Teaching and Curriculum
Master of Arts
Online
Course Delivery
30
Total Credits
$933
Credit Hour
2 Years
Minimum Duration
Program Overview
The Master of Arts in Teaching and Curriculum (MATC) program is a fully online graduate program for both beginning and experienced teachers in schools across the United States and around the world. You can design a unique program of study aligned with your interests and goals. If you are a full-time practicing teacher, you will enjoy the opportunity to complete course assignments with the flexibility that comes with enrollment in a fully online asynchronous program. MATC courses are taught by instructors, including award-winning faculty in the Department of Teacher Education, who provide innovative learning experiences for students that embrace the possibilities of online learning. If you completed the College of Education's teaching internship, you may utilize 9 of the credits earned through the internship to complete the MATC degree.
Program Highlights
#1 in Curriculum & Instruction - U.S. News Rankings (online) 2024
Program Outcomes
MATC students choose to focus their studies in:
- Educational Technology
- Educational Psychology
- K-12 Educational Administration
- Literacy and Language Instruction
- Socio-cultural Perspectives in Teaching and Learning
- Science and Mathematics Education
- English Language Learner (ELL) or English as a Second Language (ESL)
Students may further focus their studies by earning a specialization in Literacy and Language or K-12 ESL. The Language and Literacy specialization includes an option to seek a Reading Endorsement or Reading Specialist Endorsement. The K-12 ESL specialization leads to eligibility for a K-12 level endorsement in ESL and is a 32-credit option due to a second 2-credit ESL practicum required for the endorsement.
Career Outlook
In addition to earning a masters degree, MATC students who complete the program are positioned to meet the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) requirements for professional development, maintain provisional certification, and apply for the MDE Professional Certificate. MATC program graduates may pursue their scholarly interests further by applying to the MSU Department of Teacher Education's Ph.D. program in Curriculum, Instruction and Teacher Education.
Career Pathways and Potential Earnings
Graduates of Teaching and Curriculum can expect job titles and median salaries similar to the following:
Career Pathways and Potential Earnings for Teaching and Curriculum Students
Target Occupation
National Median Salary (USD)
Instructional Coordinators
$74,610
Disclaimer: Salary data is sourced from © 2025 Lightcast, based on information from the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW). Please note that this information is intended solely for reference purposes. MSU Online disclaims any responsibility or liability for any inaccuracies, omissions, or errors in the data.
A Top-Ranked Education
- #3 in Online Master's in Curriculum and Instruction — U.S. News & World Report, 2025
- #3 in Online Master's in Education Administration — U.S. News & World Report, 2025
- #6 in Online Master's in Education/Instructional Media — U.S. News & World Report, 2025
- #9 in Online Master's in Special Education Programs — U.S. News & World Report, 2025
- #7 in Online Master’s Education Programs — U.S. News & World Report, 2025
Dr. Curtis Lewis
Assistant Professor and MATC Program Director
Curtis Lewis is an assistant professor in the Department of Teacher Education. He specializes in the philosophy and implementation of restorative practices and culturally sustaining pedagogy in K-12 schools. His research and experience focuses on strategies for recruiting, engaging and retaining Black male educators in K-12 schools, and the inequities within those schools that are preventing students of color from attaining success and a liberatory educational experience.
Furthermore, he specializes in K-8 mathematics teaching and learning, school leadership development, dismantling school structures and practices that devalue student voices and obstruct schools’ ability to engage in liberatory educational practices.
He is a recipient of the Michigan Chronicle’s Men of Excellence award for his work around the State of Michigan and beyond.
