Master’s in Curriculum & Instruction
Purdue’s online MS in Education in Curriculum and Instruction degree is backed by extensive research, taught by world-renowned faculty, and at just $450 per credit hour for in-state tuition, is a degree you can afford.
Advance Your Role
Through the online Master of Science in Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Purdue University, you’ll learn to maximize the role you play in the curriculum life cycle and develop students who thrive in the classroom and love to learn.
Benefits to Your Position
Teachers: Meet new demands and use a student-centered approach to help everyone in your classroom learn.
Leaders/Curriculum Coordinators: Assess student learning with new technological innovations, education theories, implementation procedures and more.
Curriculum Administrators: Develop and evaluate new curriculum with new research and methodologies.
Advance Students’ Learning
Research demonstrates that when social justice issues, strength-based approaches, and K-12 STEM education are included in the development and teaching of curriculum, long-term student success is greater. So whether you evaluate, implement or instruct curriculum, understanding how new methodologies and current theories in these topics relate to your role is vital to your students’ ability to learn.
Program at a Glance
- Delivery: Online
- Credits: 30
- Typical Course Length: 8 weeks
- Typical Completion Time: 18 months
- In-State Rate: $450/credit
- Out-of-State Rate: $670/credit
- Start Date: Fall (August), Spring (January), Summer (May)
View Our Virtual Information Session
Hear directly from our directors of admissions, program directors and faculty to learn more about the program’s objectives, what it’s like to learn online, the resources we have to assist you throughout your education, and career paths after graduation.
Choose a Career-Focused Concentration
Step into leadership roles and meet the growing diversity of classrooms — choose from six concentrations to deepen your learning in a focused area.
English Language Learning
Provide high-quality language and content-area instruction for students learning English as an additional language in the U.S. (one of the fastest-growing and most diverse populations in the U.S.) and around the world. Through a separate application process, this concentration offers optional licensure preparation for teachers in Indiana or an optional graduate certificate. Follow the below links to learn more about these additional credentials:
English Language Learning Graduate Programs
Teaching English Language Learners (TELL) Graduate Certificate
English Language Learning Licensure
This is a non-licensure program. Contact the College of Education Office of Teacher Education and Licensure (OTEL) at licensure@purdue.edu before continuing with program application if you have questions regarding licensure or contact your state Department of Education about how this program may translate to licensure in your state of residence.
Gifted, Creative and Talented Students
Serve gifted, creative and talented students while learning a strengths-based talent-development model that helps all students realize their full potential. Through a separate application process, this concentration offers optional licensure preparation for teachers in Indiana or an optional graduate certificate. Follow the below links to learn more about these additional credentials:
Gifted, Creative and Talented Studies Graduate Certificate
This is a non-licensure program. Contact the College of Education Office of Teacher Education and Licensure (OTEL) at licensure@purdue.edu before continuing with program application if you have questions regarding licensure or contact your state Department of Education about how this program may translate to licensure in your state of residence.
Integrated STEM Education
Develop knowledge and skills for teaching STEM disciplines through the integration of engineering and technology design, in problem- and project-based contexts. When you complete this concentration, you will understand the philosophical foundations of integrated STEM education and be able to develop, deliver, and assess engaging K-12 integrated STEM educational experiences. Through a separate application process, this concentration offers an optional graduate certificate. Follow the below link to learn more about this additional credential:
K-12 Integrated STEM Education Graduate Certificate
This is a non-licensure program. Contact the College of Education Office of Teacher Education and Licensure (OTEL) at licensure@purdue.edu before continuing with program application if you have questions regarding licensure or contact your state Department of Education about how this program may translate to licensure in your state of residence.
Mathematics Education
Broaden your knowledge and practice in teaching and learning mathematics as you develop your expertise in mathematics and in the methods of teaching mathematics to meet the needs of diverse learners. Courses emphasize connections between K-16 mathematics content and effective, research-based instructional strategies.
