Teaching and Curriculum, Master of Arts

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 & World Report, 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 Master's 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

$74,714

Disclaimer: Salary data is sourced from © 2026 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

29th among Best Public Universities in America — U.S. News & World Report, 2026
Veteran-Friendly 'Gold Status' 10 Years in a Row — Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, 2025
#22 in Best Education Schools— U.S. News & World Report, 2026
#13 in Best Online Master's in Education Programs — U.S. News & World Report, 2026
#1 in Online Graduate Programs for Educational Administration and Supervision— U.S. News & World Report, 2026
#3 in Online Graduate Programs for Curriculum and Instruction— U.S. News & World Report, 2026
#3 in Online Graduate Programs for Special Education— U.S. News & World Report, 2026
#7 in Online Graduate Programs for Educational/Instructional Media Design — U.S. News & World Report, 2026
#1 in Graduate Programs for Elementary Teacher Education — U.S. News & World Report, 2026
#1 in Graduate Programs for Secondary Teacher Education — U.S. News & World Report, 2026

Tuition & Fees per credit

In-State Tuition

Out-of-State Tuition

$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 on the "Estimate Your Cost of Attendance" page.

The MSU Value Promise

You can be ensured a return on your investment at Michigan State University.

As one of the top research universities in the world, Michigan State University has advanced the common good with uncommon will since 1855.

MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community.

MSU has been offering online degree programs since 1998. Our maturity is evident in the high quality of the learning experience enjoyed by our online students.

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.

MSU actively collaborates with campus and external partners to innovate across all dimensions of graduate education. We create and support networks that increase collaboration and improve educational opportunities for our online students.

MSU’s nationally recognized online programs foster student growth and well-being throughout their academic career. We will expand inclusive mentoring practices and accelerate improvement across units to implement evidence-based practices to ensure our students complete successfully.

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.

Course Information

Core Courses

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)

Complete 9 credits in a chosen concentration

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)

Electives

Complete 12 credits of elective courses

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.

Teaching and Curriculum

Master of Arts

Online

Course Delivery

30

Total Credits