What you’ll learn in this article…
- BU Wheelock's EdM in Curriculum and Teaching requires 32 credits.
- The program offers both fully online and on-campus formats.
- This EdM is a non-licensure degree designed for practicing educators.
Boston University Wheelock College of Education & Human Development has trained educators in Massachusetts and beyond for more than a century, and it remains one of the more recognizable education schools in New England, particularly for teachers looking to move from classroom practice into curriculum leadership.
The centerpiece for that move is the EdM in Curriculum & Teaching, BU's answer to what most other schools call a curriculum and instruction master's. Same coursework territory, same career trajectory toward instructional coaching or department leadership, just a different label on the diploma.
That naming quirk trips up plenty of applicants searching for "curriculum and instruction" programs who nearly overlook BU's offering entirely, even though it sits among the stronger regional options for working teachers weighing cost, format, and non-licensure status against their next career step.
BU Wheelock College of Education & Human Development: Programs and Accreditation
BU Wheelock College of Education & Human Development offers 18 graduate-level programs2, each fully accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE).1 For prospective educators, the college serves as Boston University's central hub for M.Ed. degree programs, combining rigorous academic training with deep connections to Boston schools and policy centers.
A Focus on the EdM in Curriculum & Teaching
BU uses the degree designation EdM (Master of Education) rather than the more generic M.Ed. label seen at many peer institutions.3 If you are searching for a "Curriculum & Instruction" master's, BU's EdM in Curriculum & Teaching is the direct equivalent. The program is designed for teachers who want to refine their pedagogical skills without leaving the classroom, and it includes a concentration in World Language Education alongside broader curriculum design pathways for those aiming to become a curriculum developer.
Other M.Ed. Specializations at BU
Beyond curriculum and teaching, Wheelock houses a range of specialized master's programs. Adjacent options include Educational Leadership (which prepares administrators) and Special Education (for those working with exceptional learners). Literacy, Early Childhood Education, Elementary and Secondary Education, and School Counseling are all available as EdM degrees. The college also offers emerging specializations like the fully online EdM in AI & Education and a related graduate certificate, reflecting BU's responsiveness to technology trends in learning.4
Accreditation and Research Excellence
All Wheelock programs operate under NECHE accreditation1, ensuring that credits and credentials carry national recognition. As a major private research university, Boston University provides education graduate students access to faculty who are actively shaping the field: whether through studies on literacy intervention, equitable math instruction, or education policy. This research environment also creates a clear doctoral pipeline for those considering an Ed.D. or Ph.D. after the master's, with faculty mentors and research assistantships often available.
Inside the Edm in Curriculum & Teaching: Degree Requirements and Course Sequence
A master's in curriculum and instruction often forces a choice: move quickly through coursework and finish your degree in under two years, or invest extra time in fieldwork and licensure that can directly shape your classroom practice. BU Wheelock's EdM in Curriculum & Teaching is deliberately built around the first option, a 36-credit, coursework-only program1, while giving you a clear ramp to the second if you need Massachusetts teacher licensure alongside the graduate degree.
Credit Structure and Time to Completion
The EdM in Curriculum & Teaching requires 36 credit hours.1 The program is organized around a 16-credit core and 20 credits of electives,1 all within the concentration titled Curriculum, Assessment, and Learning Design.1 Most full-time students finish within 1.5 to 2 years. Part-time study, common for working educators balancing full-time teaching and an M.Ed. program, typically stretches the timeline to 3 to 4 years, depending on how many courses you take each semester. There is no thesis, comprehensive exam, or standalone capstone required; the degree is earned entirely through successful completion of the 36 credits.1
Core Coursework: Foundational Theory and Design
The 16-credit core grounds you in the theories and practices that shape curriculum in PreK-12 and other learning settings. Required courses explore curriculum theory, learning design, assessment literacy, and the role of data in instructional decision-making. You'll begin with courses that examine how curriculum is constructed, who decides what gets taught, and how assessment can drive both equity and achievement. These foundational classes often include seminar-style discussion and collaborative analysis of real curriculum artifacts, pulling from BU Wheelock's strong emphasis on urban education and social justice.
