Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction with a Specialization in Educational Leadership Online
With an emphasis on developing your expertise in curricular leadership, this graduate online program gives you the tools to elevate your career and expand your influence beyond the classroom.
Apply by:
1/4/27
Program Overview
Discover our online M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction – Educational Leadership program
Our Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction with a Specialization in Educational Leadership online program prepares you for professional advancement as an instructional leader in a variety of environments. Examine contemporary research and practices applicable in teacher leadership roles while learning to write, execute and direct the implementation of sound curriculum as well as appropriate teaching strategies.
100% online coursework strengthens your skills in problem-solving, decision-making, communication and consultation to give you an advantage in today’s rapidly changing local and global societies. You will examine a practical approach to the complexities of learning in order to enhance your abilities in effectively and strategically creating a systemic curriculum process.
Curriculum for this online educational leadership master’s program emphasizes practical application of advanced theories of pedagogy, research, assessment and coaching to improve learning. Specialization courses include Decision Making in Curriculum Development, Curriculum Development for Continuous Improvement, and Ethics & Curriculum Implementation. This online educational leadership program does not lead to principal certification.
Our accelerated, 7-week courses are delivered in an online format designed to be flexible for busy schedules and allow you to balance your studies with other life responsibilities. You can complete this 33 credit-hour program quickly.
In the M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction – Educational Leadership online program, you will:
- Synthesize and analyze current research to develop curriculum and instructional models
- Apply evidence-based teaching practices and methodologies
- Enhance instruction based on the synthesis, analysis, assessment and evaluation of data to ensure culturally competent teaching and learning
- Synthesize and analyze current research to develop curriculum and instructional models
- Apply evidence-based teaching practices and methodologies
- Enhance instruction based on the synthesis, analysis, assessment and evaluation of data to ensure culturally competent teaching and learning
While this program does not lead to principal certification, it prepares graduates for a variety of leadership roles in education, such as:
- Instructional Coordinator
- Curriculum Specialist
- Department Chair or Grade-Level Lead
- Professional Development Coordinator
- Education Consultant
- Academic Coach or Instructional Coach
- Program Director (e.g., Literacy, STEM, Bilingual Education)
- Online Learning Coordinator
- Instructional Coordinator
- Curriculum Specialist
- Department Chair or Grade-Level Lead
- Professional Development Coordinator
- Education Consultant
- Academic Coach or Instructional Coach
- Program Director (e.g., Literacy, STEM, Bilingual Education)
- Online Learning Coordinator
Overview FAQs
A Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction with a Specialization in Educational Leadership prepares you to move from the classroom into roles that shape how a school designs, delivers, and evaluates instruction. You will build advanced curriculum theory alongside practical leadership training, so you are ready to guide teachers, departments, and campus-wide instructional initiatives rather than just your own classroom.
Graduates pursue roles such as Instructional Coordinator, Curriculum Specialist, Department Chair or Grade-Level Lead, Professional Development Coordinator, Education Consultant, Academic Coach, and Program Director in areas like literacy, STEM, or bilingual education. The Educational Leadership specialization adds coursework in leadership models, data-informed decision making, and school reform, which sets it apart from a general Curriculum and Instruction degree. This program does not lead to principal certification, so it is the right fit if you want to lead instruction and professional development rather than pursue a campus administrator credential. Call (844) 872-8712 to talk through how this specialization lines up with your career goals.
TAMIU's Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction with a Specialization in Educational Leadership is a 100% online graduate degree focused on the practical application of advanced theories of pedagogy, research, assessment, and coaching. It is designed to build your curricular leadership and instructional advancement skills, not just classroom content knowledge.
You will complete 11 courses (33 credit hours): 6 core courses, including Foundations of Curriculum, and 5 specialization courses covering education policy, leadership models, data-informed decision making, effective school leadership, and ethical reform and innovation. The program concludes with an Evaluation of Curriculum and Instruction capstone.
Courses run on an accelerated 7-week schedule, and most students finish in about 12 months, a pace that lets you finish quickly without taking a leave from your current role. You can review the full course sequence or call (844) 872-8712 for more detail.
No. This Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction with a Specialization in Educational Leadership does not lead to principal certification.
