This June 2018 ranking was last updated in June 2020. The 2020 updates may affect the ranking order, but the list has remained in its original order.
Because classroom teachers have a significant impact on the next generation, they are among the most influential of professionals, but educators who develop and supervise classroom curriculum and instruction are also crucial. Obtaining a master’s in curriculum and instruction leads to management responsibilities in education as teachers or administrators. Other career options with a C&I MA may be found in business and government. A significant salary increase will likely come with an advanced degree. The jobs growth outlook is predicted to be 6% through 2028, a growth that is as fast as average compared to all occupations, and the median salary in 2015 was $66,290 (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Online colleges and universities are an excellent way to obtain a higher degree since coursework is completed on your own schedule while you continue to meet your ongoing obligations. You can earn your master’s in curriculum and instruction while studying and fulfilling assignments in your location. Upon graduation, your diploma will be the same as the ones earned by students in the brick-and-mortar school. Discount tuition rates to out-of-state online students may be offered. Most online schools offer 24/7 technology support.
Types of degree programs covered in this ranking include the following:
- Online Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction (ME)
- Online Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction (MS)
- Online Master of Science in Education
- Online Master of Arts in Curriculum and Educational Technology (MA)
- Online Master of Education in Teaching and Learning (ME)
In compiling this list of 30 great value colleges for a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction, we consulted the sources and process described here.
#30 – Middle Tennessee State University
Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction Online
Points: 8
Enrollment: 21,631
Tuition: $27,742
Middle Tennessee State University was established in 1911. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 17 to 1, the school offers an online master of education in curriculum and instruction that is a 33 credit hour program that includes coursework in educational foundations and curriculum development. Middle Tennessee State University charges an online out-of-state graduate tuition rate of $746 per credit hour. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#29 – University of Montana
Missoula, Montana
Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction in Instructional Design Online
Points: 9
Enrollment: 10,962
Tuition: $26,218
The University of Montana is a public research institution of higher learning in the Treasure State. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 16 to 1, the school offers an online master of education in curriculum and instruction in instructional design that is a 37 credit hour program including coursework in education across cultures and collaboration. The University of Montana charges an online out-of-state graduate tuition rate of $556 per credit hour. The school is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
#28 – Emporia State University
Emporia, Kansas
Online Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction
Points: 9
Enrollment: 5,796
Tuition: $20,714
Emporia State University started life as a Normal School or teacher’s college in 1863. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 17 to 1, the school offers an online master of science in curriculum and instruction that is a 36 credit hour program that includes coursework in cultural awareness and curriculum leadership. Emporia State University charges the same rate for in-state and out-of-state graduate for the online MS in C&I at a tuition rate of $312 per credit hour. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges.
#27 – Nova Southeastern University
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Master of Science in Education with a specialization in Curriculum and Instruction Online
Points: 9
Enrollment: 20,435
Tuition: $32,110
Nova Southeastern University was established in 1964. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 17 to 1, the school offers an online master of science in education with a specialization in curriculum and instruction that is a 36 credit hour program including coursework in the assessment of learning and internet for educators. Nova Southeastern University charges an online graduate tuition rate of $1,065 per credit hour for this program. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#26 – UMass Lowell
Lowell, Massachusetts
Online Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction
Points: 10
Enrollment: 18,242
Tuition: $33,574
UMass Lowell spans both banks of the Merrimack River. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 17 to 1, the school offers an online master of education in curriculum and instruction that is a 30 credit hour program that includes coursework in curriculum design and assessment of learning. UMass Lowell offers a tuition rate of $470 per credit hour for this program, regardless of residency. The school is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education.
#25 – Ball State University
Muncie, Indiana
Online Master of Arts in Curriculum and Educational Technology
School Profile
Points: 10
Enrollment: 21,884
Tuition: $26,800
Ball State University’s school motto is “We Fly.” With a student-to-faculty ratio of 16 to 1, the school offers an online master of arts in curriculum and educational technology that is a 30 credit hour program that includes coursework in curriculum development and evaluation of educational programs. Ball State University charges a non-resident, graduate tuition rate of $1,145 per credit hour. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges.
