A Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction provides a bright path for career advancement and higher earning potential. This graduate degree program is designed primarily for educators from kindergarten through college who have a bachelor’s degree plus some teaching experience.
The job satisfaction score for instructional coordinators is consistently very high; this is one of many positions available with this master’s degree. With a master’s in curriculum and instruction, there is the potential for added fulfillment that may come with being instrumental in improving teaching methods and learning experiences for students.
Salaries & Job Forecast
According to the NCTQ Teacher Contract Database, the average difference in pay for a teacher who earns a master's is $4,159.40.
The median salary for a K-12 teacher with a Master’s such as a curriculum and instruction degree is $55,860. The salary for an Instructional Coordinator ranges from $60,000 for one in educational support services to $67,000 when working for the government.
A K-12 school Principal earns a median salary of $90,000, with a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction. With the same master’s, a Training and Development Manager averages $99,000 in annual pay.
There has been and continues to be increasing demand for individuals who are skilled and qualified in curriculum and instruction.
At 20% average growth thru the ten-year period ending in 2020, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that opportunities for instructional coordinators will grow at a faster average rate than teachers without a degree in curriculum and instruction.
In comparison, teaching jobs from kindergarten through 8th grade are expected to grow at a rate of 17% and positions for high school teachers are projected to grow by 7% during that same period.
Job Opportunities
This is a beneficial program for educators interested in instructional design, corporate training, adult education, and more.
With a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction, positions available to you can include curriculum supervisor, instructional coordinator, reading teacher, curriculum developer, content-area specialist, and principal of K-12 schools.
Online vs Residential Programs
There are benefits to earning your Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction in either an online or a residential program.
Which works best for you has a lot to do with your particular circumstances and such things as your proximity to an institution of higher learning. The following are a few of the benefits of residential programs and online programs.
Residential
Pursuing a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction on campus gives you the advantage of direct social interaction with teachers and peers.
You may have more convenient access to needed facilities, such as the library. It’s possible to meet face-to-face with instructors, which can be helpful to students on any learning level. Also, there may be more options on pursuing the types of classes better tailored to meet your goals for your continuing education.
Online
Many of the advantages enjoyed on campus are also available in some form online. Interaction between students and teachers can be far livelier online.
Introverted students have a more comfortable setting in which to add their valuable participation. The top benefit of online classes is convenience and flexibility that allows you to fit online courses into your busy schedule. You can continue working in your profession while making progress toward career advancement.
Master’s In Curriculum and Instruction
Educators who pursue a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction put themselves in an advantageous position for a salary upgrade and greater on-the-job status and satisfaction.