This is a non-licensure program. Contact the College of Education Office of Teacher Education and Licensure (OTEL) at licensure@purdue.edu before continuing with the program application if you have questions regarding licensure, or contact your state Department of Education about how this program may translate to licensure in your state of residence.
Educational Technology
Take on a leadership role in curriculum and training; prepare professionals from K-12 and related environments to improve students’ learning experiences. Offers an optional graduate certificate in instructional design.
This is a non-licensure program. Contact the College of Education Office of Teacher Education and Licensure (OTEL) at licensure@purdue.edu before continuing with the program application if you have questions regarding licensure, or contact your state Department of Education about how this program may translate to licensure in your state of residence.
Special Education (SPED)
In the Special Education (SPED) degree concentration, students explore inclusive education practices and gain a deeper knowledge of the policies that govern the responsibilities of schools, teachers and providers who serve individuals with exceptionalities. Courses in this concentration specifically support participants in the diverse reading needs of exceptional students and learning how their practices as teachers, administrators or service providers can adjust to meet these needs through adaptive curriculum, differentiated instruction and other strategies.
This is a non-licensure program. Contact the College of Education Office of Teacher Education and Licensure (OTEL) at licensure@purdue.edu before continuing with the program application if you have questions regarding licensure, or contact your state Department of Education about how this program may translate to licensure in your state of residence.
Watch Our Virtual Info Session Now!
Learn about our online MS in Education in Curriculum and Instruction degree as you hear from some of the support you will have with you along the way.
Gain New Curriculum Skills Critical to Classroom Success
Purdue’s curriculum and instruction program equips you with advanced skills and experiences in evaluating, creating, and teaching curriculum. As a graduate, you’ll be able to understand, conduct and communicate research to your colleagues, local policymakers, administrators and the community to create successful learning opportunities for your students.
Graduates Can:
- Develop a critical understanding of changing demographics and the diversity of students, schools and communities to better serve their educational needs.
- Advocate for values of diversity, inclusivity and social justice.
- Deepen your understanding of educational trends and policies and their impacts on the students and communities they serve.
- Strengthen disciplinary and transdisciplinary knowledge.
- Mentor, coach and collaborate with colleagues to encourage them to enact their roles as leaders.
- Communicate effectively with various stakeholders, including colleagues, parents, administrators, media and policy-makers.
- Develop strategies for sustained resilience in addressing ongoing opportunities and challenges.
Create a Flexible Career in Education
When you look at the employment statistics for positions in education that demand a graduate degree like the master’s in curriculum and instruction, you’ll see a strong focus on helping all students thrive within their academic abilities.
- 857,600 new educational instruction and library jobs are projected per year from 2022 to 20321
- $66,490 average salary of instructional coordinators with a master’s degree1
- 15% increase in average annual salary for professionals who hold a master’s degree2
Explore Careers in Curriculum and Instruction
1Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Educational Instruction and Library Occupations. Sept. 6, 2023. Retrieved on Apr. 1, 2024, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/home.htm.
2Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Employment Projections, Education pays. Sept. 6, 2023. Retrieved on Apr. 1, 2024, from https://www.bls.gov/emp/chart-unemployment-earnings-education.htm.
Admissions Requirements
Admissions decisions are based on individual experience and the applicant’s fit with the program.
We recommend that all applicants speak to an enrollment counselor to verify eligibility and document accuracy in applying for the program. Candidates must submit a completed application as well as the following items:
- A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- An updated resume
- Two Statements
- Academic Statement of Purpose – View Prompts & Requirements
- Personal History Statement – View Prompts & Requirements
- Official transcripts from all universities attended, including transfer credits*
- (2) professional letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with your abilities
- An application fee of $60 ($75 for international students)
- 12 hours of previous coursework in science and/or mathematics (STEM Concentration Only)
*Coursework used to satisfy the requirements of a conferred master’s degree from an institution other than Purdue may not be used as transfer credit.
International Students
In addition to the admission requirements noted on the first tab, international students must also provide the following information.
