Online Curriculum and Instruction Degrees
Ask a Question
Graduates with a degree in curriculum and instruction typically go on to become elementary, secondary, or postsecondary educators. Instruction and curriculum consists of preparing lesson plans, activities, providing instruction, grading, and feedback. Many students initially receive an elementary or secondary teaching degree and decide later to pursue an advanced degree to teach adults or college-aged students. With the advent of the Internet, many schools at all educational levels offer some of their coursework online, which means teachers today must be skilled in the latest technologies.
Traditionally, when students wanted to teach in public schools, they earned a bachelor's degree in education and took a stating licensing exam. However, due to a shortage of teachers in many areas, there are alternative paths for becoming a teacher for those who already have a bachelor's degree in another field. Those who plan to teach in private schools do not have to be state licensed the way that public school teachers do.
Typically, students who want to pursue postsecondary education will need a minimum of a master's degree, but in many cases a PhD is required for faculty positions at colleges and universities. Many colleges and universities offer online education, and as a result, tenured positions have become more difficult to obtain, while many hire on as adjunct faculty and teach at a variety of colleges in order to make a full-time living.
Answers to Your Questions
Accredited Schools Offering Online Curriculum and Instruction Degrees
Learn more about American InterContinental University
Career Specializations
- Elementary Education: This specialization focuses on young children in grades kindergarten to around fifth grade.
- Secondary Education: This concentration focuses on teaching students from the sixth grade through the end of high school.
- Mathematics and Science: Students can specialize in a subject to teach such as math and science since these subjects are harder to find teachers for than others.
- Homeschooling: While this is not a traditional path for graduates with a curriculum and instruction degree, it is a viable option. Parents who are planning to homeschool their children will benefit greatly from instructions on creating lesson plans, grading, and creating a positive learning environment.
Degree Levels
- Bachelor's Degree: 4 years to complete
- Master's Degree: 2 years to complete
- Doctorate Degree: 2-3 years to complete
Education & Certification Requirements
The minimal degree and standard for teaching at the elementary and secondary level is a bachelor's degree. This degree takes about four years of full-time study, though it can be pursued online and on a part-time basis, so it can take longer to complete if the student has other obligations, such as working full time or raising children.
The master's degree is often sought for those who want to work in other areas of education, such as administration. However, in some schools, the master's degree is becoming more commonly seen for entry-level teachers into the profession. The PhD is normally sought by those who wish to enter the postsecondary educational route and teach at community colleges, universities, or online college-level classes. Students at all levels learn how to create curriculum and instruction by making it interesting and engaging to students. In some universities, students may also learn how to create an online course, which can require a greater level of technical skill.
Licensing is required in all 50 states for public school teachers who intend to teach kindergarten through secondary education. Every state has its own set of licensing credentials, but typically these can be found through TEACH. For those who wish to teach postsecondary education, certification is not required; education and experience are the most important qualifications.
Salary Information
Salary ranges vary by demographics, school district, education, and experience. In many cases, the educational level of the graduate dictates what he or she will earn when teaching kindergarten through secondary schools. These teachers earn an average of $47,100 to $51,180 with the highest 10 percent of teachers in this category earning $75,190 to $80,970 annually in 2008. (BLS)
In 2008, postsecondary teachers, or those who taught in colleges and universities, often held a PhD and earned $41,600 to $83,960. The highest 10 percent of postsecondary instructors earned over $121,850. (BLS)
Job Outlook
Job growth at the kindergarten or secondary level is expected to increase at an average rate of 13 percent compared to other occupations in the years 2008-2018. Teachers who have a specialization in science or math will be in highest demand. (BLS)
Career opportunities at the postsecondary level is expected to grow approximately 15 percent during the same decade. One of the reasons for this increase is the need for adjunct instructors who are able to teach courses online. Competition will be high, and those with doctorate degrees will have the best job opportunities. (BLS)
Related Careers
School administrators are responsible for the day-to-day administrative activities of operating secondary schools. These are typically managerial roles, and many of these professionals may interact with students, though they do not actually teach students in a classroom setting. (BLS)
Special education teachers are trained to work with a variety of students with special needs, from physical challenges to learning disabilities. Often, these teachers work with very small class sizes depending on the students' needs and how well they interact with other students. These professional teachers must be very patient and have the ability to motivate the students and provide the individualized support that each student requires. (BLS)
English as a second language teachers' main responsibility is to teach students for whom English is not their native language. ESL teachers are necessary at the secondary level and at the adult level. (BLS)
