Master's in Curriculum and Instruction
Shape the Future of Learning
The Curriculum and Instruction Master's program prepares educators and working professionals for increased responsibilities and leadership positions in various education settings in and outside of schools to impact organizational and social change. The program offers great flexibility and course options to address contemporary career changes and challenges. Topics include curriculum, teaching and learning, informal learning environments, social justice, and broader educational policies.
Students individualize their degree program by choosing one of three concentrations highlighted below:
Interdisciplinary Studies Concentration
The student and a faculty advisor collaborate to address the student’s career goals through a highly customized program of study. As part of the elective credits, students may earn a 12-credit gradate certificate in international education, literacy education, or TESOL.
Elementary Education Concentration
The program includes study in curriculum development, research and evaluation of instructional practice, teacher education, work with special populations, and school policy and leadership.
Reading and Literacy Concentration
The program incorporates traditional and contemporary aspects of literacy education and provides a path to becoming a literacy education leader. Study curriculum practices in arts, humanities, museums and informal learning environments, and digital technologies to prepare for new teaching and learning opportunities.
In addition, students may enroll concurrently in one of the following certificate programs:
- Graduate Certificate in Incorporating International Perspectives in Education
- Graduate Certificate in Teaching English Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
- Graduate Certificate in Literacy Education
Credits taken in these certificates may be applied directly to the Master’s degree.
$6,000 Grant Opportunity
New students to the Curriculum & Instruction Master's program for 2023, who are eligible for scholarships, will receive a $6,000 grant and may receive additional funding through merit scholarships.
Learn more about this grant >
Experiential Learning Opportunities
Based on your background and career interests, students in the program can be matched with internships in the arts, humanities, and science centers in the Washington, D.C. region.
Study Abroad
Students may have the opportunity to participate in short-term study abroad trips for course credit. These opportunities allow students to further their work as scholar-practitioners through exposure to and research of other international perspectives.
Convenient Schedule
Courses are scheduled to accommodate working professionals and for internship experiences.
The GW Advantage
The curriculum and pedagogical tools used in our schools are the foundation for educational and societal transformation. Where better to study and prepare to influence this transformation than in our nation's capital and the policymaking capital of the world? GSEHD students benefit from the University’s extraordinary access to leading national archives and libraries, urban and suburban public, charter, and private schools, and major science, arts, humanities, and performance centers.
Degree Awarded:
Master of Arts in Education and Human Development in the Field of Curriculum and Instruction
Department:
Curriculum and Pedagogy
Course Delivery:
Main Campus
Program Entry:
Spring, Summer, Fall
- Our Mission
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The program prepares educators, specialists, and researchers through interdisciplinary, research-based programs. Graduates become:
- Scholars in curriculum and pedagogy
- Advocates for Social Justice and Diversity
- Educators who integrate theory with practice in the arts, humanities, literacies, STEM, and TESOL
- Dedicated leaders who strive to affect positive change in schools and out-of-school settings
- Curriculum: Interdisciplinary Studies Concentration
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The following requirements must be fulfilled: 30 credits
Course List Code Title Core Courses CPED 6305 Foundations of Curriculum Theory CPED 6339 Teachers as Researchers CPED 6608 Development and Diversity Course List Code Title Concentration Coursework 21 credits in courses selected in consultation with the departmental advisor. Successful completion of the master of arts in education and human development comprehensive exam is required. - Curriculum: Elementary Education Concentration
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The following requirements must be fulfilled: 30 credits
Course List Code Title Core Courses CPED 6305 Foundations of Curriculum Theory CPED 6339 Teachers as Researchers CPED 6608 Development and Diversity Course List Code Title Elementary Education Concentration Courses CPED 6410 Reading Children’s Literature across the Curriculum CPED 6604 Perspectives in American Education CPED 6606 Theories of Learning and Development Electives 12 credits in elective courses selected in consultation with the program advisor. Successful completion of the master of arts in education and human development comprehensive examination is required. - Curriculum: Reading and Literacy Education Concentration
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The following requirements must be fulfilled: 30 credits
Course List Code Title Core Courses CPED 6305 Foundations of Curriculum Theory CPED 6339 Teachers as Researchers CPED 6608 Development and Diversity Course List Code Title Concentration Courses CPED 6223 Interdisciplinary Elementary School Literacies CPED 6289 New Literacies Coach and Reading Specialist CPED 6292 Practicum 2: Leadership in Interdisciplinary Literacies CPED 6624 Foundations and Research of Literacy and Reading Education CPED 6626 Practicum 1: Reading Diagnosis, Assessment, and Solutions CPED 6628 Literacies in Informal Learning Environments CPED 6691 Interdisciplinary Adolescent Literacies Successful completion of the master of arts in education and human development comprehensive examination is required. Completion of the relevant teacher licensure assessments (i.e., PRAXIS) required by the District of Columbia Educator Licensure Services Office. - Program Outcomes
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- Curriculum is tailored to our students’ career goals.