The degree is built for educators who want to lead curriculum and instruction work, coaching, and professional development, not for those seeking a campus administrator credential. According to the program page, TAMIU's College of Education is accredited by the Texas State Board for Educator Certification, but that accreditation applies at the college level and does not mean this specific degree grants a certification or license. If your career goal requires principal certification or a specific state license, confirm with TAMIU whether a different program is the better fit before you enroll in this one. Call (844) 872-8712 to talk through which credential matches your goal.
This program is built for you if you are a current educator who wants to move into curriculum leadership, coaching, or instructional support roles rather than stay in a classroom-only position or pursue campus administration.
If you are drawn to roles like Instructional Coordinator, Curriculum Specialist, Department Chair, Professional Development Coordinator, or Academic Coach, the specialization's coursework in leadership models, data-informed decision making, and school reform is a direct match. If your goal is specifically principal certification, this program will not get you there, since it does not lead to principal certification. Call (844) 872-8712 to talk through your goals with an enrollment advisor before you apply.
TAMIU pairs curriculum and instruction coursework with a dedicated Educational Leadership specialization, five courses focused specifically on leadership models, education policy, data-informed decision making, and school reform, rather than a general curriculum degree alone.
The program is 100% online with accelerated 7-week courses, six start dates a year, and no GRE or GMAT requirement, which removes several common barriers you might face with a program that only offers a single annual intake or requires standardized testing. The right comparison depends on which credential and career outcome you are after, so weigh this program's specialization and course list against any other program you are considering. Call (844) 872-8712 to talk through how TAMIU's program compares to your other options.
Also available:
Texas A&M International University offers a variety of in-demand online education programs. Explore all of our online education programs.
Total Tuition and Fees
$12,111*
Duration
12 months
Credit Hours
33
Accreditation
The Texas A&M International University College of Education is accredited by the Texas State Board for Educator Certification.
Tuition
Experience the value of our affordable 100% online program
Tuition for the M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction with a Specialization in Educational Leadership online program is affordable and can be paid by the course. All fees are included.
In-State Tuition:
The following tuition applies only to Texas residents.
| Program | Per Credit Hour | Per Course | Per Program* |
|---|---|---|---|
| M.S. in C&I – Educational Leadership | $367 | $ | $12,111 |
Out-of-State Tuition:
| Program | Per Credit Hour | Per Program* |
|---|---|---|
| M.S. in C&I – Educational Leadership | $1,030 | $33,990 |
*Tuition subject to change.
Tuition FAQs
Tuition for TAMIU's program is billed per credit hour by residency status. See the current tuition and fees breakdown on the program page for exact costs, since rates are subject to change.
At 33 total credit hours across 11 courses, your total cost is fixed by residency status rather than by how many terms you take to finish. The application fee for this program is $35, and because tuition and fees are subject to change, confirm current figures with an enrollment advisor before you commit to a term.
Compared to many in-person educational leadership programs, TAMIU's fully online, per-credit-hour pricing makes it easier to budget course by course. Call (844) 872-8712 for a personalized cost breakdown based on your residency status and any transfer credits.
TAMIU does not publish a program-specific scholarship list for this degree, but as a graduate student you can apply for federal financial aid, including federal student loans, through the standard FAFSA process.
Because financial aid eligibility depends on your individual circumstances, income, and enrollment status, the amount and type of aid you qualify for will vary. TAMIU's Financial Aid office and your enrollment advisor can walk through what applies to you, including any employer tuition reimbursement or military benefits you may be eligible to use. If cost is a deciding factor, do not rule the program out before you have real numbers. Call (844) 872-8712 for a specific financial aid estimate before you decide.
Tuition breakdown:
Total Tuition and Fees
$12,111*
Per Credit Hour
$367
Calendar
Our course schedule is designed for flexibility
The M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction with a Specialization in Educational Leadership program is delivered online, featuring 7-week courses and six start dates each year. Choose the start date that is best for you.
| Session | Program Start Date | Application Deadline | Document Deadline | Payment Due | Last Class Day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall II | 10/19/26 | 10/5/26 | 10/12/26 | 10/16/26 | 12/8/26 |
| Spring I | 1/19/27 | 1/4/27 | 1/11/27 | 1/15/27 | 3/6/27 |
| Spring II | 3/22/27 | 3/8/27 | 3/15/27 | 3/19/27 | 5/7/27 |
| Summer I | 5/17/27 | 5/3/27 | 5/10/27 | 5/14/27 | 7/2/27 |
| Summer II | 7/5/27 | 6/21/27 | 6/28/27 | 7/2/27 | 8/20/27 |
Calendar FAQs
Yes. The program is 100% online and built around working educators, so you do not need to step away from your job or classroom to enroll.
