An online Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction prepares students to advance professionally in the field of curriculum and instruction, obtain teaching positions at universities and colleges, or pursue leadership or administrative positions in PreK-12 public and private school systems. These doctoral programs provide education professionals with the skills and knowledge they need to design and evaluate curricula in ways designed to create optimal learning environments for all students. Careers for graduates with a doctoral degree in curriculum and instruction include researcher, professor, school administrator, instructional supervisor, and curriculum specialist.
An online Ed.D. or Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction will help students earn the qualifications they need to make positive, significant changes in the field of education. Online doctorate in curriculum and instruction programs allow busy professionals to further their education via a flexible schedule designed to accommodate the demands of their careers. If you are considering entering this field or advancing your current role, check out the following 25 most affordable online Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction degree programs.
Methodology
When considering a prospective doctoral program, there are a number of factors to keep in mind, including the quality of the program, the curriculum, the program’s goals, whether it is accredited, and the cost of the degree. For the purpose of this article, we wanted to offer a comprehensive overview of the most affordable online degrees in curriculum and instruction. To begin, we generated a list of schools from the College Navigator Tool at the National Center for Education Statistics website. Using the search term “Ph.D. in Curriculum & Instruction degree online,” we were provided with an initial pool of 27 schools. We were then able to narrow our list down to the top 25 most affordable based on in-state graduate tuition for the entire length of the program. They are listed below in order from most expensive to least expensive.
Ranking Low-Cost Online Ph.D. in Curriculum & Instruction Degrees
25. Northcentral University
San Diego, California
Online Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Teaching
Tuition: $72,430
The Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Teaching at Northcentral University is designed for students with a passion for applying best practices and research through superior curriculum design and instructional approaches. In this specialization, students develop the research skills and tools necessary to implement the curriculum in a number of settings. Under the guidance of mentoring faculty members, students learn to apply differentiated instructional modalities, assess curricular trends, infuse technology, integrate curriculum models and theory, and analyze instructional strategies to ensure high professional and academic achievement in and out of the classroom. Students must complete 18 courses for a total program requirement of 54 credit hours, and they can earn their degree in 40 months of full-time study.
24. Capella University
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Online Doctor of Philosophy in Education – Curriculum and Instruction Specialization
Tuition: $67,160
Capella University offers an online Ph.D. in Education with a specialization in curriculum and instruction. This program allows students to develop the research-based attitudes, skills, and knowledge they need for effective district-, building-, and classroom-level leadership. Throughout the program, students learn to guide improvement and curriculum initiatives using instructional models, current research and theory in curriculum design, and assessment strategies focused on increasing student achievement. The program is comprised of six core courses, seven specialization courses, two electives, three residencies, a comprehensive exam, an internship, and a doctoral dissertation. Graduates are prepared for careers as district administrators, directors of instruction, directors of assessment, curriculum specialists, curriculum directors, and adjunct, full-time, or part-time faculty members.
23. Regent University
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Online Ph.D. in Education – Curriculum & Instruction
Tuition: $58,125
Students seeking to advance their careers in education may consider the online Doctor of Philosophy in Education degree with a concentration in curriculum and instruction through Regent University’s School of Education. This program utilizes in-depth research through dissertation work as well as classroom teaching. The curriculum allows students to develop advanced knowledge in curriculum and instruction through courses that cover the theories of development, curriculum assessment, program evaluation, diversity and inclusion, and more. Students are prepared to advance or pursue careers in a range of professional settings and roles, including school district administration, curriculum and instruction consultant, and university education. Students must complete 75 credit hours of coursework and a dissertation and defense as well as three four-day, on-campus residencies.
22. Concordia University Chicago
River Forest, Illinois
Online Ph.D./Ed.D. in Leadership: Curriculum and Instruction Specialization
Tuition: $57,157
Those considering a doctoral degree in curriculum and instruction at Concordia University Chicago can choose from either a 67-credit Doctor of Philosophy degree or a 61-credit Doctor of Education degree. Both programs offer a similar curriculum that trains students to assess, implement, and design curriculum programs in private and public schools. Stressing knowledge in evaluation, curriculum-mapping, research, and best practices for learning and teaching, this comprehensive degree explores solutions and challenges for all types of teacher education programs. Students complete a variety of courses that cover topics such as research-based instructional practices and school/district improvement data analysis. All candidates are also required to complete a comprehensive final exam and a doctoral dissertation.
