Elevate your teaching and gain the skills to advance in an administrative role with the Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction at UMass Lowell.

Master's in Curriculum and Instruction Overview

Improve your communication, analysis and instructional skills and deepen your expertise, whether you want to develop yourself as a teacher or administrator or take your education career in a new direction with the M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction at UMass Lowell.

In addition to the general master's, pathways are available for initial licensure in Massachusetts. With flexible online courses, a research-based curriculum and expert faculty, this program empowers you to become an education leader.

Note that the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) andÌýMassachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) are not required for admission.

M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction Curriculum

Customize your degree by choosing one of three pathways:

  • General Option (Online): The 30-credit does not lead to a teaching license in any state. You should have at least one year of experience in an educational setting. This pathway requires a culminating Action Research course during your final semester. This hands-on course can be completed at your school or workplace.Ìý
  • Applied Behavior Analysis and Education Option (Online):ÌýTo apply to this program, you must enroll in the ). You may apply to the M.Ed. program before completing the certificate program if you are registered for the fifth class in the ABA certificate and maintain at least a 3.000 GPA. ÌýThe 30-credit does not lead to a teaching license in any state.Ìý
  • Secondary Education Initial Licensure Option (Online): The requires eight courses and a 6-credit practicum. The School of Education endorses the following areas: English, History, Math and Science (Biology, Chemistry and Physics).

For a complete list of courses and academic requirements, please visit the Academic Catalog.

All programs are 30 credits.

Required Courses

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
EDUC.5043Methods of Teaching Students with Moderate Disabilities (online)3
EDUC.5101Foundations of Social Justice Education (online)3
EDUC.6240Assessment of Learning (online)3
EDUC.6300Educating Diverse Populations (online)3
EDUC.5102Critical Literacies (online)3
Total15

Curriculum and Instruction
Course #Course NameCr.
Total15
EDUC.6101Theories of Learning3
EDUC.5201Curriculum Perspectives3
EDUC.6441Models of Teaching3
EDUC.6900Action Research3
Take OneSample Electives (with permission of Advisor)3

EDUC.XXXX

EDUC.5220

EDUC.5021

EDUC.6130

Curriculum and Teaching: Secondary English or Math or History or Science

Young Adult Literature

Issues, mandates, and Ethics in Special Education

Leading the Professional Learning Community

3

3

3

3

Total: 30 credits
Last updated 11/3/21


Applied Behavior Analysis and Education (Certificate Program Courses - take 5)
Course #Course NameCr.
Total15
PSYC.5810Concepts and Principles of Behavior Analysis3
PSYC.5820Measurement and Experimental Design3
PSYC.5830Philosophical Underpinnings of Behavior Analysis3
PSYC.5840Behavior Assessment3
PSYC.5850Professional and Ethical Issues3
PSYC.5870Behavior Change Procedures3
PSYC.5890Implementation and Supervision Practices in Behavior Analysis3
Total: 30 credits
Last updated 2/3/22


Secondary Education (Initial Licensure)
Course #Course NameCr.
Total15
EDUC.5402Student Teaching Pre-Practicum3
EDUC.5410Teaching Emergent Bilingual Learners3
Take OneDiscipline-specific Methods Course3
EDUC.5730
EDUC.5720
EDUC.5760
EDUC.5750
Curriculum and Teaching: History
Curriculum and Teaching: English
Curriculum and Teaching Science
Curriculum and Teaching: Math
3
3
3
3
Take OneDiscipline-specific Practicum6
EDUC.5832
EDUC.5842
EDUC.5903
EDUC.5913
EDUC.5933
EDUC.5892
Teaching English and Seminar
Teaching History and Seminar
Teaching Biology and Seminar
Teaching Chemistry and Seminar
Teaching Physics and Seminar
Teaching Math and Seminar
6
6
6
6
6
6
Total: 30 credits
Last updated 11/3/21

Why Choose UMass Lowell for your M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction?

 U.S. News & World Report badge for best online graduate education program, UMass Lowell.

Nationally Top-Ranked Program

The online graduate education programs at UMass Lowell are consistently ranked among the Best Online Graduate Education programs in the country by U.S. News and World Report.

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Affordable, Accessible, High Quality Degrees

UMass Lowell offers one of the most affordable Master of Education programs in the region, ensuring you receive a top-tier education without breaking your budget. Financial aid and scholarships are available for qualified students.

Student works on laptop

Flexible Learning Options

The M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction is available entirely online.Ìý

Study at your own pace with part-time and full-time enrollment options.

A UMass Lowell student-teacher is seated at a desk with two children in an elementary school classroom.

Comprehensive Curriculum

Our program is grounded in evidence-based teaching practices and designed to align with your professional goals. Key focus areas include:
  • Advanced teaching strategies
  • Curriculum development and evaluation
  • Differentiated instruction to meet diverse learning needs
  • Data-driven decision-making for classroom improvement

Eleanor Abrams, Dean of the UMass Lowell College of Education. The College of Education has engaging programs for those that want to become teachers, advanced studies for experienced teachers and administrators as well as unique doctoral programs for emerging scholars. We even have an Education minor for those who may want to integrate education into their future careers. As you browse our website, you will find a variety of stimulating programs - tailored to meet your needs, goals and personal timing.

Expert Faculty

Learn from accomplished educators and researchers who bring real-world experience and innovative approaches to the classroom.

What Our Graduates Do

Graduates of the Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction program are well-prepared for roles such as:

  • Curriculum Specialist
  • Expert Classroom Teachers
  • Instructional Coach
  • Educational Consultant
  • Department Chair
  • Professional Development Coordinator
  • School Administrators
  • Leaders in Educational Non-Profits

Tuition and Admissions

Eligible students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for financial assistance.

Cost Per Credit
Online Education: $470
Online 7000-level Education: $655
Ìý
Term Registration Fee: $30

Please seeÌýÌýfor more information.

As a graduate student, you may qualify for federal student aid and other need-based scholarships. To be considered for financial assistance, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).ÌýLearn more at UMass Lowell Graduate Aid.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and certain eligible non-citizens. Please visitÌýFinancial AidÌýif you have questions about your eligibility.

All College of Fine Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences master’s and doctoral applicants must submit:

  1. An application
  2. An application fee
  3. A statement of purpose
  4. Letters of recommendation
  5. Official transcripts
  6. Official test score report - only required for:
    1. (GRE) Criminology and Criminal Justice, Ph.D.
    2. (GRE) Global Studies, Ph.D.
    3. Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) Music Education, Master of Music (M.M.)
  7. ResumeÌý- required for:
    • Music Education, M.M.
    • Public Administration, M.P.A
    • Master of Education, M.Ed., programs
      • Optional for the Education Administration PK-12 option
    • Language Arts and Literacy, Ed.S
    • Doctoral level education programs
      • Optional for the Ph.D. in Criminology and Criminal Justice
      • Ph.D. in Psychology applicants should submit a curriculum vitae (CV)
  8. Writing Sample (Education Ph.D. programs only)
  9. Forms (M.Ed In Education Administration, PK-12 Option only)

Note: All required materials must be received before the application package can be evaluated. Supporting documents may be uploaded directly to your GradCAS application. If you have trouble uploading materials after applying, you may email them directly to graduate_admissions@uml.edu.

Please note the new documents and references will be considered only if your application has not been reviewed for admission.ÌýÌý

Program Application Deadlines for Fall Admissions:

  • Global Studies Ph.D. - January 15
  • Psychology Ph.D. - January 15
  • Criminology Ph.D. - February 1
  • Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism Studies - February 15

Program Application Deadlines for Summer Admissions:

  • The Leadership in Schooling Ed.D. is a cohort-based program that begins each year in May. Applications are accepted during the preceding year between July - October 15.Ìý

International Students: please see the additional application requirements.

Bachelor's to Master's Students: You will need to apply via the application portal. Visit the page to learn about the process to transition to your desired master's program.

1. Online Application application

Applications are accepted through the GradCAS application portal.

2. Application Feeâ 

The application fee is $50 for each application and is non-refundable. Applications will not be processed until this fee is received or the applicant inputs a coupon code at checkout.

3. Statement of Purpose statement

In a separate document, submit a brief statement indicating your immediate and long-range goals, relevant work history, academic honors/awards received, any teaching experience and/or research conducted/published that may be pertinent to your graduate program. Two page recommended maximum.

For applicants to Doctoral education programs:

Leadership in Education Ph.D. and Research & Evaluation in Education Ph.D. - candidates should submit a statement of no more than 1,500 words, that responds to two questions:

  • What are you interested in researching during your doctoral studies, and why?
  • How would doctoral studies at UMass Lowell advance your career goals?