#24 – Minnesota State University Moorhead
Moorhead, Minnesota
Online Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction
Points: 10
Enrollment: 5,860
Tuition: $16,586
Minnesota State University Moorhead was established in 1887. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 19 to 1, the school offers an online master of science in curriculum and instruction that is a 32 credit hour program that includes coursework in psychological foundations of education and action research. Minnesota State University Moorhead charges an online out of state graduate tuition rate of $414.45 per credit hour for this program. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
#23 – University of Texas at El Paso
El Paso, Texas
Online Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction
Points: 10
Enrollment: 25,151
Tuition: $24,524
The University of Texas at El Paso was established in 1914. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 20 to 1, the school offers an online master of education in curriculum and instruction that is a 36 credit hour program that includes coursework in diversity in educational settings and literacy development. The University of Texas at El Paso charges an online, out-of-state graduate tuition rate of $575 per credit hour. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#22 – University of Louisiana at Monroe
Monroe, Louisiana
Online Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction
Points: 11
Enrollment: 9,291
Tuition: $21,074
The University of Louisiana at Monroe was established in 1931. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 20 to 1, the school offers an online master of education in curriculum and instruction – reading that is a 36 credit hour program that includes coursework in balanced reading instruction and reading in the content area. The University of Louisiana at Monroe offers an online graduate tuition rate of $500 per credit hour, regardless of residency. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#21 – New Mexico State University
Las Cruces, New Mexico
Online Master of Arts in Education in Curriculum and Instruction
Points: 11
Enrollment: 14,289
Tuition: $23,076
New Mexico State University was founded as an agricultural school in 1899. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 17 to 1, the school offers an online master of arts in education in curriculum and instruction that is a 33 credit hour program that includes coursework in pedagogy and multicultural education. New Mexico State University charges an online, graduate tuition rate of $411.50 per credit hour. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges.
#20 – Texas A&M International University
Laredo, Texas
Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction Online
Points: 11
Enrollment: 7,884
Tuition: $18,666
Texas A&M International University was established in 1969. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 22 to 1, the school offers an online master of science in curriculum and instruction that is a 36 credit hour program that has three available specializations, bilingual education, educational administration, and reading. Texas A&M International University charges an online out of state graduate tuition rate of $492 per credit hour. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#19 – SUNY Empire State College
Saratoga Springs, New York
Master of Education in Teaching and Learning Online
Points: 12
Enrollment: 10,424
Tuition: $17,515
SUNY Empire State College is an arts and science college in the State University of New York system. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 15 to 1, the school offers an online master of education in teaching and learning that is a 36 credit hour program that includes coursework in critical pedagogies and new literacies. SUNY Empire State College offers an online, out-of-state, graduate tuition rate of $565 per credit hour. The school is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
#18 – Angelo State University
San Angelo, Texas
Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction – Advanced Instructor Online
Points: 12
Enrollment: 10,387
Tuition: $17,765
Angelo State University was established in 1928 as a teacher’s college. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 20 to 1, the school offers an online master of arts in curriculum and instruction – advanced instructor that is a 36 credit hour program including coursework in learning theories and lifespan development. Angelo State University charges an online, out of state, graduate tuition rate of $637.85 per credit hour. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#17 – Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, Utah
Online Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction
Points: 12
Enrollment: 121,437
Tuition: $6,670
Western Governors University uses competency units (CUs) instead of semester-based courses. Complete extra CUs in a term and finish your degree faster. This also allows you to swiftly receive credit for prior knowledge. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 41 to 1, the school offers an online master of science in curriculum and instruction that is a 13-course program including studies in curriculum theory and educational psychology. Western Governors University offers a full-time graduate rate of $3,240 per semester. The school is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
#16 – Nicholls State University
Thibodaux, Louisiana
Online Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction
Points: 13
Enrollment: 6,453
Tuition: $8,991
Nicholls State University was established in 1948, and the school mascot is the Colonel. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 19 to 1, the school offers an online master of education in curriculum and instruction that is a 36 credit hour program that includes coursework in education research and philosophy of education. Nicholls State University offers an online graduate tuition rate of $412.13 per credit hour, regardless of residency. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#15 – Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Natchitoches, Louisiana
Online Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction
Points: 13
Enrollment: 11,081
Tuition: $19,556
The Northwestern State University of Louisiana was established in 1884, and the school mascot is the demon. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 19 to 1, the school offers an online master of curriculum and instruction that is a 36 credit hour program that includes coursework in curriculum development and action research. The Northwestern State University of Louisiana offers an online graduate tuition rate of $475 per credit hour, regardless of residency. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#14 – Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, Kentucky
Online Master of Science in Instructional Design
Points: 13
Enrollment: 19,456
Tuition: $26, is 496
Western Kentucky University is a public institution of higher learning that was founded by the Commonwealth in 1906. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 18 to 1, the school offers an online master of science in instructional design that is a 30 credit hour program that includes coursework in improvement analysis and training design. Western Kentucky University offers an online, graduate tuition rate of $707 per credit hour. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#13 – Indiana State University
Terre Haute, Indiana
Online Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction
Points: 13
Enrollment: 13,044
Tuition: $20,160
Indiana State University is a public institution of higher learning that was established in 1865. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 21 to 1, the school offers an online master of education in curriculum and instruction that is a 33 credit hour program that includes coursework in learning theory and classroom management. Indiana State University offers an online graduate tuition rate of $527 per credit hour, regardless of residency. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges.