21. University of Virginia
Charlottesville, Virginia
Online Ed.D. in Curriculum & Instruction
Tuition: $49,202
The Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Virginia is a terminal degree designed for practitioners looking to promote equity and quality in their communities, school systems, and classrooms. Students must complete 72 hours of coursework, including core classes, research-based classes, emphasis-area classes, electives, an internship, and a final capstone project. The capstone gives students the opportunity to demonstrate the skills and knowledge they have acquired throughout the program and apply them to a real-world situation. Graduates of the multidisciplinary, three-year program are prepared for leadership positions in K-16 settings, including federal and state departments of education, philanthropies, and national nonprofits.
20. University of Florida
Gainesville, Florida
Online Ed.D. in Curriculum & Instruction
Tuition: $47,938
Designed for practicing educators, the University of Florida’s online Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction draws clear connections between classroom practice and education theory, encouraging teachers to apply what they’ve learned in the program to their own teaching strategies. This cohort-based program requires students to complete courses in the same sequence, building deeper connections with faculty and peers while sharing knowledge. Although most of the coursework is available online, students must attend weeklong residency sessions on-campus in Gainesville each summer. These intensives combine socializing opportunities, guest lectures, individual meetings with faculty, and classroom works. Students are also required to visit the campus for their dissertation defense and final exams. Graduates may exit the program within four years of full-time study.
19. Texas Tech University
Lubbock, Texas
Online Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction With a Concentration in Curriculum Studies/Teacher Education
Tuition: $47,660
Texas Tech University offers a 66-credit-hour Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in curriculum studies/teacher education. The hybrid program consists of both online courses and three one- to two-week, face-to-face summer intensive sessions that prepare students to become educated scholars in the curriculum and instruction field. Online courses cover areas such as quantitative methods of curriculum and instruction, fundamentals of eLearning in curriculum and instruction, effective policy advocacy, and constructivist inquiry methods. Graduates are prepared for work as education researchers, trainers, and teachers in settings such as business, government, and academia.
18. Mercer University
Macon, Georgia
Online Ph.D. Curriculum & Instruction
Tuition: $45,423
The Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction at Mercery University is designed to prepare instructional and curriculum leaders for national, state, and local levels. The curriculum focuses on societal changes that affect the evolving role of the professional educator, and courses are offered in a convenient hybrid weekend delivery format. Coursework is taken sequentially over 11 semesters, and classes are available in 16-week sessions. In addition to completing core coursework, students must also research and write a dissertation. Graduates who complete the program and earn a passing score on the GACE Content Assessment for Curriculum and Instruction are eligible to receive a Level 7 Science certificate upgrade.
17. George Fox University
Newberg, Oregon
Online Doctor of Education Instructional Design & Development Concentration
Tuition: $45,248
George Fox University offers a Doctor of Education degree with a concentration in instructional design and development for P-20 teacher leaders looking to further their education and employment opportunities. Students take coursework in topics such as equity in educational environments, leading people, leading educational organizations through professional development, and curriculum, instruction, and assessment. Throughout the program, students examine best practices for creating effective learning environments using research-based teaching strategies that support and engage diverse learners. Concentration courses are also required as well as a doctoral dissertation during the third year of study.
16. Liberty University
Lynchburg, Virginia
Online Ed.D. in Curriculum & Instruction
Tuition: $35,700
The Department of Teacher and Graduate Education at Liberty University offers an online Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction degree. The program develops students’ expertise and advanced knowledge in the area of curriculum and instruction via a balance of in-depth, doctoral-level research and both practical and theoretical coursework. The curriculum covers topics such as the history and social foundations of educational leadership as well as leadership principles and ethics, conflict resolution, curriculum change, and curriculum theory. The program culminates in a dissertation defense and project that is based on each student’s individual research interests. Graduates are prepared to pursue careers in education as university professors, school administrators, instructional supervisors, and curriculum specialists.
15. University at Buffalo
Buffalo, New York
Online Curriculum, Instruction, and the Science of Learning, Ph.D.
Tuition: $35,864
The online Ph.D. in Curriculum, Instruction, and the Science of Learning (CISL) at the University of Buffalo features four concentration options in science education, math education, English education, and general CISL. Incorporating a flexible path of study developed by both the student and the teacher, the program meets each student’s unique needs and career goals. Coursework covers fundamental concepts such as scientific approaches to curriculum and instruction, instructional assessment, and curriculum design as well as specialized coursework in areas such as situated cognition, social learning and culture, educational informatics, and new literacies. Students must complete 72 hours of coursework, including a dissertation and defense. Graduates are prepared to become curriculum specialists, school administrators, and instructional supervisors in all educational environments.