Elective Flexibility and Content-Area Focus
With 20 credits of electives, you have significant room to tailor the degree to your teaching context. Elective options allow you to deepen expertise in areas like literacy instruction, STEM education, social studies curriculum, or second language learning. You can also pull courses from other Wheelock programs, such as Special Education, Educational Leadership, or Language & Literacy, to build a custom skill set. Academic advisors help you map electives to your career goals, whether you intend to stay in the classroom as a curriculum leader, move into instructional coaching, or work in curriculum development at the district level.
Licensure Pathway: Adding Fieldwork When You Need It
The EdM in Curriculum & Teaching itself does not require a practicum or student teaching. However, if you plan to earn an Initial License in Massachusetts for teaching licensure, for example as an elementary or secondary teacher, you can pursue license endorsement alongside the degree. This path adds fieldwork and student-teaching hours that align with state regulations, typically requiring between 36 and 60 total units depending on the license area.1 BU Wheelock places students for these practicum experiences in partner schools across the Greater Boston area, coordinating with Boston Public Schools and surrounding districts. You'll work closely with the Educator Preparation office to sequence your license coursework and field hours so that your degree and endorsement both stay on track.
Online, On-Campus, and Hybrid: How BU Delivers the Curriculum & Teaching Edm
Is the BU Wheelock EdM in Curriculum & Teaching available fully online?
Yes. Boston University offers the EdM in Curriculum & Teaching through two distinct delivery formats: a fully online, asynchronous track and a fully in-person, on-campus track in Boston. There is no hybrid blending of the two in a single enrollment, but you can choose the path that fits your professional and geographic situation.
Fully Online, Asynchronous Option for Working Teachers
The online version of the EdM in Curriculum & Teaching is designed specifically for practicing educators who need maximum flexibility. All coursework is asynchronous, so you can log in, watch lectures, and complete assignments around your teaching schedule. There are no fixed class times. The online curriculum mirrors the on-campus program in content and rigor, and you can complete the degree in 24 to 36 months while teaching full time, following strategies to balance full-time teaching and an M.Ed. program. You do not need to visit campus at any point, making this a true 100% online graduate program.
On-Campus Evening Courses in Boston
If you prefer face-to-face instruction and can commute to the Charles River campus, the on-campus EdM in Curriculum & Teaching holds courses after 3:30 p.m. on weekdays.1 This scheduling is built for working teachers: you can finish your school day and then attend class in Boston later the same afternoon or evening. The in-person format allows you to join a cohort of fellow educators, engage in discussion-based seminars, and access campus resources like Wheelock’s library and faculty office hours directly. The on-campus experience mirrors the same two- to three-year, part-time pace.
Part-Time and Full-Time Flexibility
Both the online and on-campus tracks are designed to be completed part time. The program’s structure acknowledges that most candidates are employed full time as teachers, so courses are offered on a schedule that allows you to take one or two classes per term. This flexibility extends to the degree timeline: you can complete the EdM in as little as 24 months if you take a heavier course load, or stretch it out to 36 months if you need a lighter pace. There is no full-time, accelerated residency requirement, which keeps the program accessible for working professionals.
How This Compares to Other BU Professional Programs
While some Boston University professional master’s programs, such as those in business or computer science, are offered exclusively online, the EdM in Curriculum & Teaching stands out for giving you a clear on-campus alternative. That dual delivery model lets you choose the learning environment that matches your current teaching role and location. If you are a teacher in Massachusetts, you might opt for the in-person track to build local professional networks; if you live outside the region, the online track provides the same Wheelock degree, recognized among the best master's in education degree programs, with no relocation required.
Questions to Ask Yourself
BU Wheelock Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid for Education Graduate Students
Tuition for graduate education programs at BU Wheelock College of Education & Human Development is charged on a per-credit basis, meaning the total you pay depends on how many credits your degree requires and how quickly you move through the program. For the 2026-2027 academic year, the per-credit rate stands at $2,282.1 Most EdM programs at Wheelock require 32 credits, which puts the estimated tuition-only cost at roughly $73,024.1 That figure does not include mandatory fees, living expenses, or course materials, so it is important to build a fuller picture before committing.
