Curriculum and instruction

Take the next step in your teaching career with the Master of Education (M.Ed.) in curriculum and instruction. Designed for licensed teachers with classroom experience, this program helps you grow from a curious educator into a more confident, creative and innovative leader in the classroom.

In this program — designed for both elementary and secondary education certified teachers aspiring to increase their knowledge and expertise — you’ll build on your experience with learner-centered strategies and gain deeper expertise in research, pedagogy and practice. Through a minimum of 30 credits, you’ll strengthen your ability to design meaningful instruction, assess student learning and adapt to the diverse needs of your students.

This non-thesis program offers a flexible, personalized path. Working closely with your advisor, you’ll develop a study plan aligned with your goals and complete a culminating project that demonstrates your growth as an educator.

Along the way, you’ll explore:

• Effective strategies for creating engaging, relevant curriculum
• Ways to support diverse learners through inclusive teaching practices
• The role of research and data in improving instruction and outcomes
• The broader social, cultural, historical and philosophical context of education

Ready to learn more? View the online curriculum and instruction graduate handbook

Customize your studies with a focus area

The M.Ed. in curriculum and instruction begins with a strong core of courses, then allows you to tailor your experience through electives aligned with your interests and career goals. Choose from the following focus areas:

English as a Second Language (ESL) focus area

Prepare to support linguistically diverse learners in today’s classrooms. Through flexible in-person and online coursework, you’ll develop practical, research-based strategies to teach English learners at all proficiency levels. You’ll also explore how policies and assessments shape language instruction locally and globally—gaining the skills to help all students succeed while expanding your professional opportunities.

Unique Learners focus area

Learn how to create inclusive classrooms where every student can succeed and belong. This fully online focus area emphasizes evidence-based strategies for supporting diverse learning needs, collaborating with families and teams, and adapting instruction to learner variability with confidence. You’ll graduate prepared to foster belonging and success for all learners.

Educational Technology focus area

Explore the role of technology in modern education while building hands-on skills in accessible instructional design. You’ll examine the ethical and social impact of technology, develop AI literacy and learn to evaluate and integrate digital tools effectively. This focus area prepares you to lead thoughtful, innovative technology use across K–12, higher education and other learning environments.

Research focus area

Strengthen your ability to use data and inquiry to improve educational outcomes. You’ll design and conduct research, analyze findings and apply insights to real-world educational settings. This focus area builds skills in both qualitative and quantitative methods and provides a strong foundation for educators interested in data-informed decision-making or future graduate study. While this focus area does not lead to a specific endorsement or certification, it offers a strong professional advantage: the ability to study practice in a structured way and apply evidence to improve outcomes for learners.

Career and Technical Education (CTE) focus area

Support learners in career-focused and workforce development settings. Through flexible coursework offered across Idaho and online, you’ll gain practical strategies to teach CTE students and understand how workforce trends, policy and assessment shape career education. This focus area prepares you to make an impact in classrooms, labs and training programs. Through this focus area, you may also work toward the Idaho CTE Occupational Specialist Certificate, develop advanced instructional skills in CTE and meet requirements for the Idaho CTE Administrative Certificate.

Curriculum Development, Coaching and Mentorship focus area

Grow as both an educator and instructional leader. You’ll build skills in curriculum design, coaching and mentorship through online courses — learning how to support colleagues, foster collaboration and improve student outcomes. This focus area prepares you to lead and expand your impact across educational settings.