14. Kansas State University
Manhattan, Kansas
Online Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction
Tuition: $34,261
Kansas State University offers an online Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instructions for students looking to teach in international or national K-12 environments. With an emphasis on leadership and practice, the program is designed to help candidates develop a superior level of pedagogical expertise and competence in their professional field. Students must complete 94 post-bachelor’s, graduate credit hours in order to graduate, including core courses, internships, clinical experiences, and doctoral research in the form of a dissertation. Areas of study include supporting positive change through educational technology, education in a diverse society, and historical and philosophical analysis of educational ideas and practice.
13. University of South Carolina
Columbia, South Carolina
Online Doctor of Education in Curriculum & Instruction – Curriculum Studies Concentration
Tuition: $33,703
The University of South Carolina offers a Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in curriculum studies. This program is designed for working professionals in the field of education who are looking to advance as curriculum specialists. The curriculum is organized into five distinct components and covers key topics such as practical and theoretical approaches to curriculum design, curriculum leadership, and instructional design and assessment. Students must complete 60 credit hours of coursework as well as a comprehensive exam, dissertation, and defense. Most students earn their degree within 36 months of full-time study.
12. University of Memphis
Memphis, Tennessee
Online Doctor of Education in Instruction and Curriculum Leadership – Instructional Design and Technology
Tuition: $32,562
The University of Memphis offers an online Ed.D. in Instruction and Curriculum Leadership with a concentration in instructional design and technology. Throughout this research-oriented program, students are prepared for careers as education researchers and teacher educators. Graduates are equipped to implement, evaluate, and analyze instructional strategies for a number of educational settings. Students are required to complete 54 credit hours of coursework, including nine credits of doctoral research and a 45-hour program core. The latter explores advanced topics in education research and design, including the development of interactive learning environments and the models and theories of instructional design. The final year is reserved for a doctoral dissertation, and online students can benefit from access to a variety of academic resources, including career services, library services, technology support, and advising.
11. Carson-Newman University
Jefferson City, Tennessee
Online Doctor of Education With Curriculum and Instruction Concentration
Tuition: $31,350
Carson-Newman University offers an online Doctor of Education with a concentration in curriculum and instruction designed for students looking to pursue careers in educational leadership. Students complete one three-credit course every eight weeks in addition to four courses each summer. This schedule allows students to earn their degree in about three years, but they have up to seven to complete the program. The 57-credit-hour curriculum incorporates a blend of field experience through an internship, hands-on research, and in-depth coursework in subjects such as the theories and practice of educational leadership, implementing curriculum change, leadership models, and designing and applying research. Graduates are prepared to advance professionally in careers such as university professor, school administrator, instructional supervisor, and curriculum specialist.
10. University of Louisiana Monroe
Monroe, Louisiana
Online Doctor of Education, Curriculum & Instruction
Tuition: $30,000
The School of Education at the University of Louisiana Monroe offers an online Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction for mid-career professionals looking to advance their careers. The program is available entirely online with no on-campus residency requirements. The curriculum develops advanced knowledge through a dissertation project and focused coursework. Students can expect to take classes in education and diversity, ethical decision-making, effective teaching principles, research methods, and instructional design and technology. The concentration core delves into specialized subjects such as education law and decision-making for school improvement. The curriculum consists of 60 credit hours of classes, and graduates are prepared to become instructional supervisors, curriculum developers, and educational administrators.
9. Texas A&M University
College Station, Texas
Online Doctor of Education in Curriculum & Instruction
Tuition: $27,940
A premier public college, Texas A&M University offers one of the state’s best doctoral degrees in curriculum and instruction. Stressing both instructional and curriculum assessment, the Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction prepares mid-career K-12 education professionals to pursue top-level leadership roles in education organizations. The program emphasizes three goals: application of knowledge, leadership, and discovery. Areas of study include grant writing, theories of research, curriculum assessment and development, problem-based research frameworks, and instructional leadership. Students must complete 64 credits, and coursework is offered in a cohort model that fosters collaboration between students. Along with core courses, students are required to complete a 300-hour, two-semester internship through which they will be expected to apply classroom learning to a professional educational environment.
