Curriculum and Instruction Concentration in Education
A curriculum and instruction concentration prepares students to design, evaluate, and improve educational programs and teaching methods. It builds on the education program core and adds courses focused on instructional design, assessment frameworks, and curriculum alignment.
Quick Answers
What is a curriculum and instruction concentration in education?
A curriculum and instruction concentration is a focused set of courses within an education program that prepares you to design, implement, and evaluate curricula and instructional methods.
What do you typically study in this concentration?
Coursework varies by school, but most programs cover curriculum design frameworks, instructional strategies, assessment development, and educational research methods.
Is this concentration available online?
Many schools offer this concentration online, but availability depends on degree level and start-term scheduling.
Back to Education Concentrations
At a Glance
- Focus area: Curriculum design, instructional methods, and program evaluation
- Key career: According to the BLS, Education Teachers (Postsecondary) earned a median annual wage of $72,090 (May 2024)
- Job outlook: 5,600 annual openings, +2.1% growth (2024-2034)
- Related career: According to the BLS, Educational Counselors earned a median annual wage of $65,140 (May 2024)
- Degree levels: Most common as a master’s-level concentration
For an overview of all degree paths, see the Education Program Guide.
What you typically study
| Course Topic | What You Learn |
|---|---|
| Curriculum Design Frameworks | Models and processes for developing aligned, standards-based curricula |
| Instructional Strategies | Evidence-based teaching methods across content areas and grade levels |
| Assessment Development | Designing formative and summative assessments that measure learning outcomes |
| Educational Research Methods | Quantitative and qualitative approaches to studying instructional effectiveness |
| Program Evaluation | Techniques for evaluating and improving educational programs and initiatives |
| Differentiated Instruction | Adapting curriculum and instruction for diverse learners and settings |
Questions to ask before choosing this concentration
- How many courses are required versus elective options?
- Are there prerequisite courses for this track?
- Does the concentration include a capstone or applied project?
- Is the concentration available online and in your desired term?
How education concentrations compare
| Concentration | Key Career | Median Salary | Job Growth (2024-2034) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Childhood Education | Elementary School Teachers | $62,340 | -2.0% |
| Elementary Education | Elementary School Teachers | $62,340 | -2.0% |
| Secondary Education | Secondary School Teachers | $64,580 | -1.6% |
| Special Education | Elementary School Teachers | $62,340 | -2.0% |
| Curriculum and Instruction | Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $72,090 | +2.1% |
| Educational Leadership | Education Administrators, K-12 | $104,070 | -1.5% |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024.