Do you want to be involved in the design of instruction, standards-based curricula, and assessments that impact a student's ability to learn and perform at a high level? If so, Walden University's M.S in Education program with a specialization in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment (Grades K-12) may be right for you. Learn more about this online master's degree program here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Kind of Program Is It?
When you enroll in Walden University's online M.S. in Education program with a specialization in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment (Grades K-12), you have an opportunity to learn how to design assessments and curricula for students with special needs, how to use assessment methods to measure student learning, how to adapt instructional strategies to meet the changing needs of students, and how to develop and implement decisions that are based on data. The degree program reflects the professional guidelines set forth by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) Core Propositions and Early and Middle Childhood Generalist standards, and the U.S. Department of Education.
What Are the Prerequisites?
If you apply to Walden University's M.S. in Education program with a specialization in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment (Grades K-12), you should be interested in the field of curriculum development and have excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Applicants to Walden University's master's programs must have a bachelor's degree.
What Are the Program Requirements?
Degree program curriculum and credits are subject to change, and you should contact Walden University for the most current information before enrolling in a program. To earn Walden University's M.S. in Education with a specialization in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment (Grades K-12), you must complete 30 credits in core and specialization courses.
Core Courses
- Teacher as Professional
- Enhancing Learning Through Linguistic and Cultural Diversity
- Creating an Effective Classroom Learning Environment
- Action Research for Educators
- Designing Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment for Students With Special Needs
Specialization Courses
- Curriculum Design for Learning
- Assessment for Student Learning
- Differentiated Instruction
- Habits of Mind: Thinking Skills to Promote Self-Directed Learning
- Teacher Leadership in the Classroom: Increasing Learning and Achievement
What Could I Do After I Graduate?
Career Opportunities
When you have completed Walden University's M.S. in Education program with a specialization in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment (Grades K-12), you can pursue jobs in the field. A curriculum developer or instructional specialist typically works in education but can also pursue opportunities in the private sector, where many businesses and corporations rely on curriculum specialists to shape and develop training programs. Travel is sometimes required of an instructional developer working in education, and you must be willing to meet with administrators and teachers at various schools. Possible jobs could include:
- Curriculum specialist
- Instructional coach
- Director of instructional material
- Development specialist
Career opportunities may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.
Advanced Degrees
Once you have earned Walden University's M.S. in Education with a specialization in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment (Grades K-12), you may want to pursue a doctoral program. The focus of a doctoral program is research and the development of a dissertation on a specific topic, which is chosen by a student and his or her program advisor. However, a student must first complete core courses before beginning any research. These core courses often cover research methods and may include topics such as conceptual methods of learning and instruction, conceptual frames for curriculum and instruction, and policy analysis in curriculum and instruction. Degrees listed are not institution-specific but constitute a sampling of continuing education options for graduates. Degrees you could pursue include:
- Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum and Instruction
- Doctor of Education (Curriculum and Instruction)
- Doctor of Philosophy in Instructional Leadership
- Doctor of Philosophy in Education (Curriculum and Instruction, Secondary Education)
Walden offers both state-approved educator licensure programs as well as programs and courses that do not lead to licensure or endorsements. Prospective students must review their state licensure requirements prior to enrolling. For more information, please refer to www.WaldenU.edu/educlicensure.
Prospective Alabama students: Contact the Teacher Education and Certification Division of the Alabama State Department of Education at 1-334-242-9935 or www.alsde.edu to verify that these programs qualify for teacher certification, endorsement, and/or salary benefits.
Prospective Washington state students are advised to contact the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction at 1-360-725-6275 or prof.educ@k12.wa.us to determine whether Walden's programs in the field of education are approved for teacher certification or endorsements in Washington state. Additionally, teachers are advised to contact their individual school district as to whether this program may qualify for salary advancement.
