Curriculum and instruction

The M.Ed. in curriculum and instruction is a 30-credit program combining coursework and applied learning experiences. Students build technical expertise while gaining hands-on experience in the field.

Explore program courses in the University Catalog

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:

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.

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.

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. Opportunities to earn your ESL endorsement through completion of this focus area are possible.

Language and culture in education focus area

The language and culture in learning focus area enables educators and advocates to understand how linguistic, social and cultural processes shape educational environments within schools and in society at large. Grounded in culturally responsive pedagogies, this focus area explores ways to honor varieties in cultural knowledge systems and specializes in Indigenous learning theories. Coursework will help prepare teacher leaders to understand context-rich instruction and action-based research and to work with and support diverse students and communities locally and globally.

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.

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.  

University of Idaho is committed to making graduate education accessible and helping students navigate the cost of earning an advanced degree. In addition to financial aid and scholarship opportunities, many graduate students receive funding through assistantships, research opportunities and other forms of academic support.

Here are a few key resources to help you understand graduate tuition, funding opportunities and available financial support:

• Submit your FAFSA: Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an important first step in accessing federal financial aid and certain institutional funding opportunities.
• Estimate your cost of attendance: Visit U of I’s cost of attendance page to explore estimated tuition, fees and living expenses associated with your graduate program.
• View a breakdown of tuition and fees: Visit the Student Accounts page to explore current tuition rates, fees and detailed cost information based on your program, residency status and enrollment level.
• Explore scholarships and graduate funding opportunities: Graduate students may qualify for scholarships, fellowships and other funding opportunities based on academic achievement, area of study and professional experience.
• Learn about assistantships: Many graduate programs offer Research Assistantships (RAs), Teaching Assistantships (TAs) or Graduate Assistantships (GAs), which may provide tuition support, stipends and valuable professional experience. Assistantship availability and funding levels vary by program and department.
• Connect with your program: Some graduate funding opportunities are coordinated directly through academic departments or faculty research projects. Prospective students are encouraged to review department funding information and speak with program representatives about available opportunities.

If you have questions about financial aid, scholarships or graduate funding, U of I’s experienced financial aid counselors and graduate program staff can help you explore options and make informed financial decisions throughout the admissions process.

View financial aid resources

Have questions about the program, research opportunities or the graduate student experience? Connect with our program team for personalized guidance about curriculum, faculty mentorship, application requirements and graduate funding opportunities.

Curriculum and Instruction contact:
Janine Darragh
janined@uidaho.edu

For questions related to admissions, application materials, transcripts or enrollment steps, contact Graduate Admissions:

Graduate Admissions contact:
graduateadmissions@uidaho.edu
208-885-4001

Interested in research areas or finding a faculty mentor? Explore faculty expertise, research interests and advising opportunities on the department’s faculty page.

Find M.Ed. in curriculum and instruction, career and technical education emphasis program faculty advisors

Applicants for the M.Ed. in curriculum and instruction must meet the following admission requirements:

Program availability:

• Concentration: Non-thesis
• Semester intake: Fall, Spring, and Summer
  • Eligible for Expedited admission for U of I undergraduates
  • Eligible for 4+1 admission for U of I undergraduates
  • This program is not available to international applicants requiring F-1 visa status
• Deadlines: General application deadlines
• Start dates: View the academic calendar to see start and end dates

University requirements:

• Education level: Bachelor's degree in a similar or related field from an accredited or recognized institution (earned or expected before the start of the graduate program)
  • Transcripts for all post-secondary education will be required. Unofficial transcripts may be used for initial admission review. Official transcripts sent to Graduate Admissions directly by the issuing institution(s) will be required after admission. View more information on the Graduate Admissions page.  
• GPA: 3.0 (Applicants with a lower undergraduate GPA who have relevant professional experience in the field, have already earned a graduate degree, or have completed graduate-level credits may still be considered for admission with approval from the academic program.)
• GRE: Not required
• Letters of recommendation: Three
• Resume
• Statement of Purpose: Provide a Statement of Purpose (SOP) that explains why you want to pursue your master’s degree in education
• Other requirements: Provide one professional sample (thesis, journal article, term paper or handbook, etc.) previously completed by you.
• Valid picture ID (required to verify students’ identity and will be kept confidential)
• English proficiency (for applicants whose education was completed in countries where English is not an official language).  
  • Accepted tests: TOEFL: 4.5, IELTS: 6.5, Duolingo: 115, PTE-A: 58. Learn what qualifies as proof of English proficiency.
• Application Fee: $50

Application and admission process:

Applications are submitted online and are specific to the program and term selected. Applicants seeking admission to multiple programs must submit a separate application for each program.

Before submitting an application, applicants must provide personal and academic information from all post-secondary institutions attended, recommender information, required program-specific materials, and their intended program and start term.

Applications are reviewed for admission by the academic program. Only complete applications, including required letters of recommendation and payment of the application fee, will be forwarded for evaluation and admission decision. Applicants are strongly encouraged to complete their applications early to allow sufficient time for a thorough review.

Visit Graduate Admissions to learn more and start your application.