Our Best College Values award is intended to highlight programs of study that are not only of reputably high quality, but that are affordable and pay off in the long run as well. At a time when the cost of a college education is higher than it has ever been, and a degree from a reputable school may be more important than ever, the stakes have never been higher when choosing a college. This BCV award is here to help make this decision a little easier.
For our 2016 online Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction award winners we have selected 25 regionally accredited colleges and universities with above average reputations according to U.S. News and World Report and have ranked them according to our weighted methodology that aggregates the publicly available data of U.S. News scores, tuition rates, return on investment according to Payscale.com, graduation rates, and cohort default rates to produce an overall score of 1-100. The top 25 programs that come out of this process are those that are named our award winners.
Individuals with an advanced degree in education will enjoy better salaries, more advanced positions and career opportunities, and will benefit from intellectual and professional development that will improve teaching practice. Overall, getting a Master’s degree is an excellent way to advance in your career in education and being that growth in job opportunities for teachers is expected to vary from good to excellent in the next 10 years depending on the locality, grade level and subject taught according to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, candidates with advanced degrees will be best positioned to fill the top positions that will open. If you are seeking to expand your professional options by developing advanced knowledge and skills in teaching theories and curriculum design, this ranking will help you find a program of study that provides both a balance of reputation and affordability and the flexibility of online study for those already immersed in the demanding work of the education profession. Graduates of these programs will be equipped to take on roles as instructional coordinators, curriculum developers, teacher leaders, corporate trainers, and more.
It should be noted that in building our ranking we take both in and out-of-state tuition into consideration. However, it is always the case that attending college in your state of residency will always be more affordable and ultimately provide a better return on investment than attending an out-of-state school. Where applicable, any program on this list offered through a public college or university that is in your state of residency should be considered among those at the top of the list.
We hope that this award proves to be a valuable resource as you move through the difficult process of selecting a school that meets all of your various needs. We wish you the best.
Note: Tuition rates listed are estimates and total tuition costs will vary from student to student and program to program based on a number of factors. Additionally, for those requiring state certification to advance into desired career positions, check state regulatory guidelines and authorizations before enrolling in a program outside of your desired state of employment to ensure that specific criteria for certifications will be met by the program of study
#1. Virginia Tech
The Master of Arts degree program in Education, Curriculum and Instruction, with an Instructional Technology emphasis offered through the Department of Learning Sciences and Technologies at Virginia Tech is offered online and is designed to meet the needs of professional educators in K-12 schools, community colleges, and higher education, as well as corporate trainers and other instructional development professionals outside of the academic realm. The focus of the program is on the creation of effective solutions to support learning and improved performance. Individual professional experiences are highly valued and will form the basis for most of the projects developed throughout the program. Online courses are delivered in a flexible manner with minimal deadlines to facilitate learning in a way that fits the schedule of each individual. Depending on the nature of each course, supporting instructional content may consist of Web-based tutorials, textbooks, CDs, or other appropriate materials. 30 credits are required for completion of the degree.
Accreditation: Virginia Tech is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The programs in education are recognized by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.
Tuition: $23,025
#2. University of Florida
The University of Florida’s School of Teaching and Learning int eh College of Education offers an M.Ed degree program in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Educational Technology that is completed fully online. This degree is carefully sequenced to engage students in the growing field of educational technology. All students are required to complete the Curriculum and Instruction Core and the Educational Technology Core. Students may then choose among several elective courses based on their career goals. The degree consists of 36 credits and his completed over the course of 2 years.
Accreditation: The University of Florida is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Education programs are recognized by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.
Tuition: $14,464
#3. University of Massachusetts Lowell
The University of Massachusetts Lowell’s Graduate School of Education offers a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction entirely online. The program is designed for experienced teachers interested in broadening their professional knowledge and expanding the contributions they make to education. The program consists of 10-courses culminating in an Action Research Capstone project. All courses are taught online. Candidates should hold a teaching license in their state. In-state candidates must hold a Massachusetts initial license and all candidates should be working as a classroom teacher. The program also offers a Science Education, and an Autism Studies option within the Curriculum and Instruction program.
Accreditation: The University of Massachusetts Lowell is regionally accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. Education programs are recognized by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.
Tuition: $24,150
#4. Texas A&M University
Texas A&M University’s College of Education and Human Development offers Online programs of study leading to an M.Ed in Curriculum and Instruction with options in Elementary Education and Rural Teacher Leadership. The program provides a sound combination of theory, methodology and a substantive content area, with some flexibility within the program emphasis, supporting areas. Courses may be delivered through eCampus, power point presentations, video lectures, assignments, group projects, bulletin boards, chat rooms, reading assignments and additional course materials. Digital resources such as electronic mail, facsimiles and other distribution methods are used as appropriate. This mixed media ensures effective, educational interaction between the instructor and students. A minimum of 36 credits are required for completion of the degree.
