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Curriculum and Instruction
Master of Science in Education
You chose a career in education for the opportunity to inspire students—because when they succeed, you succeed. Our online MS in Education, Curriculum and Instruction program helps you build advanced expertise in the design and implementation of modern curricula and teaching methods. You’ll develop research-based knowledge to improve the way students learn today, and position yourself for leadership roles across a wide range of educational settings—including classrooms, buildings, or districts.
Classes start July 10
Use the code SPRING to waive the $50 application fee.
At a glance
- Online
- 6 Core courses
- 4 Specialization courses
- 1 Practicum course
- 46 Total credits (12 max transfer)
Reduce your tuition by $2,500
Enroll in a qualified program and apply for a $2.5K Capella Progress Reward, a scholarship to help fund your master’s degree. Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.
Explore curriculum and instruction courses
- This degree requires a total of 46 program credits
- You’ll need to complete six core courses, four specialization courses and one practicum
| ED5500 |
Standards-Based Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
In this course, learners examine national and state learning standards related to their content area or grade level. Learners utilize research-based curriculum to craft assessments that are aligned to standards, and implement instruction that is meaningful to students and supports their academic achievement. This course requires access to a P–12 classroom and/or educational stakeholders in a P–12 school or district. |
4 quarter credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDT5142 |
Adaptive Instruction and Assessment
In this course, learners analyze theories of constructivism and cognitive flexibility and implement adaptive learning approaches to meet the needs of diverse learners. Further, learners apply the Universal Design framework to instructional design and evaluate adaptive learning dashboards that provide continuous assessment of mastery-based learning. Learners also analyze facilitator-driven and assessment-driven systems and evaluate the effectiveness of mastery-based learning in student needs, including those of students with disabilities, English-language learners, and students who are gifted or talented. The course includes an emphasis on the purpose and impact of computer-aided instruction and assessment on student achievement in competency-based education (CBE). This course requires access to an educational setting, students or learners, and/or classroom practitioners. |
4 quarter credits |
| ED5533 |
Curriculum Mapping: Reflection and Practice
Learners in this course formulate a research-based professional vision for curriculum design and develop a curriculum for a specific content and grade-level application using computer-based curriculum mapping applications. Learners who have taken ED8533 should not take ED5533. Rather, they should choose any other graduate-level education course to fulfill their specialization requirements. |
4 quarter credits |
| EDT5126 |
Collaborative Learning Environments
Learners analyze systems for building, supporting, and sustaining collaborative learning by evaluating structures and systems that leverage technology to provide opportunities for collaborative learning and professional collaboration. Learners identify theories, research, and models that support collaborative learning and professional learning communities and investigate how to create opportunities for students and teachers to work collaboratively within live and virtual settings. |
4 quarter credits |
| ED5504 |
Strategies for Eliminating the Achievement Gap
Learners in this course examine the origins and complexities of student achievement gaps within the contexts of gender, race, culture, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and language difference. Learners also explore current student achievement research and best practices and identify instructional strategies most likely to eliminate achievement disparities. This course requires access to a P–12 classroom and/or educational stakeholders in a P–12 school or district. |
4 quarter credits |
What you’ll learn
This degree program equips you with research-based knowledge, skills, and attitudes for effective leadership in curriculum and instruction at the classroom, building, and district level. It is designed for teachers interested in teaching-improvement initiatives supported by current theory and research in curriculum design and instructional models, as well as key assessment strategies for increasing student achievement. You’ll participate in course discussions and activities that provide practical experiences, and collaborate on projects that blend theory, research, and practice.
On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:
- Instruct, design, and assess learning
- Evaluate and incorporate research to enrich practice and theory in curriculum
- Lead in curriculum and instruction
- Collaborate for the improvement of curriculum and instruction
- Develop curricula reflecting the local philosophy and mission, professional research, current trends, and community and societal needs
Review the Capella career exploration guide to learn more about this program and career paths to explore.
How much does the MS in Education cost?
The total cost of your degree will depend on academic performance, transfer credits, scholarships and other factors. See GuidedPath cost information below.
A structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.
- Based on the quarter system; 1–3 courses per 10-week quarter
- 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
- Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
- Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or term
$15,980
MAX TRANSFER CREDITS
$21,620
AVERAGE TRANSFER CREDITS
$470 per credit, 46 total quarter credits, 12 max transfer credits
*This is only an estimate, effective July 10, 2023, and is subject to change. Your price will vary depending on your specialization, transfer credits, and tuition discounts. Books, supplies, and other fees are not included in this estimate. GuidedPath prices show the tuition you would pay if you brought in an average number of transfer credits or the maximum allowed transfer credits. New or recently revised program estimates are based on comparable programs.
Capella is committed to transparency in its tuition and pricing. In addition to tuition, you will be responsible for additional costs, which may include an application fee, travel expenses, and practicum costs. A resource kit fee of $50-$175, charged quarterly or per billing session, covers the cost of required books, software, and other course materials. Click here to review program-specific fee amounts in our University Catalog.
Find out more about financing and payment options to help you complete your program. Federal aid also is available to help manage the costs of higher education. Learn more about financing your education.
Questions about cost?
Contact an enrollment counselor.
*Alumni Outcomes Survey, 2020–2021
“The field of education is constantly changing, so as a teacher, I need to constantly be learning as much as I can to stay on the top of my game, and then give my students the best education that I can.”
Michelle Emerson* – Master of Education graduate
*Actual FlexPath graduate compensated for appearing in Capella promotional materials.
Are there scholarships available for master's degrees?
Your education is an investment in your future. There are more ways to save than you might think.
Capella is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide evidence that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability. See all our accreditations and recognitions.
What are the MS in Education admission requirements?
Admission requirements
Applicants to the MSEd in Curriculum & Instruction program must provide the following information for admission:
- Bachelor’s degree from an institution accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency or an internationally recognized institution
- Your official bachelor’s transcripts, minimum grade point average of 2.3 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
- A $50 nonrefundable application fee, required at the time of application, to cover transcript requests, transcript evaluation, and other administrative costs
- An Experience and Access Acknowledgement Form that verifies understanding of requirements needed to successfully complete coursework
GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.
International student requirements
If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree, or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.
In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:
- Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
- Transcript evaluation
Learn more about international student admissions.
What support does Capella offer online students?
Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of a master’s student. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces to help you earn your degree with support from faculty, staff and online resources.
Articles and resources
Expand your perspective on academic and career topics with articles and resources from Capella University.
5 reasons to incorporate technology into your classroom
Think that integrating technology into the classroom will only distract students and marginalize educators?
4 Encore Careers for Teachers Outside of the K–12 Classroom
K–12 teachers who want to go in a new direction have viable options outside of the traditional classroom setting.
4 Trends in Higher Education that Affect Students Like You
Some changes take place at high levels or behind the scenes and don’t appear to affect students. But there are several trends occurring now that do have a direct impact on the college student experience.
What can you do with an MS in Education Curriculum Instruction degree?
Your education can help you reach your professional and personal goals. While Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific career outcome, such as a job title, promotion, or salary increase, we encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. Here are some ideas and examples for a graduate with an MSEd in Curriculum & Instruction.
Job titles to explore
- K–12 teacher
- K–12 lead teacher
- Instructional coordinator
- Curriculum specialist
- Education consultant
- Adjunct or part-time faculty of education courses
Employment settings to explore
- K–12 public or private school
- K–12 virtual or charter school
- School district
- Government—local, state, federal
- Land-based or online college or university
- Educational consulting firm
*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. 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.