30 Best Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction

According to our rigorous metrics and research, Texas A&M University’s Master of Education in curriculum and instruction is the clear #1 on our list. It’s impossible to overstate the quality of the curriculum, and it’s also worth noting the dynamic nature of Texas A&M’s program: Students can complete this degree on-campus or online. Thus, you can find a way to take this program, no matter how busy your life may be.

Some courses that students in this program take are Qualitative Research Methods in Curriculum and Instruction; Cognition, Culture and Literacies; Theories of Learning and Teaching Mathematics; and Historical Analysis of Urban School Reform. These courses inform students on the latest theories and research of the field, as well as the history of education.

Students supplement their program with an internship or practicum. Whatever experience you choose, your outside experience will test your knowledge and prepare you for teaching in any context you choose.

The University of Florida is one of the best state schools in America. It offers more programs than most schools, and it supplements these programs with some of the best extracurricular activities and sports communities around. The University of Florida’s Master of Arts in education in curriculum and instruction is one of the best and most modern programs of its kind.

Students enrolled in this program can concentrate in educational technology. While the concentration is optional, there’s no great reason to decline this offering. Some courses that students in this program take are Practices in Childhood Education, Comparative Education, Philosophical Foundations of Education, Foundations of Research in Curriculum and Instruction, and Transforming the Curriculum.

The University of Florida also offers a doctoral program in the field for aspiring professors, researchers, and theoreticians. Otherwise, a master’s will prepare you for excellence, no matter whether you’re a childhood educator or a school district head. 

The University of Virginia is one of the most prestigious universities on this list. From secret clubs and a rich history to some of the finest programs of its kind in the country, the University of Virginia satisfies every student and teacher’s needs. The University of Virginia’s Curry School of Education and Human Development offers an excellent Master of Education in curriculum and instruction program. Note that this program emphasizes reading education; if you seek a general program, look elsewhere.

Some notable courses in this program are Foundations of Reading Instruction; Reading in the Content Areas; Literacy, Leadership, and Coaching; Word Study: Language Structures and Phonics; and Writing Across the Curriculum. Students who wish to obtain a Virginia K12 reading specialist endorsement can do so by taking an additional six credits in the program.

Graduates from this program have become K-12 teachers, tutors, reading specialists, coaches, and district supervisors. Whatever your goal is, the University of Virginia will take you there.

Texas Tech University is an excellent school with accomplished faculty, successful sports teams, and some of the best programs in the country. Texas Tech focuses on technology, but its Master of Education in curriculum and instruction is nothing short of world-class. It’s also one of the most dynamic programs: Students here can concentrate in Dual Credit Credential, Curriculum Studies/Teacher Education (CSTE), Language and Literacy Education, STEM Education, Blended Learning/Personalized Learning, and Bilingual Education and English as a Second Language (ESL).

As you can see, every aspiring student can find a specialization in which they fit. Every student can find a program format that fits for them, too, with an on-campus and online option. Some courses that students in this program take are Curriculum Theory: Foundations, Action Research I, Creating Writing-Centered Classrooms, Foundations of Bilingual Education, and Involving the Teaching of Thinking. 

The Texas Tech program requires students to complete 36 credits to graduate. The school doesn’t have the most flexible transfer policy, but it does allow students to transfer up to six credits.

The University of Nebraska is the center of the state. It is the education hub, and sports fans have no shortage of teams to cheer for here. Just to illustrate how important sports are to Nebraskans, consider that the University of Nebraska’s football stadium holds more people than the state’s third-largest city. Besides fun facts, though, the University of Nebraska offers a Master of Education and a Master of Arts in teaching, learning, and teacher education.

These two programs offer three optional specializations: elementary teaching, world language education, and innovative learning technologies. Some courses that students here take are Inquiry: Teaching and Learning, Curriculum Inquiry, and Masters Seminar. Some sample specialization classes are Response to Intervention-Reading, Literature in Education, and Seminar in Elementary School Mathematics.

Do you want to join the University of Nebraska’s esteemed program? If so, you must meet the application requirements, which include a 3.0 or higher undergraduate GPA, three letters of recommendation, a resume, an application essay, and a clear match between your goals and the program. 

The University of Colorado-Boulder’s Master of Arts in curriculum and instruction has three unique focus areas: literacy education, math and science, and humanities. Each student enrolled in this program chooses one of these focus areas to supplement the core courses that the University of Colorado offers. The 30-credit program takes most students one year to complete.

Some core and focus-specific courses that students in this program take are Psychological Foundations of Education, Processes in Writing, Ethics in Education, Curriculum for Multicultural Education, and Language Study for Educators. Additionally, each student completes their studies with Capstone: Inquiry in the Content Areas. Students must pass each class and maintain a 3.0 or higher GPA to graduate from the University of Colorado.

Perhaps the most notable aspect of the University of Colorado’s program is its three outstanding focus areas. These focuses allow established professionals to further their focus and specialization in fields they teach to others. 

The University of Colorado-Denver also offers a fantastic Master of Arts in curriculum and instruction. While this program is part of the University of Colorado, its focus areas differ from those of CU’s Boulder location. Students here can focus on curriculum and pedagogy, practicing teachers, or science-math-social studies. Each concentration caters to a different need, but they are equal in quality.

Some courses that students at the University of Colorado-Denver may take are Curriculum in Urban Studies, Multicultural Science Education, Assessment in Mathematics Education, Critical Issues in American Education, and Exploring the Structure of Geometry Using Technology. As you can see, these courses are specialized. If you would rather opt for a general concentration, consider the curriculum and pedagogy focus area.

Students in the curriculum and pedagogy focus area must pass a comprehensive exam to graduate from this program. The University of Colorado-Denver is relatively demanding, but any hard-working student should find success in the program.

Michigan State University is equally notable for its academic programs, research, and sports. The school has graduated thousands of successful scholars and athletes across hundreds of sectors and sports. As long as you’re a hard worker, you’ll be content with MSU’s excellent Master of Arts in teaching and curriculum. Note that this program is 100% online. 

There are seven concentrations that MSU offers: educational technology, educational psychology, K-12 educational administration, literacy and language instruction, socio-cultural perspectives in teaching and learning, science and math education, and English as a second language. Students aren’t restricted to one concentration. Instead, they can choose up to three specializations to reach nine elective credits.

Students almost always finish this 30-credit program in one year. Most graduates become teachers, but others focus on leading teachers, schools, and school districts. The U.S. News & World Report ranked this program as the fourth best education program, so know you’re in good hands here.

Don’t overlook Florida State University by any means. Florida State is a fantastic state school with dozens of unique programs, accomplished faculty members, competitive sports teams, and all of the resources you’d hope for from a large school. FSU offers an excellent master’s in curriculum and instruction. Note that this program is online. If you want an on-campus program opt for another school. 

Florida State University offers standard curriculum and instruction courses, but there are some unique ones, too. Some courses that FSU offers are Making Sense of Data to Inform Instruction, Culturally Responsive Teaching, Teaching and Technology, and Teachers as Informed Curriculum Decision Makers. Students can take courses in one of many specializations, including science education, visual disabilities, mathematics education, and elementary education.

Admission requirements include an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher, GRE scores, official transcripts, two letters of recommendation, a writing sample, and an updated resume. 

The University of Cincinnati is a massive learning institution, with over 44,000 students, making it the second-largest learning institution in Ohio. With a large enrollment, the University of Cincinnati has the endowment and faculty members required to host hundreds of programs. One of its most notable programs is the Master of Education in curriculum and instruction. 

Students in this program choose from three concentrations: teaching and learning school subjects, middle childhood education, and secondary education. Some courses that students in this program take are Improving Instructional Effectiveness: Clinical Experience, Educational Research for Masters Students, Research in Science Learning, Human Learning, and Multimedia Studio. 

Students can begin their studies in the fall, spring, and summer semesters. If you want to specialize in middle childhood education, though, you must begin in the fall. Graduates from this program are usually in-service educators who wish to advance their teaching abilities. Other graduates become principals, school supervisors, tutors, and coaches of all kinds. 

Do you want to attend a fantastic program in what is perhaps America’s hippest city? If so, consider Portland State University’s Master of Arts and Master of Science in curriculum and instruction programs. Students attending Portland State University can enroll in an on-campus, hybrid, or online format. Students can enroll full- or part-time, an option unique to PSU and only a couple of other schools.

Students choose from six categories of electives: ESOL endorsement, reading endorsement, math specialist, teacher leadership, early childhood education, and added elementary endorsement. Some notable courses in this program are Advanced Educational Psychology, Issues in Education, Guidance for the Classroom Teacher, Theoretical Models of Curriculum, and Theories of Instruction. 

Interested in becoming a member of Portland State University’s student body? Admission requirements include a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher, two letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, a resume, transcripts, and a completed application. 

The University of Texas at Arlington is perhaps most notable for its research activity and for being the largest university in North Texas. It is also the third-largest university in Texas with over 43,000 students. The school’s Master of Education in curriculum and instruction includes four options: general, literacy studies, mathematics education, and science education. 

Every student takes twelve credits in the core curriculum and instruction program. After that, the program opens up. Students in the general track can take 18 credits in courses outside of the college of education, while students in the other three tracks focus mostly on courses specific to the concentration. Students can take this program at their pace, although they must graduate from the 36-credit program within six years.

Note that if you want to become a teacher in Texas, you must be able to pass a criminal background check. Thus, the University of Texas at Arlington requires students to pass a background check, too. 

Ohio University is a fantastic school with a rich history. It is the oldest university in Ohio and the eighth oldest university in the country. The school has one of the broadest master’s in curriculum and instruction programs in the country, with options in, per the Ohio University website, “elementary education, middle school education, reading, secondary education, special education, supervision, computer and educational technology, teaching of the talented and gifted, mathematics education, economic education, and microcomputers.”

That’s a lot of information, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg: Ohio University students access dozens of classes from worldly acclaimed researchers and faculty members. Some notable courses are History of Western Education, Principles of Curriculum, Programs in International Education, and The Use of Library Resources.

You can find the dozens of other courses available to master’s and doctoral candidates on the Ohio University website. But rest assured that you can find whatever you want to learn at Ohio University.

The University of Kansas is a high-ranking public university noted around the world for its focus on postgraduate research. It’s also known for having the most robust debate team of any school in America. If debate is your thing, you can become part of a KU team to supplement your Master of Arts in curriculum and instruction. 

This program has one concentration: teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL). If ESL is your preferred field, there is no better university to choose. If you want a more general or specified program in another field, however, you should consider another school. 

Some notable courses at the University of Kansas are Methods of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages; Foundations of Curriculum and Instruction; Understanding Research in Education; and either a master’s project or master’s thesis. Students also supplement their studies with up to 15 hours outside of the curriculum and instruction core and TESOL focus.

The University of Maryland—the largest university in the Washington D.C. area—has over 41,000 students, representing all 50 states and 123 countries. The university is regarded as a Public Ivy, a prestigious title granted to the public universities with the competitiveness and quality of an Ivy League university. The University of Maryland offers a Master of Education in curriculum and instruction with almost a dozen tracks.

Some notable specializations in this program are TESOL, world language education, reading specialist, teacher leadership, and mathematics education. Some notable courses in this program are Studying Student Learning in Diverse Settings, Research Methods, Methods of Teaching ESOL, and Teaching for Cross Cultural Communication. 

To gain admission to this program, aspiring students must provide three letters of recommendation, a resume, a statement of purpose, official transcripts, and the application. There is no specified GPA requirement, but note that the University of Maryland is very selective, so the higher, the better.

Technology is taking over the world. From online school because of the COVID-19 pandemic to the ubiquitous nature of technology in classrooms, no teacher should be any less than a technological expert. And Virginia Commonwealth University has come to the rescue with its Master of Education in curriculum and instruction with a concentration in instructional technology. VCU also offers a concentration in teaching and learning, but instructional technology is the stand-out.

Some notable courses in this program are Research Methods in Education; Advanced Educational Psychology for Elementary Teachers; Democracy, Equity and Ethics in Education; Curriculum Development, Developing and Critiquing Visual Literacy; and Advanced Computer Applications in Education. 

Are you interested in joining Virginia Commonwealth University’s fantastic curriculum and instruction program? If so, you must submit your application and supplementary information, including three letters of recommendation, a professional statement, official transcripts, and MAT or GRE scores. Students must also have a 3.0 or higher undergraduate GPA.

The University at Albany is one of the best schools in the State University of New York system. The school has several standout programs in science, technology, and criminal justice, but no aspiring curriculum and instruction student should overlook the University at Albany’s Master of Science program in curriculum development and instructional technology. With a key focus in technology, the University at Albany seeks to adjust teachers to the changing times.

Some notable courses in this program are Teachers in Context; Communication, Technology and the Knowledge-Building Enterprise; Learning in the Academic Disciplines; Integrating Technology Across the Curriculum; and Systematic Design of Instruction. 

Students must also take five supporting courses and complete the capstone s8ueminar to graduate from this program. Some available supporting classes are Introduction to Distance Learning, Assistive Technology for Students with Disabilities, and Media Literacy. These state-of-the-art courses will bring teachers and aspiring to teachers up-to-date with the latest theories surrounding technological development and implementing technology in the classroom.

The University of Washington is one of the finest public universities in America, and perhaps the best public university in the west coast outside of the University of California system. The university has the 5th largest research and development budget of any university in the country, and it’s well connected to technological magnates, who support its programs and research. And among other things, the university boasts 20 Nobel Prize laureates. 

The University of Washington’s Master of Education in content instruction stands out for its several specializations, including mathematics or science; IslandWood option; language, literacy, and culture; social studies; multicultural education; instructional leadership; and teacher quality and teacher education.

Some notable courses in this program are Foundations of Curriculum and Instruction, Discourse in the Mathematics Classroom, Current Issues in Mathematics Education, Ethnic Diversity, and Foundations of Education. Students can complete the program with a thesis, project, or written exam. 

Unless you’ve been living in an alternate universe, you’ve probably heard of Arizona State University. It is one of the largest learning institutions worldwide, with reputable programs, competitive sports teams, and all the extracurricular activities you can expect from a school with over 90,000 students. And the school’s Master of Education in curriculum and instruction with an emphasis on applied behavior analysis is about as good as it gets.

The 30-hour program requires you to complete 24 hours in the concentration, three credit hours doing research, and three credit hours completing the capstone project. Students partake in this program through Arizona State University’s acclaimed Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College. Note that the program has an online option, too. 

Arizona State University’s admission requirements include a 3.0 or higher undergraduate GPA, three letters of recommendation, official transcripts, a personal statement, resume, proof of English proficiency, a completed application, and the graduate application fee.

The University of Wisconsin’s flagship campus in Madison is notable for several reasons. It is one of the best public universities in the country, and nobody has anything but good things to say about Madison as a city. Plus, a basketball section called the Grateful Red, fantastic research capabilities, and an active student body leave students and faculty satisfied with the signature college experience.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison offers a Master of Science in curriculum and instruction. This program offers five focus areas: research, secondary English education, secondary mathematics education, secondary science education, and secondary social studies education. The program, like most of those at the University of Wisconsin, is rigorous. But if you focus and try as best as you can, you will flourish here.

Some notable courses at the University of Wisconsin’s curriculum and instruction program are Problems in Educational Policy, Inclusive Education in Secondary Schools, Issues in ESL Education, and Adolescent Development in Educational Contexts.

Kansas State University is a wonderful learning institution with a focus on bioenergy, plant science, and other related sciences. It is a research-forward university, with a faculty and student body invested in making new discoveries. Kansas State University is also notable for its Master of Arts in teaching and Master of Science in curriculum and instruction programs. 

