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Curriculum and Instruction
Master of Science in Education
Leverage the strength of research-based knowledge to improve the ways students learn and to prepare for leadership opportunities. The Master of Science in Education, Curriculum and Instruction from Capella University examines best practices in assessment techniques and explores innovative teaching methods that can help improve learning outcomes. You’ll learn how to develop curricula that address specific content and grade-level requirements for K-12 students, as well as developing ways to enhance student engagement.
At a glance
- Online
- 4 Core courses
- 4 Specialization courses
- 2 Elective
- 1 Capstone
- 46 Total quarter credits (12 Max transfer)
With Capella Tuition Cap, you won’t pay more than $12,000* in tuition costs for your degree.
*Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.
Explore curriculum and instruction courses
- This degree requires a total of 46 quarter credits
- You’ll need to complete four core courses, four specialization courses, two elective courses and one capstone
Show all descriptions
ED5503
Classroom Management Strategies
4 quarter credits
Learners in this course apply strategies for managing student behaviors and develop the skills needed to create classroom environments that maximize the opportunity for each student to learn. This course emphasizes the roles, rights, and responsibilities of all stakeholders under The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and Section 504 legislation. This course requires access to a P-12 classroom and/or educational stakeholders in a P-12 school or district.
4 quarter credits
ED5533
Curriculum Mapping: Reflection and Practice
4 quarter credits
Learners 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. Prerequisite: ED5500
4 quarter credits
ED5538
Program Evaluation of Curriculum and Instruction
4 quarter credits
Learners in this course examine theories, concepts, definitions, and models associated with the improvement of curriculum and instruction. Learners collect and organize research, analyze and report data, and complete a program evaluation that demonstrates the integral role of program evaluation in curriculum and instruction improvement. This course requires access to a P-12 classroom and/or educational stakeholders in a P-12 school or district. Prerequisite(s): ED5533.
4 quarter credits
ED5500
Standards-Based Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment
4 quarter credits
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
What you’ll learn
The Master of Science in Education, Curriculum and Instruction provides students 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.
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
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.
- 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 quarter
- $485 per credit
- $150 resource kit
- 46 total quarter credits
- 12 max transfer credits
$22,310
NO TRANSFER CREDITS 24 months
Total Tuition Cap
Capella Tuition Cap
$12,000 Total Tuition
- Pay no more than $12,000 in total tuition for your degree*
- Available to all students who start now through July 7, 2025
*Eligibility rules apply. Books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other fees apply. Travel expenses for residency, practicum, etc., are not covered by the tuition cap.
Capella Tuition Cap
What is the Capella Tuition Cap?$12,000 Total Tuition
- Pay no more than $12,000 in total tuition for your degree*
- Available to all students who start now through July 7, 2025
*Eligibility rules apply. Books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other fees apply. Travel expenses for residency, practicum, etc., are not covered by the tuition cap.
About tuition estimate
The cost below is an example based on general program pricing and 2025–26 Capella tuition rates. The coursework total assumes no transfer credits have been applied when a student enters into the program. Pacing and pricing information is current as of Jan. 6, 2025. This rate is the same nationwide and may change depending on your unique circumstances, such as your program specialization, transfer credits and any applicable tuition discounts. This estimate does not include the cost of books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other expenses.
To discuss whether the specialization you’re interested in has additional factors that may affect program cost and length, contact a Capella enrollment counselor.
Tuition estimate
Cost of tuition |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $485/credit
|
$22,310.00 |
| Est. savings with Capella Tuition Cap*
|
$-10,310.00 |
|
Est. total with Capella Tuition Cap* |
$12,000.00 |
Get the details
Connect with an enrollment counselor to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
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
- Admission application – no application fee required
- 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
- Attended an internationally recognized institution
- 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.
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What can you do with an MS in Education, Curriculum and Instruction degree?
Your education can help you pursue your professional and personal goals. While Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific career outcome, such as a job title, promotion increase, we encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. Here are some ideas and examples for a graduate with an MS Ed in Curriculum and Instruction.
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.