Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction

M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction

The Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction (MACI) at Colorado Christian University provides students with the specialized skills and tools to enhance their professional development and careers in teaching, training, administration, curriculum development, and curriculum design. Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. MACI is designed to further overall student learning through a student’s cognitive ability, relational skills, commitment to values, and a worldview informed by biblical scholarship, science, experience, and history.

Students can earn a general master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction, or they can choose one of three options for an optional emphasis: Biblical Studies, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), or Alternative Teacher Licensing. The Colorado Department of Education authorizes the Alternative Licensing program to provide an alternative path to licensure to people residing in Colorado. This program can significantly advance one's education career, allowing transitions to impactful roles such as school administrators.

The 36-credit hour Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction is an online master’s degree program. See MACI Curriculum for details.

Optional Emphases

Alternative Licensing

The Alternative Licensing emphasis is one of the Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction options. This emphasis is available only to students who teach in Colorado elementary or secondary schools. Students will take professional core requirements (18 credit hours) and 15 credit hours for the Alternative Licensing Emphasis. An additional three elective credit hours are required to complete the MACI degree.

Biblical Studies

The Biblical Studies emphasis is an online program option for a master's in Curriculum and Instruction. Students will take professional core requirements (18 credit hours) and 18 credit hours of biblical learning for the Biblical Studies Emphasis.

EducationTeaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

TESOL Education emphasis is a program option within the Curriculum and Instruction master's program. Students will take the professional core requirements (18 credit hours) and 18 credit hours of TESOL coursework. Upon completing the CLDE emphasis, candidates are also eligible for a TESOL certificate.

Program Benefits

The M.A. Curriculum and Instruction graduate program is tailored to the working professional.
The Alternative Licensing emphasis is an alternative pathway to licensure for those residing in Colorado. This program provides an opportunity for those who do not have a Colorado teaching license an alternative pathway toward becoming a Colorado licensed teacher.
CCU graduate programs utilize cutting-edge research and innovative instructional design that is informed by a biblical worldview.
The program provides interactive and experiential learning that allows graduate students to immediately apply in their classrooms the theory they learn in the instruction programs. It enhances classroom instruction quality through leadership roles and collaborative strategies.
The program addresses individual learner needs in the development and implementation of effective curricula. It highlights the importance of curriculum planning in developing effective curricula and influencing school policies.
The TESOL emphasis is for those who work in institutions such as churches, schools, and international schools, helping speakers of other languages learn and function in an English-speaking environment.
The TESOL emphasis also provides students with a TESOL certificate for those who wish to teach in international settings.

Program Focus

36 total credit hours (18 in core)
Courses are taken one at a time and are typically completed in five-week blocks
Online program designed for busy adult learners; complete in as little as 24 months of consecutive coursework, even with a full-time job
Students can transfer up to six graduate-level credit hours
Students who pursue a TESOL emphasis are eligible for a TESOL certificate
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Program Brochure

Course Catalog

Tuition and Fees

Job Opportunities With a Curriculum & Instruction Master’s Degree

The Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction program provides a graduate degree for pre-K to grade 12 educators who wish to be curriculum specialists and writers, education program supervisors, department chairpersons, instructional coordinators, or college instructors. Effective classroom teaching methods support social justice education and cater to diverse learners. It is also a program for those who want to apply their skills and knowledge as online course developers, online instructors, or trainers.

Prospective students looking for more information regarding CCU’s admission requirements, online curriculum, financial aid, and transfer credit policy, fill out the request info section on this page. Gaining a deeper understanding of educational practices is crucial to support equitable learning.

Education Related Programs

Bachelor's Degrees: Early Childhood Education, B.A.; Elementary Education, B.A.; Special Education, B.A.
Master's Degrees: Curriculum and Instruction, M.A.; Educational Leadership, M.Ed.; School Counseling, M.A.; Special Education, M.Ed.; TESOL, M.Ed.
Endorsements: CLDE Endorsement; Special Education Generalist
Graduate Certificates: TESOL
Licensure: Alternative Licensure; Principal Licensure

FAQs - Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction

For additional questions, please contact an enrollment counselor.

What career opportunities are available for CCU MACI graduates?

CCU’s MACI program prepares you for diverse roles in education, including:

Curriculum specialist or writer
Education program supervisor
Department chairperson
Instructional coordinator
College instructor
Online course developer
Corporate trainer

The program’s biblical worldview and innovative instructional design prepare you to make immediate impacts in these roles.

How is CCU’s MACI program structured?

The Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction is a 36 semester hour program consisting of 12 courses, including a capstone project. Successful completion involves fulfilling coursework, engaging in research, and executing a capstone project. See the M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction Program Options page for additional information. Students may transfer up to 6 semester hours of graduate credit from an accredited college or university. The coursework must be comparable to that offered at CCU, fulfill the CCU MACI degree requirements, and a grade of “C” or better must have been earned.

Will I earn a teaching license with the M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction degree?

No. The M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction degree is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, but does not lead to licensure with the Colorado Department of Education (CDE). However, students in the CCU College of Adult and Graduate Studies undergraduate licensing program for educators and alternative licensing programs take graduate credits that may be transferred into the MACI program. The program focuses on designing curriculum for elementary and secondary schools, equipping educators with the necessary skills for K-12 education.

What makes CCU’s TESOL emphasis valuable?

CCU’s TESOL emphasis contributes to your MACI degree and provides you with a TESOL certificate upon completion. This qualification prepares you to work in various settings including churches, schools, and international institutions, helping English language learners. The emphasis requires 18 credit hours of TESOL coursework in addition to the core requirements, providing comprehensive preparation for teaching English to speakers of other languages.

What makes CCU’s Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction unique?

CCU’s MACI program integrates faith and learning with cutting-edge research and innovative instructional design. Our MACI curriculum is specifically designed for working professionals, with 5-week courses taken one at a time, allowing you to complete your degree in as little as 24 months while maintaining your career. You’ll develop a worldview informed by biblical scholarship, science, experience, and history, setting our program apart from traditional education degrees.

Is the program accredited?

All of CCU’s online programs are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction program is also endorsed by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). Visit the Colorado Christian University Accreditations page for details.

State Exclusions for Online Students

Colorado Christian University is required by the U.S. Department of Education to be in compliance with state laws regarding where we can offer distance and/or online education. The College of Adult and Graduate Studies at Colorado Christian University offers courses to online students in all states with some exceptions for specific academic programs.