A Master of Science in Education in Curriculum Instruction is designed to help educators who would like to advance their curriculum development skills. Earning an MSEd. makes it possible for them to move into leadership or advanced roles inside or outside of the classroom.
What Are the Benefits of Earning a Master of Science in Education?
Earning a master’s degree in education typically helps educators who wish to make a career change, qualify for a higher salary, and gain knowledge and skills to be a better educator.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the 2016 median pay for high school teachers with a bachelor’s degree at $58,030 per year. For kindergarten and elementary teachers, the 2016 median pay is $55,490 per year. According to PayScale, an elementary teacher with a master’s degree earns 17 percent more than one with only a bachelor’s degree. The average salary depends on location, experience and schooling.
The National Center for Education Statistics reports that 19 percent of all the master’s degrees conferred between 2014 and 2015 were in education, which made it the second largest field of graduate study.
Graduates with the MSEd. in Curriculum and Instruction may take the following career paths:
- Superintendent.
- Educational administrator.
- Principal.
- Assistant principal.
- Teacher mentor.
- Lead teacher.
- Department head.
- Instructional coordinator.
What Courses Are Required for the MSEd. in Curriculum and Instruction?
The required courses for the MSEd. in Curriculum and Instruction depend on the program and the state in which the program is based. Bachelor’s degrees provide teachers with all the basics about the subject they teach and some educational theories to improve student outcomes.
In the MSEd. in Curriculum and Instruction program, students may learn about:
- Improving student learning through data literacy.
- Bringing about change with visionary school leadership.
- Increasing student engagement and motivation.
- Implementing equitable protocols to promote success and well-being of students.
- Setting goals and providing feedback to improve achievement and performance.
- Creating a digital culture in schools.
- Understanding organizational frameworks to make change.
What Are the MSEd. Admission Requirements?
Admission requirements vary by university. Northwest Missouri State University, for example, has the following admission requirements for its online program:
- Cumulative GPA of 2.75.
- Or a 3.0 GPA for six hours of required graduate program coursework with a cumulative GPA between 2.5 and 2.74.
Students also need to provide documentation of one item of the following:
- GRE analytical writing measure of 3.5 or higher.
- Master’s degree from regionally accredited institution with a GPA of 2.75 or higher.
- National Board Certification.
- Completed nationally normed educational performance assessment such as MoPTA and EdTPA.
- Department analytical writing assessment with a score of 4.0 or higher using a writing scoring guide based on modified CUNY scales.
- Valid teaching certificate or two years of prior teaching with a valid teaching certificate.
When seeking an online MSEd. program, check for accreditation and whether the program meets State Board of Education standards.
An online master’s degree program provides educators with the flexibility to complete coursework on their own time. They will not need to commute or attend on-campus classes at set times. A student could potentially earn the MSEd. degree in as few as 12 months and be prepared to move into leadership or administration roles upon completing the program.
Learn more about Northwest Missouri State University’s online Master of Science in Education — Curriculum and Instruction.
Sources:
PayScale: Elementary School Teacher salary
National Center for Education Statistics: Graduate Degree Fields
Occupational Outlook Handbook: High School Teachers
Occupational Outlook Handbook: Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers
