progress in the region. Its mission is to enrich lives, enhance intellectual growth, and educate leaders. A-State, as the school is commonly called, enrolls 14,085 students and offers 150 areas of study. Students can take advantage of an online MSE in Curriculum and Instruction.

    A-States Master of Science in Education in Curriculum and Instruction is designed for practicing teachers. The degree enhances professional growth and leadership, enriches best practices, and prepares teachers to evaluate and improve curriculum. The 36-credit program can be completed in as few as 20 months. Courses include:

    Philosophies of Education School and Community Relations Theories of Instruction Supervision and Evaluation of Teaching Curriculum Management

    Applicants must have two years of teaching experience. Students complete a seven-week curriculum internship. They participate in clinical activities and help solve authentic problems, applying the skills theyve learned and sharpening their leadership skills. Graduates often go on to work as professional curriculum specialists.

  9. Ball State University
    Location

    Muncie, IN

    Tuition

    $59.45

    Based in Muncie, Indiana, Ball State is a public research university with two additional locations. The university was founded in 1918 as a teachers college. Today, Ball State enrolls about 22,000 students. For over a decade, it has appeared on the Princeton Reviews list of the best universities in the Midwest. Ball State offers over 300 degree programs, including an MA in Curriculum and Educational Technology.

    The Master of Arts in Curriculum and Educational Technology is a 30-credit program delivered fully online. It prepares students to effectively develop curriculum and integrate technology to meet the diverse needs of students. Candidates select a specialization track in either curriculum or educational technology. All students take 21 credits in common, with the remaining nine focused on their area of specialization. Courses include:

    Principles and Procedures of Curriculum Development Curriculum Integration of Learning Technology Evaluation of Educational Programs Staff Development to Strengthen Curriculum Problems in Curriculum

    Students may opt to earn a Computer Education License add-on or Certificate in Computer Education during the program. This program is part of Ball States Teachers College, which is one of the top twenty-five in the nation. Courses are taught by the same distinguished professors who teach on-campus courses.

  10. Chadron State College
    Location

    Chadron, NE

    Tuition

    $36.23

    Founded in 1911, Chadron State College is a public college in Chadron, Nebraska. Its part of the Nebraska State College System. It enrolls 2,737 students and offers 60 degree programs. Eighty-four percent of faculty hold the highest degree in their fields. Chadron State is accredited by the HIgher Learning Commission. The school offers an online M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction.

    Students can earn a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction for Elementary, Secondary, Early Childhood Special Education, PK-12 Reading Specialist, or K-12 Special Education. Students gain advanced knowledge of administration, research, assessment, curriculum, and supervision. Core courses include:

    Research Design Data Analysis Curriculum Development School Law Educational Philosophy Advanced Methods of Performance Assessment

    Applicants must either hold a teaching certificate or be eligible for a teaching certificate and have earned a degree with a GPA of 2.75 or better. Students complete a total of 36 credits, comprised of 21 credits of core coursework and 15 hours in the selected concentration.

Our Methodology, Explained

Grad School Hub compiles rankings based on public data released from educational, commercial, and government databases. Sources such as the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics play a significant role in how we source our educational data. After collecting insight for each institution, we organize information into five weighted categories.
Metric Data Used Percentage
Academic Quality Full-time faculty percentage, student-to-faculty ratio, student retention and graduation rates 30%
Affordability Tuition rates, median student debt, and financial aid 10%
Reputation Admission and enrollment rates 30%
Program Offerings Number of program options 20%
Online Enrollment Score Portion of learners taking at least one online course 10%
A more comprehensive evaluation of how each category is determined and scored is accessible on our Ranking Methodology page.

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This concludes our list of the 30 most affordable online master's in curriculum and instruction at private, non-profit colleges!

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GradSchoolHub.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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