Program Overview

Curriculum and Instruction Master's

Program Overview

The Master of Education degree in Curriculum and Instruction is designed to enhance the knowledge and expertise of educators, combining theoretical perspectives and research-based practice with multiple opportunities for action research. Its goal is to support educators as they assume leadership roles at the campus and district or to prepare them for further graduate studies.

Program Details

• Program Type: Master of Education (M.Ed.)
• Format: Online
• Estimated Time to Complete: 2-3 years
• Credit Hours: 30

Why Earn a Curriculum and Instruction Master's?

Graduates of the Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction program gain an understanding of the relevance of research and theory to practice. UNT’s expert faculty provide educators with the knowledge and skills to understand major theories of curriculum and instruction both within and beyond the state curriculum.

Marketable Skills

• Conduct research
• Apply curricular theory to practice
• Make data-based instructional decisions
• Mentor and lead students/colleagues

Curriculum and Instruction Master's Highlights

• Early Childhood Education: For those who would like to explore ideas within the field of early childhood education.
• English as a Second Language (ESL) Education: For those who would like to become leaders in the education of bi/multilingual learners in ESL K-12 contexts.
• Literacy Education: For those seeking a deeper understanding of literacy education, especially in diverse instructional settings.
• Mathematics Education: For those who would like to become leaders and gain knowledge in K-12 mathematics education.
• Social Justice: For those who would like to gain a deeper understanding of the structural inequalities in education, how this impacts diverse learners and the need for curriculum and instruction that is responsive to learners.
• Teacher Leadership: For those who want to gain a wide knowledge in the field of teacher leadership and wish to assume various leadership roles.

Curriculum and Instruction Master's Courses

• Curriculum Development (3 hrs): Identification and understanding of historical, contemporary and emerging curriculum issues and trends; processes of curriculum development; and critical curriculum perspectives. Examines theoretical and social foundations of curriculum, including philosophy, history, major terms and concepts, and decision making.
• Advances in Teaching (3 hrs): Theoretical grounding and practical experiences to further enhance the knowledge and expertise of certified teachers. Attention is given to national and state standards for teacher development beyond initial certification. By focusing on relevant research and theory, curriculum, and student needs as a basis for instructional decision making, the course enables teachers to enhance student learning in the classroom and to assume campus leadership roles such as mentor teacher and staff developer.
• Research in Classroom Settings (3 hrs): Introduction to critical reflection and inquiry through action research. Development of basic skills as consumers of educational research and as teacher-researchers. Admission procedures are completed and degree plan developed.
• Schooling in a Multicultural Society (3 hrs): Recognition and examination of the philosophy and principles germane to multicultural education. Emphasis is on sensitivity to racial and cultural differences and their influences on an effective educational program as well as the political and social implications of these differences. Students also examine the great diversity of lifestyles that our multicultural heritage embraces.