Master's in Curriculum and Instruction
Shape the Future of Learning
Our Master's in Curriculum and Instruction program empowers working professionals to step into leadership roles—within traditional school settings, informal learning environments, or educational organizations. Driven by fostering positive organizational and social change in the field of education, the program’s versatile courses encompass critical areas such as equitable curriculum development, instructional design across diverse settings, social justice, arts, humanities, STEM, and educational policies and practices.
With a wealth of "only at GW" opportunities, including unparalleled access to major national museums, our classrooms extend into the city, allowing you to immerse yourself in a vibrant educational hub. The program offers flexibility and diverse course options to address various contemporary career changes and challenges. Individualize your degree to align your studies with your career aspirations by choosing one of our three specialized 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 21 elective credits, students may earn a 12-credit gradate certificate in international education, literacy education, or Curriculum Development, Evaluation, and Writing.
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:
- Curriculum Writing, Evaluation, and Development
- Incorporating International Perspectives in Education
- Literacy Education
Credits taken in these certificates may be applied directly to the Master’s degree.
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:
Foggy Bottom Campus
Program Entry:
Spring, Summer, Fall
- Our Mission
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
The following requirements must be fulfilled: 30 credits, including 9 credits in core courses and 21 credits in courses selected with the advisor; and successful completion of the master of arts in education and human development comprehensive examination.
Code Title Core Courses CPED 6305 Foundations of Curriculum Theory CPED 6339 Teachers as Researchers CPED 6608 Development and Diversity Concentration Coursework 21 credits in courses selected in consultation with the departmental advisor. Comprehensive Examination Successful completion of the master of arts in education and human development comprehensive exam is required. - Curriculum: Elementary Education Concentration
The following requirements must be fulfilled: 30 credits, including 9 credits in core courses, 12 credits in courses in the concentration, 9 credits in elective courses, and successful completion of the master of arts in education and human development comprehensive examination.
Code Title Core Courses CPED 6305 Foundations of Curriculum Theory CPED 6339 Teachers as Researchers CPED 6608 Development and Diversity Concentration Coursework 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. Comprehensive Examination Successful completion of the master of arts in education and human development comprehensive examination is required. - Curriculum: Reading and Literacy Education Concentration
The following requirements must be fulfilled: 30 credits, including 9 credits in core courses, 15 credits in courses in the concentration, 6 credits in elective courses, and successful completion of the master of arts in education and human development comprehensive examination.
Course List Code Title Core Courses CPED 6305 Foundations of Curriculum Theory CPED 6339 Teachers as Researchers CPED 6608 Development and Diversity Concentration Courses CPED 6223 Interdisciplinary Elementary School 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 Electives 6 credits in elective courses selected in consultation with the program advisor. Master's Comprehensive Examination Successful completion of the master of arts in education and human development comprehensive examination. - Program Outcomes
- 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 or International Studies.
- 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 teachinfo
gwu [dot] edu (teachinfo[at]gwu[dot]edu) or 202-994-9283.
| Apply Now | Schedule Consultation with Admissions Coach |
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.
- Prerequisite: Bachelor's Degree
- Resume
- Statement of Purpose
- Two Letters of Recommendation
- Transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities
*Additional application requirements may exist for international applicants.
Applications are now being accepted for Fall 2025. 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 15 Jan 15 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 June 15 Round 6 Deadline N/A N/A Aug 1 For more information or to inquire about the next admissions cycle, contact the GSEHD Admissions Team at teachinfo
gwu [dot] edu (teachinfo[at]gwu[dot]edu) or 202-994-9283.
Tuition & Financial Aid
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.
New: Save 20% with Federal Service Scholarship
If you are a current U.S. federal civilian employee or a federal employee/contractor affected by the 2025 federal workforce reductions, you may be eligible* for GSEHD's Federal Service Scholarship, which provides a 20% tuition discount. Deadline: Apply for Fall 2025 enrollment by June 1. View full details >
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 $1,960 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 2025, Fall 2025 and Spring 2026
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, including non-profit and for profit 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. The program also offers pathways for advanced doctoral study in the arts, humanities, and STEM.
- Curriculum and Instruction Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program have become:
- Leaders in and outside school settings
- Curriculum Developers
- University Instructors
- Doctoral Studies
- Leaders in reading, literacy, TESOL , Arts, Humanities, and STEM projects in and outside of schools
Associate Professor, Curriculum and Pedagogy; Co-Director, GWTeach
Associate Professor, Curriculum and Pedagogy