A Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Curriculum and Instruction is an advanced degree that prepares educators to design, develop and evaluate curricula while refining instructional strategies for diverse learning environments. Educators influence their students in a variety of ways. As teachers, they help students use creativity for problem solving, increase their knowledge of a subject and encourage them to pursue specific careers.
Eventually, teachers may want to explore options outside of the classroom while still making a difference in education. The online M.Ed. – Curriculum and Instruction program from Eastern Washington University (EWU) equips educators with advanced curriculum development skills and prepares them for leadership roles in education. In these positions, educators can explore a new work environment while supporting teachers and positively impacting student learning and achievement in their schools.
Career Opportunities and Earning Potential with an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction
Students pursuing this degree can hone their curriculum development skills and expand their career options to leadership roles and non-classroom jobs. Some of these jobs require a master’s degree. An M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction can prepare graduates for numerous roles, such as the following:
- Curriculum and Instruction director
- District level leader
- Department head
- Lead teacher
- Instructional coordinator
- Instructional designer
- Instructional coach
- Teacher mentor
- Curriculum planner
Earning an M.Ed. helps educators gain knowledge to enhance their career skills and become experts in their field. Completing an M.Ed. can lead to a pay bump, too.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for instructional coordinators — a position that often requires a master’s degree — was $74,720 in 2024. Comparatively, K-12 teachers earned 2024 median annual wages ranging from $61,960 to $64,580, depending on the grade level. This represents a salary advantage of approximately $10,000 to $13,000 for instructional coordinator roles. Additionally, many school districts maintain salary schedules that provide automatic pay increases for educators and administrators who hold a master’s degree.
Researching M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction Programs
When researching programs, check each school’s accreditation. Does the program meet state standards? The U.S. Department of Education (ED) maintains a database of accredited postsecondary institutions and programs as reported by recognized accrediting agencies and state approval agencies. This resource helps prospective students verify if an accrediting agency is active and recognized as a reliable authority on educational quality.
EWU, for example, is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) and the institution’s School of Education programs are approved by the Washington State Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB). This level of institutional and programmatic recognition ensures prospective students of the quality education they will receive.
What Are the M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction Admission Requirements?
The admission requirements for a master’s program depend on the institution. Eastern Washington University, for example, lists the following requirements for its online M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction program:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in the last 60 semester-graded or 90 quarter-graded credit hours
- Transcripts from previous colleges or universities attended
What is Covered in EWU’s Online M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction Program?
Requirements for curriculum and instruction degrees vary by program and state. In an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction program like EWU’s, students will:
- Increase skills in instructional design and curriculum development
- Discover emerging, evidence-based instructional strategies
- Develop an advanced understanding of current issues in curriculum and instruction
- Gain knowledge and skills to excel as an instructional coach
Programs generally have a set of required core courses and either elective or specialization courses. Core courses cover general topics like philosophy, education issues and research. These allow students to explore careers outside of curriculum and instruction. Specialization courses delve into curriculum and instruction-related topics.
EWU’s 49-credit-hour program requires students to complete 120 internship hours in instructional design, curriculum planning or a related area, working with a mentor who already holds a master’s degree. This allows students to practice and apply what they learn in a safe environment.
Students in EWU’s specialized program take advanced courses including Instructional Systems Development, Theory and Practice in Curriculum Studies, and Curricular Design and Evaluation. The program’s comprehensive coursework prepares educators to move into and succeed in leadership or curriculum-related roles, helping schools and communities improve student learning.
Learn more about Eastern Washington University’s online Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction program.
