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Caitlyn Carey working on her laptop with text Caitlyn Carey '15

Online Master's in Education MEd in Curriculum and Instruction

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Register By: May 11 Classes Start: May 13

Master Education with an Online MEd

  • $637/credit (36 credits total)
  • Transfer up to 12 graduate credits
  • 6 career-focused concentrations
  • Complete in as few as 15 months
  • No GRE/GMAT required
  • Advance your career as an education leader

Online Master's in Education Program Overview

Implement positive change within your learning community with an online MEd degree from Southern New Hampshire University. You'll gain the insights and expertise needed to inspire learners and serve as a role model and support system for colleagues.

Designed to align with 21st-century learning, the online Master of Education (MEd) in Curriculum and Instruction prepares educators in all settings to be leaders in their field, with an awareness across cultures and geographies. You'll learn to apply local, state and national standards. You'll also design learning experiences that are relevant, outcome-driven and culturally inclusive for all ages, education levels and learning environments.

Earn your online master's in education in curriculum and instruction, or specialize your program with one of 6 concentration areas.

Throughout the online MEd degree program, you'll explore the role of "educational leader" and what that means in both a traditional and non-traditional learning setting. You'll also access and use current educational research and data in curricular decision-making. By the end of your program, you'll emerge with a ready-to-implement curriculum, along with a professional portfolio that showcases your abilities as a leader in education.

Note: Instructional coordinators in public schools may be required to have a teaching license or an education administrator license.

Licensure Information

The online MEd in Curriculum and Instruction degree program does not lead to licensure. SNHU also offers online post-licensure Master of Education (MEd) programs for currently licensed individuals who are interested in furthering their professional development and enhancing their credentials. 

However, since state requirements for adding endorsements vary greatly, SNHU does not guarantee that the completion of those programs will result in rank, endorsements and/or salary increases and strongly encourages interested individuals to contact their state licensure board prior to enrolling.

SNHU provides additional information for education programs on our Licensure and Certification Disclosures page. View disclosure information.

What You'll Learn

  • Complex curriculum & assessment design
  • The principles of Universal Design for Learning
  • Research-based instructional strategies
  • Educational leadership skills
  • Inclusive teaching techniques

How You'll Learn

At SNHU, you'll get support from day 1 to graduation and beyond. And with no set class times, 24/7 access to the online classroom and helpful learning resources along the way, you'll have everything you need to reach your goals.

Concentration Options

Career Outlook

Demand for instructional coordinators will continue to grow as schools focus on the effectiveness of educators and curriculum evaluation and improvement.

Additionally, online learning is evolving fast, especially following the global pandemic. SNHU proudly leads the charge in the space, offering cutting-edge, remote learning experiences since 1995.

Job Growth and Salary

Job Growth

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, career opportunities for instructional coordinators are expected to grow 2% through 2032.1

Potential Salary

The median annual salary was $67,740 for instructional coordinators in 2022.1

Understanding the Numbers
When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors — like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.

By combining education principles and curriculum design with the latest advances in technology, this online MEd can help you become a more adaptable educator.

Dr. Audrey Rogers with the text Dr. Audrey Rogers"Change is a constant," said Dr. Audrey Rogers, SNHU professor and education department chair for campus undergraduate programs. "Learning how to adapt and adjust, that’s been one of the skills that’s been most helpful in my career."

"It’s about keeping my finger on the pulse of who my students are over time and all the trends, standards and new research, and being able to continually improve."

Where Could You Work?

Elementary Schools

Instruct young students in basic subjects, such as math and reading, in order to prepare them for middle school.

Charter Schools

Create and deliver instructional lessons that meet both curriculum requirements and the mission of the charter school.

Middle & High Schools

Create engaging curriculum for active learning to support students for state testing and college prep.

Homeschools

Execute lesson planning, curriculum development and other tasks as needed to keep students focused on learning in a home setting.

Government

Evaluate the effectiveness of curriculums and teaching techniques established by school boards, states or federal regulations.

Child Care Centers

Provide a safe space for children while their parents work and offer activities that aid in both creative and intellectual development.

Start Your Journey Toward an Online Curriculum and Instruction Degree

Daniel Tanguay

Preparing for Your Success

Dr. Daniel Tanguay, executive director

“If a district is looking for high-quality educators and they are comparing two applicants against each other, the person with the MEd will have an advantage. The MEd reflects that a candidate has more experience and is capable of taking on more responsibilities required by the job.”

Courses & Curriculum

This online master's in education program is designed for educators who are leading in the area of curriculum and instruction. Students will be exposed to an in-depth study of teaching, learning and curriculum design.

"The program's focus is placed on understanding the importance and influence of teacher leadership, the creation of data-informed curriculum and the integration of technology within the learning experience," said Dr. Daniel Tanguay, executive director of online education programs at Southern New Hampshire University.

The program consists of 12 MEd in Curriculum and Instruction courses, including 9 core classes and either 3 major elective courses or one of our 3-course concentration options. The 36-credit-hour program lets you tailor the degree to your interests and professional needs.

In courses like The Educator as a Leader, you'll learn about traditional and non-traditional frameworks and principles of education. By understanding multi-cultural education environments, you'll gain the skills you need to empower learners from various skill levels and backgrounds.

Our 4 major courses in Curriculum Design explore the foundational design theories and principles in various learning environments. You'll then build upon that foundation by implementing Differentiated Instruction (DI) strategies to meet the needs of unique subsets of learners. From there, you'll explore assessment theories and, finally, dive into emerging theory and design. You'll also develop your own course curriculum and portfolio.

You'll then complete your online MEd in Curriculum and Instruction with a seminar and a capstone – giving you the opportunity to synthesize your learning. This will not only document your growth, but also showcase your work to future employers.

The master's program gives you the "opportunity for personal growth and enrichment in the development of curriculum that focuses on meeting students where they are at in the learning process and then helping them create a personal pathway for success," Tanguay said. "In the end, as educators, we need to continue to grow, if we expect our students to grow."

Tuition & Fees

Tuition rates for SNHU's online degree programs are among the lowest in the nation. We offer a 25% tuition discount for U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty.

Online Graduate Programs Per Course Per Credit Hour Annual Cost for 15 credits 
Degree/Certificates $1,911 $637 $9,555 
Degree/Certificates
(U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty)*
$1,410 $470 $7,050 

Tuition rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.
*Note: students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.

Additional Costs:
Course Materials ($ varies by course). Foundational courses may be required based on your undergraduate course history, which may result in additional cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

University Accreditation

Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) as well as several other accrediting bodies.

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