Master of Science in Education
These online graduate education programs enable teachers and administrators to expand their career opportunities in three distinct areas: public K-12 schools, Catholic schools, and health care education.
Engage in a quality learning experience personalized by professional faculty. The faculty, who have practical experience in education, work individually with you as partners in your learning. Courses blend content with your professional experience, allowing for immediate application in your work setting. Courses are available to both students seeking the desired master's degrees or those fulfilling or renewing certification requirements.
At a Glance
- Don’t wait to begin your path toward career advancement. Apply now and start during any of the five 10-week terms scheduled each year (offered in January, March, May, July and October).
- No on-campus residency is required.
- The tuition in this MSEd program is specifically designed with personal and school department budgets in mind. Affordable education for all is a founding principle of the Sisters of Mercy, sponsors of Saint Joseph's College. We are proud to bring you a reasonably priced, high quality graduate education.
How much will this program cost?
Total Cost: $14,817 to $16,164*
*Excludes the cost of textbooks and nursing clinical fees. Assumes no transfer of credit, and, at the graduate level, that all preparatory requirements have been met. Prices are subject to change. Click here for full tuition and fee details.
How long will it take?
- MSEd*: Full-time, 1 yr 6 mo. Part-time, 3 yr or less depending on track (School Educator track would be 2 yr 9 mo).
* These timelines assume all prep classes have been met and that the student takes no breaks between terms. Full-time is two courses per term, part-time is one course per term.
Curriculum
Each concentration has specific objectives. The overall outcomes for the online MSEd program are as follows:
- Gain Knowledge and Skills in the Education Profession
- Engage in Reflective Practice
- Think Critically
- Write with Clarity
School Educator (33 credits)
This specialization provides all the tools necessary for a practicing educator to become even more successful or for anyone who desires to become a practicing educator. This highly praised degree program is in-depth, current, and has a faculty of practicing professionals who become partners with all students on their journey towards their master's degree. This program is accredited, affordable, flexible, professional, and very personal. This School Educator specialization does not result in initial teacher certification but components of this concentration may be used to meet Maine's "alternate route" requirements for professional certification, which are similar to those of a number of other states.
Catholic School Leadership (36 credits)
The Catholic school principal is both the spiritual leader of the school as well as the educational leader. The Catholic School Leadership degree concentration is focused on these dedicated educators working within K-12 Catholic schools throughout the country and beyond who desire to move towards supervisory roles such as vice principal, principal, headmistress, headmaster, dean, president, or similar leadership positions. This degree is also designed for current school leaders within the Catholic school system who wish to upgrade their skills or for principals from public schools who are moving into the rewarding Catholic school setting.
School Leadership (36 credits)
Designed for Principals, Headmasters, Teacher-Leaders, and many other leadership positions in education, this degree satisfies many states' requirements for building administrator certification. A highlight of this degree concentration is the School Leader Internship which provides students with an opportunity to intern in an educational setting under the supervision of a mentor. The standards of the Interstate School Leader Licensure Consortium (ISLLC) frame this degree.
Health Care Educator (33 credits)
This specialization is for professionals in allied health fields who wish to educate the public, provide in-service training at their workplaces, or teach in allied health departments in community colleges. This degree specialization provides one of the few professional online allied health care education master's degree programs in the country, reflecting the college's history of preparation in both the health care and education fields.
"Alternate Route" Secondary Certification
The online Master of Science in Education program will meet many states' professional requirements for "alternate route" secondary certification. We would be glad to work with your state's certification office to see if the alternative pathway is an option. You may work to fulfill Maine's alternative route. Many states allow for certification reciprocity.
Available courses to fulfill the alternative route for Maine 7-12 teaching certification:
- ED 512 Educating the Exceptional Student in the Classroom (3 credits online)
- ED 523 Teaching Methods in Secondary Education (3 credits online)
- ED 590 Student Teaching (12 credits - 15 weeks in a classroom)
In addition, alternative route applicants in Maine need to hold a bachelor’s degree, earned 24 credit hours of post-secondary course work in the endorsement area, pass 3 Praxis exams, and complete a background check. The Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) exam is required in Maine for the alternative pathway for certification as it is in many other states. Visit the Praxis website for more information.
