At a Glance

  • Flexibility
    Part Time | Full Time
  • Delivery Options
    Online
  • Degree
    MEd

Elevate your teaching and gain the skills to advance in an administrative role with the Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction at UMass Lowell.

Master's in Curriculum and Instruction Overview

Improve your communication, analysis and instructional skills and deepen your expertise, whether you want to develop yourself as a teacher or administrator or take your education career in a new direction with the M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction at UMass Lowell.

In addition to the general master's, pathways are available for initial licensure in Massachusetts. With flexible online courses, a research-based curriculum and expert faculty, this program empowers you to become an education leader.

Note that the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) are not required for admission.

Program Quick Facts

  • Available Online
  • Complete in as Little as 18 Months
  • No GRE/MTEL Required
  • Scholarships and Financial Aid Available

M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction Curriculum

Customize your degree by choosing one of three pathways:

  • General Option (Online): The 30-credit M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction does not lead to a teaching license in any state. You should have at least one year of experience in an educational setting. This pathway requires a culminating Action Research course during your final semester. This hands-on course can be completed at your school or workplace. 
  • Applied Behavior Analysis and Education Option (Online): To apply to this program, you must enroll in the Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). You may apply to the M.Ed. program before completing the certificate program if you are registered for the fifth class in the ABA certificate and maintain at least a 3.000 GPA.  The 30-credit Applied Behavior Analysis and Education Option does not lead to a teaching license in any state. 
  • Secondary Education Initial Licensure Option (Online): The M.Ed. Secondary Education Initial Licensure requires eight courses and a 6-credit practicum. The School of Education endorses the following areas: English, History, Math and Science (Biology, Chemistry and Physics).

For a complete list of courses and academic requirements, please visit the Academic Catalog.

All programs are 30 credits.

Required Courses

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
EDUC.5043Methods of Teaching Students with Moderate Disabilities (online)3
EDUC.5101Foundations of Social Justice Education (online)3
EDUC.6240Assessment of Learning (online)3
EDUC.6300Educating Diverse Populations (online)3
EDUC.5102Critical Literacies (online)3
Total15

Curriculum and Instruction
Course #Course NameCr.
Total15
EDUC.6101Theories of Learning3
EDUC.5201Curriculum Perspectives3
EDUC.6441Models of Teaching3
EDUC.6900Action Research3
Take OneSample Electives (with permission of Advisor)3

EDUC.XXXX

EDUC.5220

EDUC.5021

EDUC.6130

Curriculum and Teaching: Secondary English or Math or History or Science

Young Adult Literature

Issues, mandates, and Ethics in Special Education

Leading the Professional Learning Community

3

3

3

3

Total: 30 credits
Last updated 11/3/21


Applied Behavior Analysis and Education (Certificate Program Courses - take 5)
Course #Course NameCr.
Total15
PSYC.5810Concepts and Principles of Behavior Analysis3
PSYC.5820Measurement and Experimental Design3
PSYC.5830Philosophical Underpinnings of Behavior Analysis3
PSYC.5840Behavior Assessment3
PSYC.5850Professional and Ethical Issues3
PSYC.5870Behavior Change Procedures3
PSYC.5890Implementation and Supervision Practices in Behavior Analysis3
Total: 30 credits
Last updated 2/3/22


Secondary Education (Initial Licensure)
Course #Course NameCr.
Total15
EDUC.5402Student Teaching Pre-Practicum3
EDUC.5410Teaching Emergent Bilingual Learners3
Take OneDiscipline-specific Methods Course3
EDUC.5730
EDUC.5720
EDUC.5760
EDUC.5750		Curriculum and Teaching: History
Curriculum and Teaching: English
Curriculum and Teaching Science
Curriculum and Teaching: Math		3
3
3
3
Take OneDiscipline-specific Practicum6
EDUC.5832
EDUC.5842
EDUC.5903
EDUC.5913
EDUC.5933
EDUC.5892		Teaching English and Seminar
Teaching History and Seminar
Teaching Biology and Seminar
Teaching Chemistry and Seminar
Teaching Physics and Seminar
Teaching Math and Seminar		6
6
6
6
6
6
Total: 30 credits
Last updated 11/3/21

Why Choose UMass Lowell for your M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction?

U.S. News & World Report badge for best online graduate education program, UMass Lowell.

Nationally Top-Ranked Program

The online graduate education programs at UMass Lowell are consistently ranked among the Best Online Graduate Education programs in the country by U.S. News and World Report.