8. Oakland City University
Oakland City, Indiana
Online Doctor of Education, Ed.D.
Tuition: $27,360
The Doctor of Education degree at Oakland City University prepares students to lead through the concept of organization renewals. With specialization options in areas such as organizational management, the superintendency, and curriculum and instruction, graduates develop complex problem-solving and advanced leadership skills to benefit communities, schools, and organizations. Students are required to complete 90 credit hours of coursework, and classes are delivered in a hybrid format that consists of an on-campus summer residency and online courses. The program is organized into a cohort format, where students move through the program at the same pace as their fellow learners.
7. Southeastern University
Lakeland, Florida
Doctor of Education
Tuition: $27,000
Students pursuing a Doctor of Education at Southeastern University can choose from a specialization in either organizational leadership or curriculum and instruction. Both programs teach students from a Christian perspective, and those following the curriculum and instruction path complete their online courses via the school’s MyFire learning system while also receiving face-to-face instruction during one-week classes held in Lakeland. The program consists of 54 credits and provides students with education on topics such as leadership principles, curriculum theory, and public policy. Full-time students may complete the coursework within two years; the entire program can be completed in three to four years depending on the student’s dissertation.
6. University of West Florida
Pensacola, Florida
Online Curriculum & Instruction, Ed.D.
Tuition: $25,912
The University of West Florida ranks among the top schools for students pursuing an online doctorate in curriculum and instruction. The Ed.D. in Curriculum & Instruction trains students to assess, implement, and construct curriculum measures, building both knowledge of educational practices and philosophies as well as qualitative research skills. Students can choose from three start dates throughout the year, and courses are provided in a fully online format. The curriculum consists of 66 credits, including a six-credit dissertation, an 18-credit doctoral seminar, an 18-credit specialization component, and a 30-credit professional core. Most graduate students earn their degree within 48 months, and they are prepared to pursue careers in private and public school settings as curriculum specialists, administrators, and more.
5. Delta State University
Cleveland, Mississippi
Online Doctor of Education in Professional Studies
Tuition: $25,354
Delta State University offers an online Doctor of Education in Professional Studies, and students can choose from three specializations, including a curriculum and instruction concentration. The program is designed to prepare educators to assume leadership roles in educational leadership, higher education, and P-12 education. All of the courses are offered in a hybrid format, meaning students can expect a combination of online classes and one in-person class meeting per month, typically held on Saturdays or during the evenings. In addition, fully admitted doctoral students who have NISL certification are awarded 15 hours of graduate credit to apply toward the program requirements.
4. Valdosta State University
Valdosta, Georgia
Online Ed.D. in Curriculum & Instruction: Learning & Development Concentration
Tuition: $21,405
Valdosta State University offers an online Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in learning and development. This innovative program provides practical opportunities for students to relate curricular and instructional issues faced in real-world settings to theoretical foundations. Elective pathways include a graduate certificate in healthcare administration, a certificate in public sector human resource management, a certificate in online teaching, or higher education. The program is comprised of 45 credit hours of coursework as well as nine dissertation hours, and it is available entirely online with no on-campus visits required. Students pursuing the degree on a full-time basis can expect to graduate within 24 to 30 months, depending on the student’s dissertation.
3. University of Houston
Houston, Texas
Online Ed.D. in Professional Leadership – Literacy Education Emphasis
Tuition: $19,686
The University of Houston offers an online Ed.D. in Professional Leadership with a concentration in literacy education. This 51-credit-hour program provides applied and research skills for educators grappling with current issues in urban settings. It is designed to facilitate the dispositions, skills, and knowledge needed for instructional leadership in instruction and curriculum in urban schools, community organizations, and developmental reading programs. The program is designed to emphasize participant collaboration, problem-solving, and content inquiry in a number of courses and research activities. In addition to completing coursework, students benefit from hands-on practical activities that allow them to apply what they’ve learned to their research projects.
2. Columbus State University
Columbus, Georgia
Online Doctor of Education Curriculum and Leadership
Tuition: $19,523
Columbus State University offers a Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Leadership program that consists of three tracks: higher education, educational leadership, and curriculum. Classes offered in the 63-credit-hour program are designed for district personnel, school administrators, classroom educators, and others who are seeking professional expertise in leadership. The program is delivered in a cohort format in which students work together in hybrid or face-to-face classes, and some electives may be available entirely online. Although the specific courses will vary according to the specialization chosen, all students must complete classes as well as a dissertation and defense.
