Education Specialist in Teaching and Leading – Curriculum & Instruction Online
This flexible online Ed.S. program helps develop the academic expertise and leadership skills you need to qualify for advanced roles in instructional environments.
Program Overview
Insights into our online Ed.S. in curriculum and instruction program
Become a leader in curriculum transformation with Northern Kentucky University’s Education Specialist in Teaching and Leading – Curriculum & Instruction degree. This 100% online program is designed to help you understand and use best practices in learner-centered curriculum and instructional design. Instruction centers on strategies, effective teaching, program evaluation, student assessment, and teacher professional development.
Through research and discussion, you will expand your knowledge of current issues that affect teaching, curriculum, motivation, and student success and apply that knowledge to your practice. Learn from the same dedicated faculty who teach on campus and prepare to improve instructional effectiveness in order to meet the needs of 21st-century learners. Completing this online curriculum and instruction Ed.S. degree program allows you to earn Rank I certification in Kentucky.
In this online Education Specialist program, you will:
- Develop materials and methods for inclusion of students with disabilities in general elementary, middle, and secondary classrooms
- Address principles of cognitive psychology and brain research for the purpose of improving P-12 student learning and motivation with applications to curricula, learning environments, and instructional strategies
- Engage in course projects that emphasize the critical-thinking skills needed to shape schools and school systems to meet the diverse needs of all students
- Learn from real-life scenarios and think critically about ways to drive innovation in school districts and regional, state, and federal education agencies
- Develop materials and methods for inclusion of students with disabilities in general elementary, middle, and secondary classrooms
- Address principles of cognitive psychology and brain research for the purpose of improving P-12 student learning and motivation with applications to curricula, learning environments, and instructional strategies
- Engage in course projects that emphasize the critical-thinking skills needed to shape schools and school systems to meet the diverse needs of all students
- Learn from real-life scenarios and think critically about ways to drive innovation in school districts and regional, state, and federal education agencies
As a graduate of this online C&I program, you will have the tools and knowledge you need for advanced educational roles, including:
- Curriculum & Instruction Administrator
- Curriculum & Instruction Assessor
- Curriculum Developer
- Instructional Coach
- Curriculum & Instruction Administrator
- Curriculum & Instruction Assessor
- Curriculum Developer
- Instructional Coach
Online education programs also available:
Northern Kentucky University offers a variety of graduate education programs online. Check out our other quality online education programs.
Accreditation
The Northern Kentucky University College of Education is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
Tuition
Pay for your online program by the course
The Ed.S. in Teaching and Leading – C&I online program offers the same affordable, pay-by-the-course tuition to in-state and out-of-state students.
| Program | Per Credit Hour | Required Fees | Total Program with Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ed.S. in Teaching and Leading – C&I | $412 | $480 | $12,840 |
Tuition and fees subject to change at any time.
Tuition Breakdown:
“Top Public College”
Ranked among the “Top Public Colleges” by Forbes, 2022
Calendar
View our application deadlines and class schedules
The Ed.S. in Teaching and Leading – Curriculum & Instruction online program is convenient and flexible, featuring six start dates on an accelerated course schedule. View the calendar to find the best start date for you and be sure to note all corresponding deadlines.
| Session | Program Start Date | Application Deadline | Document Deadline | Registration Deadline | Payment Due |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer 1 | 5/12/25 | 4/30/25 | 5/5/25 | 5/9/25 | 5/12/25 |
| Summer 2 | 6/30/25 | 6/18/25 | 6/23/25 | 6/27/25 | 6/30/25 |
| Fall 1 | 8/18/25 | 8/6/25 | 8/11/25 | 8/15/25 | 8/18/25 |
| Fall 2 | 10/15/25 | 10/2/25 | 10/7/25 | 10/10/25 | 10/15/25 |
Now enrolling:
Admissions
Follow the steps to being admitted into our online curriculum and instruction program
The Ed.S. – Teaching and Leading – C&I online program has a simple admission process to help you get started right away.
Admission Requirements:
- Official transcripts of all coursework from accredited institutions
- Teaching certificate or out-of-state equivalent
- 3.0 GPA or higher in all master's-level coursework
Ed.S. in Teaching and Leading – C&I Online Admission Requirements
- Complete online application for admission
- Pay $40 non-refundable application fee
- If you are an NKU alum or active/veteran military member, your application fee will be waived
- Minimum 3.0 graduate GPA
- Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate coursework from accredited institution(s). One transcript must show successful completion of a master's degree in education or in the content area of the applicant's teaching certificate.
- A copy of the applicant's Kentucky teaching certificate showing certification at the Rank 2 level, or out-of-state equivalent
- Supplemental application
Official documents may be mailed or emailed to:
NKU Office of Graduate Education302 Lucas Administrative Center
Highland Heights, KY 41099
Have a question? Call us at 800-985-7215.
Courses
Read about our online Ed.S. in curriculum and instruction classes
For the Ed.S. in Teaching and Leading – C&I online, students must complete 10 courses for a total of 30 credit hours.
