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Online Master's in Education MEd in Curriculum and Instruction

Caitlyn Carey, who earned her degree in 2015, smiling at a tall desk holding an open laptop and a number of color swatches on a keyring.

Cost per credit $637

Total courses 12

Term length 10 weeks

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Program Overview Why get a degree in education?

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.

Skills you'll learn:

  • Complex curriculum & assessment design
  • The principles of Universal Design for Learning
  • Research-based instructional strategies
  • Educational leadership skills
  • Inclusive teaching techniques
Caitlyn Carey, who earned her SNHU degree in 2015, wearing a pink sweater and working on her laptop.

Courses & Curriculum Education classes that prepare you for your career

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.

Concentrations

Online education degree concentrations

In this program, you can choose to focus on a general track or add one of six career-focused concentrations.

Learn methods to support students struggling with reading and writing with the Master of Education (MEd) in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Dyslexia and Language-Based Learning Disabilities.

Landmark Outreach logo.This innovative concentration within our Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction program is a joint partnership with Landmark School, a renowned leader in the field of serving, educating and empowering LBLD students in elementary, middle and high school.

This online program is expressly designed to help K-12 instructors working with students struggling with language-based learning disabilities (LBLD), which can fall under the umbrella of a specific learning disability (SLD), and an area to be addressed in a student's individualized education plan (IEP). If you're looking for more intensive study in this area, you might be interested in our Graduate Certificate in Dyslexia & Learning Based Disabilities.

In the online MEd program, you'll learn how to apply innovative, research-based approaches to heighten students' executive function, information-processing skills, oral and written expression, social-emotional confidence and self-advocacy skills. Courses will center on how students with LBLDs learn, self-regulate and benefit from tailored instruction.

The dyslexia studies and language-based learning disabilities concentration is a master's-only pathway program that does not lead to licensure or prepare you to become a Landmark specialist. The online curriculum and instruction master's program is ideal for K-12 educators who are leading in the area of curriculum and instruction.

Career outlook:

The LBLD-focused Master in Curriculum and Instruction online program, in partnership with Landmark School, is ideal for currently certified teachers and educators already leading in the area of curriculum and instruction. It can also be a great fit for administrators or parents looking to improve their understanding and support of teaching and nurturing children with LBLD.

Demand for instructional coordinators will continue to grow as schools focus on the effectiveness of educators and curriculum evaluation and improvement. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of instructional coordinators is projected to grow 2% through 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations.1

Courses may include:

  • Executive Function and Study Skills
  • Expressive Language-Skills and Writing
  • Reading Interventions for Students with LBLD
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Learn to lead in the classroom and beyond with your Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Education Leadership.

Graduates of this program will develop a deeper understanding of roles that are crucial to education leadership – including district and site administrators, classroom teachers and directors of peer groups.

Learn more about earning your educational leadership MEd online.

Courses may include:

  • Education Law and Ethics
  • Building Community Through Education
  • Leading Educational Organizations
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With the growing need for hybrid and virtual learning environments and teaching skills, a degree in online teaching can help bridge the gaps.

Gain strategies, learn technologies and build confidence in your virtual classroom when you earn your Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Online Teaching.

You'll focus on adapting your in-person teaching know-how to the online world. You'll also better understand how to support your students with different backgrounds and abilities whether you're in a physical classroom or not.

Learn more about earning your online teaching degree.

Courses may include:

  • Methods of Online Instruction
  • Strategies in Online Instruction
  • Technology in Online Education
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Develop the skills you need to help children in grades K-12 overcome reading difficulties with the online Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Reading.

Encouraging students to explore methods of reading, writing, listening and speaking development in the early elementary grades is essential to a successful classroom environment. When you have students with unique literacy needs, diverse teaching instruction can be critical to their success.

Designed to align with 21st-century learning, this Master in Curriculum and Instruction online program gives you in-depth knowledge of literacy issues and insight into specialized support and diagnostic procedures for students with reading issues.

This specialized online MEd in Curriculum and Instruction program prepares educators in all settings to be leaders in their field, with a global awareness across cultures and geographies. You'll explore early literacy development from kindergarten to grade 4. From there, you'll examine strategies that promote literacy and writing skills for students in grades 4 to 8. Finally, you'll discover how to assess the progress of students with literacy difficulties.