Accreditation: Texas A&M University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Education programs are recognized by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.
Tuition: $15,372
#5. Brandman University
Brandman University offers a Master of Arts in Education, Curriculum and Instruction available through online delivery. The program is designed for students seeking advancement opportunities in education or related fields and want to broaden their knowledge as scholar-practitioners. The Master of Arts in Education with an emphasis in Curriculum and Instruction focuses on the development of innovative curricula while utilizing multiple methods of instruction to educate students of differing ages, backgrounds and ability levels. Graduates will be able to assess student learning and analyze contemporary trends in curriculum design. In addition to Curriculum and Instruction emphasis areas for the Master of Education degree include: Educational Leadership, Instructional Technology, Leadership in Early Childhood Education, or Teaching and Learning. A minimum of 30 credits are required for completion of the degree. Note that this program is not available to residents of all states and prospective students should contact a enrollment advisor for details.
Accreditation: Brandman University is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Its education programs are recognized by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.
Tuition: $18,300
#6. University of Houston
The University of Houston offers online graduate degree programs in Curriculum and Instruction leading to an M.Ed. in either Early Childhood Education, Health Science Education, or Mathematics Education. This program is designed to prepare graduates to assume roles as professionals with exceptional teaching skills and aspirations. The program ultimately prepares graduates for leadership in the improvement of education in metropolitan settings, which is a central focus of the program. Students work closely with faculty and fellow classmates to explore and conduct educational research as they improve their research, writing and presentation skills, and learn to critically evaluate as well as implement curricular programs. A minimum of 30 credits are required for completion of the degree.
Accreditation: The University of Houston is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Education programs are recognized by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.
Tuition: $13,200
#7. Regis University
The M.Ed. in Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment offered by Regis University’s College of Contemporary Liberal Studies is offered in an online only format and is ideal for those who already possess a teaching license and for professionals seeking additional credentials. The program explores curriculum foundation, culturally responsive instruction and curriculum implementation and evaluation. The program culminates in two capstone courses covering curriculum design in context and research in curriculum. The Master’s degree requires a minimum of 30 credits and can be completed in as little as two years.
Accreditation: Regis University is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Education programs are recognized by the Teacher Education Accreditation Council.
Tuition: $14,400
#8. Michigan State University
The online Master’s Program in Teaching and Curriculum offered by Michigan State University’s College of Education is designed for beginning and experienced teachers who are deeply committed to public education and teaching diverse P-12 students. The program helps students engage in critical inquiry, develop as accomplished teachers and become teacher leaders. Participation requires a dual commitment to teachers’ and students’ learning. Coursework is flexible and can be tailored to meet individual students interests while remaining focused on the goals of the program. A minimum of 30 credits are required for completion of the degree.
Accreditation: Michigan State University is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Education programs are recognized by the Teacher Education Accreditation Council.
Tuition: $23,010
#9. University of Texas Arlington
The online Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with emphasis areas in Literacy Studies, Math Studies, and Science Education. These are non-thesis degrees that provide opportunities to develop advanced teaching, research and leadership skills that align with the latest research and theories in curriculum and instruction. Graduates are prepared to analyze their own teaching and make adjustments where needed. They will also gain an understanding of the overall state of education and the link between the theory and practice of teaching. Students may choose focused coursework in a variety of areas such as to further tailor their studies to individual interests. A minimum of 36 credits are required for completion of the degree program.
Accreditation: The University of Texas Arlington is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Programs in education are recognized by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.
Tuition: $9,840
#10. University of Colorado Denver
CU Denver’s online MA in Curriculum and Instruction: Integrated Studies is designed for working teachers, whether seeking to be an accomplished teacher or a teacher leader. The goal of this fully online teaching degree is to be open and flexible, letting students choose preferred course format, how soon to graduate, and the path and the courses that most appeal to their interests and career goals. Graduates of the program will be qualified and well prepared to take on roles as classroom teachers with advanced skills, program coordinators, teacher mentors, instructional and curriculum specialists, school district administrators, and more. The program requires 36 credits for graduation and culminates in a final Capstone project.
Accreditation: The University of Colorado Denver is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Education programs are recognized by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.
Tuition: $14,100
#11. University of South Carolina
The University of South Carolina’s online M.Ed. in Teaching is designed for working teachers to provide strategies for evaluating and solving educational challenges on the district, school, and individual student levels. The program consists of a core curriculum including topics such as ideas & issues in teaching, action research in teaching, professional development, and more. The second half of the curriculum is customizable based on the students’ interests to allow for a degree that is collaboratively built with faculty advisers to meet each individuals unique career goals. A minimum of 30 credits are required for completion of the program.
