Master of Education [M.Ed] (Curriculum Studies)
Field of Study:
$21,690 /Yr
DePaul University M.Ed Curriculum Studies is a 52-quarter-hour Master of Education degree taught in Chicago. The program runs 12 to 18 months full-time. Admission requires a bachelor’s degree; GRE or GMAT is not mandatory. International applicants pay USD 744 per credit (INR ?70,893 per credit). Three intakes per year operate on rolling admission. The degree trains education leaders to design curricula anchored in equity and critical inquiry.
This program stands apart through its focus on social justice, rigorous theory, and applied project work. You lead curriculum design across K-12 and higher education. Three concentrations let you specialize: Curriculum Specialist (general), Teacher Leader (with endorsement), or Computer Science (with endorsement). Ideal applicants are classroom educators or curriculum coordinators seeking deeper expertise and career advancement.
- Affordable tuition at USD 38,688 total (INR 36.88 Lakhs) with rolling admission.
- Three flexible concentrations adapt to your career goals and teaching background.
- Strong international cohort at DePaul with 13.2 percent global enrollment.
Current Admission Status
Applications are accepted year-round on a rolling basis. Indian applicants must allow 3 to 4 weeks for an admission decision after submitting a complete application. DePaul’s International Student Office processes F-1 visa documentation within two weeks of your admissions letter.
Also Check: DePaul University M.Ed Admission Requirements
DePaul University M.Ed Curriculum Studies Fees and Living Costs 2026
Total program cost breaks down across tuition, technology fees, and health insurance. All figures below are for the 2025-2026 academic year and are current as of June 2026.
| Cost Component | USD | INR |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition (52 quarter hours @ USD 744/hour) | USD 38,688 | INR 36,88,400 |
| Technology Fee (per quarter) | USD 100 | INR 9,526 |
| Health Insurance (annual, estimated) | USD 2,800 | INR 2,66,728 |
| Total Program Cost | USD 41,588 | INR 39,64,654 |
All INR conversions in the article use a conversion rate of USD 1 = INR 95.26 as of June 2026. Rates fluctuate daily; verify before applying.
- Tuition is charged per quarter hour completed; part-time enrollment reduces semester costs.
- Technology fees are approximately USD 100 per quarter for online course delivery tools.
- Health insurance is mandatory for all international students on F-1 visas.
- Books and software typically cost USD 400 to USD 600 per quarter for education coursework.
Cost of Living in Chicago for M.Ed Students
| Expense Category | Monthly USD | Monthly INR | Annual USD | Annual INR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shared Apartment Rent | USD 950 to USD 1,150 | INR 90,497 to INR 1,09,549 | USD 11,400 to USD 13,800 | INR 10,85,964 to INR 13,07,588 |
| Food and Groceries | USD 300 to USD 400 | INR 28,578 to INR 38,104 | USD 3,600 to USD 4,800 | INR 3,43,536 to INR 4,57,448 |
| Transportation | USD 100 to USD 120 | INR 9,526 to INR 11,431 | USD 1,200 to USD 1,440 | INR 1,14,312 to INR 1,37,174 |
| Phone, Internet, Utilities | USD 150 to USD 200 | INR 14,289 to INR 19,052 | USD 1,800 to USD 2,400 | INR 1,71,468 to INR 2,28,624 |
| Total Monthly | USD 1,500 to USD 1,870 | INR 1,42,890 to INR 1,78,236 | USD 18,000 to USD 22,440 | INR 17,15,280 to INR 21,39,234 |
Tip for Indian students: Chicago’s cost of living is 30 percent lower than coastal US cities. Graduate assistantships reduce tuition to USD 15,000 to USD 20,000 (INR 14,29,000 to INR 19,05,200) annually; apply during admissions.
Read More: Complete Cost of Living Guide for USA
DePaul University M.Ed Curriculum Studies Admission 2026
Admission is rolling year-round. DePaul’s College of Education does not mandate GRE, GMAT, or LSAT scores for M.Ed applicants. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required to enroll; maintain this average throughout your degree.
| Eligibility Criterion | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | Required from an accredited institution |
| Minimum GPA | 3.0 (cumulative) on 4.0 scale |
| GRE / GMAT | Not required |
| Personal Statement | Required; explain professional goals and program interest |
| Application Fee (International) | USD 75 (INR 7,145) |
| Teacher Leader Concentration | Valid Illinois teaching license required |
DePaul’s overall acceptance rate is 74 percent. Graduate program selectivity for education is lower than MBA or law programs. Indian applicants represent 20 to 25 percent of international cohorts at DePaul across all master’s programs.