There are too many specializations in these programs to name, but some standouts are educational technology, English as a second language, secondary education, world modern languages, and learning skills. Some of these programs are held on-campus; others are 100% online. Some notable courses are Curriculum Development, Principles of Assessment, Education of Exceptional Individuals, and Curriculum Materials for Ethnic Diversity.

Admission requirements include three personal references, unofficial transcripts, a statement of objectives, a professional resume, and a bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 or higher GPA in the last 60 credits or two years of undergraduate study.

The University of Connecticut is perhaps the finest public university in New England and one of the best public universities in America. The school is known for its research activity, basketball teams, and its classification as a Public Ivy—a school with a quality of education that rivals the eight private universities comprising the Ivy League. 

The University of Connecticut offers a Master of Arts in curriculum and instruction with five specializations: bilingual and bicultural education, elementary education, music education, reading education, and secondary education. Some notable courses are Wise Integration of Technology, Teacher Leadership and Organizations, and a seminar. Note that these programs don’t lead directly to teaching certifications. Instead, they supplement a certification with necessary knowledge that will help teachers throughout their career.

Admissions requirements include three letters of reference, a personal goal statement, the online application, official transcripts, a resume, and evidence of teaching experience.

With flashy football uniforms, focused and robust research, and one of the coolest university towns around, there’s little to dislike about the University of Oregon. Have we mentioned its proximity to some of the most beautiful coastline in the world? The University of Oregon doesn’t have a program specifically in curriculum and instruction, but its Master of Education in middle and high school education program is one of the best of its kind. Thus, we had to include it on this list.

Note that this program is 63 credits, lasting two years. The nature of these courses are different from those of most curriculum and instruction programs; it focuses more on teaching than curriculum. Some courses students take in this program are Theory: Curriculum and Cultural Conflict; Foundations in Language; Language, Power, and Education; and Introduction to Supportive Learning Communities. 

To graduate from this program, students must pass the field placement evaluation, content area test, and complete the required courses and field work. 

The University of Michigan is arguably America’s best public university. It is also one of the largest: the university boasts a 540,000 alumni base. The school has excellent sports teams, hundreds of programs, and over two dozen Nobel Prize winners. Needless to say, enrolled students are set up for success. 

The University of Michigan also boasts an excellent Master of Arts in educational studies with several subprograms: design and technologies for learning, educational leadership and policy, a dual degree with an MBA, and program evaluation and improvement research. Some notable courses in this program are Improvement Science in Education, Case Studies in Continuous Educational Improvement, and Foundational Perspectives on Educational Reform.

Admissions requirements include an academic statement of purpose, personal statement, three letters of recommendations, a professional resume, GRE test scores, and the online application. There is no specified GPA requirement, but the University of Michigan is a very selective school, so a 3.0 GPA should be considered the bare minimum.

If we had judged these programs and universities by reputation alone, Stanford University may well have been at the top of this list. Stanford University is one of the best universities in the world, with 83 Nobel Prize winners, 28 Turing Award laureates, and 8 Fields Medalists affiliated with the university. A few notable names affiliated with the university are Hoobert Hoover, Sandra Day O’Connor, and Peter Thiel.

Stanford University offers an excellent master’s in curriculum teacher education. Some notable courses that students can take in this program are History of Higher Education in the U.S., Introduction to Philosophy of Education, Organizational Analysis, and Economics of Education in the Global Economy. 

Applying students must submit the $125 application fee, a statement of purpose, resume, three letters of recommendation, university transcripts, and TOEFL scores for international students. Once more, there is no specified GPA requirement, but Stanford is extremely competitive. The higher, the better.

Pennsylvania State University, usually known as Penn State, offers 160 majors to over 46,000 students. Pretty impressive, right? Penn State is massive, and it has the infrastructure to support acclaimed faculty members and students who seek a fantastic education. And the school’s Master of Science in curriculum and instruction is no exception to this rule. Students in this program divide their time between core classes, an emphasis area, thesis research, and scholarship and research integrity.