Accreditation: The University of South Carolina is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Programs in education are recognized by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.
Tuition
In-State: $8,784
Out-of-State: $30,348
#12. Arizona State University
Arizona State University’ Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College offers an online M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction with emphasis areas in Applied Behavior Analysis, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and Gifted Education designed to prepare graduates to focus on the population with whom they plan to work as well as gain knowledge and skills to use across a variety of individuals and settings. Students will be prepared to provide evidence-based practices and consultative services and support to clients, community members and family members across a variety of settings. The program requires a minimum of 30 credits for completion.
Accreditation: Arizona State University is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition: $15,750
#13. Kansas State University
Kansas State University’s Global Campus offers an online Master of Science Degree in Curriculum and Instruction that includes a variety of graduate-level courses in many curricular areas with specific emphasis upon trends and recent developments in practice, theory and research. Students can choose from specialization areas in: Digital Teaching & Learning, Educational Computing, Design & Online Learning, English as a Second Language, Mathematics Education, Reading Specialist, and Teaching Civics & Government. The degree requires a minimum of 31 credits, 15 of which must be completed in an area of specialization.
Accreditation: Kansas State University is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Education programs are recognized by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.
Tuition
In-State: $9,672
Out-of-State: $33,618
#14 Ball State University
The online Master of Arts in Curriculum and Educational Technology offered at Ball State University is designed for educators seeking to integrate learning technologies into the K-12 curriculum or to direct curricular design, implementation, and evaluation in K-12 schools. While designed for careers that affect K-12 education, this program may also lead to careers in other instructional contexts. Two specialization tracks are available: Curriculum or Educational Technology. This is a unique program that places curriculum and educational technology as essentially interdependent. All students in the program take 21 credits of courses common to both areas. Students choose a track that best suits their career interests. 30 credits are required in total for completion of the degree.
Accreditation: Ball State University is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The education programs are recognized by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.
Tuition
In-State: $10,800
Out-of-State: $24,336
#15. Ohio University
The Advanced Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction offered through the Paton College of Education at Ohio University is offered online and designed for teachers who already hold a teaching license or certificate in any content area or at any level, P-12. Teachers entering the C&I master’s program at Ohio University are seeking opportunities to advance their knowledge, skills and dispositions in classroom teaching. Coursework and clinical experiences in teachers’ own classrooms focus on innovations in teaching, student learning, curriculum, development, pedagogy, assessment, leadership thru mentoring new teachers or pre-service teacher candidates, community involvement, and action research—in students’ own classroom, school and community. 30 credits are required for completion of the degree.
Accreditation: Ohio University is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Programs in education are recognized by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.
Tuition
In-State: $12,962
Out-of-State: $25,664
#16. Appalachian State University
The Master of Arts degree in Curriculum Specialist offered through the Reich College of Education at Appalachian State University is offered through online instruction and is designed in compliance with the Department of Public Instruction requirements leading to North Carolina Licensure as a curriculum-instructional specialist. The degree requires the pre-requisite of a teaching license. The degree will prepare students to become a curriculum instructional specialist whose primary concern is the improvement of learning opportunities through instructional leadership by advising administrators and teachers on curriculum development, instruction, and staff development. A minimum of 39 credits are required for completion of the degree.
Accreditation: Appalachian State University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Programs in education are recognized by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.
Tuition: $14,416
#17. University of Northern Colorado
The online Master of Arts in Teaching: Curriculum Studies offered through the University of Northern Colorado’s Office of Extended studies is a graduate degree for all teachers, K-12. The degree provides experienced practitioners with knowledge, abilities, and dispositions needed to scaffold their own professional development toward a vision of accomplished practice. Three abilities are emphasized throughout the program: critical reflections, systematic inquiry, and collaboration. This program emphasis provides opportunities to develop an in-depth understanding of content-specific pedagogy, the curriculum development process, teacher research, and research-informed approaches to teaching and learning. A minimum of 30 credits are required for completion of the degree.
Accreditation: The University of Northern Colorado is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Education programs are recognized by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.
Tuition: $14,450
#18. Florida International University
Through Florida International University’s College of Arts, Sciences, & Education, students have the opportunity to advance their knowledge for working with students from diverse backgrounds with a Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction: Curriculum Development Specialization offered through online delivery. This program allows students to pursue a passion for education and learning while gaining experience and knowledge that empowers them to make changes in their classrooms and become leaders in their schools. Special emphasis is placed on understanding approaches to curriculum and instruction for meeting the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse learners. The program is at an accelerated pace and is designed to be completed in one year. A minimum of 36 credits are required for completion of the program.
