College of Education and Professional Studies
Curriculum and Instruction
Master of Education | Graduate
Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction
The Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction is designed for classroom teachers who want to become instructional leaders in their schools.
This fully online MEd program offers educators flexible, high-value professional development in curriculum and instruction. Focusing on classroom innovation, it features specialized P-12 coursework in cutting-edge areas like Social-Emotional Learning, AI in Education, and Trauma-Informed Practices. Educators can immediately apply new strategies, expand their expertise, and possibly add teaching endorsements, such as Special Education. The program equips educators to transform their teaching practice and student outcomes while accommodating the demanding schedules of today's educators.
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Curriculum and Instruction
At the Center of a Better Future
What You'll Study
Academic Catalog | School of Education
Earn Your M.Ed. and Advance Your Career
The Master of Education (M.Ed.) program is a 48-credit graduate degree designed to help you specialize in your field and meet your professional goals. Within the program, you'll choose 29 credits in an area of emphasis, allowing you to tailor your education to your career path.
Many emphasis areas can lead to a Washington State teaching endorsement. That means you can earn your master’s degree and a teaching endorsement at the same time.
Areas of Emphasis:
- Accessibility Studies
- Bilingual Education (endorsement eligible)
- Library Media (endorsement eligible)
- Family and Consumer Science
- STEM Leadership
- Special Education (endorsement eligible)
- Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) (endorsement eligible)
You can also customize your coursework, ensuring your M.Ed. aligns with your interests and goals.
New Opportunities
Many teachers obtain their master's degree in curriculum and instruction to improve their own instructional strategies within the classroom, yet it can open up many new career opportunities as well. One possibility is a career in curriculum design at the district level or with a textbook company.
Improving Student Outcomes
The study of curriculum and instruction focuses on designing, implementing, and evaluating educational programs, with an emphasis on developing effective teaching strategies and improving student outcomes across diverse learning environments.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of a MEd in Curriculum and Instruction program are equipped with the advanced skills and knowledge to pursue a wide range of impactful careers in education. Professionals with this degree can take on leadership roles and drive innovation.
Master's Degree and More
Earn your graduate degree and a teaching endorsement in bilingual education, library media, special education, or teaching English as a second language (TESL).
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Online
Our fully accredited program is offered 100% online, allowing you to progress through the program at a pace that meets your needs.
Choice
Working with a faculty advisor, every M.Ed. student undertakes an individualized course of study that includes an "area of emphasis," culminating in a meaningful Master's project or thesis.
with Advanced Degrees
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2020–21, over half (51%) of public school teachers held a master’s degree, an increase from 48% in 2011–12.
Why Study Education at Central?
- Learn from well-qualified teaching professionals who enable you to bridge theory to practice.
- Our small class sizes allow for more personalized attention from faculty, creating a collaborative and supportive learning environment. You’ll have easier access to professors and academic advisors, ensuring you get the guidance you need to succeed.
- Teacher education is in our DNA at CWU. It’s why Central was established more than a century ago and it remains one of our most important academic programs.
Flexible Coursework to Fit Your Goals
The M.Ed. program combines foundational education courses, research electives, and an area of emphasis to provide a well-rounded graduate experience.
- Core courses include topics such as intercultural education, educational research, and development, ensuring you gain essential skills for today’s classrooms.
- Electives allow you to customize your learning by selecting from courses in educational philosophy, comparative education, human development, and more.
- Students also complete a six-credit thesis or project, with options available for those pursuing Bilingual Education, TESL, or Elementary Education endorsements.
With 29 credits in an area of emphasis, this program is designed to support your professional goals. For a full list of course requirements, visit the Academic Catalog.