Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction

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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.

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

The TESOL emphasis is an option within the Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction program. Students will take the professional core requirements (18 credit hours) and 18 credit hours of TESOL coursework. Upon completing the TESOL emphasis, candidates are also eligible for a graduate certificate in TESOL.

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   

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.

Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction Program FAQs

If you have additional questions, please complete the form on this page to connect with a CCU Enrollment Counselor.

What career advancement opportunities does MACI create?

Your MACI degree positions you for specialized leadership roles that go beyond the traditional classroom, including curriculum specialist, instructional coordinator, department chairperson, and educational program supervisor. These positions typically offer increased responsibility, competitive compensation, and the opportunity to impact hundreds of students through curriculum development and teacher mentoring.

The growing emphasis on educational technology integration and data-driven instruction creates high demand for educators with advanced curriculum expertise. You'll be qualified for roles in both K-12 settings and corporate training environments, with many districts specifically seeking MACI graduates for positions that blend classroom experience with curriculum leadership responsibilities, opening pathways toward administrative roles you may be considering.

How does MACI strengthen Christian educational leadership?

CCU's MACI program uniquely integrates biblical scholarship with cutting-edge educational research, preparing you to lead with both academic excellence and Christian values. You'll develop curriculum through a lens of servant leadership, learning to create inclusive learning environments that honor each student's God-given potential while implementing research-based best practices.

Your coursework emphasizes how faith informs effective teaching practices, equipping you to mentor other educators and lead curriculum initiatives that reflect both educational innovation and Christian principles. This foundation prepares you to influence positive change in your school community by demonstrating how biblical wisdom enhances rather than conflicts with modern pedagogical approaches, positioning you as a bridge-builder in diverse educational environments.

How long does the MACI program take?

The 36-credit MACI program is designed for working educators and can be completed in as little as 24 months through CCU's flexible online format. Courses are offered one at a time in convenient five-week blocks, allowing you to maintain your current teaching responsibilities while steadily progressing toward your degree goals.

This accelerated structure means you can enhance your qualifications and potentially qualify for salary increases without extended time away from your classroom. The concentrated five-week format allows for deep engagement with each course topic while accommodating your academic year schedule, making it practical to balance professional development with your commitment to your current students and teaching responsibilities.

Does online learning work for busy teachers?

CCU's 100% online MACI program is specifically designed for working educators who need maximum flexibility without compromising educational quality. You'll access coursework, participate in discussions, and complete assignments on your schedule, whether during planning periods, evenings, or weekends, allowing you to learn when it's most convenient for your lifestyle.

The program includes collaborative projects with fellow educators, virtual classroom applications, and practical assignments that connect directly to your current teaching environment. Faculty understand the unique demands of teaching and provide support that accommodates your professional schedule while maintaining high academic standards that will immediately enhance your classroom effectiveness and leadership capabilities.

What hands-on curriculum design experience is included?

Your MACI program culminates in a comprehensive capstone project where you'll design, implement, and evaluate a complete curriculum or instructional program based on real educational challenges. This practical experience allows you to apply theoretical knowledge to actual teaching situations, creating solutions you can immediately implement in your school setting.

Throughout the program, you'll develop assessment tools, design learning experiences for diverse learners, and create technology-integrated lessons that address current educational trends. The emphasis on practical application means you'll build a portfolio of curriculum materials and instructional strategies that demonstrate your expertise to current and future employers while directly benefiting your students and colleagues.

How does this apply across different subjects?

MACI principles enhance teaching effectiveness across all subject areas by focusing on learning theory, instructional design, and assessment strategies that transcend specific content areas. Whether you continue teaching English and social studies or transition to curriculum leadership, you'll gain expertise in creating engaging, differentiated instruction that supports all learners regardless of the subject matter.

Your training covers educational technology integration, multicultural education approaches, and research-based instructional strategies that apply to STEM, humanities, arts, and interdisciplinary learning. This versatility makes you valuable in any educational setting and prepares you for leadership roles that require an understanding of curriculum design across multiple disciplines, enhancing your career flexibility and promotional opportunities.

Is CCU's MACI program properly accredited?

CCU's MACI program maintains full accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission, ensuring your degree meets rigorous academic standards recognized by school districts nationwide. The program is also endorsed by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), providing additional credibility for positions in both public and private educational settings.

CCU's established reputation in education, combined with the program's emphasis on both innovative instructional design and practical application, creates a credential that employers respect and value. The comprehensive curriculum aligns with national education standards while offering the unique perspective of faith-integrated learning that sets CCU graduates apart in the competitive field of educational leadership and curriculum development.

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.

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