Mandatory Fees and the True All-In Cost
Beyond tuition, BU charges a mandatory student services fee of approximately $1,098 per year.1 Full-time students who do not carry qualifying outside coverage will also need to factor in the university's student health insurance plan, which can add several thousand dollars annually. When BU bundles tuition, fees, housing, insurance, and estimated living expenses into its official cost of attendance, the full-time figure reaches approximately $96,080 per year.2 Part-time students can reduce semester outlays by enrolling in fewer credits per term, though total tuition across the program remains the same. One scheduling detail worth noting: full-time students who register for 12 to 18 credits in a single semester pay a flat tuition rate, which effectively rewards heavier course loads.
Financial Aid and Funding Options
BU Wheelock offers several avenues to offset costs:
- Merit scholarships: Wheelock awards merit-based funding at the time of admission. No separate application is required; the admissions committee evaluates every admitted student automatically.
- Graduate assistantships: A limited number of assistantship positions provide a tuition remission component plus a stipend. These are competitive, and application deadlines often fall well before the start of each semester, so check Wheelock's financial aid page early.
- Employer tuition reimbursement: Many school districts and education-focused employers offer partial tuition benefits. If your district participates, coordinate with your HR office before enrolling so reimbursement paperwork aligns with BU's billing cycle.
- Federal financial aid: Filing the FAFSA opens the door to federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans and, for eligible borrowers, Grad PLUS Loans. BU's financial aid office can walk you through borrowing limits and repayment projections; educators interested in fully funded pathways may also explore tuition-free teacher education options.
Part-Time vs. Full-Time Cost Considerations
Working teachers who enroll part-time spread tuition payments across more semesters, which can ease cash flow but may extend the timeline to two or three years. Full-time students can finish more quickly and may benefit from the flat-rate tuition band (12 to 18 credits), effectively lowering the per-credit cost during heavier semesters. Either path leads to the same total tuition, so the decision often comes down to whether you can step away from a teaching position or need to maintain a full salary while studying.
As a next step, visit BU Wheelock's tuition and fees page for the most current fee schedule, and contact the financial aid office directly to discuss assistantship deadlines and scholarship eligibility. Filing the FAFSA as early as possible each cycle gives you the broadest range of federal aid options.
What the Edm in Curriculum & Teaching Costs: A Numbers Breakdown
Understanding the full price tag of BU Wheelock's EdM in Curriculum & Teaching means looking beyond tuition alone. The breakdown below separates the major cost components so you can compare apples to apples when evaluating programs across Greater Boston.
Admissions Requirements and How to Apply to BU Wheelock
Applying to the EdM in Curriculum & Teaching at BU Wheelock is straightforward, but prospective students should note that the program's enrollment status may be subject to change, confirm availability directly with BU Wheelock admissions before preparing your application. Below is a checklist of what you'll need.
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited institutionA completed undergraduate degree is required. BU Wheelock expects a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, so candidates below that threshold should address any extenuating circumstances in their application materials.
- Official transcriptsSubmit official transcripts from every college or university you have attended. Electronic transcripts sent directly from each institution are preferred.
- Statement of purposeWrite a focused essay describing your teaching experience, professional goals, and why the Curriculum & Teaching EdM aligns with your career trajectory. Admissions committees look for evidence of reflective practice and a clear vision for how you will apply the degree.
- Letters of recommendationProvide two to three letters from professional or academic references who can speak to your readiness for graduate study in education. At least one letter from a supervisor or mentor in a school or educational setting strengthens the application.
- Current résumé or CVHighlight classroom teaching, curriculum design, tutoring, or other education-related roles. Include any relevant certifications, professional development, or leadership experiences.
- GRE scores not requiredThe GRE is not required for the Curriculum & Teaching EdM. International applicants whose first language is not English must submit English-proficiency scores, a TOEFL iBT of 100, IELTS of 7.0, or Duolingo of 130 meets the minimum threshold.
- Application deadlineThe listed fall deadline is August 1, 2026. BU Wheelock has historically offered both fall and spring entry points, so check the admissions page for the most current priority and final deadlines for each term.
- Application fee and portalSubmit your application through BU's online application portal. The non-refundable application fee is $95. Fee waivers may be available, contact BU Wheelock admissions for eligibility details.