English Language Proficiency (ELP) Requirements
International students from non-English-speaking countries must provide one of the following:
| Test | Minimum Overall Score | Minimum Section Score |
|---|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT | 80 | 17 (each section) |
| IELTS Academic | 6.5 | 6.0 (each band) |
| Duolingo English Test | 115 | No section minimum |
| PTE Academic | 53 | 42 (each section) |
- TOEFL is accepted; IELTS is widely recognized by Indian test centers across 50+ cities in India.
- Duolingo is affordable at INR 650 (~USD 6.80) and results arrive in 1 to 2 days.
- Most Indian applicants need 6 to 8 weeks of part-time prep to reach 6.5 IELTS or 80 TOEFL.
- Waiver available if you have a bachelor’s degree from a US university or an English-medium institution in the UK, Canada, or Ireland.
Honest take: M.Ed Curriculum Studies is less selective than MBA programs; 70 to 75 percent of Indian applicants with 3.0 GPA and 6.5 IELTS receive acceptance.
DePaul University M.Ed Curriculum Studies Application 2026
Applications are accepted year-round. No fixed deadline exists; instead, rolling deadlines apply per intake term. Admissions decisions arrive within 3 to 4 weeks of a complete application.
| Intake | Typical Application Window | Decision Timeframe | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall (September 2026) | Open year-round | 3 to 4 weeks | Open |
| Winter (January 2027) | Open year-round | 3 to 4 weeks | Open |
| Spring (April 2027) | Open year-round | 3 to 4 weeks | Open |
- Complete application includes bachelor’s transcript, personal statement, and application fee.
- Letters of recommendation are not required for M.Ed Curriculum Studies.
- No interview is mandated; selective programs may request a brief phone conversation.
- International students should allow 1 to 2 weeks for WES transcript evaluation if credentials are foreign.
Application tip: Apply at least 6 weeks before your intended start date to secure student housing and F-1 visa processing time.
Read More: DePaul University Complete Profile
DePaul University M.Ed Curriculum Studies Scholarships 2026
Scholarships reduce your tuition burden by 30 to 50 percent. DePaul offers merit-based awards to qualified international applicants.
| Scholarship Type | Award Amount USD | Award Amount INR | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Global Gateway Scholarship | USD 8,000 to USD 12,000 | INR 7,62,080 to INR 11,43,120 | Merit-based; strong academic record |
| Graduate Assistantship (GA) | USD 7,500 (tuition waiver) + stipend | INR 7,14,450 (tuition waiver) | 20 hours/week work; competitive |
| Double Demon Scholarship | 25% of tuition cost | INR 9,22,100 | DePaul alumni only |
- Merit scholarships are awarded on a rolling basis as admissions decisions are made.
- Graduate assistantships include tuition remission and a USD 250 to USD 400 monthly stipend.
- Applications for GA positions are due during admissions; faculty advisors nominate candidates.
Scholarship reality: International M.Ed students secure scholarships at a 40 to 50 percent rate. Your GPA and field relevance (education background) drive awards, not test scores.
Check Out: DePaul Scholarships for Indian Students
DePaul University M.Ed Curriculum Studies Salary 2026
M.Ed graduates enter education leadership roles: curriculum coordinator, district instructional coach, or K-12 principal. Salary varies by role, geography, and school type.
| Career Role | Starting Salary USD | Starting Salary INR | 3-Year Salary USD | 3-Year Salary INR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Curriculum Coordinator | USD 52,000 to USD 58,000 | INR 49,63,520 to INR 55,25,080 | USD 65,000 to USD 75,000 | INR 61,94,000 to INR 71,44,500 |
| Instructional Coach | USD 48,000 to USD 55,000 | INR 45,72,480 to INR 52,39,300 | USD 60,000 to USD 72,000 | INR 57,15,600 to INR 68,68,720 |
| Elementary School Principal | USD 70,000 to USD 85,000 | INR 66,68,200 to INR 81,02,100 | USD 95,000 to USD 120,000 | INR 90,49,700 to INR 1,14,31,200 |
DePaul graduate outcomes show 91 percent placement within 6 months of degree completion. Median salary for all M.Ed graduates at DePaul is USD 64,000 (INR 61,06,640).
- Salaries in Illinois range 20 to 30 percent lower than New York or California.
- Principal track requires 3 to 5 additional years of classroom teaching before promotion.
- International graduates on OPT can work full-time for three years (24 months base + 24 months STEM extension).
ROI reality: M.Ed pays off in 2 to 3 years after hire. Career advancement to principal roles unlocks USD 100,000+ salaries (INR 95,26,000+), which justify the USD 38,688 investment.
Source: DePaul Career Center outcomes report 2025-2026; PayScale education sector salary data June 2026.
