You don’t work in education because it’s easy — you do it because it matters. You want to be an educator who makes a difference in people’s lives. That’s what we want, too. If you’re a current teacher, PLNU's Master's in Curriculum and Instruction is the program for you. We offer a fully online curriculum throughout the state of California.

This program features the Special Education concentration, which empowers you to support students with diverse learning needs and abilities and create effective course planning.

In addition to this concentration, we also offer 3 other concentrations for the curriculum and instruction program:

• Reading and Literacy
• Multilingual Learners
• Innovative and Lifelong Learning 

You can also choose between a master of arts (M.A.) or a master of science (M.S.) track with our program. The M.A. track is meant for teachers already in the field looking to advance their careers while simultaneously becoming better educators. Current educators seeking to continue their education and pursue a doctorate should choose the M.S. track. 

When you join PLNU’s Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction, you’ll challenge yourself to become a more effective teacher or workplace trainer. You’ll be prepared to advance your career and live out your calling to the fullest by:

• Stepping into a teaching/leadership role.
• Becoming a curriculum expert.
• Increasing your pay scale.

At PLNU, we’re here for the same reasons as you: We truly believe in the power of education, and we care deeply about individuals — including you — who are living out their call to teach. Rest assured, everyone you encounter at PLNU’s School of Education will take a personal interest in you and care about your concerns, experience, beliefs, and goals.

Help Every Student Achieve Success

There is a growing need for general education teachers who are proficient in adapting curriculum and instruction for diverse learning needs. The Special Education concentration provides general education teachers with the advanced skills and knowledge required to support students with disabilities effectively. Graduates will be able to:

• Create and adapt curriculum for students with diverse learning needs
• Create classroom environments sensitive to a spectrum of behavior needs
• Improve best practices

Although this program is not designed to prepare students for their special education credential, it is carefully crafted for general educators who want to better support special education students.

Relevant Topics to Meet Real Needs

District partnerships ensure PLNU’s curriculum addresses current needs and topics facing educators. In addition to offering accredited programs grounded in research, PLNU equips you to integrate your beliefs, values, and goals with your teaching practice.

Lifelong Network of Support

PLNU’s Education Associates alumni network keeps you connected long after graduation. Faculty members have a reputation for staying in touch and continuing to mentor students. Career counseling and additional professional development opportunities are always available to you.

The Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction is designed to equip you to significantly improve student learning in diverse settings. You’ll learn to apply best practices and benefit from the latest research on effective teaching.

This program substantially builds on the foundation of initial teacher preparation and the California Standards for the Teaching Profession (CSTP). When you and your classmates complete PLNU's Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction, you’ll be prepared to:

Equip

• Engage in lifelong learning in an information-based, interactive society and explore the major classical and modern philosophies as they relate to contemporary educational theories and practices.
• Develop and internalize the essential knowledge, skills, and dispositions to conduct research that transforms teaching and significantly impacts learning in educational settings.
• Communicate a cohesive personal educational philosophy, an educational mission, core values, and vision of teaching and learning as a servant leader.

Transform

• Demonstrate evidence of an applied understanding of the five propositions of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, including a commitment to students and learning and distinguishing cultural and familial differences from one another to inform their practice.
• Reflect on learning throughout the program and develop a professional development and research plan to continually extend and refine a philosophical, technological, and research application and orientation to teaching and learning.

Empower

• Work within a professional educational learning community reflecting and contributing to instructional improvement within diverse educational communities.
• Extend and refine the understanding of current challenges and trends in education, developing a response plan aligned with personal philosophy in addressing these situations.

Professional Licensure or Certification

This program is approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing and meets the requirements for educator certification in the state of California, where Point Loma Nazarene University is physically located. For information about PLNU programs and out-of-state educational requirements for professional licensure or certification, please refer to our Disclosures page. Information about out-of-state requirements in teacher credentialing is available on this website.

Are you ready to take the next step and apply?

We're here to make the entire process a simple one. We'll walk you through the application process, answer your questions, and get you one step closer to earning your degree.

Program Start Date(s):

• Spring 2026 Quad I — January 12, 2026
• Spring 2026 Quad II — March 16, 2026
• Summer 2026 Quad I — May 11, 2026
• Summer 2026 Quad II — July 6, 2026

Application Deadline(s):

• Spring 2026 Quad I — December 12, 2025
• Spring 2026 Quad II — February 27, 2026
• Summer 2026 Quad I — April 24, 2026
• Summer 2026 Quad II — June 19, 2026

Note: Not all programs offer entry for new students each quad. Check with your enrollment counselor for programs and start dates.

Start Application

The Selection Process

The educational context at PLNU will challenge you to live a full life that integrates the pursuit of knowledge with beliefs, values, and actions. While honoring diverse perspectives and beliefs, Christian values and principles are woven into the educational experience. We understand your application is not only a reflection of you as a student; it reflects you as a person. At PLNU, we holistically evaluate your academic history, work and life experience, background, and circumstances to determine admission into a graduate program. Your undergraduate GPA is an important piece of your application, but if you do not meet the minimum GPA requirement of a 3.0, you may still be eligible for admission based on your application package as well as the exceptions policy per your particular program.* Therefore, we strongly encourage you to contact your enrollment counselor, who will advise you regarding your qualifications and provide specific information about the admission under exceptions process.

To be admitted into PLNU's Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction program with a Special Education concentration, you must have:

• A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution, as evidenced by an official transcript.
• A teaching credential.

Admissions Interview: You may be eligible for an interview waiver. Eligibility can be discussed in more depth with a PLNU admissions counselor once you've started your application. 

If you have any questions about your qualifications or the program in general, we encourage you to contact your enrollment counselor.

Application Checklist

Note: The application is completed entirely online with the exception of transcripts, which can be submitted electronically or directly to PLNU, and test scores, which should be submitted electronically.

1. Submit an online application for admissions (including $50 non-refundable application fee, which is waived for PLNU alums, current or former military and their dependents, and PLNU employees).
2. Submit official transcripts with proof of earned baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution*. (If you are a PLNU alumnus, please notify your counselor to have your transcripts retrieved. You do not need to request transcripts from the PLNU Office of Records.)
   
   Official transcripts must be sent to:
   Point Loma Nazarene University
   Office of Graduate Admissions
   3900 Lomaland Dr.
   San Diego, CA 92106
   
   Official electronic transcripts must be emailed to:
   gradprocessing@pointloma.edu
   
   *Please note, official transcripts must be sent directly from the regionally accredited institution.
3. Submit a personal essay, 2-3 pages in length and double-spaced.
4. Once you have submitted your admissions application, your two selected professional recommenders will automatically be sent the auto-generated document to complete on your behalf. If you'd like to include a written letter in addition to this required document, you may do so, but it's unnecessary.
5. Provide proof of a valid California teaching credential.

Start Application

*Exceptions Policy: If you have below a 3.0 GPA in your baccalaureate degree, you will need to speak with your enrollment counselor for more information on the exceptions materials needed for your particular program.

State Authorization

In certain states outside California, PLNU is not authorized to enroll students in online courses and/or offer internships. If a student moves to another state after admission to a program or enrollment in an online course, continuation in the program/course will depend on whether PLNU is authorized within that state. Please refer to the State Authorization map to view which states allow online courses and/or internships.

The Master's in Curriculum and Instruction is designed to help you advance your teaching career.

The program is ideal for:

• Elementary school teachers
• Middle or high school teachers

For information about the courses required for the master’s in curriculum and instruction program, view the PLNU catalog. 

M.A. Course Information M.S. Course Information