1. New Mexico State University
Las Cruces, New Mexico
Online Curriculum & Instruction Doctoral Program
Tuition: $18,995
The Department of Curriculum and Instruction at New Mexico State University offers an online doctoral program in curriculum and instruction that leads to either a Doctor of Philosophy or Doctor of Education degree. Designed for mid-career professionals, students are prepared to pursue upper-level careers in education. The curriculum consists of coursework in practical and theoretical approaches to the field through topics such as education and technology, social justice issues, curriculum and diversity, and curriculum mediation as well as in-depth research through a dissertation. Students are required to complete 48 credit hours in order to graduate as well as a dissertation and defense and three one-week summer residencies.
Frequently Asked Questions
An online Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction prepares students to work at universities, middle and high schools, and in early education. Regardless of the grade level, students learn how to design and implement curricula catered to the needs of both teachers and students. Below you will find some of the most frequently asked questions about both these doctorates and the field of curriculum and instruction as a whole.
What are the Career Options for an Online Ph.D. in Curriculum & Instruction Degree?
Online Ph.D. in Instruction and Curriculum degree programs prepare students for careers in higher education, administration, and P-12 teaching. Graduates may pursue careers as superintendents, directors, instructional coordinators, and curriculum specialists. Those who wish to work in administrative positions to develop curricula may enjoy success as a superintendent, while those who wish to work directly with students should consider a career as a P-12 educator. Overall, students who enjoy taking on leadership responsibilities and working with others typically do well in online doctoral programs in curriculum and instruction. Some of the most common career paths include:
- High school principal: The position of high school principal involves overseeing the daily operations of the school. These leaders mentor students, work with teachers, and coordinate curricula, managing the entire school’s staff to ensure the institution is running as seamlessly as possible.
- Postsecondary teacher: Postsecondary teachers work in universities, colleges, and other institutions of higher learning. They provide students with the tools necessary to understand their educational disciplines and join the workforce. Postsecondary teachers may also work in academia, publishing scholarly journals and papers.
- Instructional coordinator: These professionals create teaching standards for educators and develop curricula for schools. They work directly with administrators and teachers to develop course materials for adult learners as well as P-12 students and analyze the effectiveness of their programs.
Other job titles include K-12 teacher leader, K-12 principal, director of instruction, director of assessment, curriculum specialist, curriculum director, and district-level administrator, also known as a superintendent. These lists are not comprehensive, and there are certainly other job careers available. However, having a slight idea of the pathway you would like to pursue can help you to narrow down the available doctoral programs, allowing you to choose the one that best meets your professional goals.
Where Can You Work With an Advanced Degree in Education?
When you earn a doctoral degree in curriculum and instruction, it might help you narrow your idea of the environments in which you would like to work. Keep an open mind when considering places to apply as they might not always be directly related to the private or public school system. For example, the following is a general, not comprehensive, list of educational settings in which graduates can put their doctoral degree in curriculum and instruction to use:
- State education departments
- School district offices
- Research and policy organizations
- K-12 private or public schools
- Nonprofit organizations
- Military education organizations
- For-profit curriculum development companies
- Continuing education programs
- Technical or community colleges
- Charter schools
- Alternative schools
- Adult education programs
How Much Can You Earn in This Field?
There are a number of job titles related to curriculum and instruction, so it can be difficult to pinpoint an exact salary figure for this particular field. However, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, instructional coordinators (experts in the field of curriculum and instruction) earned an average yearly salary of $63,750, or $30,65 per hour, as of May 2017. The highest 10 percent of professionals earned more than $101,500, while the lowest 10 percent reported earnings of less than $33,550. The highest-paying industries for instructional coordinators include the government, elementary and secondary schools, educational support services, and colleges, universities, and professional schools. In most cases, higher earning stemmed from years of experience and education. Those with a doctoral degree in curriculum and instruction earned more than their master’s degree-holding colleagues.
What is the Job Outlook for Curriculum and Instruction Specialists?
Before setting out on this career path, it is important to have a good idea of the job outlook for the field. Having a grasp on expected growth and job prospects can help improve job security. According to the BLS, employment of instructional coordinators is projected to grow 11 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. Additionally, although education is important for any career, instructional coordinators with leadership experience and a solid teaching background can expect the best job prospects. This helps to solidify the importance of earning a doctoral degree in curriculum and instruction as students can continue to work while gaining valuable experience and furthering their education.
