When discussing education, the terms curriculums and curricula often cause confusion.
Both words refer to the collection of courses, lessons, and content offered by schools, colleges, or training programs
However, the distinction lies in formality, origin, and context.
Curricula is the traditional plural of the Latin word curriculum, making it the preferred choice in academic writing, formal reports, and publications. For example:
The university updated its curricula to include digital literacy courses.
Curriculums, on the other hand, is an accepted English plural form and is often used in informal writing, emails, and casual communication.
For example: Several curriculums were reviewed by the committee last week.
Many people search for curriculums or curricula to understand which form is correct for essays, academic papers, or professional documents.
This article explores the differences, historical roots, usage rules, common mistakes, and practical examples, helping you confidently use these terms in any context.
Curriculums or Curricula – Quick Answer
- Curricula → Traditional, formal plural; used in academic and professional contexts.
- Curriculums → Informal English plural; accepted in casual contexts.
Examples:
- Curricula:
The school reviewed its science and math curricula for next year. - Curriculums:
Teachers shared their favorite curriculums for online learning.
Tip: Use curricula for formal reports, publications, and academic writing. Use curriculums for casual discussion or internal communications.
The Origin of Curriculums and Curricula
Curriculum
- Derived from Latin curriculum, meaning a course, race, or running.
- Entered English in the 17th century in educational contexts.
- Originally singular; plural was Latinized to curricula.
Curricula
- Plural form following traditional Latin rules.
- Preferred in formal and academic writing.
- Example: Universities worldwide adopt modern curricula to meet global standards.
Curriculums
- Anglicized plural form of curriculum, following standard English plural rules.
- Gained popularity in 19th–20th century, particularly in English-speaking countries.
- Example: Several curriculums were implemented in local schools last year.
Key Takeaway: Both words share Latin roots, but curricula is traditional and formal, while curriculums is modern and informal.
British English vs American English Spelling
Unlike many words with British/American spelling differences, curriculums and curricula are spelled the same in both varieties. The distinction is not in spelling but in tone and formality.
Comparison Table
| Word | British English | American English | Usage & Tone |
| curricula | curricula | curricula | Formal, academic, professional |
| curriculums | curriculums | curriculums | Informal, casual, general writing |
Tip: Focus on context rather than geography when choosing which term to use.
Which Spelling Should You Use?
Use Curricula When:
- Writing academic papers, journals, or scholarly reports.
- Preparing official documents, course catalogs, or institutional guidelines.
- Example: The university introduced new curricula for STEM programs.
Use Curriculums When:
- Writing blogs, emails, newsletters, or casual guides.
- Conversing informally with colleagues or educators.
- Example: Teachers submitted their curriculums for review in a staff meeting.
Audience Advice:
- US vs UK/Commonwealth: Both terms are understood; formality dictates the choice.
- Global Audience: Curricula is universally recognized in academic and professional contexts. Curriculums works for informal communication or non-academic discussions.
Common Mistakes with Curriculums and Curricula
- Using singular vs plural incorrectly
- ❌ The school updated its curriculum for all courses. (if referring to multiple courses)
- ✔️ The school updated its curricula for all courses.
- Overusing curriculums in formal writing
- ❌ The university reviewed its curriculums.
- ✔️ The university reviewed its curricula.
- Confusing the terms with syllabus
- ❌ The syllabus and curriculums are the same.
- ✔️ The syllabus is part of the curriculum; curricula include multiple syllabi.
- Ignoring context
- ❌ Curriculums are implemented in the academic journal. (formal writing)
- ✔️ Curricula are implemented in the academic journal.
Curriculums or Curricula in Everyday Examples
Emails
- Curricula: Please review the updated curricula before next week’s meeting.
- Curriculums: Can you share your curriculums for the summer workshops?
News
- Curricula: The education board announced new curricula for primary schools.
- Curriculums: Local schools adopted new curriculums for extracurricular activities.
Social Media
- Curricula: Students are exploring innovative curricula online.
- Curriculums: Teachers shared curriculums that worked best for remote teaching.
Formal Writing
- Curricula: Universities worldwide update their curricula to align with global standards.
- Curriculums: Rarely used; acceptable in informal notes or teacher guides.
Curriculums or Curricula – Google Trends & Usage Data
- Curricula is more commonly used in academic searches, scholarly articles, and professional publications.
- Curriculums appears more in informal contexts, educational blogs, or teacher-focused websites.
- Popular searches occur in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and India, reflecting interest in academic planning and school programs.
Insight: Use curricula for credibility and formal communication. Curriculums suits casual discussion and practical teaching contexts.
Comparison Table: Curriculums vs Curricula
| Feature | Curricula | Curriculums |
| Formality | Formal, academic | Informal, casual |
| Usage | Academic papers, reports, catalogs | Emails, blogs, teacher guides |
| Singular | Curriculum | Curriculum |
| Sentence Example | Universities revised their curricula this year. | Teachers discussed their curriculums during the meeting. |
| Tone | Professional, scholarly | Casual, conversational |
FAQs
1. Can I use curriculums in official reports?
Yes, it is acceptable, but curricula is preferred for professional or academic credibility.
2. Are curricula and curriculums interchangeable?
They have the same meaning; the difference is tone and formality.
3. Can curriculum be singular?
Yes. Curriculum refers to a single course or program of study.
4. Which is more widely recognized internationally?
Curricula is universally recognized in educational and professional contexts.
5. Is curriculums considered incorrect?
No, it is correct in informal and general English usage.
6. How do I remember which to use?
- Curricula → formal, academic
- Curriculums → informal, casual
7. Can I use either in social media?
Yes, but curriculums feels more natural in informal posts.
Conclusion
Choosing between curriculums or curricula depends on context and audience.
Curricula is the formal, traditional plural of curriculum, ideal for academic papers, official documents, and professional writing.
Curriculums is an informal, modern English plural that works in emails, blogs, and casual discussions.
Understanding these differences helps educators, students, and writers communicate clearly and professionally.
Use curricula when formality and credibility matter, and curriculums when engaging in informal, conversational contexts.
By following these guidelines, you can confidently choose the correct term for any educational setting.
I’m Rachel Amphlett, a content writer specializing in English grammar, vocabulary, and common language mistakes, with a focus on clarity and accuracy.