Course Information
Core
TE 801 - Professional Roles and Teaching Practice I (3 Credits) or TE 818 - Curriculum in Its Social Context (3 Credits)
TE 807 - Professional Development and Inquiry (3 Credits) or TE 808 - Inquiry into Classroom Teaching and Learning (3 Credits)
TE 870 - Curriculum Design, Development, and Deliberation in Schools (3 Credits) or TE 872 - Teachers as Teacher Educators (3 Credits)
Concentration (9 credits)
1. educational technology,
2. educational psychology,
3. K-12 educational administration,
4. literacy and language instruction,
5. socio-cultural perspectives in teaching and learning,
6. science and mathematics education and
7. English language learner (ELL) or English as a second language (ESL).
Electives (12 credits)
Courses in TE, CEP, EAD, or KIN 800-level
Admissions Requirements
To be accepted to this program, you must have:
- A bachelor's degree
Or its equivalent, from an accredited institution (applicants must also have a minimum grade point (GPA) of 3.0 for final two years of undergraduate study - 3.0 GPA or above on a 4.0 scale
- Previous work experience
Curriculum vitae or résumé - Taken the TOEFL (Only required if English is not your native language)
- A written academic personal statement
- Writing sample
- 3 letters of recommendation. Provide contact information for your recommenders and the MSU application system will provide instructions to them.
- Official transcripts from all previous schools
To apply to this program:
- Complete a university graduate application and pay the application fee.
- Submit all required materials to the application portal.
- Chinese Certification and NOYCE/SETSUP applicants use code 6727. Applicants should note: The MATC program does not lead to teacher certification, and is no longer considering post-certification experience in admissions decisions. The program may not be offered to residents of Kentucky. The K-12 ESL Graduate Specialization may not be offered to U.S. Territories and Canadian Provinces.
Key Dates
Summer
Application Deadline
April 1st
Fall
Application Deadline
July 15th
Spring
Application Deadline
November 1st
Tuition & Fees per credit
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
$933
$933
Cost of Attendance
The university reserves the right to make changes in the types, structures, rates for fees, and tuition. Every effort will be made to give as much advance notice as possible. In addition to tuition and fees, there are other expenses associated with your Cost of Attendance. A breakdown of a graduate student budget can be found here.
Program Overview
The Master of Arts in Teaching and Curriculum (MATC) program is a fully online graduate program for both beginning and experienced teachers in schools across the United States and around the world. You can design a unique program of study aligned with your interests and goals. If you are a full-time practicing teacher, you will enjoy the opportunity to complete course assignments with the flexibility that comes with enrollment in a fully online asynchronous program. MATC courses are taught by instructors, including award-winning faculty in the Department of Teacher Education, who provide innovative learning experiences for students that embrace the possibilities of online learning. If you completed the College of Education's teaching internship, you may utilize 9 of the credits earned through the internship to complete the MATC degree.
Program Highlights
#1 in Curriculum & Instruction - U.S. News Rankings (online) 2024
Program Outcomes
MATC students choose to focus their studies in:
- Educational Technology
- Educational Psychology
- K-12 Educational Administration
- Literacy and Language Instruction
- Socio-cultural Perspectives in Teaching and Learning
- Science and Mathematics Education
- English Language Learner (ELL) or English as a Second Language (ESL)
Students may further focus their studies by earning a specialization in Literacy and Language or K-12 ESL. The Language and Literacy specialization includes an option to seek a Reading Endorsement or Reading Specialist Endorsement. The K-12 ESL specialization leads to eligibility for a K-12 level endorsement in ESL and is a 32-credit option due to a second 2-credit ESL practicum required for the endorsement.
Career Outlook
In addition to earning a masters degree, MATC students who complete the program are positioned to meet the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) requirements for professional development, maintain provisional certification, and apply for the MDE Professional Certificate. MATC program graduates may pursue their scholarly interests further by applying to the MSU Department of Teacher Education's Ph.D. program in Curriculum, Instruction and Teacher Education.
Career Pathways and Potential Earnings
Graduates of Teaching and Curriculum can expect job titles and median salaries similar to the following:
Career Pathways and Potential Earnings for Teaching and Curriculum Students
Target Occupation
National Median Salary (USD)
Instructional Coordinators
$74,610
Disclaimer: Salary data is sourced from © 2025 Lightcast, based on information from the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW). Please note that this information is intended solely for reference purposes. MSU Online disclaims any responsibility or liability for any inaccuracies, omissions, or errors in the data.
