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Curriculum and Instruction Degree Major

Curriculum and Instruction Degree Major

Coursework in a Curriculum and Instruction Degree covers curriculum design, development, and learning strategies. It is a degree earned by educators who want to further their careers. There are no undergraduate degrees for this major—students can obtain it through a certificate, Master’s, or Doctoral Degree program.

The University of San Diego states that a Curriculum and Instruction Degree will teach students “how to design, deliver and assess lessons, units, and programs. You will likely examine your own current practices and compare those to leading national and international exemplars. A strong advanced degree program will also focus on current issues, state and national standards affecting curriculum.”

Using the GI Bill and Tuition Assistance for a Curriculum and Instruction Degree

If you’re interested in pursuing a Curriculum and Instruction Degree and need financial help, the GI Bill, a military education benefit for service members in the Air Force, Space Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Army, and Coast Guard and their eligible dependents, covers tuition and fees, provides a monthly housing allowance, and offers additional money for books and supplies.

The GI Bill assists veterans in transitioning into civilian life by offering them opportunities to further their education, acquire new skills, and find better jobs.

Using Spouse Tuition Assistance (STAP) and MyCAA for a Curriculum and Instruction Degree

Spouse Tuition Assistance

When seeking a Curriculum and Instruction Degree, military spouse tuition assistance programs help military spouses (and sometimes dependent children) pay for their education, whether in the U.S. or elsewhere in the world.

All military branches once offered programs following Spouse Tuition Assistance (STAP) guidelines or created something similar. Today, individuals and organizations use STAP interchangeably to describe various offerings by military relief organizations, but the programs can differ.

STAP now refers to the education benefits offered by military aid societies, many of which the U.S. military branches and the federal government do not run. Instead, they are private, nonprofit organizations, and what they provide varies.

These organizations include:
  • Army Emergency Relief
  • Air Force Aid Society
  • Navy/Marine Corps Relief Society
  • Coast Guard Foundation

MyCAA

The workforce development program MyCAA, formally known as the My Career Advancement Account Scholarship, provides financial assistance of up to $4,000 ($2,000 over two years) to eligible military spouses pursuing or maintaining a Science Teacher Degree, certification, or license.

Careers With a Curriculum and Instruction Major

This major has many career options and allows students to use their skills in many contexts. Students can find a variety of high-level positions at universities and colleges, in public school districts, and at textbook companies. They can also find work at government agencies and consulting firms. Job titles can include:

  • Curriculum Developer/Instructional Coordinator
  • Instructional Designer
  • Educational Consultant
  • School Administrator
  • Professional Development Specialist
  • Education Policy Analyst
  • Assessment Specialist
  • Corporate Trainer
  • Education Program Director
  • Online Learning Specialist
  • Textbook and Educational Materials Author
  • Academic Coach
  • Education Researcher
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a high school teacher makes $65,220 per year. In comparison, instructional coordinators who help develop materials for teachers earn a median salary of $74,620 a year. Principals in K-12 schools earn a median salary of $103,460.

What To Expect From a Military-Friendly Curriculum and Instruction Program

While each school has different programs, a Curriculum and Instruction Degree prepares students to design, implement, and evaluate educational programs. It will include curriculum development, assessment, instructional strategies, and educational technology. Practical experiences like internships are typically integrated into the major so they can apply what they've learned in real-world scenarios.

Students analyze educational research, use data to inform teaching practices and conduct research projects. They may also focus on specific areas such as STEM education or literacy.

Select Yellow Ribbon Colleges with Curriculum and Instruction Degree Programs

Select Military-Friendly Colleges with Curriculum and Instruction Degree Programs

Online Programs in Curriculum and Instruction

Some schools offer online or hybrid Curriculum and Instruction programs. They may require students to participate in assistantships and internships on campus or at another school.

Check with the school of your choice to see their online offerings.

Certificates in Curriculum and Instruction

A certificate takes less time than a degree and many schools offer it as an option. For example, California Coast University’s program “caters to students interested in expanding their teaching or supervision skills but not currently pursuing a Master’s Degree. Students will be prepared to create lesson plans for various schools and education programs and learn about various educational needs and the use of evaluation of teaching materials.”

A certificate program (and Master's Degree) in Curriculum and Instruction usually requires a Bachelor's Degree in Education or another area (with an admission committee's approval.)

Associate’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction Using the GI Bill

At press time, we could not locate Associate’s Degree options for this program.

Bachelor’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction Using the GI Bill

At press time, we could not find bachelor’s degree options for this program.

Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction

A Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction teaches students to create educational content through theories, research, technology instructional models, and learning systems.

Your Future with a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction

Doctoral Degrees in Curriculum and Instruction

According to Southern New Hampshire University, “Doctoral Curriculum and Instruction Degrees are certified teachers or graduate students seeking research, advanced teaching, leadership or curriculum development positions. Some doctorate degrees in curriculum and instruction are designed for professional educators and may take 3-4 years to complete.”

Your Future with a PhD in School Counseling and Guidance