Master of Arts (M.A.) in
Curriculum & Instruction
Reflect deeply - transform your practice - influence the future!
Why Choose the M.A. in Curriculum & Instruction at USJ?
- Fully Online Cohort
Study from anywhere while staying connected to a supportive peer group.
- Live Virtual Classes
Just one evening per week—built for working educators.
- 8-Week Courses
Focused, fast-paced, and designed for immediate classroom application.
- Advance to Leadership
Prepare for roles such as curriculum coordinator, instructional coach, or team lead.
- Innovate Your Practice
Deepen impact with inclusive, research-informed strategies.
- Designed for Balance
Finish in 2 years—without stepping away from your classroom.
Transformative Learning for Today’s Classrooms
The Master of Arts in Curriculum & Instruction empowers educators to deepen their instructional practice and design engaging, inclusive learning experiences across diverse educational settings. Designed for teachers who aspire to leadership roles such as curriculum coordinators, instructional coaches, or team leaders. The program emphasizes inclusive, student-centered design and instructional strategies that are research-driven and immediately applicable in the classroom.
Grounded in Universal Design for Learning (UDL), backward design, and culturally responsive pedagogy, this fully online program helps educators create engaging, equitable curriculum that meets the needs of multilingual learners, students with disabilities, and all learners across grade levels. Educators will explore assessment strategies, differentiated instruction, curriculum mapping, technology integration, and multiple intelligences theory – all through a lens of reflective, inclusive practice.
Program Design
Built for working educators, this fully online program combines live, interactive weekly class sessions with the convenience of asynchronous time for reading, reflection, and project development.
- Follows a cohort model for real-time collaboration and peer support
- Courses are offered in eight-week blocks, one at a time
- Class sessions meet online the same evening each week from 4:45-8:45
- The 30-credit program can be completed in approximately two years
Prerequisites
To apply, students must:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution (minimum GPA of 2.5)
- Have access to a classroom and students throughout the program to support field study and application of course content.
What You’ll Learn
- Design and implement backward-planned, standards-aligned curriculum
- Integrate inclusive practices to support diverse learners
- Apply data-driven assessment to inform instruction
- Leverage technology and creativity to enhance engagement and outcomes
- Lead reflective, research-based improvements in your school community
Degree Requirements and Career Outcomes
To earn the Master of Arts in Curriculum & Instruction, students must successfully complete all required coursework and a course-embedded capstone project.
Please note: This program does not lead to a certification, licensure, or endorsement.
Graduates are well positioned to:
- Enhance their impact as classroom teachers
- Develop assessment strategies, differentiated instruction, curriculum mapping, technology integration, and multiple intelligences theory
- Take on curriculum leadership roles
Plan of Study
| Course | Title | Hours | |
| EDUC 511 | Educational Issues: Contemporary and Historical Perspectives Examines the philosophical, historical and social foundations of education in contemporary society. Explores a wide range of curriculum and policy issues influencing the major debates in the profession. | 3 | |
| EDUC 534 | Assessment for Learning Students will develop assessments which meet existing standards of quality, reflecting an understanding of diverse learners and learning styles. They will examine data-based decision-making and progress monitoring practices within their own districts and schools. | 3 | |
| SPEC 539 | Universal Design for Learning: Proactive Inclusion for All Students Focuses on meeting the needs of diverse learners in the classroom and linking Individual Education Programs (IEPs) to the general education curriculum. Explores program planning and implications of Response to Intervention (RTI). | 3 | |
| EDUC 556 | Curriculum Development The course promotes understanding of curriculum development processes as they support and empower effective teaching and learning. | 3 | |
EDUC 535 | Multilingualism and Multilingual Learners Develop academic, subject rich literacy in K-12 students who are not native speakers of English. | 3 | |
| EDUC 536 | Technology for Learning Multiple forms of digital media will be examined and constructed as participants’ experience a variety of ways in which technology can be used to support and enhance the curriculum in all academic content areas. | 3 | |
| EDUC 565 | Multiple Intelligences Theory and the Arts Participants will apply MIT theory in their classrooms and reflect on student engagement and learning when these strategies are employed. An action research project and field experience is required. | 3 | |
| EDUC 524 | Instruction and Curriculum Students will learn about planning, implementing, and evaluating instruction and curriculum based upon developmentally appropriate practices. Also covered are media, technology, and the introduction of specific curricula related to substance abuse. Field study required. | 3 | |
EDUC 515 | Educational Research Students will examine both qualitative and quantitative research and work together as a community of practice. The course requires an extensive literature review and research proposal of an educational topic. | 3 | |
EDUC 537 | Reflective Practitioner* A systematic and critical self-evaluation of the elements of teaching; instructional goals and objectives, unit and lesson planning, teaching strategies and models, adaptations for special needs learners, classroom management and student assessment. Field Study (action research) required. | 3 | |
| Total Credit Hours: | 30 | ||
Please Note:
*Master’s Capstone Project Included
The courses for this program may be offered in a different order. This list should not be considered the finalized course sequence.
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