A Top-Ranked Education
- #3 in Online Master's in Curriculum and Instruction — U.S. News & World Report, 2025
- #3 in Online Master's in Education Administration — U.S. News & World Report, 2025
- #6 in Online Master's in Education/Instructional Media — U.S. News & World Report, 2025
- #9 in Online Master's in Special Education Programs — U.S. News & World Report, 2025
- #7 in Online Master’s Education Programs — U.S. News & World Report, 2025
Dr. Curtis Lewis
Assistant Professor and MATC Program Director
Curtis Lewis is an assistant professor in the Department of Teacher Education. He specializes in the philosophy and implementation of restorative practices and culturally sustaining pedagogy in K-12 schools. His research and experience focuses on strategies for recruiting, engaging and retaining Black male educators in K-12 schools, and the inequities within those schools that are preventing students of color from attaining success and a liberatory educational experience.
Furthermore, he specializes in K-8 mathematics teaching and learning, school leadership development, dismantling school structures and practices that devalue student voices and obstruct schools’ ability to engage in liberatory educational practices.
He is a recipient of the Michigan Chronicle’s Men of Excellence award for his work around the State of Michigan and beyond.
Course Information
Core
TE 801 - Professional Roles and Teaching Practice I (3 Credits) or TE 818 - Curriculum in Its Social Context (3 Credits)
TE 807 - Professional Development and Inquiry (3 Credits) or TE 808 - Inquiry into Classroom Teaching and Learning (3 Credits)
TE 870 - Curriculum Design, Development, and Deliberation in Schools (3 Credits) or TE 872 - Teachers as Teacher Educators (3 Credits)
Concentration (9 credits)
1. educational technology,
2. educational psychology,
3. K-12 educational administration,
4. literacy and language instruction,
5. socio-cultural perspectives in teaching and learning,
6. science and mathematics education and
7. English language learner (ELL) or English as a second language (ESL).
Electives (12 credits)
Courses in TE, CEP, EAD, or KIN 800-level
Admissions Requirements
To be accepted to this program, you must have:
- A bachelor's degree
Or its equivalent, from an accredited institution (applicants must also have a minimum grade point (GPA) of 3.0 for final two years of undergraduate study - 3.0 GPA or above on a 4.0 scale
- Previous work experience
Curriculum vitae or résumé - Taken the TOEFL (Only required if English is not your native language)
- A written academic personal statement
- Writing sample
- 3 letters of recommendation. Provide contact information for your recommenders and the MSU application system will provide instructions to them.
- Official transcripts from all previous schools
To apply to this program:
- Complete a university graduate application and pay the application fee.
- Submit all required materials to the application portal.
- Chinese Certification and NOYCE/SETSUP applicants use code 6727. Applicants should note: The MATC program does not lead to teacher certification, and is no longer considering post-certification experience in admissions decisions. The program may not be offered to residents of Kentucky. The K-12 ESL Graduate Specialization may not be offered to U.S. Territories and Canadian Provinces.
Key Dates
Summer
Application Deadline
April 1st
Fall
Application Deadline
July 15th
Spring
Application Deadline
November 1st
Tuition & Fees per credit
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
$933
$933
Cost of Attendance
The university reserves the right to make changes in the types, structures, rates for fees, and tuition. Every effort will be made to give as much advance notice as possible. In addition to tuition and fees, there are other expenses associated with your Cost of Attendance. A breakdown of a graduate student budget can be found here.
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You can be ensured a return on your investment at Michigan State University.
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MSU provides programs and initiatives that support and enhance diversity. We will expand our campus and external partnerships to put in place inclusive recruitment and retention practices. We nurture and promote individuals’ varied experiences and perspectives, ensuring structures and processes make possible full participation by all members of our community.
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Continuing education can be one of the most exciting, challenging, and rewarding experiences you undertake in your life. We hope you consider becoming a Spartan, to learn online and reach your career goals. With highly ranked online programs and exceptional professors, we educate students who advance the common good with uncommon will.