Professional educators may no longer be students in name, but they are certainly students by trade, constantly learning new skills, techniques and knowledge. For many teachers, obtaining a master’s degree or furthering their professional development through advanced education or training is a requirement of the profession.
The online Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Curriculum & Instruction program at Southeastern Oklahoma State University offers educators returning to school an opportunity to expand their understanding of learning environments by exploring principles of pedagogy, methodology and instruction. The program covers how these principles support a strong classroom experience. These educators will also learn how to analyze and apply student data and research-based strategies to create a responsive classroom environment that leads to continuous student improvement.
An advanced education degree in curriculum and instruction is a strategic option for educators who want to learn more about education theory and develop a more nuanced understanding of the learning process. This type of deep, multifaceted knowledge allows graduates to fill many education roles.
Even beyond education, some industries need employees proficient in teaching, learning and training practices, as well as instructional development and implementation.
Some of the jobs that graduates of an advanced instruction and curriculum program typically pursue, and their median salaries as of 2024, include:
Instructional Coordinator
Instructional coordinators specialize in helping school systems develop and implement curricula, professional development and training, data analysis and other strategies. Working alongside principals, teachers and school boards, instructional coordinators create curricula and recommend teaching materials tailored to different learning environments, then monitor and analyze the results for effectiveness.
Instructional coordinators can also work directly with principals and teachers. Evaluation, training programs and one-on-one mentorships are just a few ways that they apply their expertise in schools.
According to ZipRecruiter, instructional coordinators in Oklahoma earn a median annual salary of $64,680.
Education Specialist
In some ways, an education specialist’s responsibilities mirror those of an instructional coordinator, albeit with a more specialized scope. Education specialists are experts in a specific subject area and often formulate lesson plans and curricula, structure programs, develop training materials and share other methods of expertise. However, they can also act as instructors, providing lectures and hands-on demonstrations.
According to ZipRecruiter, education specialists in Oklahoma earn an average salary of $79,386 per year.
Curriculum Director
Curriculum directors are typically responsible for implementing and monitoring curricula in school systems. They also work to ensure all programs follow local, state and federal education guidelines. Their responsibilities often include recommending new programs, budgeting and planning initiatives of all types. Most positions are heavy on administrative tasks, with diverse responsibilities that require an understanding of government regulations.
According to ZipRecruiter, curriculum directors in Oklahoma earn an average annual salary of $71,505.
Program Administrator
Program administrators are much like the day-to-day leaders and project managers of different programs and initiatives in schools. Typically, program administrators must be more hands-on in their work because they are responsible for ensuring operations run smoothly and effectively. This can include student assessment, data collection and analysis, strategic planning, budget management and more.
According to ZipRecruiter, program administrators in Oklahoma earn an average salary of $84,191 per year.
Develop Versatile Skills in Southeastern’s Online Curriculum and Instruction Program
Outside of education, many other fields value the skills and abilities that graduates of Southeastern’s online M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction program possess. Skills like effective teaching, instructional development and mentorship are valuable in any industry and can lead to careers in public policy, nonprofit, corporate and technology.
Learn more about Southeastern Oklahoma State University’s online Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction program.