Master in Curriculum and Instruction (Master's)

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This programme is designed for teachers currently working in kindergarten through 12th grade who want to specialize in reading and writing instruction. Students study curriculum planning, language-centered teaching strategies, and literacy assessment methods. The fully online format allows working educators to complete the programme while maintaining their teaching roles. Graduates are prepared to lead literacy initiatives and support student reading development.

Focus areas include Reading Instruction, Writing Instruction, Literacy Assessment, Professional Development in Literacy.

The programme requires 36 credit hours of coursework, with no separate dissertation or capstone requirement. All courses are delivered fully online.

Graduates typically become reading specialists or literacy coaches in K-12 school settings.

Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and have a current teaching certificate with two years of teaching experience. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required on the last 60 undergraduate hours or in a prior master's programme. Applicants must submit a personal statement explaining their goals in literacy education.

The programme totals about 36 credit hours. Fully online, part-time or full-time, typical duration is two to three years. For international students, tuition is well below the median for US programmes. The institution admits about 89% of applicants.

Illinois State University (ISU), founded in 1857 and located in Normal, is a comprehensive public university with a long tradition of teacher education and broad academic offerings across 252 programs. Serving roughly 20,878 students, including an international cohort of about 1,000, ISU combines strong undergraduate teaching with expanded graduate and professional programs in education, business, health sciences, arts and applied disciplines.

ISU emphasizes career-ready learning, small class sizes and strong faculty mentorship. Programs integrate experiential learning through internships, community partnerships and applied research, helping students build professional portfolios and practical experience. The university’s commitment to student success is reflected in advising services, career centers and active employer engagement that support transitions into regional and national job markets.

Campus life in Normal offers a welcoming college-town atmosphere with cultural events, clubs and practical support for international students, from orientation to career counseling. ISU’s location in central Illinois combines affordable living with access to metropolitan centers for internships and networking. For international applicants seeking a supportive, student-centered campus with a balance of academic breadth and applied opportunities, Illinois State provides a stable, professionally oriented environment to develop skills and begin a global career.