What you will study
Dive deeper into curriculum and instruction to better understand how to manage, adapt
and monitor student learning. In UCM’s Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction
degree program, you’ll learn how to more effectively engage students and become an
active part of your school’s learning community.
Regardless of whether your certification areas are in K–12, Middle School or Secondary
Education, you’ll take core courses such as Curriculum Development and Assessment,
Contemporary Instruction: Theory and Practice, and Introduction to Research.
Excellence in Curriculum and Instruction
- A Best Master's in Curriculum and Instruction Degree Program (Best Middle School Focus) (Intelligent,
2022)
- Top 6%: Most Popular Colleges for Education (College Factual, 2022)
- A Popular Master's Degree College for Education (College Factual, 2021 & 2022)
- Top 15%: Most Focused Colleges for Education (College Factual, 2022)
- Top 10%: Best Value in Education (College Factual, 2021)
- Top 10%: Best Colleges for Education for Non-Traditional Students (College Factual, 2021)
Unique learning opportunities in UCM’s master’s in Curriculum and Instruction
Our Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction provides ample opportunities to
practice what you learn and gain valuable feedback from peers and faculty.
- Apply your studies to your own instruction: Bring your own real-world teaching experiences to the program coursework and receive
actionable feedback from faculty and other classmates.
- Take part in a final capstone project: Demonstrate your achievements by reflecting on your ability to apply the new instructional
strategies you’ve learned to your own practice, based on the National Board for Professional
Teachers Standards. Gain valuable feedback from your peers and faculty for more effective
application of the strategies in your own classroom.
What can you do with a master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from UCM?
Whether you’re a veteran teacher or just getting started in your career, the Master
of Science in Curriculum and Instruction will sharpen your instructional strategies.
You’ll also improve your eligibility for a range of jobs involving curriculum and
instruction, including school leadership positions such as department chair, curriculum
coordinator and other instructional leadership roles in the school setting.
Insights on jobs for curriculum and instruction
Earning a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction can help you further your
career and increase your salary potential. Use the interactive tool below to learn
more about career paths for curriculum and instruction, as well as employment trends
and projected job growth.
Financial assistance options for your MSE in Curriculum and Instruction degree
A UCM master’s degree can advance your career, particularly if you’re a working teacher
seeking jobs for curriculum and instruction. Earning a master’s in Curriculum and
Instruction may be more affordable than you think, even if you’re juggling work and
family.
Named a top-ranked university for low student debt by LendEDU, the University of Central
Missouri offers scholarships, grants and loans to help you finance your graduate degree. You may also qualify for one of the many scholarships offered by the College of
Education.
Use the to learn more about financing your education at UCM with scholarships.
Meet Courtney K.
MSE Curriculum and Instruction ’21
“This program made me a better teacher. Rather than having to do this learning on
my own, this program gave me the resources I needed in a structured, organized, applicable
and practical fashion.”
Meet Emily S.
MSE Curriculum and Instruction ’19
“The program and professors were nothing short of amazing. The content aligned directly
to give me the knowledge to move forward in my career. I am currently a director of
curriculum and instruction.”
Meet Dr. Alex Pagnani
Associate professor of educational foundations and program coordinator
Dr. Alex Pagnani was awarded the College of Education Excellence in Teaching Award
in 2019 and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Gifted Association
of Missouri. Dr. Pagnani’s courses will give you tools to assess and teach students
of all abilities.
Meet the Faculty
Meet Dr. Yuakun Yao
Professor of educational foundations and program coordinator
Dr. Yuakun Yao was the 2019 recipient of the Missouri Governor’s Excellence in Education
Award. Originally from Zhejiang Province, China, Dr. Yao has previously worked abroad
and in South Carolina. His areas of expertise include educational measurement and
research methods.
Meet the Faculty
Meet Dr. Terrell Brown
Associate professor of educational foundations
Dr. Terrell Brown is a member of the Association of Teacher Educators, National Council
for the Social Studies and the Missouri Council for the Social Studies. He brings
11 years of teaching experience at Oklahoma City Public Schools, where he was named
Building Teacher of the Year in 2007. Dr. Brown stays connected to his discipline
as an AP US History Reader.
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