Online Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction
Impact Student Learning Outcomes
The online Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction non-licensure degree program at Grand Canyon University teaches education professionals advanced skills in curriculum development and instructional strategies, helping to enhance their expertise and prepare for career progression opportunities. Through the degree coursework, research and field experience, graduates of this master’s program may pursue opportunities as instructional leaders at the school, district and state levels. The practical approach to curriculum development, teaching and assessment helps equip you with the most contemporary and effective classroom practices.
Earn Your Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction
This degree explores various aspects of curriculum development and instruction, emphasizing evidence-based best practices to help diverse students thrive in the classroom. You will have opportunities to gain experience with research-based differentiation strategies and delve into assessment and content-area practices. The coursework can provide valuable skills for potentially advancing in curriculum development opportunities within various educational settings.
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Advanced Curriculum Strategies for Educators
In this program, you will focus on planning, writing and delivering instruction that is developmentally appropriate, engaging and culturally responsive. The coursework includes evaluating the efficacy of instructional strategies using data and student achievement information. You will also analyze the curriculum through the concepts, principles and models of curriculum design.
You will be expected to complete coursework on a variety of relevant subject areas, including:
- Curriculum planning
- Development of assessments
- Strategies to engage diverse learners
- Culturally responsive pedagogy
- Utilization of assessment data for instructional decisions
- Effective instructional delivery and specialized material development
- Professional development for educators and specialists
- Fundamentals of neuroscience and cognitive sciences relevant to memory and learning
This MA in curriculum and instruction program culminates in a capstone project. You will be expected to complete practicum/field experience hours and create professional development plans throughout your program of study to address specific instructional needs. This plan includes delivering, evaluating and revising a professional development presentation to enhance teaching practices and educational outcomes.
Career Paths in Teaching and Curriculum Design
With a firm foundation in curriculum and instructional competencies, you may be equipped to pursue work across a variety of education-focused settings. These may include teaching in public or private elementary, middle or high schools, as well as pursuing careers as instructional coordinators. Other potential workplaces can include:1
- Colleges and universities
- Professional schools
- Education support organizations
- State and local governments
Pursuing this master's degree may be beneficial to teachers seeking to deepen their expertise and strengthen the foundational aspects of their teaching.
Earn Your MA at an Institutionally Accredited University
We are proud to be an institutionally accredited university. In addition, the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) has continually accredited GCU since 1968. The College of Education shares the university’s commitment to upholding the principles and standards established by our accrediting bodies.
MA in Curriculum and Instruction FAQs
If you’re drawn to empowering others through a career in curriculum instruction, you may find the following FAQs and answers helpful as you consider pursuing an education career.
Curriculum and instruction collectively refer to the design and development of academic programs and the development and implementation of instructional best practices in the classroom (i.e., how curriculum is delivered to students). Evidence-based curriculum design and instructional delivery is intended to support strong student outcomes, helping them strive toward their academic goals, and ultimately, vocational outcomes.
The value of a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction depends on your career goals, professional aspirations and personal circumstances. This program provides certified or licensed teachers and education specialists with advanced skills and knowledge that can help them position themselves for possible career advancement and growth within education. Completing the program can help prepare you for new educational challenges and qualify you for roles outside the classroom, enriching your professional path within and beyond educational settings. You’ll also gain insights into innovative teaching approaches that can inspire your students. Our flexible online education programs accommodate your schedule, offering convenience and accessibility.
A curriculum and instruction specialist typically works closely with teams of educators to implement evidence-based curriculum and instructional strategies in the classroom, with the goal of elevating student achievements.2 These professionals may be responsible for the following:2
- Performing specialized instruction
- Leading training and development programs for educators (mentor or coach)
- Designing and coordinating curriculum and instruction
- Developing and lead instructional coaching workshops and seminars
- Analyzing student test data
A non-licensure (NITL) education degree program typically means you will follow a shorter path than the licensure route because it does not require a student teaching component. An education degree that leads to licensure (ITL) will require you to complete a practicum/field experience (or student teaching component) that can help prepare you to apply for a teaching certificate or license after passing the state exam(s).3
Master advanced curriculum design skills through flexible online learning.
Grand Canyon University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLCommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Program availability varies and is not offered in all states or modalities. If you are seeking licensure/certification, please refer to the “Accreditation and Compliance/State Disclosures” link for the specific program of interest’s website page for your location and/or employment state’s licensure requirements, per 34 CFR 668.14(b)32 and 668.43(c). Policy information is located in the University Policy Handbook on gcu.edu. Scholarship information is available on gcu.edu.