Courses run on an accelerated 7-week schedule rather than a traditional 16-week semester, and the full degree covers 11 courses (33 credit hours), which most students complete in about 12 months by taking one course at a time. This pacing lets you plan your workload one course at a time instead of juggling a full course load on top of a teaching schedule. Call (844) 872-8712 to map out a term-by-term schedule around your current job.
TAMIU offers six start dates a year for this program, so you are not stuck waiting for a single annual intake.
With a new term starting roughly every eight weeks, you can apply and enroll close to when you decide to start rather than waiting up to a year. For current start dates and application deadlines, see the program calendar. Call (844) 872-8712 to confirm the next open deadline and start your application.
Now enrolling:
Apply Date
1/4/27
Class Starts
1/19/27
Ready to take the next steps toward earning your next degree?
Admissions
Learn more about the details of our admission criteria
Applying for the M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction with a Specialization in Educational Leadership online program is a simple process. Learn more about the admission requirements below.
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree
- Minimum 2.75 GPA on the last 60 hours
International Transcript Evaluation:
TAMIU does their own foreign credential evaluations. Graduate School does not require third party evaluations nor are obligated to accept the results, or GPA calculations, if an evaluation is submitted. If an applicant submits an official evaluation, the evaluation does not replace official transcripts or certificates of graduation.
Official transcripts from all institutions attended can be sent to:
Texas A&M International University
Graduate School
Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library, Suite 416
5201 University Boulevard
Laredo, TX 78041
OR
Electronically to [email protected]
Former TAMIU students do not need to submit TAMIU transcripts.
For documents other than transcripts, please upload to your application portal located here. If transcripts are uploaded to the portal, you will be asked to resend all official transcripts by mail or email and will delay the application process.
Have a question? Call us at 844-872-8712.
Admissions FAQs
No. TAMIU's published admission requirements for this program do not include the GRE, GMAT, or any other standardized test score.
Instead, admission is based on your academic record: a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited university and a minimum 2.75 GPA on your last 60 credit hours, along with official transcripts from every institution you attended. This makes the application process more accessible if you are years removed from undergraduate testing. Once admitted, you will need to maintain a 3.0 GPA to stay in good standing. Call (844) 872-8712 to confirm your transcripts meet the requirement before you apply.
To apply, you need official transcripts documenting an earned undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited university, with a minimum 2.75 GPA on your last 60 credit hours.
If you completed coursework internationally, TAMIU conducts its own foreign credential evaluations rather than requiring a third-party evaluation. Graduate Studies is not obligated to accept an outside evaluation's GPA calculation if you submit one, and a third-party evaluation does not replace your official transcripts. If you are a former TAMIU student, you do not need to request TAMIU transcripts again for this application.
Because document requirements vary slightly by academic history, especially for international transcripts, review your specific paperwork with an enrollment advisor before you submit. Call (844) 872-8712 for a document checklist tailored to your background.
To apply, submit official transcripts showing an earned bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited university with a minimum 2.75 GPA on your last 60 credit hours. No GRE or GMAT is required.
TAMIU reviews international transcripts through its own foreign credential evaluation process rather than requiring a third-party service, and if you are a returning TAMIU student, you do not need to resend transcripts already on file. With six start dates per year, application deadlines fall about two weeks before each term begins, so check the calendar for exact dates.
Because deadlines come up quickly on a 7-week course schedule, submit your transcripts as early as possible so a delay in one document does not push you to the next term. Call (844) 872-8712 to start your application or check the status of documents you have already submitted.
Courses
Take a look at the educational leadership courses online
Curriculum for the M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction with a Specialization in Educational Leadership online program is comprised of 11 courses (33 credit hours). Students are required to take six core courses, which include a fixed first course (EDCI 5313: Foundations of Curriculum) and a capstone (EDCI 5317: Evaluation of Curriculum & Instruction); and five specialization courses.
Core Courses
You must take the following courses.
