Earning the online Master of Science (M.S.) in Education in Curriculum & Instruction program from Arkansas State University (A-State) can lead to many opportunities for educator career advancement. This type of degree typically includes advanced courses covering theory and research in curriculum and instruction, curriculum design, and learning strategies and assessment.
A-State’s program coursework also delves into critical subjects like leadership, school and family relations, and planning and resource allocation. These areas of study can increase your knowledge and expertise in the field while preparing you for higher-level roles in education and leadership.
Exploring Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction Jobs
When considering earning an advanced degree in education, it is important to determine whether a master’s degree program aligns with your professional aspirations. It can also give you an idea of what to expect in terms of career advancement and salary potential.
Logically, a master’s degree program in curriculum and instruction equips you with the skills to excel in curriculum coordination and instructional design. A-State’s added leadership and school management emphases further prepare you for administrative roles, as well as training and development positions.
This program can provide you with versatile options for career advancement. The following are three examples of positions you could pursue with an M.S. in Education in Curriculum & Instruction from A-State:
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K-12 Lead Teacher
A K-12 lead teacher with a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction holds a position of leadership within a school setting while continuing to teach in the classroom. A lead teacher may be responsible for organizing and implementing curriculum and instructional programs, assisting in the development of school-wide, research-based instructional methods and aligning materials and resources with curriculum goals.
A lead teacher may also participate in training and development for colleagues, expanding their positive impact on classroom practices and student learning outcomes. Coursework in A-State’s specialized master’s degree program prepares an educator to meet these responsibilities.
Salaries for lead teachers vary according to region and responsibilities. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), high school teachers made a median annual salary of $64,580 in 2024, while the highest-paid 10% earned more than $104,670 per year. Top salaries for teachers generally correlate with higher levels of experience, advanced education, the local job market and specific positions, such as lead teacher.
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Curriculum and Instruction Coordinator
The experience gained from this specialized master’s degree program is perfect preparation for a job at the school or district level in curriculum and instruction leadership. Roles such as curriculum director or curriculum and instruction coordinator are common. These coordinators typically work year-round in elementary and secondary schools overseeing school curricula and teaching standards, ensuring they meet all state requirements.
Curriculum and instruction leaders work with school principals and teachers to develop instructional materials, coordinate curriculum implementation and assess its effectiveness. At the district level, these professionals are often responsible for selecting textbooks and making decisions about instructional technology.
Some states may require curriculum and instruction coordinators to have an administrator license to work in public schools. BLS refers to professionals in this occupational area as instructional coordinators, and reports that they made a median annual salary of $77,710 in 2024, with top earners making more than $115,410 per year.
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School Principal
A master’s degree in curriculum and instruction with a focus on leadership helps meet the education requirements to hold a principal position, and it is excellent preparation for a principal’s duties and responsibilities. Principals manage all school operations and can work in public or private schools at the elementary or secondary level.
Their responsibilities include managing daily school activities, coordinating curricula across grade levels and overseeing teachers and other school staff. The principal is ultimately responsible for providing a safe, effective and productive learning environment for all students in the school.
Most states require principals to have at least five years teaching experience, a master’s degree and an extensive administrative internship to obtain an administrator license. Requirements vary by state and are available from the state’s department of education. According to BLS, elementary, middle and high school principals made a median annual salary of $104,070 in 2024, with the highest-paid 10% earning more than $165,820 per year.
Pursue Educational Leadership Roles With a Master’s Degree From A-State
Expanding your knowledge and skills as a teacher through earning a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction can open the door to many exciting opportunities. Educators with this master’s degree can stretch and challenge themselves professionally, both in schools and at the district level.
A master’s degree in the education field can also lead to pay increases and career advancement. For example, A-State’s focus on leadership and school management prepares you to excel in top administrative roles such as assistant principal or principal. These leadership roles offer substantial compensation while also enabling you to enhance curriculum quality, instructional practices and student learning opportunities.
Learn more about Arkansas State University’s online M.S. in Education – Curriculum & Instruction program.