Careers in Curriculum and Instruction

Find out about the types of jobs you could pursue in curriculum and instruction. Read on to learn more about career
options along with education requirements and job outlook information. Schools offering Education Curriculum &
Instruction degrees can also be found in these popular choices.

Career Information At a Glance

Curriculum and instruction careers are in the field of education; there are numerous job titles and areas of practice
available related to developing, implementing and assessing education methods. The table below outlines the
general requirements for instructional coordinators, postsecondary education instructors and training and
development specialists
Postsecondary Education Training and Development
Instructional Coordinators Instructors

Specialists

Master's degree, doctoral

Degree Required

Master's degree

Education Field of

Education, curriculum and

Study

instruction

degree commonly required

Bachelor's degree
Training and development,
human resources, education,

Education or related field

Develop and coordinate

Key Responsibilities

instructional design
Use surveys and interviews

curriculum implementation,

Teach education-related

to assess training needs,

plan and conduct teacher

courses, might instruct

design training materials,

training conferences,

future counselors,

deliver training materials to

evaluate teachers'

instructors or professors,

employees or hire training

instruction

create and teach curriculum instructors

Licensure often required in

Licensure might be

Certification recommended

required

for advancement

Licensure/Certification public schools

Job Growth (20122022)

13*

15%*

15%*

Average Salary (2014)

$64,040*

$65,180*

$61,530*

Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

What Does Curriculum and Instruction Involve?

Curriculum and instruction are foundations that aid academic and procedural success in the field of education in
schools, government agencies and corporate offices. Schools and businesses often use a vast array of curriculum
and instruction models to educate and train people and to create a consistent learning culture. As a curriculum and

instructional coordinator, you may hold such titles as director of instruction, development specialist or instructional
coach, but your occupational goal would be the same. You'll make sure the school or business you work for has
successful plans, programs and materials to ensure people receive adequate education.
You might work as an educator, introducing new technology. You'd train others how to properly use it and help them
develop effective practices for their classrooms. In addition, you could serve as a mentor for new educators,
facilitators and administrators. At one school or company, you might find yourself focusing on developing
coursework and choosing the proper written materials to be reviewed and studied. At another, you'd observe how
educational materials are being used and provide feedback for change and improvement.

How Can I Start My Career?

Much of the curriculum and instruction work is done in the field of education, so you might need experience as a
licensed teacher in the classroom. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a master's degree is
often preferred or required for this kind of work (www.bls.gov). Once you've completed the requisite education, you'll
need to obtain a teaching or administrator license from your state to work in public schools. You'll usually need to
keep up with the changes in the field by taking continuing education classes, such as consulting practices and
evaluation procedures.

What Jobs May I Apply For?

In the field of curriculum and instruction, there are many different jobs available and companies that might hire you.
You could find work as a professor of education, a textbook editor or an educational consultant. You could become a
corporate training facilitator, civilian military trainer or private school instructor. Some institutions and employers that
hire curriculum and instruction specialists include universities, public school districts, government agencies,
textbook companies and consulting firms.

What Is the Job Outlook and Salary Potential?

According to the BLS, job opportunities for instructional coordinators are anticipated to grow 13% between 2012 and
2022. This employment growth is expected to be a result of schools' desire to improve curricula while making their
teachers more effective in the classroom. Your salary will likely vary depending on where you're employed, but the
BLS reports that the average annual wage for instructional coordinators in May 2014 was $64,040.
To continue researching, browse degree options below for course curriculum, prerequisites and financial aid
information. Or, learn more about the subject by reading the related articles below: