Instructional coordinators are vital in shaping the future of education by designing effective curricula, implementing teaching standards, and training educators. If you’re an experienced educator or administrator looking to advance your career, an online doctorate in curriculum and instruction program could be a perfect fit.
These programs are intended for professionals who aspire to lead educational innovation and secure top-tier roles in the field. Instructional coordinators earn a median salary of $74,620, but with a doctorate, you can position yourself for higher-paying opportunities, with the top 10% earning over $109,500 annually.
Here, we’ve highlighted flexible, accredited options that will prepare you for leadership in curriculum development and educational policy.
Why Trust Us
The Intelligent.com Higher Education Team is dedicated to providing students with independent, equitable school and program rankings and well-researched resources. Our expert-driven articles cover topics related to online colleges and programs, paying for school, and career outlooks. We use data from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard, the National Center for Education Statistics, and other reputable educational and professional organizations. Our academic advisory team reviews content and verifies accuracy throughout the year for the most current information. Partnerships do not influence rankings or editorial decisions.
- Analyzed over 2,000 national, accredited, and nonprofit colleges and universities
- 800+ rankings pages are reviewed and updated yearly
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- Over 100 data points are reviewed for accuracy and quality throughout the year, including sources
How we rank schools
Our list features the best online Curriculum and Instruction degree programs at top colleges nationwide. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions.
We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, reputation, and the student resources provided for online students. We collected data from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics, individual school and program websites, school admissions counselors, and other data sources. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100 based on the following criterion:
Academic Quality:
- Admission rate versus enrollment rate
- Retention rate of students who return after year one
- Accreditation status (regional and programmatic)
- Nonprofit status, both private and public institutions
Graduation Rate
- Overall graduation rate
- Total number of currently enrolled students, including diversity metrics
- Student-to-faculty ratio
Cost and ROI
- In-state and out-of-state per-credit tuition rates and fees
- Required credits to graduate
- Earning potential after graduation
- Availability of federal student loans, scholarships, and other financial aid options
Student Resources
- Available student services for online-only and hybrid programs
- On-campus amenities like tutoring centers and the number of libraries
Read more about our ranking methodology.
The Top 23 Online Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction Programs
FiltersInstitution Type
Status
- Intelligent Score
- Alphabetically By University Name
- Acceptance Rate
- Enrollment
- In-state Graduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Graduate Tuition
- In-state Undergraduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Undergraduate Tuition
UF College of Education
Intelligent Score: 99.48In-state: $4,477
Out-of-state: $25,694
In-state: $10,770
Out-of-state: $10,770
SAT: 1290-1460
ACT: 29-33
Resident: $518
Non-Resident: $656
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
90
University of South Carolina
Intelligent Score: 97.73In-state: $12,288
Out-of-state: $33,528
In-state: $13,737
Out-of-state: $13,737
SAT: 1140-1340
ACT: 25-31
$572
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
60
Texas Tech University
Intelligent Score: 97.03In-state: $8,683
Out-of-state: $20,953
In-state: $6,788
Out-of-state: $6,788
SAT: 1070-1240
ACT: 22-27
Resident: $951
Non-Resident: $1,769
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
63
University of Wyoming
Intelligent Score: 96.03In-state: $3,480
Out-of-state: $14,472
In-state: $5,076
Out-of-state: $5,076
SAT: 1040-1240
ACT: 21-28
Resident: $358
Non-Resident: $1,074
Online, On-Campus
Higher Learning Commission
80
New Mexico State University
Intelligent Score: 95.24In-state: $6,041
Out-of-state: $22,507
In-state: $4,981
Out-of-state: $4,981
SAT: 950-1150
ACT: 17-23
In-District: $276 Out-District: $345
Online
Higher Learning Commission
66
Texas A&M University
Intelligent Score: 95.13In-state: $8,395
Out-of-state: $36,849
In-state: $6,775
Out-of-state: $6,775
SAT: 1160-1380
ACT: 26-32
Resident: $1,070
Non-Resident: $1,600
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
64
University of West Florida
Intelligent Score: 94.27In-state: $3,735
Out-of-state: $16,004
In-state: $7,088
Out-of-state: $7,088
SAT: 1060-1230
ACT: 21-27
Resident: $384
Non-Resident: $1,044
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
60
University of Virginia School of Education and Human Development
Intelligent Score: 91.71In-state: $15,772
Out-of-state: $49,819
In-state: $17,076
Out-of-state: $17,076
SAT: 1320-1510
ACT: 30-34
Resident: $758
Non-Resident: $1,137
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
72
Kennesaw State University
Intelligent Score: 91.41In-state: $4,450
Out-of-state: $15,704
In-state: $5,328
Out-of-state: $5,328
SAT: 1030-1200
ACT: 19-25
In-State: $296
Out-of-State: $1,066
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
33
University of Memphis
Intelligent Score: 90.84In-state: $8,208
Out-of-state: $12,048
In-state: $9,216
Out-of-state: $9,216
SAT: 990-1200
ACT: 19-26
$623
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
54
University of North Texas College of Education
Intelligent Score: 87.57In-state: $8,295
Out-of-state: $18,111
In-state: $6,350
Out-of-state: $6,350
SAT: 1050-1240
ACT: 20-27
Resident: $352
Non-Resident: $640
Online, On-Campus
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
60
Indiana University Bloomington
Intelligent Score: 85.14In-state: $9,815
Out-of-state: $36,194
In-state: $9,786
Out-of-state: $9,786
SAT: 1120-1350
ACT: 24-31
Resident: $480
Non-Resident: $576
Online, On-Campus
Higher Learning Commission
60
George Fox University
Intelligent Score: 84.94In-state: $37,840
Out-of-state: $37,840
In-state: $14,112
Out-of-state: $14,112
SAT: 1020-1230
ACT: 19-28
$810
Online
Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation
56
Regent University
Intelligent Score: 84.51In-state: $17,220
Out-of-state: $17,220
In-state: $15,552
Out-of-state: $15,552
SAT: 940-1220
ACT: 21-29
$800
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
67
University of Louisiana at Monroe
Intelligent Score: 83.8In-state: $5,407
Out-of-state: $19,135
In-state: $5,511
Out-of-state: $5,511
SAT: 1000-1210
ACT: 20-26
Resident: $478
Non-Resident: $803
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
60
Evangel University
Intelligent Score: 82.81In-state: $23,722
Out-of-state: $23,722
In-state: $8,388
Out-of-state: $8,388
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$600
Online
Higher Learning Commission
50
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Intelligent Score: 82.25In-state: $11,448
Out-of-state: $40,032
In-state: $12,028
Out-of-state: $12,028
SAT: 1210-1470
ACT: 26-33
Resident: $528
Non-Resident: $936
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
66
Columbus State University
Intelligent Score: 82.09In-state: $4,371
Out-of-state: $15,425
In-state: $6,300
Out-of-state: $6,300
SAT: 860-1080
ACT: 17-23
In-State: $210
Out-of-State: $817
Online, On-Campus
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
63
What You Should Know About an Online Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction Degree
If you’re looking toward a career in education, there are several doctorate degrees you might be considering. A doctorate in educational leadership offers a similar experience; however, this program is designed to prepare you for a role in organization management, whereas a doctorate in curriculum and instruction is focused on developing learning materials and academic standards.
Accreditation is vital regardless of the program you choose. An accredited degree ensures that employers and other institutions recognize your education and see you as hireable. You can check a program’s accreditation status by searching the Department of Education’s accreditation database.
After you complete this program, there are several careers that you’ll be qualified for. In addition to instructional coordinator, you might want to consider professions such as school superintendent, provost, college president, or high school principal.
Finding the Right Online Program
Here are some questions to ask when researching online doctorate in curriculum and instruction programs:
- What licensing or certifications are required? Although additional licenses aren’t usually needed to start your career, you will likely need to pass extensive background checks prior to gaining employment in education.
- How long does it take to earn this degree online? The time it takes you to earn this degree depends on your own schedule and whether you study full-time or part-time. That said, completing this program takes most students about five years.
- What financial aid opportunities are available? With the help of grants, fellowships, assistantships, and other resources, many students can significantly reduce the cost of their degree program. You may even be able to earn your doctorate for free.
As you research the options for obtaining your doctorate, be sure to pay close attention to the key details of each program. That includes keeping track of application deadlines and ensuring that you follow all application procedures outlined by the school when you apply.
If you need financial aid, make sure to submit your FAFSA application on time. Research available grants and scholarships that might help you cover the cost of your education as well, and be sure to follow each financial aid program’s application guidelines carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction Programs
What career opportunities are available with an online doctorate in curriculum and instruction degree?
With an online doctorate in curriculum and instruction, you’ll gain access to opportunities for several impactful careers in education.
Many graduates become instructional coordinators, overseeing curriculum development, implementing educational standards, and mentoring teachers to improve student outcomes. Those with prior experience may also qualify for higher education administrator positions, such as department chairs or academic deans, where they influence program development and institutional growth.
Are online doctorate in curriculum and instruction degree programs as credible as on-campus programs?
Online doctorate programs in this field are often just as credible as their in-person counterparts. Many feature identical curricula and offer classes taught by the same faculty, affirming that they meet the same academic standards.
Credibility is closely tied to accreditation, and all the programs we recommend are regionally accredited — generally considered the highest standard in U.S. postsecondary education. Regional accreditation guarantees that the program meets quality benchmarks recognized by employers and other institutions, ensuring your degree is respectable and transferable.
How long does it take to complete an online doctorate in curriculum and instruction degree program?
Earning this degree usually takes around five years for full-time students. This includes approximately three years of coursework and two years dedicated to the dissertation. However, timelines can vary for online learners, depending on their schedule and pacing. Part-time students may take longer, while those in accelerated programs or with transfer credits may finish sooner.
The last thing to consider when determining your timeline to graduate is the total number of required credits, which can range from 50 to 70 or more. Generally speaking, the more credits required, the longer it’ll take to graduate.
Are there specialization options within online doctorate in curriculum and instruction degree programs?
While curriculum and instruction is often considered a specialized field, many online doctorate programs offer ways to tailor your studies for specific career goals. This means that specialization options may not always be formally labeled, but you can achieve them through elective coursework, research projects, and dissertation topics.
For instance, students aiming for leadership roles in K-12 education might focus on instructional strategies for children, while those pursuing careers in higher education can delve into the best methods for teaching adults. This focused approach allows learners to align their studies with their intended career path, gaining significant knowledge and skills in areas that match their professional goals.
What is the cost of an online doctorate in curriculum and instruction degree?
According to the most recent National Center for Education Statistics data, the average annual tuition for graduate school is $20,513. This figure can fluctuate depending on factors like the type of institution — public universities are usually more affordable than private schools — and your residency status, as out-of-state students often see higher tuition bills.
Some programs may also charge additional fees for online learning resources or dissertation support. Be sure to carefully evaluate the tuition structure of each institution you’re considering and financial aid options to determine the total cost for your degree.
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