Make an impact in education with a career in curriculum design

What does a curriculum designer do?

Curriculum designers create educational programs and learning materials for schools, businesses and organizations. They assess learning needs, design course content and evaluate outcomes to ensure programs meet learners’ goals. These professionals often collaborate with educators, subject matter experts and administrators to develop engaging and effective educational experiences.

Key responsibilities may include:

• Analyzing learning needs and outcomes.
• Designing instructional materials, curricula and assessments.
• Evaluating the effectiveness of programs and making adjustments.
• Integrating technology and innovative methods into learning experiences.

The knowledge and skills you’ll need to succeed

To thrive as a curriculum designer, you’ll need a combination of technical, creative and interpersonal skills. According to Elizabeth Frias, a clinical associate professor and the assistant division director of graduate pathways at Arizona State University’s Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation, successful curriculum designers must possess:

• A strong understanding of learning theories, pedagogical strategies and support diverse learners.
• Expertise in technology integration and digital tools for education.
• Problem-solving and critical-thinking skills to address instructional challenges.
• The ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams.

Frias emphasizes the importance of being flexible and adaptable as education continues to evolve, especially with the accessibility of AI technologies.

Earn an online master’s degree that prepares you for a career in curriculum design

ASU offers two exceptional programs to help you build a strong foundation for a career in curriculum design: the Master of Education in early childhood education and the Master of Education in learning design and technologies. Both programs provide the knowledge and skills needed to create engaging and innovative learning experiences.

The early childhood education master's equips you with the skills to create equitable, innovative learning environments for young children. You’ll explore topics such as pedagogy, policy and technology while conducting applied research to meet the needs of learners from birth to age eight. In this program, you’ll:

• Develop expertise in childhood development, inclusive practices and instructional design.
• Gain the knowledge needed to pursue doctoral studies or advance your career.
• Prepare for leadership roles in K–3 classrooms, early childhood centers and beyond.

The learning design and technologies master's program focuses on the design, development and evaluation of digital learning experiences. By blending learning theories with practical design thinking, you’ll develop the skills to create impactful learning solutions in diverse settings. In this program, you’ll:

• Build expertise in online and blended learning, corporate training and higher education.
• Learn to leverage cutting-edge technology and visual communication techniques.
• Prepare for roles such as instructional designer, learning experience designer or training specialist.

Whether you’re passionate about early education or innovative digital learning, ASU’s online master’s programs provide the tools and support to help you succeed. Start your journey today and make a lasting impact on learners everywhere.