Master's in Curriculum and Instruction
Earn Your Online Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction at GCU
The online Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction non-licensure degree program from Grand Canyon University (GCU) helps education professionals take their careers to the next level. Through the degree coursework, research and field experience, graduates of the Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction program can become instructional leaders at the school, district and state levels. The practical approach to curriculum development, teaching and assessment ensures that online master’s in curriculum and instruction degree graduates learn the most contemporary and effective practices for the classroom.
There are many facets to curriculum development that are focused on in the online master’s in curriculum and instruction program at GCU. Graduates get experience with research-based differentiation strategies. They also learn the most up-to-date assessment and content-area practices. The coursework in GCU’s master’s degree in curriculum and instruction prepares you for curriculum-related leadership positions in just about any educational environment.
What You Will Learn In the Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction Program at GCU
Students enrolled in GCU’s master’s in curriculum and instruction online and evening degree program learn to plan, write and deliver instruction that is developmentally appropriate, engaging and culturally responsive. Graduates also evaluate the efficacy of instructional strategies using data and student achievement information.
Graduates of the on-campus and online master’s in curriculum and instruction program complete coursework on a variety of important subject areas, including:
• Curriculum planning
• Assessment development
• Engagement strategies for diverse learners
• Culturally responsive pedagogy
• Using assessment data to inform instruction
• Delivering effective instruction, including the use and development of specialized materials
• Coaching other teachers and community members
• Professional development presentation strategies
Career Opportunities for Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction Online and In-Person Graduates
The work done by Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction graduates may take place in public or private elementary, middle or high schools. Other potential workplaces include:
• Colleges and universities
• Education welfare organizations
• Curriculum development businesses
• Education/Edtech publishers
Teachers looking to advance their skills and learn more about the foundations of what they teach will benefit from this master’s in curriculum and instruction online and in-person degree.
Master's in Curriculum and Instruction FAQs
If you find yourself drawn to inspiring others through a career in curriculum instruction, we have compiled a few frequently asked questions to help you pursue a challenging yet rewarding career in the education field.
GCU’s master’s in curriculum and instruction online and in-person degree program requires students to complete a minimum of 32 credits, which is expected to take approximately two years to complete. Degree completion may be completed sooner or later based on whether you attend full- or part-time and how many credits you may transfer in (up to 12 credits).
Earning a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction degree gives you the potential to advance your teaching career. You’ll gain valuable insights into new approaches that will inspire the students you teach. Furthermore, GCU’s flexible education programs allows you to take classes online on your schedule.
If you have a passion for curriculum design, performing student assessments, applying pedagogical best practices, improving instructional strategies and policy, while also improving your lifelong earning potential, an online masters in curriculum and instruction degree program is right for you. You will graduate prepared to meet new challenges in education and be qualified to take on roles outside the classroom, adding great value to your professional career, both in and out of the classroom.
With a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction degree you may decide to continue teaching or step into a curriculum instruction position that is responsible for the following:
• Perform specialized instruction
• Lead training and development programs for educators
• Design and coordinate curriculum and instruction
• Develop and lead instructional coaching seminars and trainings
Education students who pursue an education degree with licensure will be prepared to earn a teaching certificate by completing practical field experience and pass the state exam for teaching licensure. The non-licensure version of the master's in curriculum and instruction degree program is shorter in duration as it does not include the 15-week student teaching component. This is ideal for those that already have their teaching license but looking to advance their education career.
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Core Courses
Course Description
This course is designed to prepare students for the graduate learning experience at Grand Canyon University. Students have opportunities to develop and strengthen the skills necessary to succeed as graduate students in the College of Education. Emphasis is placed on utilizing the tools for graduate success.
Course Description
This course focuses on brain research (from neuroscience to the behavioral and cognitive sciences) that relates to teaching and learning and suggests ways that brain research can be translated into instructional practices within organizational settings. Candidates will examine the inner workings of the brain and the effect on learning, memory, and transfer. Specifically, the course explores the body of knowledge that represents the application of brain research to instructional practice, and how knowledge about the human brain can affect the curricular, instructional, and assessment decisions that the candidates make every day. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required.
Course Description
This course provides an introduction to applied research in education across the major quantitative, qualitative, and action research traditions. Coursework focuses on understanding the research process and its integrated components and evaluating published research reports from the perspective of a critical consumer. Scientific reasoning and research design are also explored.
Course Description
Candidates will be introduced to current theories of learning and approaches to curriculum design. The emphasis will be on examining and identifying the concepts, principles, and models of curriculum design. Candidates will evaluate curriculum based on learning theories and approaches to curriculum.
Course Description
Candidates will examine frameworks, materials, and strategies for translating the principles of culturally responsive pedagogy into effective educational practice. The emphasis will be on developing curriculum considering culturally responsive pedagogy, family and community engagement, and global education. Practicum/field experience hours: 10. Seek out instructional specialists at the school or district level that have insight into what professional development is available and how the topics are chosen. K-12. Fingerprint clearance required.
Course Description
Candidates will develop skills in aligning objectives, instruction, and assessments. Special attention is given to differentiating curriculum for diverse students and using assessment data to guide instruction. Candidates will collaborate with peers and colleagues to achieve instructional goals through action planning. Review of current trends in instruction and assessment are presented to guide instructional decisions with a special focus on the needs of diverse students. Practicum/field experience hours: 10. Fingerprint clearance required.
Course Description
Candidates will use data to differentiate curriculum, instruction, and assessments to foster learning for all students. Focus will be on principles of learning, using technology to differentiate instruction, and developing an engaging classroom environment. Practicum/field experience hours: 10. Fingerprint clearance required.
Course Description
Candidates develop year-long units of study based on identified goals and professional standards. Curriculum mapping analysis skills will be developed to align program objectives systematically to achieve learning goals. Emphasis is placed on backwards design and inquiry-based learning. Practicum/field experience hours: 10. Fingerprint clearance required.
Course Description
Candidates will apply coaching techniques in academic and professional settings. Emphasis is placed on improving professional practices, workplace culture, and effective communication. Candidates will focus on professional coaching and leadership skills. Practicum/field experience hours: 10. Fingerprint clearance required.
Course Description
Candidates survey effective professional development strategies and practices. Special focus is placed upon researching theories and models, including andragogy, that enhance knowledge and skill development for adult learners. Candidates develop professional learning activities aligned with the identified needs that ensure participant growth and advancement in their profession. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required.
Course Description
Candidates deliver, evaluate, and revise a professional development presentation, and incorporate peer interaction with feedback to assure timeliness and relevance. Candidates create a year-long professional development plan based on instructional needs identified by an organization. Practicum/field experience hours: 30. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: EDU-585 OR EDU-586.
Pursue a next-generation education with an online degree from Grand Canyon University. Earn your degree with convenience and flexibility with online courses that let you study anytime, anywhere.
Grand Canyon University’s evening programs cater to the demands of working professionals who prefer an in-person learning environment. Our night classes meet just once per week and offer the interaction and discussion of a typical college classroom.
* Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change.