Like their students, teachers never stop learning. They continually develop new teaching strategies and adjust their instructional design to help students meet the needs and requirements of the 21st century. Advancing their education can help teachers of any grade level become even stronger professionals in their field, whether they’re working with students or designing district-level curriculum.
Learn how the online Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Curriculum and Instruction – General program from Southeastern Oklahoma State University can strengthen your teaching skills and prepare you for the future of education. This flexible and versatile master’s degree program can also open doors to many careers, ranging from instructional design to academic leadership.
What Is a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction?
An M.Ed. in C&I challenges teachers to deepen their understanding of pedagogy, curriculum development and class management, and to become leaders in their professional communities. When students pursue a master’s in curriculum and instruction degree online, they can complete their coursework while still working in the classroom.
Skills and concepts addressed in an M.Ed. in C&I degree program include:
- Differentiating the curriculum for a variety of learners
- Communicating with a learning team to meet student needs
- Curriculum design and instructional implementation
- Instructional leadership
- Assessment philosophy
- Collaboration within a professional community
- Policies and laws regarding curriculum and instruction
- Classroom management and behavioral intervention
- Proficiency in educational technology
- Professional growth and development
- Advanced skills and specialization in their chosen field of teaching
Students in an M.Ed. in C&I program can also expect to complete research projects and critical reports. In this work, students will implement research inspired by current instructional methodologies to come to their own conclusions and reflect on adapting their teaching practices to align with the outcomes.
Why Should You Earn a Curriculum and Instruction Degree?
The nature of classroom education and its ever-changing needs require teachers to engage in continued education and ongoing personal development to not only keep pace but also stay ahead. A curriculum and instruction degree presents an ideal opportunity for teachers and education students to adopt a growth mindset in their own careers, especially when it comes to making a greater impact on students whose needs may vary widely.
An M.Ed. in C&I also equips teachers with the ability to grow within the field of education itself. Teachers who have completed a master’s degree enjoy greater versatility within their schools and districts, taking on opportunities to lead and influence instruction and policy development, while using what they’ve learned to help their students reach new levels of academic and personal success.
Career Paths With a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction
Although an M.Ed. in C&I is an excellent match for teachers looking to improve their instructional and curriculum implementation, there are additional career options available to those who complete this degree program. Common careers with a degree in curriculum and instruction include curriculum designer, instructional coordinator, sales manager for curriculum companies, and educational consultant.
Graduates may also be qualified for positions in postsecondary education, such as professor, department chair, lecturer or educational textbook writer or editor. Additionally, employers in fields outside education strive to find applicants with the same skills emphasized in the M.Ed. in C&I – General from Southeastern. Leaders in nonprofits, government positions and consulting companies value the technical, educational skills and interpersonal skills, like communication and collaboration, that graduates bring to the classroom every day.
Career Growth and Salary Outlook
An M.Ed. in C&I online program can open the doors to new roles, higher salaries and greater professional impact. For many educators, it’s an opportunity for career growth and salary advancement.
In 2024, median annual salaries for classroom teachers in the U.S. ranged from $62,310 to $64,580. Educators who advanced into roles as instructional coordinators earned around $74,720, and postsecondary instructors made $83,980. No matter what educational career you pursue after graduating from an M.Ed. program, you’ll benefit from movement along your district’s pay schedule and expand your career possibilities.
Inside the Online Master of Education Program at Southeastern
Southeastern’s M.Ed. in C&I – General online program offers a unique approach to sharpening your instructional education. Fully online and flexible for a teacher’s busy schedule, the program provides affordable tuition, support from an expert faculty and accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
Students can complete Southeastern’s online M.Ed. in C&I – General degree in as few as 12 months, depending on their availability. In that time, they will learn research-informed teaching strategies that they can bring back to their classrooms, as well as advanced curriculum development and instructional implementation opportunities.
Become a Better Teacher on Your Own Time and at Your Own Pace
For educators aspiring to make a greater impact in the classroom, earning a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction online is a wise decision for both their teaching practice and their career. Southeastern’s fully online program encourages teachers to build advanced instructional skills and deepen expertise in curriculum design, all on a schedule that’s designed for busy, working educators.
Whether your goal is to improve student outcomes or pursue a new role in education, this flexible graduate program helps you make strides without having to step away from your current position. For more information on Southeastern’s online M.Ed. in C&I – General program, contact the admissions office and start preparing your application today.