Information on Master’s Degree Programs in Curriculum Design
Majors Overview August 11, 2015This article talks about master’s degree programs in curriculum design and their education requirements, coursework, career choices, job and wage outlook, and continuing education choices.
Master’s Programs in Curriculum Design
The practices and theories employed in planning course sequences are delved into in Master of Science (M.S.), Master of Arts (M.A.), and Master of Education (M.Ed.) programs in Curriculum Design. In some programs, there is an emphasis on designing coursework for certain degree programs or grade levels. In others, coursework is more generalized. Students also learn about the ways in which other areas of education administration, such as assessment, are influenced by curricula. Program coursework is devised to impart in-depth classroom instruction, as well as hands-on internship opportunities in many schools. Program graduates can seek advanced careers in education administration. In some states, individuals performing these roles must have licensure, which requires a master’s degree and work experience, augmented by continuing education classes.
Education Requirements
In some master’s degree programs in educational leadership or curriculum design, incoming students are required to have prior professional education experience. Admission criteria typically require applicants to have completed some education coursework during their undergraduate tenure. Strong critical thinking and communication skills are also needed to be able to grasp curriculum design theory.
Coursework
The ideas behind choosing appropriate coursework is in the program. Students become adept at conducting and evaluating research aimed at assessing and altering curricula as required. Core coursework may cover topic areas such as:
•Educational assessment
•Differentiated instruction methods
•Statistics in Education
•Curriculum design for multicultural populations
•Curriculum implementation
Career Choices
Program graduates may seek employment with school districts and systems of many education levels as well as with individual educational institutions. While some graduates may find employment at the postsecondary level, others may work as consultants. They can choose from available job positions such as:
•Curriculum design consultant
•School principal
•School district administrator
Job and Wage Outlook
Over the 2012 – 2022 decade, an average job growth rate of 13% has been predicted for instructional coordinators (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). In May 2012, instructional coordinators brought in an average annual wage of $60,050. During that year, elementary and high school education administrators earned $87,760, on average.
Continuing Education Choices
Licensure is usually compulsory for positions in education administration at every level. Each state has its licensure standards, which may vary with job description; commonly, administrators must have a master’s degree and participate in a supervised internship. In some states, continuing education may be needed to retain licensure.
