Education
Master of Science in Education

Curriculum and Instruction

Career exploration guide

This guide provides tools to help you explore careers related to this specialization. Use this information to start researching this field and the opportunities in it. This research can help you make a transition into positions related to this field. Start by gaining an overview of this program and learning about the field, jobs, and employment settings that are related.

About this specialization

The Master of Science in Education, Curriculum and Instruction specialization provides learners with the research-based knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for effective classroom, building and district-level leadership in curriculum and instruction. The specialization is designed for teachers interested in teaching improvement initiatives supported by current theory and research in curriculum design, instructional models, and assessment strategies focused on increasing student achievement. These specialization requirements are not designed or intended to meet professional licensure requirements for the education profession.

Skills gained through this specialization:

This specialization was designed to help you gain the following skills related to this field:

  • Use theories, models, knowledge and best practices effectively in curriculum development and evaluation
  • Develop assessments that are aligned to standards
  • Develop curriculum that addresses specific content and grade-level requirements
  • Implement instruction that is meaningful to students and supports academic achievement
  • Model behaviors reflecting the highest ideals of the profession

Explore this field

Professional associations, social networks, and other industry-specific resources can provide a wealth of information about a specific field or industry, including best practices, career overviews, trends and access to industry professionals. By reviewing website information, attending events, and connecting with people in the field, you can deepen your knowledge about the field. 

Professional associations

Industry information

Explore jobs and employers

In addition to exploring the field, take some time to research specific jobs and employment settings related to this program. Consider how these jobs and settings fit with your experience, skills, interests and values. This is a sample list of job titles and employment settings related to this field. To learn more, review job postings and talk with people who have these roles or work in these settings. You can find these professionals through LinkedIn, family, friends, schools, employers and community groups. Spend time researching your industry and prospective employers to decide whether this type of degree will help advance your career.

Related job titles to explore*

  • Curriculum coordinator
  • Curriculum developer
  • Curriculum specialist
  • Instructional coach
  • Instructional designer
  • Learning support specialist

Employment settings to explore*

  • Colleges, universities and professional schools
  • Community colleges
  • Educational support services
  • Elementary and secondary schools
  • General government support

*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications and/or other designations along with a degree. This specialization is not intended to lead to professional license or certification. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals.

Job boards

This is a sample of jobs boards with positions related to this field. Use them in your research to identify additional job titles, common hiring requirements and local employers. 

Further exploration

There are a lot of factors that influence whether a career is a fit or not. These can include monetary compensation, benefits, work environment, organization culture, work/life balance, etc. As you consider your career, think about what is important to you in your employer, role and setting. These resources can help you perform this additional exploration.

For a more detailed guide on career exploration, review Capella’s Career Exploration YouTube series that helps you identify what is important to you in your career and how that aligns with the world of work. 

Accreditation

Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.