Related Articles
Massachusetts Teacher Licensure and the BU Curriculum & Teaching Edm
Career Outcomes: What BU Curriculum & Teaching Graduates Do Next
Some graduates use the EdM in Curriculum and Teaching to move into a role they could not have entered without it. Others already hold that role and use the degree to move up faster within a district. Both paths are common outcomes for BU Wheelock alumni, and the distinction matters when you are weighing the return on tuition.
Where the Degree Opens Doors
Typical jobs for master's in education graduates include curriculum specialist, instructional coach, department head, curriculum coordinator, and education program manager. Some of these, particularly curriculum coordinator and instructional coach positions at the district level, list a master's degree in curriculum and instruction as a minimum qualification. Others, like department head or program manager roles inside a school, are frequently filled by teachers who already work in the building and use the EdM to demonstrate readiness for the added responsibility rather than to qualify for the job outright.
What the Roles Pay
The federal government's closest benchmark occupation for this cluster of jobs is instructional coordinator (SOC 25-9031), and the numbers show why Massachusetts offers strong masters in education salary prospects for this credential. Nationally, instructional coordinators earned a median annual wage of roughly $74,720 as of 20241, with the middle half of earners falling between about $59,190 and $92,2302. Massachusetts pays well above that national median: the state's instructional coordinators reported a median of $83,740 and a mean of $87,2704 as of 2023, across roughly 4,780 jobs statewide. In Boston specifically, the median climbs further, to about $89,620 as of 20245, reflecting both the cost of living and the concentration of district, charter, and nonprofit education employers in the metro area.
Who Is Hiring
Boston's employer base gives BU graduates unusually broad options relative to many regional programs. K-12 districts and charter networks across Greater Boston hire for curriculum and coaching roles regularly, and the city's dense cluster of ed-tech companies, education nonprofits, and higher education institutions adds employer types that graduates in smaller markets may not encounter as easily.
What BU Publishes
BU Wheelock does not publish a program-specific job placement rate or a breakdown of employer outcomes for the Curriculum and Teaching EdM specifically, so prospective students should treat the labor market data above as the most reliable proxy for expected earnings rather than relying on school-reported placement statistics.
BU Vs. Boston College Vs. Umass Boston: Choosing a Curriculum & Instruction Program in Greater Boston
Greater Boston offers three distinct graduate pathways for educators interested in curriculum and instruction. The table below compares key program features to help you match your budget, schedule, and professional goals to the right fit.
| Feature | Boston University (BU Wheelock) | Boston College (Lynch School) | UMass Boston |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree Name | EdM in Curriculum & Teaching | M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction | M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction |
| Institution Type | Private research university | Private university (Catholic, Jesuit mission) | Public research university |
| Total Credits | 32 credits | 30 credits | 33–36 credits (varies by concentration) |
| Delivery Format | On-campus, online, and hybrid options | On-campus or hybrid | Primarily on-campus with select evening/weekend courses |
| Estimated Total Tuition | Approximately $58,000–$62,000 (check current per-credit rate) | Approximately $52,920 (at $1,764/credit for 30 credits, 2024-2025 rate) | Approximately $16,000–$20,000 for Massachusetts residents (public university rate) |
| Licensure Connection | Can be paired with Massachusetts initial licensure tracks | Can align with Massachusetts licensure requirements | Strong alignment with Massachusetts initial licensure; designed for urban educators |
| Application Deadline | Check BU Wheelock website for current priority deadlines | November 1 priority deadline for spring entry | Rolling admissions; priority deadlines vary by semester |
| GRE Requirement | Not required for most EdM applicants | GRE waiver available | Typically not required |
| Distinguishing Strength | Research-university resources; strong employer recognition across Greater Boston and nationally; broad specialization options | Peer private-university alternative with similarly rigorous academics and a values-driven, Jesuit educational philosophy | Most affordable option; deep roots in Boston's urban school communities; ideal for working teachers seeking local impact |
Frequently Asked Questions About BU's Curriculum & Teaching Edm
Below are answers to the questions prospective students most frequently ask about Boston University's EdM in Curriculum and Teaching. For the latest details on deadlines and program updates, visit the EdM in Curriculum & Teaching program page.
