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Part of Western Governors University
Career Guide Master of Science, Curriculum and Instruction
WGU creates career growth.
Career guide: curricular leader.
Are you a licensed teacher ready to take a significant step forward in your career? With the Master of Science Curriculum and Instruction degree, you'll have the knowledge and tools necessary to cultivate and execute innovative instructional materials for today's dynamic learning environments.
An effective curriculum — fit for diverse and complex classrooms — allows educators to inspire, connect, and transform their students. Will the completion of the M.S. Curriculum and Instruction degree increase your career opportunities and salary potential? Absolutely. But it will also improve your ability to shape minds and change lives forever. A career as a curricular leader can be tremendously fulfilling, and this program will help get you there.
Job listing growth 2016–2026.
Career opportunities.
The Master of Science Curriculum and Instruction is a degree program based on research on effective instruction, as well as national and state standards, which prepares already-licensed education professionals to develop curriculum effective in diverse classrooms. Completion of the degree will help teachers become highly qualified curricular leaders capable of developing, implementing, and teaching instructional materials.
Aside from teaching in a classroom, those with the M.S. Curriculum and Instruction may develop procedures for other teachers, coordinate with school staff and principals, and conduct training of teaching methods.
Positions in the field.
- Instructional coordinator
- Career/technical educator
- School principal
- High school teacher
- Librarian
- School/career counselor
- Training and development manager
- Training specialist
“Success for me was achieving my dream of furthering my education and knowing I was able to balance work, family, and school to accomplish my goal. It is rewarding to apply what I learned at WGU in my job every day.” Tracy Tanwar
M.S. Curriculum & Instruction
Job market forecast.
Many school districts and states are turning their focus to teachers' roles in the classroom, their curriculum effectiveness, and improving students' learning. Because of increased emphasis on holding teachers accountable for students' achievements, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the employment of instructional coordinators will grow 10 percent from 2016 to 2026, outpacing the 7 percent average growth projected for all occupations.
Some schools are providing training for teachers in curriculum changes or teaching techniques, so as an already-licensed teacher with a Master of Science Curriculum and Instruction, you would be an extremely valued asset to any educational administration.
Specific employment growth will depend on state and local government budgets, but the future looks bright for teachers with this important skill set.
Job growth 2016–2026.
Online and surprisingly affordable.
WGU has industry-aligned degrees to help you reach your career goals. A few you may find interesting are:
Work environment.
Teachers with a master's degree in curriculum and instruction will likely work in the classrooms of a variety of schools. From elementary schools to colleges, licensed education professionals with this degree are sought all over the country.
Classroom sizes will vary depending on school locale. Those in this type of position typically work year-round.
Professional organizations.
If you're focused on a teaching career and you're serious about improving your curriculum and instruction techniques, the right education and credentials can help you reach your goals. The following organizations can provide additional perspectives about this field.
Job search resources.
If you're ready to further your career as licensed teacher by earning a master's degree in curriculum and instruction, here are a few places to start. With the right credentials and connections, you'll be on your way to personal and professional satisfaction.
Salary stats.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for instructional coordinators was $62,460 in May 2016. A number of factors may affect your salary, including the area in which you choose to live and work.
Average salary of jobs with related titles.
Summary.
So you're ready to take your teaching career to the next level by obtaining a Master of Science Curriculum and Instruction degree. That's a wise decision. This program provides knowledge and skills that enable licensed educational professionals to develop and teach effective curricula in the classroom. Each area of study will enhance your credentials and give you an educational edge over others.
Curricular leaders — also known as instructional coordinators and curriculum developers — are prepared to analyze their own teaching methodology and make improvements where they're needed.
A career in curriculum and instruction development can take you to elementary and secondary schools, colleges, professional schools, and education support services
Your responsibilities in this career will include overseeing school or classroom curricula and teaching standards, developing instructional material and coordinating its implementation, and assessing its effectiveness.
Your career's next step: Earn a degree.
Ready to jump-start your teaching career? The next step could be earning your M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction. Accredited, competency-based WGU offers this degree online at a surprisingly affordable flat-rate tuition. Flexible enough for a working adult's schedule with the option to accelerate, your degree may be closer than you think!