Do you already have an undergraduate degree in education? Have you already been employed in the educational field? Do you love teaching and creating teaching materials? Are you looking for a way to update your job skills and salary? Then a masters or professional degree in curriculum and instruction will take your teaching career to the next level.
Those with a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction can work in both the educational arena and business arena. Generally to become employed in the public school system of the United States, you will also be required to get your teaching license, for whatever state you want to become employed in. If you are interested in becoming employed on the business side, then you will need to be creative but jobs are available. Many companies are looking for skilled curriculum designers to create internal training courses for employees, for customers, and for government agencies. Some colleges and universities are also looking for skills instructors to fill an ever growing need for skilled instructors in this growing educational market.
Job Outlook
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, this field is expected to see 23 percent job growth between now and 2018. Much of this growth will come as businesses hire instructional coordinators and designers to help with educating their clients and employees. Growth will also come from government and state educational departments. However, the recent economic recession has slowed hiring in the federal and state educational areas, and this may impact some of the growth in this field.
Salary Potential in Curriculum and Instruction
This is a field where excellent salaries can be made. Graduates need to be flexible and willing to try new working environments. As of 2008, those employed in this field had average salaries between $42,000 and $75,000 annually. The highest ten percent employed in this field made as much as $93,000 annually. The lowest ten percent made about $31,000 annually, according to the Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Graduate Programs Offered in Curriculum and Instruction
Colleges have geared up to meet the demand for skilled educators in this field. To obtain a master's degree in curriculum and instruction, students should plan on at least 2 years of full-time study beyond a bachelor's degree. Many colleges are offering this graduate program as an online degree, meaning many of the courses can be taken over the internet. This is a great time saver and allows students to set their own course schedules.
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