Curriculum and Instruction, M.Ed.

a student teacher mentoring a child with a teacher overseeing

Overview

Tarleton State’s on-campus and online Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction (M.Ed. C&I) is designed for full-time educators, certified teachers, and graduate students with teaching experience. The Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction at Tarleton State University is regionally accredited by both the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and the Texas Education Agency (TEA).

The 30-33 hour traditional C&I M.Ed. program offers 18-credit concentration areas in Educational Diagnostician, Curriculum and Instructional Generalist, Content Area Specialist, and Certified Reading Specialist. These areas are designed to target high-demand instruction areas.

Students in the Curriculum and Instruction program will focus on researching, developing, implementing, and evaluating student learning experiences both inside and outside of the classroom. As part of a graduate degree in education, students build the skills to acquire knowledge, communicate effectively, collaborate, inquire, and make decisions with educational professionals in the field to ensure learner success.

Students with an M.Ed. degree in C&I can typically earn an annual salary between $40,000 and $60,000 and school districts often pay classroom teachers more for certain specialty areas.

Program Benefits

  • Flexible online coursework and convenient central Texas locations
  • Ability to customize graduate degree
  • Gain practical, real-world experience
  • Opportunities for internships, field placements, and research built into the program
  • Educator preparation service
  • Experienced, knowledgeable educators certified in various fields (e.g. reading, technology, ESL)

Courses

Visit the University Catalog

More About the Program

Capstone and Comprehensive Examination

Students admitted to the program after Spring of 2013 develop a Capstone Project and complete a traditional Comprehensive Examination. In both Capstone Project and Comprehensive exam students apply knowledge and concepts acquired throughout their course of study and demonstrate the proficiencies established within the degree. Thesis Option Students may elect to pursue the Thesis Option for the M.Ed. C&I. The thesis option might be of value to persons considering advanced academic study leading to a doctoral degree. Committee chairs provide specific requirements for the thesis option to interested students. Special Requirements Regarding Campuses The Educational Diagnostician certification requires on-campus classes. Currently, some concentration areas include one course that is hybrid, requiring periodic attendance at Tarleton’s Fort Worth, Texas campus. Check with your advisor on your specific track regarding hybrid and online courses.

Offered Concentrations

  • Child and Family Studies
  • Content Area Specialist
  • Educational Diagnostician
  • English as a Second Language Specialist
  • Generalist
  • Instructional Design and Tech
  • Reading Specialist
  • Special Education

Learning Outcomes

  • Understanding of the philosophical, historical, psychological, and social foundations of curriculum.
  • Ability to develop, align, and audit curriculum while examining factors that influence curriculum.
  • Techniques of research including problem analysis, appraisal instruments, and research report writing.

Career Outcomes

  • K-12 Curriculum Director – Design, implement, and evaluate comprehensive educational programs across grade levels to ensure alignment with standards and best practices.
  • K-12 Reading Specialist – Assess student literacy needs, develops targeted interventions, and supports teachers in implementing effective reading instruction strategies.
  • Educational Diagnostician – Evaluates students' learning abilities, identifies educational strengths and challenges, and recommends specialized interventions or accommodations.

Admissions Requirements

  • $50 non-refundable processing fee
  • An essay (600 words or less) addressing your purpose and goals for pursuing graduate school
  • Bachelor’s Degree
  • Minimum 2.75 GPA
  • Program Specific Requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

Master of Education in Educational Administration