What Can You Expect From a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction Online?
Online Ph.D. degrees in curriculum and instruction consist of dissertations, residencies, and coursework. However, exact course offerings and credit-hour requirements vary depending on the institution. Before entering a program, students should have some knowledge of the educational system as well as administrative experience in order to get the most out of the program. Some of the most common core courses for an online degree in curriculum and instruction include:
- Curriculum Leadership: This course focuses not only on transformational leadership but also its role in education, teaching students the tools they need to successfully and effectively develop appropriate curricula to the meet the needs of their students. Additionally, students learn how to support social justice and foster diversity as important aspects of the educational system.
- Gender Diversity in Schools and Communities: This course explores the sociological, psychological, and historical context of gender relations. Students analyze the politics and various cultures surrounding gender as it relates to school systems. They may also explore feminist theory and examine its impact on school systems and the field of education.
- Introduction to Diversity and Curriculum: This course teaches students of the best practices in instruction and curriculum, allowing them to tackle issues that students of all ages face. To that end, students learn how to understand and recognize developmental differences among adult, teenage, and child learners. They then explore how the right curriculum can affect students’ lives by impacting these differences.
Are There Opportunities to Specialize Your Degree?
Depending on the school you attend, you may be able to select an area of specialization or concentration in order to further tailor your degree to meet your professional goals. The concentration you choose will have some effect on the courses you take. In fact, some schools require that your coursework is determined by a doctoral committee to ensure that you are on the right track and gaining the appropriate knowledge. However, not every program offers concentration areas, and many schools offer only generalist degrees. Knowing whether or not you want to specialize your doctoral degree in curriculum and instruction will help you narrow down the schools available and help to ensure that your program offers the concentration area in which you are most interested.
How Long Will it Take to Earn an Online Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction?
Fieldwork and credit requirements often affect the length of a doctorate program in curriculum and instruction. Each school provides its own requirements, including the number of credit hours students must complete in order to graduate. Some schools may also require students to complete specialization courses that are unique that that particular program. In most cases, doctoral programs consist of 60 to 90 credit hours of coursework and can be completed within three to five years.
Doctoral programs are delivered in both synchronous and asynchronous formats, and some are offered in a combination of the two. Synchronous programs can be a mixture of in-class and online coursework, known as a “hybrid” format, or they may be cohorts. In the cohort model, students progress through the program in groups and may meet up to complete assignments together. On the other hand, with asynchronous courses, online students study and complete coursework on their own schedule and at their own pace. They typically need only worry about meeting weekly deadlines. For this reason, asynchronous programs can be completed faster, particularly if students are familiar with the material or if they do not have any outside work or family obligations or responsibilities to meet.
Are There Professional Organizations for Curriculum and Instruction?
A professional organization for curriculum and instruction administrators and educators functions as a great way for graduates to connect with other professionals in their field. These organizations also provide outstanding networking opportunities for students that can help them land positions after they graduate. Many organizations have branches throughout the U.S. and feature alumni from all types of colleges and universities. Students interested in developing their career by joining a professional organization should consider the following:
- American Federation of Teachers (AFT)
- American Association of School Administrators (AASA)
- Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD)
In addition to networking opportunities, professional organizations also provide seminars, meetings, conferences, and resources related to all things related to curriculum and instruction.
Does Accreditation Matter?
Some of the best online Ph.D. programs in curriculum and instruction are accredited. Accreditation is vital because employers place more value on degrees that come from nationally or regionally accredited schools. Even the most affordable online Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction programs should be accredited as it means graduates will have an easier time navigating the job market than those who do not attend an accredited program. Accreditation for this field typically comes from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), a governing body that ensures these online Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction degrees meet goals of quality assurance and continuous improvement.
With so many possible career paths and educational settings in which one can work, it is no wonder why graduate students across the country are pursuing graduate degrees in curriculum and instruction. The salary expectations and job outlook for this field are stable, meaning that professionals can expect a solid return on their investment in a graduate degree. Whether you wish to attain a position that directly works with students such as a teacher or principal or you would prefer to work behind the scenes and develop curricula for a specific set of learners in the role of a curriculum specialist or coordinator, the opportunities are nearly limitless. Although positions can be attained with a master’s degree, the highest salaries and best positions are reserved for students who hold an Ed.D. or Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction.
AS Staff
This concludes our ranking of the Top 25 Most Affordable Online Ph.D. in Curriculum & Instruction.
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