Leadership in Schooling Ed.D.Ìý- A two-page statement of purpose in which the applicant describes their understanding of equity-based educational problems and identifies and articulates the reasons to address a contextually relevant, equity-based problem (for STEM applicants should have a STEM focus).

Note: If you are applying to more than one program, you will need to submit a program-specific statement of purpose with each application package.

4. Letters of Recommendation recommendation

Master's and Ed.D. applicants need to submit two (2) letters of recommendation. Doctoral (Ph.D.) applicants are required to submit three (3) letters of recommendation. You will be asked to provide contact information for your referees during the application process, and an automated request will be sent out.Ìý

Criminal Justice, M.A.: Letters of recommendation are optional, not required.

Recommendations should be from instructors who have taught you, ideally in the field to which you are applying. Recommendations may also be from employers or supervisors who are in a position to compare your performance to that of your peers.

5. Official Transcripts transcripts

Provide a complete and official transcript from the institution that awarded or will award you a bachelor’s degree. Master’s transcripts are required for students applying to the Ed.D. and Education Ph.D. programs. Otherwise, submission of any master’s coursework is optional.

You may also include transcripts from other institutions at which you have taken relevant coursework, which may be beneficial for supporting your candidacy. Please note that waiting for additional transcripts may delay review of your application.

Review the . Candidates are encouraged to submit their official transcripts directly to GradCAS, which is particularly advantageous if you are applying to multiple schools. GradCAS will attach your transcripts to all existing applications for all schools, allowing you to request these official documents just once.

Transcripts are also accepted in sealed and signed envelopes mailed to the Office of Graduate Admissions or electronically directly from your university. Send to graduate_admissions@uml.edu. If you received your degree from UMass Lowell, it is not necessary for you to request a transcript, we are able to provide one for you.

University of Massachusetts - Lowell
Graduate Admissions
Graduate and Professional Studies (GPS) Center
839 Merrimack Street, 2nd Floor
Lowell, MA 01854-3941

International transcripts demonstrating completion of a bachelor's/master's degree require a course-by-course credential evaluation from a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) agency, such as:

  • (CED)
  • ® (ECE)
  • (WES)

Please note, the Office of Graduate Admissions reserves the right to have any application credential evaluated.

test-score 6. Official Test Score Report(s)

Submission of the GRE test score report is required for applicants to the following programs:

  • Criminology and Criminal Justice, Ph.D.
  • Global Studies, Ph.D.

Submission of passing MTEL(Massachusetts Teachers Education License) is required for the following program:Ìý
  • Master of Music in Music Education, MM - Applicants to this program must submit proof of successfully passing the MTEL test in Music.Ìý

Please request that the appropriate agency send an official test score for the GRE/GMAT or MTEL to the Office of Graduate Admissions, UMass Lowell's school code is 3911.

For more information about standardized tests, our Admissions Standards page provides current information.

7. Resumeâ 

The programs listed below require a resume for admissions consideration:

  • Music Education, M.M.
  • Public Administration, M.P.A
  • Master of Education, M.Ed., programs
    • Optional for the Education Administration, PK-12 option
  • Language Arts and Literacy, Ed.S
  • DoctoralÌý
    • Optional for the Ph.D. in Criminology and Criminal Justice
    • Ph.D. in Psychology applicants should submit a curriculum vitae (CV) rather than a resume to highlight academic and professional achievements.

8.Ìý writing-sampleWriting Sample / Artifactâ 

  • Leadership in Education Ph.D. and Research & Evaluation in Education Ph.D.Ìý- Please submit a writing sample that demonstrates the applicant's ability to present a cohesive, focused and persuasive response to an education issues of his or her choice. The writing sample should be accompanied by a brief note explaining the context in which it was written and identifying the kinds of support received by the applicant producing it.

If you have any trouble with the application process, please call Graduate Admissions at 978-934-2390 or emailÌýgraduate_admissions@uml.edu.

9. Formsâ 

Students applying to the M.Ed. Education Administration, PK-12 Option should have their principal complete the Principal's Acknowledgment Form, which can be uploaded to the Documents section of the GradCAS application.

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Questions? Contact Us!

Phone:
800-656-4723 (U.S. Students)
978-934-2390 (International Students)

Email:Ìý
Graduate_Admissions@uml.edu