1 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024, April 17). Instructional Coordinators: Work Environment. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved July 1, 2024.
2 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024, April 17). What Instructional Coordinators Do. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved July 3, 2024.
3 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024, April 17). How to Become a High School Teacher. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved July 1, 2024.
Core Courses
Course Description
This course is designed to prepare students for the graduate learning experience at Grand Canyon University. Students have opportunities to develop and strengthen the skills necessary to succeed as graduate students in the College of Education. Emphasis is placed on utilizing the tools for graduate success.
Course Description
This course focuses on brain research (from neuroscience to the behavioral and cognitive sciences) that relates to teaching and learning and suggests ways that brain research can be translated into instructional practices within organizational settings. Candidates will examine the inner workings of the brain and the effect on learning, memory, and transfer. Specifically, the course explores the body of knowledge that represents the application of brain research to instructional practice, and how knowledge about the human brain can affect the curricular, instructional, and assessment decisions that the candidates make every day. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required.
Course Description
This course provides an introduction to applied research in education across the major quantitative, qualitative, and action research traditions. Coursework focuses on understanding the research process and its integrated components to foster knowledge in navigating research reports and projects. Research designs and data analysis options are also explored.
Course Description
Candidates will analyze the roles and responsibilities of being a curriculum leader in the K-12 classroom. Focus is placed on transitioning from a teacher to a leader within the school environment. Candidates will learn strategies for collaborating with education stakeholders to foster a productive and positive learning community. An emphasis is placed on being able to reflect on personal professional practices, including biases, to create relevant and ethical learning experiences for students, as well as colleagues. Practicum/field experience hours: 20. Fingerprint clearance required.
Course Description
Candidates will be introduced to current theories of learning and approaches to curriculum design. The emphasis will be on examining and identifying the concepts, principles, and models of curriculum design. Candidates will evaluate curriculum based on learning theories and approaches to curriculum.
Course Description
Candidates will refine skills in aligning objectives, instruction, assessments, and rubrics. Special attention is given to differentiating curriculum for diverse students and using assessment data to guide instruction. Candidates will collaborate with peers and colleagues to achieve instructional goals through action planning. A review of current trends in instruction and assessment, including the use of AI, is presented to guide the creation of curriculum and instructional decisions.
Course Description
Candidates will use data to differentiate curriculum, instruction, and assessments in ways that foster learning for all students, including using technology. Focus will be on developing an engaging classroom environment, creating opportunities for learners to demonstrate their learning in different ways, and managing the learning environment to actively and equitably engage learners. Candidates will examine frameworks, materials, technology, and strategies for translating the principles of culturally responsive pedagogy into effective educational practice. The emphasis will be on developing curriculum that is bias-free and considers culturally responsive pedagogy, family and community engagement, and global education. Practicum/field experience hours: 20. Fingerprint clearance required.
Course Description
Candidates analyze and revise units of study based on identified goals and professional standards. Curriculum mapping analysis skills will be developed to ensure program objectives are aligned systematically to achieve learning goals and standards. Emphasis is placed on backward design, inquiry-based learning, and developing diverse and differentiated curriculum. Candidates will design curriculum and instruction in synchronous and asynchronous digital learning environments.
Course Description
Candidates survey effective professional development strategies and practices. Focus is placed on researching theories and models, including andragogy, that enhance knowledge and skill development for adult learners. Candidates develop professional learning activities and plans aligned with the identified needs that ensure participant growth and advancement in their profession while also considering the learners’ time and space. Emphasis will be on identifying personal professional development opportunities.
Course Description
Candidates will apply coaching techniques and tools in academic and professional settings. Emphasis is placed on improving professional practices, workplace culture, and effective collaboration and communication as well as modeling the ethical use and implementation of technology. Candidates will focus on advocating for continuous improvement in education. Practicum/field experience hours: 20. Fingerprint clearance required.
Course Description
Candidates deliver, evaluate, and revise professional development based on student data. Emphasis is placed on the equitable use of digital learning tools and content to meet learner needs. Candidates evaluate and revise professional development plans based on the unmet needs of learners. Prerequisite: EDU-585.
- GCU cannot and will not promise job placement, a job, graduate school placement, transfer of GCU program credits to another institution, promotion, salary, or salary increase. Please see the Career Services Policy in the University Policy Handbook.
- Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
- Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change
Pursue a next-generation education with an online degree from Grand Canyon University. Earn your degree with convenience and flexibility with online courses that let you study anytime, anywhere.