Curriculum and Instruction degrees help teachers, instructors, coaches, and managers when designing instruction for classrooms, training programs, online courses, and self-study tutorials. Curriculum and instruction focuses on assessment, planning, and implementing. Teachers and instructors must have the ability to modify instructional plans and promote alternative goals and strategies to optimize learning for their students. Graduate degrees in curriculum and instruction assist teachers to become more effective in the classroom, to gain salary increases, and to advance to administration positions. On the corporate side, many management level positions will prefer a graduate degree in instructional design or curriculum and instruction as well as work experience in that field and industry related certifications.

Careers in Curriculum and Instruction:

Instructional Coordinators: Instructional coordinators--also known as curriculum specialists, personnel development specialists, instructional coaches, or directors of instructional material--play a large role in improving the quality of education in the classroom. They develop curricula, select textbooks and other materials, train teachers, and assess educational programs for quality and adherence to regulations and standards. They also assist in implementing new technology in the classroom. At the primary and secondary school level, instructional coordinators often specialize in specific subjects, such as reading, language arts, mathematics, or science. At the postsecondary level, coordinators may work with employers to develop training programs that produce qualified workers.

Salaries in Curriculum and Instruction:
(U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2007 and Salary.com)

Curriculum and Instruction - Master of Science
Designed for teachers who want to enhance their instructional effectiveness and advance their careers, the Curriculum and Instruction degree consists of 12 required courses (36 credit hours), making it possible for you to finish the program in as little as 14 months. You’ll enhance your critical thinking abilities and develop new skills through collaborative discussion and practical exercises.

• Utilize technology for student learning and teacher tasks
• Integrate, encourage and effectively respond to both special education and gifted students
• Provide reading and language arts education in content areas
• Expand group processes to encourage discovery learning
• Adapt and expand a range of instructional skills
• Understand and utilize alternative educational tests and measures