Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction
At Tarleton State University, students can get a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Curriculum and Instruction to gain knowledge, skills, and experience in identifying, investigating, and applying best practices in curriculum development and assessment.
Designed for full-time educators, certified teachers, and graduate students with teaching experience, this career-advancing M.Ed. degree offers additional credentials or certification in a specialized area of education. A master’s degree in curriculum and instruction in education opens doors to leadership roles in central office administration at the campus and district levels, focusing on curriculum development, implementation, and assessment.
What is Curriculum and Instruction?
In the curriculum and instruction field, educators research, develop, implement, and evaluate student learning experiences, including the delivery of educational course sequences in and out of the classroom. As part of a graduate degree in education, students build the skills to acquire knowledge, communicate effectively, collaborate, inquire, and make decisions with educational professionals in the field to ensure learner success.
At Tarleton, we focus on a systemic understanding of education in Texas and the United States to develop students’ leadership abilities in curriculum and instruction. We offer a variety of 18-credit concentration areas designed to meet the needs of today’s educators that target high-demand instruction areas.
Flexible, Customizable Program Structure
Students can earn an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction in as little as 18 months or take advantage of our flexible curriculum to complete their program at their own pace. The concentration areas include:
- Curriculum and Instruction Generalist
- Content Area Specialist
- Child and Family Studies
- Certified Reading Specialist
- Educational Diagnostician Certification
- Instructional Design and Technology
Estimated Completion
30 – 33 Credit Hours (18+ months)
Application Process
- Admission to Tarleton State University – Graduate Studies
- Additional Program Application Requirements
Cost
Locations Available
- Stephenville – Educational Diagnostician Only
- Online – All other concentrations
College
The Educational Diagnostician certification requires on-campus classes. Currently, some concentration areas include one course that is hybrid, requiring periodic attendance at Tarleton’s Fort Worth, Texas campus.
What can students do with their master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction?
At Tarleton, we have an exemplary reputation throughout Texas and beyond for producing high-quality, innovative educators who are knowledgeable in their fields and dedicated to student success.
After pursuing a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction, careers for graduates in K-12 Education include:
- Curriculum Director
- Reading Specialist
- Educational Diagnostician
- Technology Director
- High School Dual Enrollment or Advanced Placement Teacher
Careers in Curriculum and Instruction
Curriculum and Instruction careers can extend beyond the field of K-12 education. With a master’s degree in education, students may be able to pivot to higher education, industry, and government. Common job titles in these adjacent fields include:
- Curriculum Specialist
- Instructional Coach
- Academic Department Head or Professor
- Community College or Adjunct Faculty
Students interested in these career paths should consider the Instructional Design & Technology concentration or Tarleton’s Ed.D. in Educational Leadership, a three-year doctoral program for all levels of education.
How much do Curriculum and Instruction graduates make?
After pursuing their M.Ed. degree, Curriculum and Instruction graduates typically earn an annual salary between $40,000 and $60,000. School districts often pay classroom teachers more if they hold a Master of Education degree.
Why study Curriculum and Instruction?
Our M.Ed. program in Curriculum and Instruction is designed to provide a comprehensive and impactful learning experience. By integrating both traditional and non-traditional education and teaching methods, we ensure that our students are equipped with a diverse set of tools and approaches. This approach not only prepares them to excel in conventional educational settings but also enables them to adapt and innovate in response to evolving educational needs. Through a combination of theory, practice, and hands-on experience, our program cultivates educators who are ready to make a meaningful difference in the field of education.
With their high levels of expertise, the Tarleton College of Education faculty engage graduate students and present content that is relevant and meaningful. We are certified in various fields, including reading, technology, ESL, and special education, and are actively involved with research. Our areas of interest include assistive technologies, video games and learning, politics in education, alternative certification programs in Texas, online learning, and more.
With a variety of concentrations and electives to choose from, graduate students can develop a M.Ed. degree plan to fit their career interests and goals. Courses are offered in the fall, spring, and summer, so students pursuing their education master’s degree can set their own pace.
Opportunities for internships, field placements, and research are built into the master’s program to enrich students’ learning and graduate school experience.
What classes will students take as a Curriculum and Instruction graduate student?
Our relevant, research-based curriculum teaches theories, principles, and concepts in curriculum and instruction. Students explore well-known theorists, writers, and researchers; develop fundamental concepts and tools of research; and strengthen their knowledge of the philosophical, historical, psychological, and social foundations of curriculum, curriculum alignment, and auditing.
Course topics include cultural diversity in schools and communities, teaching English as a second language, and creativity in the classroom. This master’s in education culminates in a capstone project, which allows students to apply the knowledge and skills they’ve gained to develop an original action research study focusing on real-world issues in education.
View all required classes for the curriculum and instruction master’s degree.
Accreditations and Student Resources
The Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction at Tarleton State University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and the Texas Education Agency (TEA).
Earn your teaching certification in one year while working toward a master's degree. M.S., M.A., and M.Ed. graduate students can join the TMATE accelerated teacher certification program, which will help you transition into the teaching profession. Graduate students who complete TMATE requirements only need four additional courses to earn a Master of Education degree in Curriculum and Instruction.
At Tarleton, the education master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction provides leadership opportunities through scholarship and service. Get involved with the Effective Schools Project, Kappa Delta Pi, Teaching Interns with Mentor Support, Texas State Teachers Association, Texas Middle School Association, Association of Texas Professional Educators, and other student organizations.
Additional resources such as testing are available to education graduate students in Tarleton’s professional certification programs, particularly the TMATE alternative certification program.
Related Programs
Learn more about Tarleton’s Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction
At Tarleton State University, our Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction furthers their careers in K-12 education and allows students to also pivot to other industries. Regarding the M.Ed in Curriculum and Instruction, we also offer an M.Ed in Educational Administration.
With the option for flexible online coursework and convenient locations in central Texas, students can create a graduate program that fits their schedules and career paths. Request information to learn more about either of our education master’s degrees at Tarleton.
Learn more about graduate studies at Tarleton!