- Official transcripts from all universities attended in the original language as well as English translation for transcripts and diplomas not in English.
- An application fee of $60 ($75 for international students)
- Non-native English speakers must also submit the following.
- TOEFL test scores that are less than two years old and meet the following requirements:
- Minimum Overall: 80
- Writing: 18
- Speaking: 18
- Listening: 14
- Reading: 19
- IELTS test scores that are less than two years old and meet the following requirements:
- Minimum Overall: 6.5
- Writing: 6.5
- Speaking: 6.0
- Listening: 6.0
- Reading: 5.5
- Duolingo test scores that are less than two years old and meet the following requirements:
- total score of 115 and 115 on each subscore
- TOEFL test scores that are less than two years old and meet the following requirements:
How to Apply
We recommend that all applicants speak to an enrollment counselor to verify eligibility and document accuracy before applying for the program. To schedule your phone interview, call 877-497-5851.
Once you have connected with an enrollment counselor, you are ready to complete the online application.
If you have any questions about filling out the application, contact us online or call us at 877-497-5851 to speak with an admissions advisor.
Send All Other Application Materials To:
Purdue University Online Programs Admissions Processing Center
851 Trafalgar Court, Suite 420
West Maitland, FL 32751
Cost
| Current Tuition Rates and Fees* | In-State | Out-of-State |
| Tuition Rate | $381.20 | $601.20 |
| PO Infrastructure Fee (per credit hour) | $18.80 | $18.80 |
| Digital Education Fee (per credit hour) | $50.00 | $50.00 |
| Total Cost Per Credit Hour** | $450.00 | $670.00 |
| Total Credit Hours | 30 | 30 |
| Total Program Cost | $13,500.00 | $20,100.00 |
*Tuition and fees are charged on a per credit hour basis and are subject to annual increases. Annual increases may change the total program cost. Purdue faculty and staff fee remissions may not be applied to the online MSEd in Curriculum and Instruction program.
**The cost of attending Purdue varies depending on where you choose to live, enrollment in a specific program or college, food and travel expenses, and other variables. The Office of the Bursar website shows estimated costs for the current aid year for students by semester and academic year. These amounts are used in determining a student’s estimated eligibility for financial aid. You can also use our tuition calculator to estimate tuition costs.
Learn From the Experts
Explore how Purdue’s faculty for the online MS in Education in Curriculum & Instruction can prepare you to help all students learn.
Faculty
Paul Asunda, Associate Professor
Laura Bofferding, Professor
Jake Burdick, Associate Professor
Virak Chan, Clinical Associate Professor
Marisa Exter, Associate Professor
Holly Fiock, Instructor
Kharon Grimmet, Clinical Associate Professor
Siddika Selcen Guzey, Professor
Wanju Huang, Clinical Associate Professor
Chrystal Johnson, Associate Professor
Signe Kastberg, Professor
Rachael Kenney, Associate Professor
Adrie Koehler, Associate Professor
Victoria Lowell, Clinical Professor
Nathan Mentzer, Professor
Patricia (Trish) Morita-Mullaney, Associate Professor
Timothy Newby, Professor
Jill Newton, Professor
Nielsen Pereira, Associate Professor
Jennifer Richardson, Professor
Brenda Sarmiento-Quezada, Assistant Professor
Ofelia Castro Schepers, Assistant Professor
Kristen Seward, Clinical Associate Professor
Sunnie Watson, Professor
William Watson, Professor
Wayne E. Wright, Professor
Testimonials
Frequently Asked Questions
Please find answers to the most popular questions for the online Master of Science in Education in Curriculum and Instruction program asked by many of our new online students.
Does this program lead to licensure?
No, the MSEd in Curriculum and Instruction DOES NOT lead to licensure, however, there may be optional licensure pathways through concentration areas for individuals who already have an initial Indiana teaching licenses. For more information related to licensure please visit the below links.
- For current information regarding out-of-state licensing, please visit the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) website
- To learn more about each state’s requirements for licensing, please contact the Department of Education in your desired state or visit the United States Department of Education website for license requirements and application procedures
- Additional information regarding licensing can be found here
- Additional information regarding Accreditation, Standards, and Program Recognition can be found here
Do I need a background in education to qualify for admission?
No. Qualified applicants have various backgrounds within curriculum development, like teachers, school social workers, and administrators.
Who is on the faculty?
The faculty of the MSEd in Curriculum and Instruction at Purdue all hold advanced degrees and contribute to ongoing research in the education field.
How do online classes work? Do I have to be at my computer at a specific time?
Most of the coursework is asynchronous, meaning that there are not specific times that you need to be in the course. However, interaction with your instructor and peers is a major component of our classes. As an online student at Purdue University, you’ll log into a virtual online classroom interface that includes areas for assignments, discussion boards, e-mail, and more. Just like in a traditional classroom, you’ll complete coursework and exams and interact with your instructor and classmates, but it will all be online. You can access and work on your coursework at any time—you just need to complete your assignments according to the schedule posted by your professor.
Is financial aid available?
Yes, if you are a degree seeking student and meet the financial aid citizen requirements, you may be eligible for the Stafford and/or Graduate PLUS loan programs.
How many total credits are required?
The online MSEd in curriculum and instruction at Purdue University requires a total of 30 credit hours that include a mix of core and concentration coursework.
How much time should I plan to spend on the program each week?
The academic experience varies by student; however, we recommend that students plan to spend 15-20 hours per week for each course they take.
Is an in-person residency required?
No. Purdue University does not require an on-site residency. That means you can earn the MSEd in Curriculum and Instruction degree from anywhere in the United States or around the world without temporarily relocating to complete a residency program.
Is support available to all students?
As an online student, you will have access to a multitude of support resources when you need help or guidance, starting with new student orientation to familiarize yourself with the online learning environment. Other services include a help desk for technical issues, a student services coordinator, financial aid advisors and more.
How are the online programs different from the on-campus programs?
Purdue University’s online courses are taught by the same world-class faculty members, and are just as rigorous and challenging as their on-campus counterparts. The main difference is the online format, which allows you greater convenience as to when and where you learn.
Will my diploma look different from the on-campus programs?
No. Both on-campus and online programs earn the same diploma. Online students are also invited to participate in the graduation ceremony on campus upon program completion.
Can I visit campus?
Yes. Students are always encouraged to visit campus and experience all that Purdue has to offer. For visitor information, visit www.purdue.edu/visit.
How do I evaluate a school curriculum?
Guidelines for how to evaluate a school curriculum are outlined in the online MSEd Curriculum and Instruction program. You’ll learn how implementing new methodologies regarding social justice issues and STEM education improve the learning potential of all students, and how to interpret evaluation and assessment data to select the best program for your students.
The program also allows you to choose a concentration in Gifted, Creative and Talented Studies, Mathematics Education, English Language Learning, Integrated STEM Education, Education Technology or Special Education (SPED) to deepen your evaluation skills where they’re needed most.
How can teachers improve student academic achievement?
Improving academic achievement is a core outcome of the online MSEd in Curriculum and Instruction degree. The program focuses on how new methodologies surrounding the implementation of social justice issues and STEM education improve student learning, as well as how students might be served better with varied evaluation and assessment techniques. Teachers learn to demonstrate equality in learning in the classroom and more sophisticated practices. They also choose a concentration in Gifted, Creative and Talented Studies, Mathematics Education, English Language Learning, Education Technology, Integrated STEM Education or Special Education (SPED) to deepen their ability to improve academic ability for the student population they serve.
What is a curriculum specialist?
Curriculum specialists, also known as Instructional coordinators, are the professionals in education who are officially tasked with evaluating the effectiveness of curriculums and teaching techniques. They also review student test data, observe teachers in the classroom, recommend different teaching techniques, and conduct training for teachers, especially where technology is concerned. Their median pay is $62,460 and the employment growth rate for this title is 11%.