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Affordable, Accessible, High Quality Degrees

UMass Lowell offers one of the most affordable Master of Education programs in the region, ensuring you receive a top-tier education without breaking your budget. Financial aid and scholarships are available for qualified students.

Student works on laptop

Flexible Learning Options

The M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction is available entirely online. 

Study at your own pace with part-time and full-time enrollment options.

A UMass Lowell student-teacher is seated at a desk with two children in an elementary school classroom.

Comprehensive Curriculum

Our program is grounded in evidence-based teaching practices and designed to align with your professional goals. Key focus areas include:
  • Advanced teaching strategies
  • Curriculum development and evaluation
  • Differentiated instruction to meet diverse learning needs
  • Data-driven decision-making for classroom improvement

Eleanor Abrams, Dean of the UMass Lowell College of Education. The College of Education has engaging programs for those that want to become teachers, advanced studies for experienced teachers and administrators as well as unique doctoral programs for emerging scholars. We even have an Education minor for those who may want to integrate education into their future careers. As you browse our website, you will find a variety of stimulating programs - tailored to meet your needs, goals and personal timing.

Expert Faculty

Learn from accomplished educators and researchers who bring real-world experience and innovative approaches to the classroom.

M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction Career Outlook

  • +12%

    Projected national job growth (2022–2033)

    (Lightcast, 2024)

  • $77.7K

    Median annual earnings for master's degree holders  

    (Lightcast, 2024)

What Our Graduates Do

Graduates of the Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction program are well-prepared for roles such as:

  • Curriculum Specialist
  • Expert Classroom Teachers
  • Instructional Coach
  • Educational Consultant
  • Department Chair
  • Professional Development Coordinator
  • School Administrators
  • Leaders in Educational Non-Profits

Tuition and Admissions

Eligible students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for financial assistance.

Complete the FAFSA

Cost Per Credit
Online Education: $470
Online 7000-level Education: $655
 
Term Registration Fee: $30

Please see online tuition and fees for more information.

As a graduate student, you may qualify for federal student aid and other need-based scholarships. To be considered for financial assistance, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Learn more at UMass Lowell Graduate Aid.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and certain eligible non-citizens. Please visit Financial Aid if you have questions about your eligibility.

  • Application:
  • Application Fee: $50
  • Statement of Purpose: Outline goals, experience and achievements (max 2 pages).
  • Letters of Recommendation: Two (2) for master's, three (3) for doctoral applicants. Criminal Justice, Master of Arts (M.A.): Letters of recommendation are optional.
  • Transcripts: You may apply with unofficial transcripts, but official transcripts are required if accepted.
  • Test Scores: UMass Lowell’s school code is 3911. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required for Criminology and Criminal Justice and Global Studies doctoral programs. The Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) is required for the Master of Music in Music Education. Scores are accepted but not required for other programs.
  • Resume: The following programs require a resume for admission:
    • Master of Music Education
    • Master of Public Administration
    • Master of Education programs (except Education Administration, M.Ed)
    • Education Specialist in Language Arts and Literacy
    • Ph.D. in Psychology applicants should submit a curriculum vitae (CV) rather than a resume to highlight academic and professional achievements.
  • Writing Sample: Education Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) programs only.
  • Forms: Principal's Acknowledgement Form (pdf) for Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Education Administration, pre-kindergarten through 12th grade (PK-12) only.

All materials must be received before your application is reviewed. To add documents before review, log in and select “Program Materials.”

Application Deadlines

  • Global Studies Ph.D. and Psychology Ph.D.: January 15
  • Criminology Ph.D.: February 1
  • Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism Studies: February 15
  • Leadership in Schooling Doctor of Education (Ed.D.): Applications are accepted from July – October 15.

International Applicants

Transcripts must show degree completion and include a credential evaluation from a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) member, such as:

English proficiency is required. If English is not your country’s national language, please submit one of the following scores:  

  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): 79+ 
  • TOEFL for Leadership in Schooling Ed.D. programs: 90+
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS): 6.5+
  • IELTS for Leadership in Schooling Ed.D. programs: 7+
  • Duolingo: 115+
  • ASC English: Level 6+
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE): 53+

Take the Next Step

Start your online application today!

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Questions? Contact Us!

Phone:
800-656-4723 (U.S. Students)
978-934-2390 (International Students)

Email: 
Graduate_Admissions@uml.edu