Curriculum and Instruction
Kent State University’s 100% online Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction empowers educators to enhance their teaching practices, design innovative curricula, and lead meaningful educational change. Whether you aim to refine your instructional strategies, integrate research-based methods, or prepare for leadership roles, this flexible program provides the tools to advance your career and make a lasting impact in the classroom and beyond.
Explore specialized areas of study, collaborate with experienced faculty, and tailor your degree to align with your professional goals—all from the convenience of an online learning environment designed for working educators.
Curriculum and Instruction Master’s Degree Program Overview
The Master of Education degree in Curriculum and Instruction provides a wide range of graduate study opportunities in progressive, research-based curriculum and teaching practices. The program prepares educators for continuing professional development, education in a multicultural society and leadership for curriculum reform and renewal.
The Curriculum and Instruction major comprises the following concentrations:
- Curriculum and Teaching Studies
- English/Language Arts Education
- Mathematics Education
- Middle Childhood Education
- Science Education
- Secondary Education
- Social Studies Education
The concentrations do not lead to teacher education licensure or endorsement.
What is a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction?
A master’s in curriculum and instruction is also commonly referred to as a Master’s of Education (MEd). An MEd is a master’s degree that gives you the potential to advance your teaching career through gaining insights into new approaches that inspire students.
Curriculum and instruction is an education field that focuses on curriculum development, educational theory, and student data evaluation. Practitioners – known as instructional coordinators – design, implement, and evaluate instructional materials and programs to ensure they adhere to organizational standards and deliver effective outcomes, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What can I do with a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction?
Graduates are prepared for curriculum development, instructional coordination, and educational leadership roles. Potential career paths include curriculum specialist, instructional designer, or education consultant.
Additional possible careers and opportunities include:
- Education teachers, postsecondary
- Instructional coordinators
- Teaching at public, private, parochial, magnet, and charter schools
- Museums or other organizations that offer education programs
- Government organizations specializing in education
- Textbook and curriculum companies
What will I learn in Kent State’s Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction?
Online master’s degree in curriculum and instruction programs teach students how to integrate educational technology into instructional materials and programs. Students are also introduced to curricula for nontraditional students, such as special education learners.
The Curriculum & Instruction (C&I) Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree is a professional development degree that strives to enhance each student’s career aspirations, which are frequently tied to a future employment objective. Professional teaching experience is not necessary to apply. A student works closely with an advisor to address his or her professional development goals.
Graduates of the program will be able to:
- Educate in multicultural settings.
- Function as professional leaders for curriculum reform and renewal.
- Demonstrate the disposition and skills for continuing professional development.
What is the structure of the program?
The program is delivered entirely online, comprising 30 credit hours that can be completed at your own pace. It offers various concentrations, including Curriculum and Teaching Studies, English/Language Arts Education, Mathematics Education, and more.
How long does it take to complete the program?
The duration varies based on individual course load and scheduling. Many students complete the program in less than two years, but you can adjust your pace according to your personal and professional commitments.
Is a teaching license required to enroll?
No, a teaching license is not required for admission. The program is designed for both licensed educators seeking advanced knowledge and individuals interested in curriculum development and instructional design roles.
Does the program lead to teacher licensure?
The program does not lead to initial teacher licensure. However, some coursework may count toward licensure requirements. If you’re interested in both licensure and a master’s degree, you’ll need to apply and be admitted into both the master’s program and the non-degree graduate licensure preparation program.
How does the online format work?
The program is asynchronous, allowing you to access course materials and complete assignments on your schedule. You’ll engage with faculty and peers through online discussions, collaborative projects, and virtual office hours.
What kind of support will I have as an online student?
As a Kent State Online student, you’ll have access to a range of support services, including academic advising, technical support, and career services. Faculty members are also available to provide guidance and support throughout the program.
Program Admissions
Curriculum and Instruction Master’s Degree Program Admissions Requirements
For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
- Minimum 2.750 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
- Official transcript(s)
- Goal Statement
- Two letters of recommendation
- English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:1
- Minimum 79 TOEFL iBT score
- Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
- Minimum 58 PTE score
- Minimum 110 DET score
The Secondary Education concentration does not allow direct admission; students may enter only with a change of major initiated by their faculty advisor. This concentration is for students who have completed the coursework for the M.A.T. degree in Secondary Education but who have not completed the teacher licensure requirements.