#12 – Texas Tech University
Lubbock, Texas
Online Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction
Points: 13
Enrollment: 38,209
Tuition: $19,260
Texas Tech University is a public research institution of higher learning. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 20 to 1, the school offers an online master of education in curriculum and instruction that is a 36 credit hour program that has two available specializations, language and literacy, and bilingual/ESL. Texas Tech University offers an online graduate tuition rate of $258 per credit hour, regardless of residency. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#11 – Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, Texas
Online Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction
Points: 13
Enrollment: 21,213
Tuition: $18,664
Sam Houston State University was established in 1879. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 21 to 1, the school offers an online master of education in curriculum and instruction that is a 30 credit hour program that includes coursework in curriculum methodology and theoretical applications. Sam Houston State University offers an online nonresident, graduate tuition rate of 472 per credit hour. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#10 – Wichita State University
Wichita, Kansas
Master of Education in Learning and Instructional Design Online
Points: 14
Enrollment: 15,778
Tuition: $17,480
Wichita State University was established in 1895. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 19 to 1, the school offers an online master of education in learning and instructional design that is a 36 credit hour program including coursework in learning theories and communications methods. Wichita State University offers an online graduate tuition rate of $307.98 per credit hour, regardless of residency. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges.
#9 – Plymouth State University
Plymouth, New Hampshire
Online Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction
Points: 15
Enrollment: 5,059
Tuition: $23,330
Plymouth State University was founded as Plymouth Normal School in 1871. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 17 to 1, the school offers an online master of education in curriculum and instruction that is a 33 credit hour program that includes coursework in research design and social behavior in a diverse society. Plymouth State University offers an online out of state graduate tuition rate of $765 per credit hour. The school is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education.
#8 – Peru State College
Peru, Nebraska
Online Master of Science in Education in Curriculum and Instruction
Points: 15
Enrollment: 2,114
Tuition: $7,704
Peru State College was established in 1865. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 19 to 1, the school offers an online master of science in education in curriculum and instruction that is a 36 credit hour program that includes coursework in mediated instruction and using the internet. Peru State College offers an online graduate tuition rate of $370.75 per credit hour, regardless of residency. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges.
#7 – LSU Shreveport
Shreveport, Louisiana
Online Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction
Points: 15
Enrollment: 7,036
Tuition: $20,481
LSU Shreveport was established in 1967, and they perform feats of athleticism in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics in the Red River Athletic Conference. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 29 to 1, the school offers an online master of education in curriculum and instruction that is a 36 credit hour program that includes coursework in leading instruction and curriculum. LSU Shreveport offers an online graduate tuition rate of $373.44 per credit hour, regardless of residency. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#6 – University of Nebraska-Kearney
Kearney, Nebraska
Master of Arts in Education, Curriculum and Instruction, Reading/Special Education K-12 Online
Points: 16
Enrollment: 6,327
Tuition: $13,854
The University of Nebraska-Kearney was established as a teacher’s college in 1905. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 13 to 1, the school offers an online master of arts in education, curriculum, and instruction that is a 36 credit hour program including coursework in the philosophy of education and assistive technology. The University of Nebraska-Kearney offers an out-of-state, graduate tuition rate of $504 per credit hour. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges.
#5 – Ohio Dominican University
Columbus, Ohio
Online Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction
Points: 16
Enrollment: 1,716
Tuition: $31,680
Ohio Dominican University is affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 14 to 1, the school offers an online master of education in curriculum and instruction that is a 36 credit hour program including coursework in assessment practices and research methods in education. Ohio Dominican University offers an online graduate tuition rate of $540 per credit hour for this program. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
#4 – Liberty University
Lynchburg, Virginia
Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction Online
Points: 16
Enrollment: 79,152
Tuition: $22,747
Liberty University was founded by televangelist Jerry Falwell in 1971. The school motto is “Knowledge Aflame.” With a student-to-faculty ratio of 18 to 1, the school offers an online master of education in curriculum and instruction that is a 36 credit hour program that includes coursework in exceptionality and behavior management. Liberty University offers an online graduate rate of $605 per credit hour. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#3 – Black Hills State University
Spearfish, South Dakota
Online Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction
Points: 16
Enrollment: 4,035
Tuition: $12,155
Black Hills State University was established in 1883. With a student-to faculty ratio of 18 to 1, the school offers an online master of science in curriculum and instruction that is a 45 credit hour program that includes coursework in educational collaboration and linguistic diversity in schools. Black Hills State University offers an online out-of-state graduate tuition rate of $653.70 per credit hour. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
#2 – Chadron State College
Chadron, Nebraska
Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction Online
Points: 16
Enrollment: 2,448
Tuition: $7,586
Chadron State College was established in 1911. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 17 to 1, the school offers an online master of education in curriculum and instruction that is a 36 credit hour program that includes coursework in school law and performance assessment. Chadron State College offers an online graduate tuition rate of $370.75 per credit hour, regardless of residency. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
#1 – Fitchburg State University
Fitchburg, Massachusetts
Online Master of Education in Curriculum and Teaching
Points: 17
Enrollment: 7,199
Tuition: $16,690
Fitchburg State University was established in 1894. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 14 to 1, the school offers an online master of education in curriculum and teaching that is a 36 credit hour program that includes coursework in law for the educator and educational research. Fitchburg State University offers an online graduate tuition rate of $372 per credit hour, regardless of residency. The school is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education.
This concludes the list of the Top 30 Great Value Colleges for an Online Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction for 2018.
This article was updated in July 2020.
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