Curriculum & Instruction, MAEd

Advance your career with a curriculum and instruction master’s

Teachers rely on collaborative support from curriculum specialists to deliver quality education to students. Your expertise in the best teaching strategies and most effective instructional materials empowers teachers in the classroom, and raises student achievement.

East Carolina University’s master’s in curriculum and instruction online (33 s.h.) is designed to enhance your knowledge of instructional competencies and methodologies across a wide range of educational fields.

At ECU, we understand that you are balancing many responsibilities. Our master’s in education curriculum and instruction is offered 100% online—with some face-to-face options. You may attend full- or part-time. Completion of your master’s in curriculum and instruction takes just two to three years.

If you are seeking credentials to pursue departmental, school, or district leadership roles, ECU’s master’s in education curriculum and instruction may be the perfect fit.

Curriculum and instruction master’s online options

From ECU’s extensive range of content, pedagogical, and professional course options, you can align your master’s in curriculum with your interests.

Our degree in curriculum and instruction online offers three concentration areas, all providing eligibility for advanced licensure:

• English Education*
• History/Social Studies Education*
• Birth-Kindergarten

*Candidates must currently hold a license to teach English, history or social studies at the middle or high school level.

Consultation with the graduate program coordinator prior to applying is highly encouraged.

Why earn your master’s in curriculum and instruction at ECU?

ECU’s degree in curriculum and instruction provides flexibility in concentration pathways, learning options, and research projects so you can individualize your degree.

Experiential learning

You’ll participate in a Teacher Action Research Project to apply research-based strategies in the classroom. Action projects link teaching and professional growth to educational trends and issues. Many ECU student projects have been celebrated in conferences and prominent journals. Through our global education network, you may also take advantage of our faculty-led Study Abroad Program. Many ECU students have said studying abroad was a transformative experience.

Accomplished faculty of the master’s in education curriculum and instruction program

The College of Education faculty has led educational research and published cutting-edge scholarship in landmark journals. Their mastery will be indispensible as you complete your Teacher Action Research Project.

Exceptional student support

ECU is committed to giving you the tools you need to excel. You’ll have access to our University Writing Center and Teaching Resources Center

You remain part of our community and connected to our main campus through student organizations.

Graduate assistantships and financial aid are also available to you.

Courses you will take to earn your degree in curriculum and instruction

Whether you evaluate, implement, or instruct curriculum, understanding how new methodologies and current theories relate to your role is vital to your students’ ability to learn.

The coursework in the master’s in education curriculum and instruction program will provide you with the broad perspective you need to secure curriculum leadership roles. Core classes you will take include:

• Understanding and Engaging in Educational Research
• Addressing Differences in Human Learning in Schools
• Leadership and Communication Skills in Education

Depending on your chosen concentration, elective courses include:

• Recent Trends in English Education
• Issues and Topics in Social Studies Education
• Teaching Civics and Economics in the Secondary Classroom
• Responsive Curriculum for Children in Poverty

Learn more in the Graduate Catalog.

Hear from degree in curriculum and instruction students

“ECU’s master’s in curriculum and instruction program has allowed me to reflect on and reinvigorate my pedagogy, improve my students’ learning, and coach others in the field.”

– Cameron Gupton, ’18
North Carolina Southeast Regional Teacher of the Year

What can you do with your master of education in curriculum and instruction?

Your curriculum and instruction master’s online opens many job opportunities, such as an educational program officer, teacher trainer, and education consultant.

Common roles include:

• Curriculum specialist
• Curriculum developer
• Curriculum coordinator
• Program evaluator
• Mentor
• Teacher leader
• Community college instructor

Job outlook and salary for curriculum and instruction master’s degree holders

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 11% job growth for training and development roles in education, faster than the average for all occupations. The nationwide median annual salary for these jobs is $61,570.

Where are curriculum and instruction master’s online graduates working?

Graduates of East Carolina University’s curriculum and instruction master’s program work at public and private schools at all levels. Counties where ECU alums currently teach include Craven, Cleveland, Cumberland, Wake and Pitt.