Career outlook:

Demand for instructional coordinators will continue to grow as schools focus on the effectiveness of educators and curriculum evaluation and improvement. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median annual salary for instructional coordinators was $74,620 in 2023.1

Courses may include:

  • Emerging and Early Literacy Development K-4
  • Content Area Literacy Grades 4-8
  • Assessing and Instructing Students with Literacy Difficulty
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Learn to support the needs of a diverse learner population with the Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Special Education.

You'll find ways to create an inclusive space for learning, and successfully navigate the challenges related to teaching children with mild to moderate disabilities.

Learn more about earning your special education MEd online.

Courses may include:

  • Language-Based Learning Environments
  • Students with Exceptionalities
  • Assessment of Student Performance
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Boost your leadership and technology skills to benefit your school with the online Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Technology Integration.

The technology integration concentration coursework will teach you how to assess and incorporate technology into your lessons to improve student learning. Discover how to work within a school's current administration to maximize the use of technology in the classroom. You'll increase your marketability by learning the latest advancements in curriculum and instruction.

This specialized online MEd in Curriculum and Instruction program prepares educators to succeed in a tech-enabled field. You'll explore what it means to be an education leader, and apply technology in both traditional and non-traditional learning settings. By the end of your program, you'll emerge with a deep understanding of how to adapt and grow in an evolving field. You'll also develop a global awareness across cultures, geographies and diverse sets of learner populations.

Career outlook:

The online MEd in Curriculum and Instruction is perfect for educators looking to integrate digital technology into their curriculum. Whether you want to merge technology into a traditional classroom setting or optimize distance learning experiences, you'll discover curriculum theory, principles and frameworks that can help you serve learners. You'll learn about today's current trends, and get a glimpse into the future of learning. A future you can ultimately help shape and define.

This specialized concentration can also help you distinguish yourself in your field – and empower students along the way. Today's learners, particularly at the elementary and secondary education level, are better equipped than ever to aptly navigate technology – from mobile phones to tablets and beyond. This specialized degree can help you build the skills you need to reach those learners and optimize their classroom experiences.

Courses may include:

  • Integrating Digital Technology I K-12
  • Integrating Digital Technology II K-12
  • Integration Specialist Toolbox
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Apply for free in minutes

Our no-commitment application can help you decide if SNHU is the right college for you and your career goals. Apply up until 2 days before the term starts!

Upcoming term starts: October 14, 2024 | January 06, 2024

Next term starts:
July 29, 2024

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Online Student Experience What’s it like going to SNHU?

Attending college online at SNHU can be a life-changing experience. In fact, 93.2% of online students would recommend SNHU according to a 2023 survey with 21,000+ respondents.

What to expect:

10-week terms

Learn around your schedule

24/7 online support

Online Classroom

What does an online course look like?

You’ll take your courses within SNHU’s Brightspace platform. This is where you’ll find your:

  • Schedule of weekly assignments
  • Discussion boards
  • Grades
  • Instructor announcements
How to Take an Online Class at SNHU
5 ways SNHU makes the admission process "easy-peasy" #shorts

Admission Applying to SNHU is fast and free

No application fee. No test scores. And no college essay. Just a simple form with basic information. It’s another way SNHU helps you reach your goals sooner.

All it takes is 3 simple steps

It's easy, fast and free.

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Other MEd admission requirements include:

  • A resume that includes at least 6 months of relevant K-12 instructional or curriculum development experience
  • Filling out our MEd Non-Licensure Acknowledgment Form

You’ll fill out one form to verify your high school completion or GED. Then, if you’ve attended college before, you’ll submit a form for each school so we can request your transcripts for you. (Also for free!)

After reviewing your official evaluation, you can decide if SNHU is right for you! If you choose to enroll, just pick your start date and get ready for classes to begin.

Talk to an admission counselor: 888.327.SNHU | enroll@snhu.edu

Accreditations

SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which means we meet certain standards of academic quality, and have the tools and resources necessary for students to be successful. The university also carries specialized accreditations for some programs.