USA Visa M.Ed Curriculum Studies
You will apply for an F-1 Student Visa to study in the USA. DePaul issues an I-20 (Certification of Eligibility) within 2 weeks of your admissions offer. Processing your visa at a US embassy in India takes 4 to 6 weeks. After graduation, you are eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which permits full-time work in your field for up to three years.
- F-1 visa allows full-time study and on-campus work (20 hours/week during semesters).
- OPT extends to 36 months total (24 months base + 12 months STEM extension for education technology roles).
- H-1B visa pathway opens after 3 years of OPT work; cap-exempt education employers prioritize hiring.
- Spouse dependents on F-2 visas may not work; dependent children attend school at in-state tuition rates.
Visa reality: OPT work in Chicago’s school districts is abundant; 80 to 90 percent of international M.Ed graduates secure full-time positions before OPT expires.
Also Check: Complete F-1 Student Visa Guide
DePaul University M.Ed Curriculum Studies Ranking 2026
DePaul University holds a rank of 169 in the US News National University Rankings 2025. The College of Education is not ranked separately by QS, THE, or ARWU; however, DePaul’s College of Business ranks 67 nationally (US News 2025), signaling strong graduate program caliber across the university.
Education rankings in the USA typically assess doctoral (PhD/EdD) programs, not master’s degrees. M.Ed reputation is built on faculty research, student employment outcomes, and alumni networks rather than formal subject rankings. DePaul’s M.Ed programs benefit from Chicago’s large K-12 and higher education sector, which employs thousands of curriculum specialists and instructional coaches.
Key insight: M.Ed Curriculum Studies is stronger on employer recognition and networking than on global subject rankings. Recruiters prioritize capstone projects and internship placements over school rank.
M.Ed Curriculum Studies FAQs
Ques. Do I need teaching experience to apply for DePaul’s M.Ed Curriculum Studies?
Ans. No, teaching experience is not required for admission. However, the Teacher Leader concentration (which grants an Illinois teaching endorsement) requires a valid Illinois teaching license. The Curriculum Specialist track welcomes applicants from education support roles, curriculum design, instructional design, and educational administration.
Ques. Can I work while pursuing the M.Ed at DePaul?
Ans. Yes. On an F-1 visa, you may work up to 20 hours per week on campus during the academic term. Graduate assistantships in education labs, the library, or admissions office are common. Off-campus work requires work authorization through DePaul’s International Student Office. Many students work part-time while taking 2 to 3 courses per quarter.
Ques. Is the M.Ed a fully online program or entirely on-campus?
Ans. The M.Ed Curriculum Studies is primarily on-campus in Chicago, with some courses offered in evening and hybrid formats. Full-time students attend two to three days per week. Many working professionals take 1 to 2 courses per quarter in the evening to balance employment and study.
Ques. What is the capstone project in the M.Ed Curriculum Studies?
Ans. The capstone (course CS 608) requires you to design a curriculum unit or program evaluation addressing a real K-12 or higher education problem. You work with faculty advisors and complete the project in your final two quarters. Many capstones are published in DePaul’s education journals or presented at teaching conferences.
Ques. Can I apply directly for H-1B sponsorship after my M.Ed, or must I do OPT first?
Ans. You must complete OPT (24 months minimum) before pursuing H-1B sponsorship. DePaul as an education employer may be cap-exempt, meaning you skip the annual H-1B lottery. Your employer (a school district or university) typically files your H-1B petition after you accumulate three years of work experience on OPT.
DePaul’s M.Ed Curriculum Studies prepares you to lead educational change in classrooms and districts. A small investment of USD 38,688 (INR 36.88 Lakhs) unlocks USD 60,000 to USD 120,000 careers (INR 57,15,600 to INR 1,14,31,200) and three-year post-study work visas. Apply now.
Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | $21690 |
Other Expenses
| Head | Avg Cost Per Year |
|---|---|
| Living Expenses | $18201 |
| Transportation | $1284 |
Previous Year Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $21690 |
| 2022 | $12024 |
| 2021 | $28224 |
Scores Required
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Key Resources for Your Study Abroad Journey
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Masters in Education in USA: Top Colleges, Admission, Fees, Scholarships, and Jobs
Scholarship Grants & Financial Aids
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Program | Scholarship per student$ 10,000/Yr$10,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Axol Science Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 2,000/Yr$2,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCompany-Sponsored | |
| VueVille Future Technology Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 1,000/Yr$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| R&D Systems Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 1,500/Yr$1,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Go Clean Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 3,500/Yr$3,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Business Administration Scholarships | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based |
Similar Programs
| Program | Important Date | Total Fees | Median Exams Score | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
-- | USD 21,690 /Yr |
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-- | USD 10,800 /Yr |
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