What Is an M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction?

What do students need to know? What are the best ways to help them learn? There is more to effective teaching than knowing the subject matter. Teachers also need to acquire the skills and knowledge of how to teach it.

A Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction can help educators develop advanced techniques and strategies to improve teaching effectiveness and student achievement. As an example, Mississippi College (MC) offers an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction that emphasizes research-based strategies for meeting the needs of all students.

MC’s M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction is designed for teachers with elementary, secondary or K-12 subject area licensure. With multiple start dates and fully online, accelerated coursework, educators can earn their degree in as few as 10 months.

How Can This Program Help Teachers Transform Classrooms?

Curriculum and instruction specialists may oversee school- or district-wide curricula and coursework.

Curriculum development, for example, targets the knowledge and skills educators need to effectively plan, develop and implement curriculum content and learning strategies. The program’s two courses on Current Methodology (elementary and secondary) connect research and theory to practice, with attention to the role of technology.

It is well known that STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) education is a priority. MC’s Project-Based Science Curriculum course places an emphasis on STEM by giving teachers the tools for motivating students through real-world challenges.

Through these and other courses, MC’s program prepares educators to achieve the following:

• Critically evaluate published research to inform instruction.
• Develop and implement effective curricula and evidence-based instructional practices.
• Analyze assessments to improve performance.
• Employ relevant research to build supportive learning environments for all students.
• Incorporate effective technologies to achieve learning outcomes.
• Apply relevant theory and research to all content areas, including language arts.
• Use data to guide decisions that impact teaching and learning.

What Are Additional Benefits of an M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction?

As reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), some states require teachers to earn a master’s degree. However, the benefits of earning a master’s in curriculum and instruction go beyond licensing requirements.

This degree can lead to “relatively high” wage increases, according to the BLS. Median yearly pay in 2016 for kindergarten and elementary school teachers was $55,490. By comparison, instructional coordinators earned $62,460.

Teachers who specialize in curriculum and instruction can serve as mentors to educators with less experience. And a master’s in curriculum and instruction can open the door to careers beyond the classroom.

Where Are the Jobs in Curriculum & Instruction?

M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction graduates often pursue careers as instructional coordinators. As schools seek additional training for teachers, the BLS explains, “demand for instructional coordinators is expected to grow.” Elementary and secondary schools are the largest employers of instructional coordinators.

In school systems, instructional coordinators oversee curricula and standards. They typically evaluate teaching staff, analyze student test data and provide teacher training to improve student achievement. This career might be just right for those who enjoy keeping up with the latest technology trends. Instructional coordinators can help teaching staff effectively integrate educational technology to improve student outcomes.

Earning an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction prepares educators for careers in diverse settings. With MC’s online program, those who want to stay in the classroom can continue teaching as they enhance their ability to help all students excel.

Teachers can also use this degree to pursue leadership positions within school systems. And for those who want to take their careers in a new direction, an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction can lead to diverse opportunities in government and corporate settings.

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

Sources:

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

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Instructional Coordinators

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Instructional Coordinators – Work Environment