The courses that students in this program take focus on curriculum, educational research, the philosophy of education, a couple of courses outside of the curriculum and instruction program, and a few courses in the student’s emphasis area. Possible areas of emphasis are children’s literature; curriculum and supervision; elementary education; STEM education; and theory and practice in English, social studies, and world languages.

An advisor accompanies students through the one-year program, helping students accomplish their expressed goals and plan for the future beyond graduate school.

The University of Massachusetts-Lowell is the second-largest university in the state. And—listen up, beat literature lovers—Lowell was Jack Kerouac’s hometown. The school is steeped in research, music education, and meteorology, and the university has nearly 200 programs. The University of Massachusetts-Lowell offers an excellent Master of Education program in curriculum and instruction.

Some notable courses in the curriculum are Curriculum Design K-12, Educating Diverse Populations, Dynamics of Curricular Change, Historical and Contemporary Perspectives on Curriculum, and Assessment of Learning. The program requires 30 credits to graduate, which includes a few classes in the four possible specializations: English, history, math, and science.

This program takes a year to complete. Admissions requirements include three letters of recommendation, a professional resume, a statement of purpose, an application fee, official transcripts, and the online application. There is no GRE requirement for applying students. Note that applying students who majored in a field besides English, math, history, or science must take an additional six credits at UML. 

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, more widely known as Virginia Tech University, is a large technological-focused institution with the largest research expenditure of any school in Virginia. Virginia Tech offers a fantastic Master of Arts in education with a focus on instructional design and technology. The program employs accomplished faculty members and uses the latest research to advance its innovative program.

Some Virginia Tech courses that may interest you are Principles of Learning Message Design, Problems in Education, Program and Product Evaluation, Applied Theories of Instructional Design, and Theoretical Foundations of Technology Enhanced Learning. The program balances technological methods and curriculum-focused ideas to teach the next generation of teachers.

Are you interested in becoming a Virginia Tech student? Admissions requirements include a 3.0 or higher undergraduate GPA in the last 60 credits of university, official transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and a professional statement. Students with between a 2.5 and 3.0 GPA can gain admittance, but they must maintain a 3.0 or higher GPA at Virginia Tech. GRE scores are accepted but not required.

Drexel University is an excellent private research university with an urban setting in Philadelphia. If you’re a fan of cities and a historical buff, you will love your experience at Drexel University. Students here participate in nearly 200 programs and hundreds of clubs, allowing for a diverse student body in terms of culture and knowledge. 

Drexel University is also host to an excellent Master of Science program ​in teaching,​ ​learning​ ​and​ ​curriculum. The program offers a Pennsylvania Instructional I certification in elementary, middle, secondary, and special education fields. The program offers courses that focus on dozens of fields, including physics, social studies, special education, mathematics, chemistry, biology, and general science.

The program is available on-campus and online. Every Drexel student must complete a full-time, twelve-or-more-week placement as a teacher in a public or charter school under a supervisor. In this field placement, students implement their learnings in a real-world context.

Columbia University is the only Ivy League member on this list. The school was founded in 1754 as King’s College, and was renamed Columbia after the Revolutionary War in 1784. It’s not everywhere that you can learn in a place that was part of the most defining moment in American history. Students, faculty, and affiliates have been associated with numerous achievements, including co-signing the Declaration of Independence, winning 96 Nobel Prizes, and 125 Pulitzer Prize recipients.

Columbia University offers a Master of Arts in curriculum and teaching. Some courses that Columbia students take are Curriculum Theory and History; Principles of Teaching and Learning; Multicultural Approaches to Teaching Young Children; and The Integrative Project. 

It is notoriously difficult to gain acceptance into Ivy League universities, and Columbia University is no exception. Applying students should be sure to have perfectly written resumes and admissions essays, a high GPA, excellent letters of recommendation, and the demonstrable passion in teaching that the admissions team seeks.