New England Commission of Higher Education Logo

Tuition Cost & Savings College can be more affordable than you think

As a nonprofit university, SNHU offers some of the lowest online tuition rates in the country. And when you work with our Financial Services team, we'll explore ways to help you save even more on your education – and customize a payment plan that works for you.

Online graduate programs

Student
Cost per credit
Cost per course
Cost for 36-credit degree*
Full- and part-time students
$637
$1,911
$22,932
Active-duty military and spouses | Full- and part-time students**
$470
$1,410
$16,920

*before previously earned credits are applied

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 vary by course.

Transfer credits and lower your cost by:

$1,911 $3,822 $5,733 $7,644
Transfer credits and lower your cost by:

If 3 of your prior learning credits ($637/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $17,199

If 6 of your prior learning credits ($637/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $15,288

If 9 of your prior learning credits ($637/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $13,377

If 12 of your prior learning credits ($637/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $11,466

How we estimate your tuition cost:

We look at the cost per credit multiplied by the number of credits you need to earn for a master's degree. Most master's degrees require 36 credits. SNHU allows you to transfer in up to 12 credits, requiring a minimum of 24 credits to be taken at SNHU. This is only a tuition estimator and doesn't account for other fees that may be associated with your program of choice.

Career Outlook What can I do with an online master's in education?

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

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

Occupations

With an MEd, you can build a strong foundation of education theory and gain hands-on experience to ensure you’re ready to apply this knowledge to any teaching environment. Some possible job settings are:

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

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

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

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

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

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

$74,620

The median annual wage for instructional coordinators in 2023, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.1

$63,670

The median annual wage for kindergarten and elementary school teachers in 2023, according to the BLS.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.

What SNHU students are saying

Angelina Kump ’24.
This degree will open up opportunities to achieve my dreams. It also has helped to show that no matter what my physical limitations are, I have knowledge and skills that are incredibly valuable.
Angelina Kump ’24

Frequently Asked Questions
Your questions, answered

The best master’s in education is the one that works best for you. With the right degree, you'll be positioned to follow your career goals and get ahead in the changing world of education.

A good master’s in education (MEd) degree will focus on using evidence-based research to inform curriculum and instruction and help you build educational leadership skills. Strong MEd programs also address the role of technology in the classroom and give you hands-on experience designing learning programs to address the diverse needs of students.

At SNHU, there are several concentrations available for the online MEd degree, so you can advance your training in a specific area of education.

"Design of the concentrations, in particular, emphasizes 21st-century learning frameworks that students can utilize as they look to advance their careers and develop transformative learning experiences that are relevant, outcome-driven, and culturally inclusive for all ages, education levels and learning environments," said Dr. Daniel Tanguay, executive director of Education at Southern New Hampshire University.

Our MEd degree concentration in Dyslexia Studies and Language-Based Learning Disabilities can prepare you to help students who struggle with reading and writing succeed in elementary, middle, high school and beyond. If you'd like to supplement your existing credentials with knowledge in this area, our dyslexia and learning disabilities certification might also be a good choice.

An educational leadership concentration will help you develop skills that you can apply in the classroom or in administration roles.

A master's in teaching online can help you take your classroom skills virtual, teaching you strategies and technologies that can engage your students – even when you're not together.

The reading concentration for the MEd degree can prepare you for a career in reading instruction. You'll develop in-depth knowledge of literacy issues and gain insight into how to support students with reading challenges.

With a master's in special education concentration, you can explore traditional, innovative and research-based approaches to support the needs of children in inclusive classrooms.

SNHU’s MEd in Technology Integration concentration focuses on assessing and integrating technology into classroom instruction – a high-demand skill in today’s digital world.

For those seeking a college leadership role, a master's in higher education administration prepares students for the challenges and complexities associated with a career as a post-high school educator or administrator.

It depends. Both types of online master’s in education can help advance a teaching career, but the programs do differ significantly.

Typically called a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), this master’s degree is primarily focused on advanced coursework in a particular subject and on teaching practices. If you want to work directly with students and gain specialized teaching experience, the MAT degree could be a good fit.