Accreditation: Florida International University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Programs in education are recognized by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.
Tuition: $14,250
#19. Pennsylvania State University
The Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction offered by Pennsylvania State University’s College of Education is delivered online through Penn State World Campus. The program is designed to advance students’ knowledge about curriculum, teaching, learning, teacher education, or educational supervision through exemplary scholarship and research. Graduates will be prepared to meet the challenges facing education, in diverse and changing social, cultural, economic, and physical environments. Students may choose from a variety of emphasis areas including: Children’s Literature, STEM Education, Elementary Education, Curriculum & Supervision, and Theory & Practice in English, Social Studies, and World Languages. A minimum of 30 credits are required for completion of the degree.
Accreditation: Pennsylvania State University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Programs in education are recognized by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.
Tuition: $17,565
#20. University of North Carolina Wilmington
The University of North Carolina Wilmington offers an online M.Ed. program in Curriculum, Instruction and Supervision designed to provide advanced study to prepare graduates to be effective school and district level curriculum and instructional leaders, and is appropriate for classroom teachers, building administrators, teacher educators, and other personnel who play a supervisory role in the professional development of others. Graduates will be ready to integrate social justice principles into instructional practice, investigate, refine and integrate global education, use critical thinking, appropriate technology and problem solving skill to foster creativity and innovation, and more. 36 credits are required for completion of the master’s degree. For individuals seeking CIS licensure, this can be achieved by adding on 4 to 6 classes.
Accreditation: The University of North Carolina Wilmington is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Programs in education are recognized by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.
Tuition: $19,500
#21. Georgia Southern University
The online M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction: Accomplished Teaching offered by Georgia Southern University is designed for classroom teachers interested in increasing curricular and instructional skills. The program can be completed in four consecutive semesters (about 16 months). The program emphasizes the application of acquired knowledge and skills in students’ classrooms and schools and prepares teachers who are responsive to and able to address the diverse academic and affective needs of all students in grades P-12. A minimum of 36 credits are required for completion of the degree.
Accreditation: Georgia Southern University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The programs in education are recognized by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.
Tuition: $13,860
#22. Angelo State University
Angelo State Universtiy’s Department of Curriculum and Instruction offers an online Master of Arts in Curriculum and instruction with emphasis options in Advanced Instructor and Professional Education. These programs are designed around meeting students’ needs and training today’s professionals to be leaders. The program curriculum is flexible and offers students the ability to tailor the degree to their unique interests and goals. All courses and electives are available through flexible online delivery. 36 credits minimum are required for completion of the degree. For students seeking Texas Teacher Certification, this can be achieved by adding an additional 6 credits of coursework.
Accreditation: Angelo State University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Programs in education are recognized by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.
Tuition: $17,760
#23. University of New England
The University of New England offers an online Master of Science in Education with a Focus area in Curriculum & Instruction Strategies designed for K-12 educators who wish to strengthen their classroom practice. Challenging areas of literacy, inclusion, and educational leadership build skills to implement solutions in and beyond the classroom. This program is designed to ensure that materials meet appropriate content and learning goals. The program requires 30 credits for completion and can be finished in under two years.
Accreditation: The University of New England is regionally accredited by the new England Association of Schools and Colleges.
Tuition: $15,600
#24. University of Montana
The University of Montana offers a Master of Education in Curriculum Studies, General Curriculum Studies option that is a non-licensure program. The program is designed around a flexible curriculum designed in conjunction between the student and their advisor. Students take a foundational core of courses in Curriculum and Instruction which includes classes in cross cultural education, educational technology, educational research, and curricular design. The remaining 15 credits beyond this core are flexible to meet the student’s interests and career goals. A minimum of 36 credits are required for completion of the degree.
Accreditation: The University of Montana is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Education programs are recognized by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.
Tuition
In-State: $7,776
Out-of-State: $27,936
#25. University of Wisconsin Milwaukee
The Department of Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee’s School of Education offers a Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction available through online course delivery. The program includes four concentration areas: Masters of Science Degree for K-8 Teachers, Subject Focus Area, Instructional Level Focus Area, and Cross-Curricular Focus Area. The program is designed around the most current theories and practices in curriculum design and instructional methods and gives students the opportunity to improve professional expertise, elevate the academic experience of those they teach, and expand disciplinary and content knowledge. A minimum of 30 credits are required for completion of the degree.
Accreditation: The University of Wisconsin Milwaukee is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition: $16,415