1International applicants who do not meet the above test scores may be considered for conditional admission.
Program Courses
Program Requirements
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Major Requirements | ||
| CI 67001 | FUNDAMENTALS OF CURRICULUM | 3 |
| CI 67002 | CURRICULUM LEADERSHIP | 3 |
| RMS 65511 | RESEARCH IN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES | 3 |
| Concentrations | ||
| Choose from the following: | 21-22 | |
| Minimum Total Credit Hours: | 30-31 | |
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Concentration Requirements | ||
| Concentration Electives, choose from the following: | 9 | |
| CI 61130 | MULTICULTURAL EDUCATION: STRATEGIES | |
| CI 67003 | TEACHER EDUCATION | |
| CI 67004 | PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN TEACHING | |
| CI 67010 | CURRICULUM EVALUATION | |
| Curriculum and Instruction Electives, choose from list above or with advisor approval | 12 | |
| Minimum Total Credit Hours: | 21 | |
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Concentration Requirements | ||
| Concentration Electives, choose from the following: | 9 | |
| CI 67310 | THEORY AND PRACTICE IN THE TEACHING OF READING | |
| CI 67312 | TEACHING WRITING AS A PROCESS | |
| CI 67314 | SURVEY OF YOUNG ADULT LITERATURE | |
| CI 67339 | WRITING ASSESSMENT AND RESPONSE | |
| CI 67517 | NEW LITERACIES IN PRACTICE | |
| Curriculum and Instruction Electives, choose from list above or with advisor approval | 12 | |
| Minimum Total Credit Hours: | 21 | |
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Concentration Requirements | ||
| ADED 52267 | IMPROVING MATHEMATICS INSTRUCTION FOR ADOLESCENT AND ADULT EDUCATION | 3 |
| CI 67224 | TEACHING MATHEMATICS WITH TECHNOLOGY | |
| CI 67226 | IMPROVING MATHEMATICS INSTRUCTION IN MIDDLE CHILDHOOD | |
| CI 67225 | RESEARCH IN MATHEMATICS EDUCATION | 3 |
| CI 67791 | SEMINAR IN MATHEMATICS EDUCATION | 3 |
| Curriculum and Instruction Electives, choose from the following: | 12 | |
| ADED 52267 | IMPROVING MATHEMATICS INSTRUCTION FOR ADOLESCENT AND ADULT EDUCATION | |
| CI 67224 | TEACHING MATHEMATICS WITH TECHNOLOGY | |
| CI 67226 | IMPROVING MATHEMATICS INSTRUCTION IN MIDDLE CHILDHOOD | |
| Other Curriculum and Instruction courses with advisor approval | ||
| Minimum Total Credit Hours: | 21 | |
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Concentration Requirements | ||
| CI 61130 | MULTICULTURAL EDUCATION: STRATEGIES | 3 |
| CI 67003 | TEACHER EDUCATION | |
| CI 67004 | PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN TEACHING | |
| CI 67010 | CURRICULUM EVALUATION | |
| CI 67107 | CURRICULUM AND ORGANIZATION IN THE MIDDLE GRADES | 3 |
| CI 67108 | TEACHING AND LEARNING IN THE MIDDLE GRADES | 3 |
| HDF 64027 | EARLY ADOLESCENCE | 3 |
| Curriculum and Instruction Electives, choose from the following: | 9 | |
| CI 61130 | MULTICULTURAL EDUCATION: STRATEGIES | |
| CI 67003 | TEACHER EDUCATION | |
| CI 67004 | PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN TEACHING | |
| CI 67010 | CURRICULUM EVALUATION | |
| Other Curriculum and Instruction courses with advisor approval | ||
| Minimum Total Credit Hours: | 21 | |
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Concentration Requierements | ||
| CI 61133 | ISSUES AND TRENDS IN ELEMENTARY SCIENCE | 3 |
| CI 61134 | RESEARCH TRENDS IN SCIENCE EDUCATION | 3 |
| CI 61140 | CULTURE AND MULTICULTURALISM IN SCIENCE EDUCATION | 3 |
| CI 61141 | NATURE OF SCIENCE IN SCIENCE EDUCATION | |
| CI 67240 | INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION | |
| Curriculum and Instruction Electives, choose from the following: | 12 | |
| CI 61140 | CULTURE AND MULTICULTURALISM IN SCIENCE EDUCATION | |
| CI 61141 | NATURE OF SCIENCE IN SCIENCE EDUCATION | |
| CI 67240 | INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION | |
| Other Curriculum and Instruction courses with advisor approval | ||
| Minimum Total Credit Hours: | 21 | |
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Concentration Requirements | ||
| CI 61125 | ISSUES AND TRENDS IN SOCIAL STUDIES EDUCATION | 3 |
| CI 61126 | RESEARCH IN SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHING AND LEARNING | 3 |
| CI 61127 | TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIAL STUDIES | 3 |
| Curriculum and Instruction Electives (with advisor approval) | 12 | |
| Minimum Total Credit Hours: | 21 | |
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Concentration Requirements | ||
| ADED 62145 | PRINCIPLES OF SECONDARY TEACHING | 3 |
| ADED 62191 | SEMINAR IN SECONDARY EDUCATION | 1-2 |
| ADED 67147 | TEACHING ADOLESCENTS IN THE SECONDARY SCHOOL CULTURE | 3 |
| CULT 65530 | FOUNDATIONS OF EDUCATION AND HUMAN SERVICES | 3 |
| EPSY 68901 | PSYCHOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS OF EDUCATION | 3 |
| SPED 53062 | CURRICULUM METHODS MILD/MODERATE INTERVENTION | 3 |
| Subject Area Requirements | 6 | |
| Minimum Total Credit Hours: | 22 | |
Graduation Requirements
| Minimum Major GPA | Minimum Overall GPA |
|---|---|
| - | 3.000 |
- No more than one-half of a graduate student’s coursework may be taken in 50000-level courses.
- Grades below C are not counted toward completion of requirements for the degree.
Curriculum and Instruction Master’s Degree Program Tuition and Fees
Ohio Residents
| Per Credit Hour | Per 3-Credit Course | Approximate Tuition Cost |
| $612.62 | $1,837.86 | $18,300 part-time1 $13,400 full-time2 |
Non-Ohio Residents
| Per Credit Hour | Per 3-Credit Course | Approximate Tuition Cost |
| $622.62 | $1,867.86 | $18,600 part-time3 $13,700 full-time4 |
1The $612.62 per-credit-hour tuition rate applies to part-time Ohio resident graduate students taking fewer than 11 credit hours per semester.
2The flat-rate semester fee of $6,724.36 applies to full-time Ohio resident graduate students taking between 11-18 credit hours per semester. This amount is calculated at students completing the program in 2 semesters.
3The $622.62 per-credit-hour tuition rate applies to part-time non-Ohio resident graduate students enrolled in a fully online degree program and taking fewer than 11 credit hours per semester, PLUS a surcharge of $10 per credit hour.
4The flat-rate semester fee of $6,724.36 applies to full-time non-Ohio resident graduate students enrolled in a fully online degree program and taking between 11-18 credit hours, PLUS a surcharge of $10 per credit hour of actual credits taken each semester (between 11-18 semester credits or $110-$180). This program is calculated at students taking 2 (15 credit) semesters plus the surcharge ($150 x 2).
An additional Distance Learning fee for all students enrolled in a distance learning course is $15 per credit hour. Program tuition and costs are estimated and subject to change.
Actual tuition costs may vary based on a student’s chosen academic plan. For a complete listing of tuition rates for approved online programs, please contact Kent State’s Financial, Billing & Enrollment Center at 330-672-6000 or via our website Contact Us link.
The total program costs are estimates and are not final or binding. Program costs are based on standard fees, but fees may vary based on the actual classes taken. Kent State University disclaims any liability arising from the use of or reliance upon these program cost estimates by any person. Program costs are subject to change without notice.
Careers
- 4.8% about as fast as the average
- 77,300 number of jobs
- $65,440 potential earnings
- 5.9% faster than the average
- 192,900 number of jobs
- $66,970 potential earnings
Notice: Career Information Source
* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.
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