Guide to Online Graduate Level Courses Curriculum Design and Research

Guide to Online Graduate Level Courses Curriculum Design and Research
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Why an Online Course in Curriculum Design?

Curriculum design is becoming an increasingly important subject in the world of education. Many universities are now offering courses in curriculum design as part of their Master of Education programs, as stand-alone courses, or as part of graduate certificates in curriculum development.

Benefits: “Curriculum design and development is an important and vital process for all high-performing schools and districts.” [1] A pre-developed curricula will engage learning. It is to pinpoint exactly what it is students will learn in a course. And, it helps assure that instructors are teaching what students need to learn.

Why take courses online? They allow current professionals to sharpen their skills while continuing their busy careers.

Online Schools Offering Courses in Curriculum Studies

This school is accredited by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC), the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

Available online courses:

  1. EDCI 530 Curriculum Theory & Development (3 Units)
  2. EDCI 531 Curriculum Evaluation & Performance Based Assessment (3 Units)

Both of these courses are part of the Master’s of Education Curriculum & Instruction Program. According to the university, these courses have been designed primarily for current educators and professionals interested in education. They concentrate on curriculum development, implementation, and assessment. Tuition and fees start at $190-$205. Note: Course instructors may require exams to be proctored; therefore, leaving the student responsible to find a proctor and arrange a convenient time and place to take them.

This school is accredited fully by the Interstate New Teacher Assessment & Support Consortium (INTAC), the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), the North Central Association (NCA), and the Division of Professional Standards (DPS).

Available course: EDU550 Curriculum: Development and Design (3 Credits).

This course will aid teachers in providing their best input to the development of curricula for K-12 classes. It provides information on current educational issues and curriculum development techniques.

Note: The course is part of the Master of Education degree. Cost: $426/credit hours. Financial aid is available. For information, please call 888-IWU-2DAY (888-498-2329) or request an information packet through the web site.

The school offers fully accredited M.Ed courses.

Available online courses:

  1. EDU 6524 Curriculum Design (3 Credits)
  2. EDU 6899 Capstone in Curriculum and Instruction (2 Credits)
  3. EDU 6895 Curriculum and Instruction Orientation (1 Credit, which is required in the 1st quarter after admission)

It is interesting to note that both courses are part of the Master’s of Education Degree in Curriculum and Instruction. These courses are intended for certified teachers who want to improve their curriculum design ability and leadership skills. Tuition and fees start at $440 (per credit).

This is a fully accredited Canadian university.

Available online courses:

  1. EDUC 5123 Curriculum Practice for Students “At Risk” (3 Credits)
  2. EDUC 5633 Curriculum Foundations (3 Credits)
  3. EDUC 5643 Major Theoretical Developments in Curriculum Studies (3 Credits)
  4. EDUC 5673 Current Research & Theory in Curriculum: Rural Education (3 Credits)

These courses focus on curriculum development techniques and associated current issues. The courses are part of Master of Education (Curriculum Studies) (30h) Degree Program.

Note: Tuition and fees start at $1738 (for each 3 credit course). Also, students are subject to late/change/extension/withdrawal fees.

Job Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for school teachers will grow by 13 percent between 2008 and 2018. In addition, the BLS predicts that teachers will be increasingly expected to provide their input on decisions regarding the school budget, curricula, textbooks, and teaching methods.

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