The MEd degree, on the other hand, is geared more toward teachers who want to not only further their career in the classroom, but also have an impact on the education system itself. While many MEd degree holders continue to work in the classroom, this degree can also help you become a leader in your school, district and even state education system.

Pay for teachers varies significantly and can depend on many factors, including your location, degree, grade level and school. For example, public school teachers typically earn more than private school teachers, and salaries can vary from state to state.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for public school kindergarten and elementary school teachers was $63,670 in 2023.1

The median annual wage for high school teachers in public schools was $65,220 in 2023.1 Post-secondary teachers, such as those teaching at community colleges, earned a median annual wage of $84,380 in 2023.1

Only you can decide if a master's degree in education is worth it for you. That said, those who earn their MEd can go on to access new career opportunities, boost their earning potential and, perhaps most importantly, contribute to something much bigger than themselves.

To reduce any learning gaps in the system, today's educators need to "develop the knowledge, skills and abilities to develop a culturally responsive, data-informed, student-centered curriculum that addresses all the diverse learning needs of students," said Dr. Daniel Tanguay, executive director of Education at Southern New Hampshire University.

Teachers who earn an MEd online are also highly competitive in the job market. An MEd online can also help prepare you for higher-paying roles, such as a principal, curriculum coordinator or even corporate trainer.

According to the BLS, the median annual wage for elementary, middle and high school principals was $103,460 in 2023.1 Instructional coordinators earned a median annual wage of $74,620, and training and development managers earned $125,040 the same year.1

Plus, as a university dedicated to empowering students through education, we understand just how important it is to train educators and education leaders.

It depends. Each state has its own certification process related to teacher licensure.

While a master’s in education can give you the industry knowledge and teaching skills you need to succeed in the classroom, earning an MEd on its own will not certify you to work as a classroom teacher in most schools.

Teachers typically complete a state-approved undergraduate degree program and up to a year of student teaching before applying for state licensure. Many teachers continue to an education master’s degree program to advance their career or prepare for education leadership roles.

If you want to work in a private school or higher education institution where state licensure is not required, however, an MEd could be enough to start working in the classroom. It's important to remember that SNHU's MEd is non-licensure.

A master’s in education can prepare you to teach in a variety of settings, including online. If you plan to teach online classes for elementary, middle and high school students, you'll most likely still need a teaching license from your state.

More learning than ever is taking place online – especially after the COVID-19 pandemic swept through the U.S. According to one analysis, 51.8% of college students took at least one online course in 2019-20.2 And online learning isn’t restricted to higher education: A survey of parents of children in grades K-12 showed that 93% of them experienced online learning after the coronavirus outbreak in February 2020.3

With an MEd, you can build a strong foundation of education theory and gain hands-on experience to ensure you’re ready to apply this knowledge to any teaching environment, including online classes.

Note: The online MEd in Curriculum and Instruction degree program does not lead to licensure.

It depends. Many factors go into determining teacher salaries.

Not taking degree level into account, the median annual salary for elementary school teachers was $63,670 in 2023 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.1 The median annual salary for high school teachers was $65,220 the same year.1 Pay increases for master's degree holders can vary significantly based on years of experience, location, grade level and subject, among other factors.

Using an MEd degree to advance into a leadership position, such as a school principal, could help you earn even more. According to the BLS, elementary, middle and high school principals earned a median wage of $103,460 in 2023.1

Related Articles

Sources & Citations

1Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at:

  • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/instructional-coordinators.htm#tab-1 (viewed April 22, 2024)
  • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/kindergarten-and-elementary-school-teachers.htm (viewed April 22, 2024)
  • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/high-school-teachers.htm (viewed April 22, 2024)
  • https://www.bls.gov/OOH/education-training-and-library/postsecondary-teachers.htm (viewed April 22, 2024)
  • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/elementary-middle-and-high-school-principals.htm (viewed April 22, 2024)

Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.

2Inside Higher Ed, Half of All College Students Take Online Courses, on the internet, at https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2021/10/13/new-us-data-show-jump-college-students-learning-online (viewed Feb. 15, 2023)

3National Center for Education Statistics, Fast Facts, on the internet, at https://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=80 (viewed Feb. 15, 2023)