- Students gain leadership skills for in and outside of schools in various educational and research settings.
- Students earn a master’s degree PLUS they may concurrently earn advanced certificates in Literacy Education, International Studies, or Teachers of English as a Second Language (TESOL).
- Students acquire expertise in advanced, interdisciplinary curriculum and instruction design and development.
Apply Now
GSEHD’s Office of Admissions invites you to apply for a spot in our program. Please review the following admission and financial information.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Review our step-by-step guide to applying to GSEHD >
To learn more about the program, admission process, and upcoming events, please connect with the GSEHD Admissions Team at education@gwu.edu or 202-994-9283.
| Apply Now | Schedule Consultation with Admissions Counselor |
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To be considered for admission, applicants must submit the online application form as well as the following required supporting documents. There is no application fee.
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Prerequisite: Bachelor's Degree
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Resume
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Statement of Purpose
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Two Letters of Recommendation
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Transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities
*Additional application requirements may exist for international applicants.
For more information on any of these requirements, please visit our Admissions FAQs page.
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Applications are now being accepted for Fall 2023. We encourage you to apply as early as possible.
| Application Timeline | Spring | Summer | Fall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Priority Deadline | Aug 1 | Nov 1 | Nov 1 |
| Round 1 Deadline | Sept 15 | Dec 15 | Dec 15 |
| Round 2 Deadline | Nov 1 | Jan 16 | Jan 16 |
| Round 3 Deadline | Dec 15 | March 1 | March 1 |
| Round 4 Deadline | N/A | May 1 | May 1 |
| Round 5 Deadline | N/A | N/A | Aug 1 |
Tuition & Financial Aid
Limited-Time Offer:
$6,000 Grant Opportunity: Newly admitted students to the Curriculum and Instruction Master's program in the Summer or Fall 2023 semesters, who are eligible for scholarships, will receive a $6,000 grant and may receive additional funding through merit scholarships. Learn more about this grant >
We know embarking upon graduate school is a big decision - due in part to the costs of attending. At GW, we understand the time and thought behind making graduate school work for you. Please take a moment to learn more about the options and opportunities available to help fund your graduate education.
Graduate tuition is charged per credit hour, unless otherwise noted. Rates vary by program and location.
The tuition rate* for the Master's in Curriculum and Instruction program is $1,870 per credit hour.
This program requires 30 credits.
Please note: Additional fees may apply for international students, late fees, etc. Current tuition rates may be updated during the year.
*Summer 2023, Fall 2023 and Spring 2024
Scholarships are available to eligible admitted students. Review eligibility requirements and learn more about funding your education >
GSEHD’s Curriculum and Instruction program has a unique concoction of interdisciplinary pedagogy, reading, and literacy, all of which prepare teachers to work with diverse programs and cultures. GW has a strong connection with prestigious schools in the DMV area, which provides greater opportunities to network and complete practicums. I believe this program will help me achieve my goals, particularly through the guidance and expertise of the faculty and the hands-on experience I've received.
MAEVE CHEN (Current Student)
Career Outlook
Graduates of this program have become leaders in and outside school settings in various educational settings and other organizations. Graduates have also become research experts, curriculum developers, and leaders in reading, literacy, TESOL and math intervention projects in and outside schools, as well as reading and literacy specialists and learning coaches.
Within this field, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports job growth of 7% over the next ten years1 resulting in about 658,200 new jobs over the decade. In addition to new jobs from growth, about 929,900 openings each year, on average, are projected to come from growth and replacement needs.
1Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, [Education, Training, and Library Occupations], Retrieved October 11, 2022 from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/home.htm.
- Curriculum and Instruction Career Opportunities
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Graduates of this program have become:
- Leaders in and outside school settings
- Curriculum Developers
- Leaders in reading, literacy, TESOL , Arts, Humanities, and STEM projects in and outside of schools
Associate Professor, Curriculum and Pedagogy; Science