Career Opportunities for M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction Graduates

Teachers want to help students succeed. For that to happen, teachers need to stay up to date with the skills and knowledge of their profession — whether that is the latest information on brain-based learning or the fast-paced world of technology.

A Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction is designed to improve teaching and learning. Graduates often work in school settings. However, this degree also prepares educators for careers beyond the classroom.

Mississippi College (MC), for example, offers a fully online M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction. Coursework integrates current trends and research. Even experienced educators can gain valuable skills and knowledge to advance their careers. With multiple start dates to choose from and accelerated coursework, students can complete this degree in just 10 months — and be on their way to new career opportunities.

What Role Does an M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction Play in School Systems?

When it comes to student achievement, RAND Corporation research suggests that teacher effectiveness matters more than other school factors, such as facilities. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) also reports an emphasis in schools on improving teacher effectiveness.

What does this mean for M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction graduates? As schools seek to enhance student achievement, the demand for instructional coordinators is growing. In fact, elementary and secondary schools are the largest employers of instructional coordinators. A master’s degree in education or curriculum and instruction is usually required.

In school systems, instructional coordinators may work as curriculum and assessment directors, curriculum coordinators, and curriculum and instruction directors. According to the Occupational Information Network (O*NET), activities typically include:

• Overseeing all areas of curricula and standards.
• Making decisions about instructional materials.
• Analyzing student test data.
• Observing and training teaching staff.
• Recommending changes to improve learning.
• Helping teachers effectively integrate technology.
• Ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Instructional coordinators also fill other specialized roles:

Curriculum Area Supervisor: Oversees development and implementation of programs in a specific subject area, such as mathematics. Activities include serving as a subject-matter resource, monitoring student progress, conducting teacher evaluations and planning professional development.

After-School Education Specialist: Oversees instruction in extended-day programs. Activities include performing site visits and providing staff training and mentoring.

What Other Career Options Are Available?

These organizations also employ graduates with an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction:

• Colleges, universities and professional schools.
• Government agencies.
• Educational support services, such as distance learning providers.
• Nonprofits, such as museums.
• Businesses/corporations.

Career options include:

Learning Curriculum Developer, Business: Identifies learning needs and develops programs, such as online courses, to support individual and team performance goals.

Instructional Coordinator, Adult Education: Develops curricula for adult learners, such as students at a community college. Activities might include evaluating instructors and providing professional development.

Curriculum and Assessment Director, Publishing: Develops content and assessment materials for teaching and learning. Examples include books on foundational P-12 teaching practices and digital resources that provide foreign language training for employees.

Technical Curriculum Manager, Business/Higher Education: Serves as a point person for university-business partnerships to ensure curricula meet technology needs of the marketplace.

For professional educators, an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction can lead to wide-ranging careers in diverse environments. While many instructional coordinators are employed in elementary and secondary schools, opportunities are strong in a variety of other industries as well.

Learn more about the Mississippi College online M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction program.

Sources:

RAND Education: Teachers Matter: Understanding Teachers’ Impact on Student Achievement

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook – Instructional Coordinators

O*NET OnLine: Summary Report for: 25-9031.00 – Instructional Coordinators

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2016 – 25-9031 Instructional Coordinators

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2016 – 25-2021 Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education