90. Curriculum Development

What It Is

Curriculum development involves creating structured learning materials—from detailed lesson plans to complete course outlines. This specialized skill combines your subject-matter expertise with instructional design principles to create effective educational experiences for audiences ranging from K-12 students to corporate professionals.

How the Monetization Works

Course development offers substantial project-based compensation:

• Single module creation ($1,000-$3,000)
• Full course development ($3,000-$10,000+)
• Series or certification program design
• Ongoing updates and maintenance fees

Projects are typically priced based on complexity, length, and specialized knowledge required. Technical courses or those requiring advanced expertise in areas like cybersecurity, data science, or compliance often command premium rates.

Example

Udemy Business contracts with subject-matter experts to create specialized courses for corporate clients across leadership, technical skills, and compliance areas. While some instructors develop courses for the general platform, others negotiate custom development projects for enterprise clients, earning significant fees for comprehensive learning programs tailored to specific organizational needs.

Practical Steps to Get Started

• Identify Your Teaching Strengths: Focus on topics where you have both expertise and passion
• Build an Instructional Portfolio: Showcase your ability to structure information for effective learning
• Connect with Learning Platforms: Explore opportunities with companies needing specialized content
• Apply Learning Design Principles: Demonstrate your understanding of how adults effectively acquire skills

Key Takeaways

Curriculum development transforms your knowledge into structured learning experiences that deliver measurable results. By combining subject expertise with instructional design skills, you create valuable educational assets that organizations willingly invest in—generating substantial project income while extending your professional impact.

Further Reading & Resources

• OpenSesame – Marketplace where businesses license existing e-learning modules
• Skillsoft – Enterprise training platform often purchasing or partnering for course content
• Udemy for Business – Corporate branch of Udemy that licenses curated courses for workforce training