Online Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction (Non-licensure)
What Is a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction?
Grand Canyon University’s Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction (Non-licensure) is designed for current licensed educators who want to deepen their knowledge of curriculum planning, instructional methods, assessment and professional development.
The program examines research-informed approaches to curriculum design and instruction, including the use of assessment data, learning theory and curriculum models to inform instructional decisions for diverse learners.
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Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer
Admission Requirements (Master's)
- Undergraduate Degree*
- 2.8+ GPA
OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and
- GMAT: 500
- GRE: 300 combined**
Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
* Degree must be from an accredited college or program that has been approved by GCU.
** Combined verbal/quantitative, after August 2011 (1,000 combined verbal and quantitative, prior to August 2011).
What To Expect in a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction
GCU’s Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction (Non-licensure) combines graduate study in curriculum, instruction, assessment and professional learning with a Christian worldview. Students examine research-informed practices, ethical decision-making and approaches to supporting diverse learners and educational communities.
The Curriculum and Instruction Program Experience
Online Learning
GCU’s online(See disclaimer 1) Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction offers six-week courses designed for educators balancing graduate study with professional and personal responsibilities. Students engage with coursework, instructors and peers through GCU’s online learning environment.
Graduate Credit Transfer
Previously earned graduate credits may be eligible for transfer toward this program. Visit GCU’s Transfer Center or complete a Lopes Evaluation to learn how prior credits may apply.
University Accreditation
Grand Canyon University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLCommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
What Will I Study in a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction?
The curriculum and instruction master’s program examines curriculum planning, assessment, differentiated and culturally responsive instruction, curriculum mapping, instructional coaching and professional development. Students also study educational research, learning and cognition and the use of data to inform instructional decisions. The program includes practicum and field experience hours within selected coursework and culminates in a capstone focused on professional development and identified instructional needs.
Core Course Topics in Curriculum and Instruction
This curriculum and instruction degree covers advanced competencies in areas such as:
Curriculum planning and mapping
Assessment development and data use
Differentiated instruction
Culturally responsive instruction
Instructional methods and delivery
Professional development
Learning, memory and cognition
Instructional coaching
What Can You Do With a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction?
The Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction (Non-licensure) is designed for licensed educators who want advanced study in curriculum development, instructional practices, assessment and professional learning.
Graduates may apply this knowledge in K-12 and other education-focused settings, depending on their professional experience, existing licensure and employer requirements.
Potential work settings may include:
Colleges and universities
Nonprofit and youth support organizations
State and local governments
Median annual wage for instructional coordinators in May 2025(See disclaimer 2)
Estimated growth for instructional coordinators expected from 2025 to 2035(See disclaimer 3)
Tuition and Financial Options For the Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction
GCU offers tuition and financial resources to help students understand the potential costs associated with earning a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction. Review online tuition information, explore available financial aid resources and use GCU’s cost tools to help plan for your education.
Ways To Save
Your education is an important financial investment, and there are several ways to help manage costs while earning your degree. GCU’s university counselors are available to help you explore available options and provide personalized guidance on your estimated cost of attendance.
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually to determine eligibility for federal grants and student loans. Since some aid is awarded on a first‑come, first‑served basis, GCU recommends submitting the FAFSA as early as possible after Oct. 1 to maximize funding opportunities.
If you’ve earned college credits from another institution, you may be able to complete your degree sooner at GCU by transferring those credits. Submit the Lopes Unofficial Credit Evaluation form, then connect with a university counselor who can provide you with personalized guidance.
You may be able to reduce your college costs by applying for GCU’s on-campus or online student scholarships. We invite you to explore available institutional scholarships and determine which opportunities you may be eligible for. GCU also encourages students to seek out third‑party scholarships and grants.
Explore Your Financial Options
Connect with a university counselor to learn more about tuition, cost-planning resources and available options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore common questions about GCU’s Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction, including program focus, online learning, licensure and career applications.
What is curriculum and instruction?
How do curriculum and instruction, and instructional design master’s programs differ?
Is a master’s in curriculum and instruction worth it?
What does a curriculum and instruction specialist do?
Does curriculum and instruction lead to licensure?
Can I be a principal with a master's in curriculum and instruction?
What Are the Admission Requirements For the Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction?
Admission requirements for GCU’s Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction vary based on factors such as prior education, GPA and transfer status. Prospective students should review the current graduate admission criteria and program-specific requirements before applying.
You can apply to a degree program at GCU in just three simple steps. Your university counselor is standing by to assist you with any questions about the application process.
It starts with selecting the program that aligns with your goals from one of GCU's 380+ academic programs — from undergraduate degrees to post-master’s certificate programs to doctoral degrees.
Pick your program
Explore our on-campus, online or evening cohort options under the Degree Programs page to find the right program for you.
Complete our online application
Your university counselor will direct you to the online application. Fill in all required information and submit the form.
Submit supporting documents
Submit your official transcripts and any relevant test scores, and confirm with your university counselor that all forms for your desired program are submitted.
Program Curriculum
Core Courses
Build on your experience as an educator with graduate study in curriculum planning, assessment, instructional methods and professional development. Explore GCU’s online Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction and take the next step toward your educational goals.
If you are seeking licensure/certification, please refer to the "Accreditation and Compliance/State Disclosures” link for the specific program of interest’s website for your location and/or employment state’s licensure requirements, per 34 CFR 668.14(b)32 and 668.43(c).
Excluding observational and practice-based experiences and student teaching.
- The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Instructional Coordinators as of May 2025, retrieved September 2026. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as instructional coordinators, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It is very unlikely that a median salary will reflect an entry-level salary. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.
- Data shown is effective August 2026, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Instructional Coordinators, retrieved September 2026.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025, Aug. 28). What Instructional Coordinators Do. Retrieved February 2025.
Approved and verified accurate by the Dean of the College of Education on Oct. 12, 2026.