What should I know when considering a degree in Curriculum and Instruction?
A bachelors, masters, Ph.D. or an Ed.D. can be obtained in curriculum and instruction, although an advanced degree is
usually a minimum requirement for promotion in this field. All degrees in this area focus on curriculum development, and
how to implement that curriculum to achieve successful student learning. Curriculum and instruction educators are becoming
increasingly needed in today’s society, as standardized testing requirements have grown stricter and strong curriculum that
addresses these testing needs as well as holistically educates the student is imperative. Teachers with a degree in
curriculum and instruction will know how to design effective lesson plans, evaluate curriculum and will usually have an
in-depth knowledge of a specific subject, such as mathematics, language arts, or social studies.
Continuing Education
While many busy teaching professionals do not have the time or financial ability to pursue a traditional advanced
teacher education program, there is the alternative of online study. There are several online schools that offer a variety
of teacher professional development programs in curriculum and instruction and allow for flexibility and independent study.
Many of these programs can even be completed in a year or two and will open up many more career options for curriculum and
instruction majors.
Careers Opportunities
The curriculum and instruction degree is highly versatile, and affords teachers many opportunities to work in several
different areas and settings.
A graduate with a bachelors degree in the field can usually easily become certified as a K-12 teacher, teaching the
grade or subject level they chose to specialize in. However, a masters degree is extremely advantageous even for students
solely wishing to teach in a K-12 environment, as it entails higher pay, more qualified jobs, and chances for
advancement.
Graduates with a masters degree can still work in K-12 schools with greater benefits as aforementioned, but also have
the opportunity to advance and become an instructional coordinator or curriculum specialist. These specialists work in
schools, private institutions, and local and state departments of education and design curriculum pedagogies and materials.
Instructional coordinators focus on creating innovative, strategic, and goal-oriented curriculum that attempts to both
increase student test scores and achieve successful student learning.
Graduates with an Ed.D. or a Ph.D. can become teacher educators themselves and work as professors in college and
university settings. These professors educate and prepare the next generation of teachers to go forth and design and
implement great curriculum for America’s youth.
Earnings and Job Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics says job outlook is good or great across the board for teaching graduates of all degree
levels in curriculum and instruction, and is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. Earnings vary by several
factors, with graduates holding advanced degrees earning substantially more than those without. Nationally, and also
according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a teacher with only a bachelors degree had median annual earnings of $47,602
in 2006, and this includes K-12 curriculum and instruction educators. Earning a Masters degree can add several thousands of
dollars on top of this salary depending on the state. Instructional coordinator’s salaries vary greatly by institution
type, but usually are within the annual range of $35,000 and $65,000. College professors with doctoral degrees can earn
upwards of $100,000 dollars per year depending on the institution and an individual professor’s rank and seniority, however
salaries usually average around $50,000 to $60,000 annually.
Article References
Bureau of Labor Statistics
http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nat.htm
Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development
http://www.ascd.org/portal/site/ascd/index.jsp/
What are the leading schools offering programs in Curriculum and Instruction?
- Walden University : Walden University, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, offers Ph.D., master's and bachelor's degrees in management and doctoral and
master's degrees in psychology, education and health and human services
to meet the specific needs of adult learners. Walden University has
over 30 years of experience delivering programs from a distance while
maintaining its student-centered focus on quality and integrity. (More Info)
- Regis University : Founded in 1877, Regis University offers Jesuit college education in the form of Bachelor and Master Degrees in Business, Criminology, Information Technology, Education, and Management. Accelerated online learning allows students to progress at an individually comfortable pace and tailor-fit courses to match their career goals. (More Info)
- Western Governors University : Western Governors University emphasizes mastery of essential skills and knowledge in your field, basing progress toward your online degree on passing rigorous assessments (such as tests, projects, assignments, etc.) instead of accumulating credit hours. We call it competency-based learning. WGU offers Bachelors and Masters degree programs in Healthcare, Business, MBA, IT and Education. (More Info)
- Jones International University : Founded in 1993, Jones-International University is the first regionally accredited online university providing quality education for busy adults.
JIU offers customized degree programs for a Bachelor Degree in Business or an MBA, Masters in Education, and Masters in Business Communication.
(More Info)
- University of Phoenix - Education : Founded in 1976, University of Phoenix Online is the largest private university in the United States offering Bachelors, Masters, and Doctorate degrees in Education. The University of Phoenix also meets individual requirements set by state education departments which means a degree earned at the University of Phoenix is guaranteed to be honored in all states in the U.S. (More Info)
- Liberty University Online : With more than 35 online degrees offered, Liberty University is a convenient, flexible, and affordable way to earn an accredited degree from a solid, Christian perspective. (More Info)
- Marygrove College : Marygrove College was founded in 1905 in Monroe, Michigan, and moved to its current location in Detroit in 1927. It is an independent Catholic liberal arts college sponsored by the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Marygrove offers Master's degrees in a wide variety of education specialties. (More Info)
- Capella University (Graduate) : Capella University offers online graduate degree learning in Education, Human Services, Psychology, Business, and Technology. Students earn master and doctorate degrees while preparing for professional entry-level and advanced career opportunities—all without entering a classroom. (More Info)
- Grand Canyon University Online : Founded in 1949 as a private, non-denominational Christian university, Grand Canyon University emphasizes individual attention and staff support. Students learn professional essentials for success in Education careers—all with the convenience of flexible online classes. (More Info)
- California Coast University : Established in 1973, California Coast University has enabled working adults without the time or access to a physical school with the opportunity to complete degree training programs that can open new career doors. Flexible distance-learning classes ensure that students will earn an undergraduate or graduate degree in Business Administration, Management, Psychology, and Health Care Administration in as much or as little time as they have available. (More Info)
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