Both the School Leadership Degree concentration and the School Leadership graduate certificate are guided by the Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium Standards (ISLLC). These standards are built into the online master’s degree courses at Saint Joseph’s College of Maine. The School Leadership Internship (ED 580) specifically addresses each of the ISLLC standards in a practical, professional, and applied manner.
Fast Track to MSEd
Undergraduate education students have the option to Fast Track to their MSEd. As an undergraduate you can earn graduate credits by taking our hybrid ED 555 course. Learn more
Christopher Piccuito ’22, Master of Science in Education- Health Care Educator, Assistant Director, Respiratory Care Services
“In every class, I could immediately apply my learning to real-life situations. My professors allowed me to tailor each assignment to my profession, which helped me discover much about myself as a learner and a teacher. The educational leadership course helped me to identify my strengths and weaknesses as a leader. I also learned the essential skill of listening. Listening to the staff is the key to understanding the team’s successes and areas that need improvement. It also allows me to understand what motivates each individual and how I can help them develop professionally.”
Some of our faculty
MEd, Wright State University
BS, University of Southern Maine
MA, University of Chicago
BA, Princeton University
EdS, Cambridge College
MS, Troy University
BS, Georgia Southern University
Student stories
Career moves
Public school teachers must be licensed, which typically requires a bachelor's degree and the completion of an approved teacher education program; private school teachers do not have to be licensed but may still need a bachelor's degree.
Many states offer alternative licensing programs to attract people into teaching, especially for hard-to-fill positions.
Teachers must have the ability to communicate, inspire trust and confidence, and motivate students, as well as understand students' educational and emotional needs.
Job prospects are best for teachers in high-demand fields, such as mathematics, science, and bilingual education, and in less desirable urban or rural school districts.
Professional licensure
The State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement is an agreement among member states, districts and territories that establishes comparable national standards for interstate offering of postsecondary distance education courses and programs. It is intended to make it easier for students to take online courses offered by postsecondary institutions based in another state. SARA is overseen by a National Council and administered by four regional education compacts. For further information, please visit the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements website at http://nc-sara.org/content/basic-questions-about-sara.
It is important to note that NC-SARA does not deal with professional licensing board approval for any courses or programs leading to professional licensure. Saint Joseph’s College of Maine cannot know nor guarantee where our coursework will meet requirements for professional licensure, endorsements, or license renewal in states outside of Maine. If you are planning on using our coursework towards a license or credential in your state, we recommend that you consult with the appropriate licensing agency or board in the state for which you seek to obtain licensure.
Link to Professional Licensure Boards/Requirements
U.S. Department of Education
https://www.ed.gov/
Related programs
In the news
Photo credit Milken Family Foundation
Kimberly Collins ’20, MSED, National Award Winner
Congratulations to alumna Kimberly Collins, who won a $25,000 Milken Educator Award presented by the Milken Family Foundation during a schoolwide assembly in May 2022. According to Milken Educators Awards, Kimberly prioritizes her students' needs and creatively adapts her teaching strategies to accommodate them. Kimberly, who teaches at the Virginia Beach Middle School, is an Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) coordinator.
Master of Science in Education-School Leadership Concentration Helps Principals Advance Careers
Saint Joseph’s College of Maine alumni steer the course for Yarmouth, one of Maine highest achieving school districts
Designed for principals, headmasters, teacher-leaders, and other professionals seeking leadership positions in educational administration, coursework covers a range of managerial topics such as organizational theory, school finance, community relations, and laws pertaining to civil rights and education. The Professional Standards for Educational Leaders frame the degree. These standards are recognized by many states and include what all school leaders, regardless of grade level or context, can do to strengthen organizations, support teachers, lead instruction, and advance student learning.