EDCI 5313: Foundations of Curriculum
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course is designed to provide a historical and conceptual foundation in the discipline of curriculum and instruction for those beginning their graduate work. It will cover the historical and philosophical beginnings of the traditional content taught in the public school systems in the U.S., from pre-kindergarten through completion of the academic core of post-secondary schooling. Examination of key components of the purpose and methods of instruction will punctuate the historical context to identify specific C&I elements in some of the following eras: ancient and pre-modern contributions, Pre-Colonial and Colonial American schooling, early foundations of instruction in the U.S., implications of modern C&I, and trends in post-modern C&I. A major element of the course will be the development of a research topic and subsequent student project focusing on the topic. Prerequisite: Graduate standing Fixed 1st Course
EDCI 5316: Social and Cultural Studies of Education
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Engage in critical analysis of education’s place in today’s rapidly changing local and global society with a focus on comprehending education from historic, philosophic, social and cultural perspectives and the impact of those perspectives on current practice. Evaluate curricular and instructional perspectives and ways of viewing educational history from a theoretically informed lens. Critically examine the practices and policies used in schooling to enact decisions on curricular reforms in schooling with a critical understanding of diversity, social inequity, and equal educational opportunities. Pre-requisites: Graduate Standing
EDCI 5317: Evaluation of Curriculum & Instruction (Capstone)
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
A thorough treatment of various standard, research-based techniques for evaluation of instruction (i.e., authentic assessments, alternative assessments, qualitative and quantitative testing methods, and non-specific measurement methods). In addition, this course explores the concepts behind assessment, identifies various assessment tools, and incorporates models of assessment appropriate for a variety of instructional settings. Prerequisite: Graduate standing Fixed last course
EDCI 5319: Advanced Theories for Learning
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
A general survey of theories of learning as they apply to the modern classroom. The course is designed to acquaint the teacher with major historical and modern theories and their proponents of how children learn together, with implications for the schools in modern society. Prerequisite: Graduate standing
EDCI 5321: Collegial Coaching and Mentoring
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course addresses teacher leadership in the context of advancing the expertise and leadership of peers, thereby expanding the teacher-leader’s sphere of influence beyond the walls of the classroom. Teachers explore mentoring and coaching models designed to promote the professional growth of their colleagues. They learn and apply skills for mentoring novice teachers and for engaging in coaching relationships with peers at all stages of the teacher-development cycle. Various forms of collaboration with colleagues are addressed and diversity, as well as interpersonal and communication skills, are emphasized. Prerequisite: Graduate standing
EDGR 5320: Foundations of Educational Research
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course provides the competencies required for critical understanding, evaluation and utilization of published educational research. The course addresses quantitative and qualitative research methods. Topics include problem formulation and refinement; research design; sampling; measurement and data collection; data-analysis techniques; and the inference process.
Specialization Courses
You must take the following courses.
EDLD 5311: Education Policy for Curriculum Leaders
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course examines the effective implementation and assessment of curriculum programs in schools. It explores educational polices specific to the role of educators as curriculum leaders. This course will examine the structures that need to be in place to allow curriculum developers and leaders to work collaboratively.
EDLD 5312: Leadership Model for Curriculum Leaders
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
The course provides an overview of several paradigms of learning and their relationship to decision-making models. Students will learn to design & evaluate curriculum, develop instructional materials, assess student learning & measure instructional outcomes.
EDLD 5314: Data Informed Decision Making for Curriculum Leaders
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course is designed to teach a practical, step-by-step approach in learning the complex procedures of the assessment process at the local, state and federal levels. The course will analyze and synthesize various aspects of assessment particularly progress monitoring as applied to the acquisition of knowledge and skills, and the increased consideration of students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds in the assessment process. This course examines how students' assessment data drives curriculum implementation.
EDLD 5316: Characteristics of Effective School Leaders
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course will emphasize the development of communication and collaboration within an organization. Students will have the opportunity to explore and develop strategies that can enhance their ability to effectively and strategically develop a systemic curriculum process.
EDLD 5318: Ethics & School Reform Innovation Problem Solving
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course will examine leadership strategies to build collaborative relationships with families, communities, and colleagues to develop comprehensive instructional strategies that address the diverse and equitable academic needs of students via ethical curriculum implementation.
