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Master of Arts in Education | Online Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction | Graduate Degree Program

Master of Arts in Education | Online Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction

Online Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction

Ottawa University's Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction combines excellence in instructional methodologies with foundational coursework. This Master's in Education program integrates personal and group motivational strategies and theories in organizational management. Our online Master in Education program introduces you to innovative, applied models of instruction. You will gain the global and cultural awareness needed to provide quality education to a diverse classroom.

This Master’s degree in Education program covers subjects such as philosophy, accountability and change; differentiated instruction; curriculum development and evaluation; curriculum design and content studies; and more. Small class sizes and online instructor support allow you to get individual attention when you need it most. At Ottawa University, our instructors are experts in their fields. They bring years of personal experience to the classroom and do everything they can to make sure you will succeed after graduation.

Implement Positive Change

It has been widely understood that if the United States of America expects greater returns on its investments in education, we are going to need to put highly qualified, innovative minds in teaching and administrative positions. A Master of Arts in Education is a prerequisite for many education positions and is recognized by school districts as a valuable credential. A master’s degree in education gives educators the knowledge and skills to inspire and encourage a love of learning and the techniques to handle diverse classrooms and learning styles. Master’s degree programs in education prepare educators to utilize high-level teaching methodologies and provide the tools to make work in the field of education more effective and efficient.

Education Curriculum

At Ottawa University, we strive to help you achieve your educational and career goals. To make this accelerated Master's in Education Curriculum more accessible to adult learners and students with limited time, we offer courses online. We have created this accelerated, online master’s degree in education program to be specifically focused on curriculum and instruction. Upon completion of this program, you will have developed the skills and knowledge necessary to:

  • Improve your teaching
  • Create an enriching learning environment
  • Plan for changes in teaching
  • Encourage improved education for all students
  • Assess outcomes for school curricula, programs, services and activities
  • Become a leader in education
  • Continue growing professionally

We understand the challenges that adult learners and busy students face, which is why we’ve made this program available online. Now you can earn this valuable online master’s degree on a schedule that works for you!

Candidates earning a degree in curriculum and instruction are prepared to manage instructional programs within their district, school, and/or content area. Through course work and research, graduates gain confidence when instructing staff and providing regular feedback to teachers concerning data-driven instruction, research-based practices, effectiveness of meeting the needs of students, and supporting specific instructional programs. Gaining the ability to assess, develop, and deliver professional development and curricular support to teachers within the P12 setting is a main tenant of the curriculum and instruction program.

For curriculum and course descriptions, please download a program overview.

Online Learning Blog

Please visit our Online Education Blog Spot for the latest trends in online learning.

Overcoming Challenges in Online Learning

Job Opportunities for Elementary Education Degrees

Why You Should Consider a Career in Teaching

For more information about earning your accelerated, online master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction at Ottawa University, contact us today!

Education | Online Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction is offered at the following locations.

  • Ottawa, KS (Residential Campus)
  • Overland Park, Kansas
  • Brookfield, Wisconsin
  • Online

Curriculum and Instruction Education and Qualifications 

The traditional route to becoming a public school teacher involves completing a bachelor’s degree from a teacher education program and then obtaining a certificate/license in a specific state. Those who have a college degree in other fields may meet state guidelines by completing a teacher certification/licensure program. For supervisory or other advanced education positions, a Masters degree in Education may be required.

Curriculum and Instruction Careers

An online master’s degree in education with a focus on curriculum and instruction can prepare you for a career as a curriculum coordinator, curriculum specialist, curriculum designer, or instructional coordinator. School curriculum development is essential in adult education programs, alternative schools, charter schools, community or technical colleges, continuing education programs, P–12 public or private schools, and state education departments. 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, instructional coordinators oversee school curriculums and teaching standards. They develop instructional material, implement it, and assess its effectiveness. Instructional coordinators typically need a master’s degree and related work experience, such as teaching or school administration. The average wage for instructional coordinators was $66,970 in May of 2020. The career outlook for instructional coordinators is expected to grow by 10% from 2020 to 2030, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations. A master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction will prepare you for a wide variety of careers.

Similar Occupations Include:

  • assessment coordinator
  • assistant principal
  • athletic director
  • education coordinator
  • dean of students
  • director of admission
  • principal
  • program director

Master of Arts in Education: Curriculum and Instruction

(30 credit hours)

Concentration Courses (15 credit hours)

Differentiated Instruction | EDC 7291 (3 credit hours) 
Course explores challenges of teachers in evaluating the needs of individual students in the diverse and inclusive classroom. Students will explore innovative possibilities for differentiating instruction to enhance learning for all students.

Data-Driven Instruction: Part 1 | EDC 7501 (3 credit hours)
Examines how school leaders can develop and maintain an atmosphere for improved student achievement based on data-driven systems. Topics include increased external accountability and data demands, as well as the ability to accurately interpret the data and implement positive learning opportunities based on the analysis of said data. Particular emphasis is placed on continuous improvement modeling. 

Data-Driven Instruction: Part 2 | EDC 7502 (3 credit hours)
Investigates the background and current status of assessment principles, purposes, strategies, and procedures used to evaluate curriculum with attention giving to school improvement planning through continuous improvement and gauging student progress. Emphasis on effective interpretation of evaluative data and methods of recording and reporting progress to stakeholders.

Concentration Electives (6 credit hours)

Six credits from approved EDC courses are required. 

Foundation Courses (15 credit hours)

Foundation of Learning Theory | EDF 7110 (3 credit hours) 
Evaluate key learning theories and environmental factors in relationship to student motivation, along with the behavioral and academic success of students. 

Foundation of Education | EDF 7210 (3 credit hours) 
Explore the historical and philosophical foundations of education in order to evaluate educational trends and create a personal philosophy of education while practicing the profession with intentionality. 

Foundation of Exceptionality | EDF 7310 (3 credit hours) 
A comprehensive investigation concerning the identification, support, and resources necessary for supporting families and children/students with exceptionalities. Utilizing a team-based approach, candidates will construct strategies for creating programs that advocate for and sustain an instructional program conducive to student learning and staff professional growth. 

Foundation of Educational Research and Assessment | EDF 7410 (3 credit hours)
Evaluate the relevance of educational research to curriculum improvement, federal and state policies, systematic processes, and instructional and assessment strategies. Apply various research methods within educational environments at multiple levels. 

Master's Research Project | EDF 8503 (3 credit hours) 
Prepare major culminating scholarly project directly relevant to the program of study. Approved project proposal required.

For curriculum and course descriptions, please download a program overview.

Full Degree Catalog

University Accreditation

Ottawa University, as a whole, is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Specific degree programs within our institution have also been accredited by relevant bodies within the field:

We are proudly recognized for our commitment to student excellence by the following designations:

Why Choose Ottawa
Almost all courses in Ottawa University’s programs are available online and accredited by The Higher Learning Commission. We make it easy for you to transfer credits in order to help keep tuition costs down. We also offer courses in accelerated 8-week terms in order to reduce your time to completion. These are just a few of the reasons why we are proud to be the best, fastest, and most affordable option locally in the Kansas City, Milwaukee, and Phoenix areas, as well as serving students nationally through our online degrees.

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