Trailside Elementary
Looking to advance her education and open new doors, Abby Davis ’25 MSEd was drawn to the master’s program at Mount Mercy University.
What can you do with a master’s in education?
Earning your Master of Arts in Education can help you advance your career and reach your full potential.
Employment of education leaders is projected to grow 8% over the next decade, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. With your Mount Mercy education master’s degree, you’ll stand out in the field and be in higher demand.
Katie Thul '23 MAEd, '25 MSEd
Fourth Grade Teacher and PLC Coordinator | Francis Marion Intermediate
Katie Thul ’23 MAEd, ’25 MSEd knew that pursuing her master's degree online would provide her the flexibility needed to learn how to be the best possible leader and teacher for her school district.
Karen Cooling '06, '20 MAEd, '24 MSEd
Language Arts Teacher | Harding Middle School
Karen Cooling ’06, ’20 MAEd, ’24 MSEd knew that Mount Mercy University’s master courses were the next step needed towards a bright future.
Terry Schneekloth ’91 ’16 MAEd
Math | Special Education
A proud two-time Mount Mercy graduate, Terry Schneekloth says the good reputation of MMU graduates got his foot in the door at two jobs.
Gabby Granadillo '18 MAEd
Education
MMU’s education partnerships deliver classroom success, and Gabby Granadillo ’18 MAEd is named one of Iowa’s top teachers.
Brad Koch '18 MAEd
Teacher Leadership Emphasis
Brad Koch ’18 MAEd was able to maximize his strengths, improve his professional skills, and make lasting connections in the program.
Janet Fosdick '97 '17 MAEd
Reading
Janet Fosdick ’97, ’16 MAEd has adapted her teaching for the safety of herself and others.
Dr. Michael Young '14 MAEd
Reading
Michael Young ’14 MAEd left the elementary classroom just a year after earning his graduate degree at Mount Mercy.
What can you do in our Master of Arts in Education program?
Collaborate with professors who are practicing professionals. Gain training on vital cultural skills. Expand your influence in the classroom and community.
I realized when talking with MAEd staff that I could accomplish this degree—and that I had a very strong support system with me.
What will you learn in our Master of Arts in Education program?
In our classes, you’ll discuss relevant topics and important concepts, like critical race theory and cultural competency. Develop the skills to meet the individualized needs of today’s students. Gain knowledge from professors and fellow classmates. Put what you learn immediately to practice.
MAED Overview (0:33)
Get the tools to meet the individualized needs of today’s students, put what you're learning into practice, and expand your influence in the classroom and community.
Taking the Next Step | Karen Cooling '06, '20 MAEd, '25 MSEd (0:29)
For Karen Cooling '06, '20 MAEd, '25 MSEd, pursuing her Master of Science in Education was the next step in her educational journey.
Teacher Leadership Emphasis (1:00)
Not only does our program instruct teachers within the classroom, but it also focuses on developing leadership skills in all aspects of life.
Special Education Emphasis (0:59)
Our popular special education emphasis allows students to earn an endorsement in four different areas.
Effective Teaching Emphasis (0:56)
This emphasis was originally written for the Cedar Rapids school system, but has grown to other districts to address relevant and similar needs.
Culturally-Responsive Teaching (0:48)
This course makes our MAEd program unique by inviting students to think outside the box about diversity in their classrooms.
Career Options (1:30)
There are so many career options outside of the traditional school setting—from administration to area education agency positions.
Accommodating Busy Schedules (1:53)
We adapt our program to accommodate your schedule. When life circumstances happen, we show compassion and understanding.
Customize your master’s degree in education
Choose from six areas of emphasis:
- Early Childhood Inclusive Classroom
- Effective Teaching
- English as a Second Language
- Reading
- Special Education
- Teacher Leadership
Earn a graduate certificate now, and apply it to your MAEd later. After just four courses (12-13 semester hours), you can earn a certificate in:
- Effective Teaching
- Teacher Leadership
Designed to prepare early childhood teachers to teach in birth through grade 3 inclusive classrooms. This emphasis will provide teachers with the Early Childhood Inclusive Classroom, Endorsement #1001 from the State of Iowa upon completion.
The Effective Teaching emphasis is designed to equip you with skills to effectively help students learn—enhancing your skillset when used in conjunction with the teaching skills and expertise you already possess. This emphasis does not require teacher education licensure and does not lead to teacher education licensure.
Designed to prepare ESL teachers for teaching K-12 education, this emphasis provides the K-12 ESL endorsement from the State of Iowa upon completion. Designed for the teaching professional, a four-course core provides a shared experience for all graduate education students.
This emphasis is designed to prepare teachers for K-8 or 5-12 reading instruction. Students pursuing this degree will also be eligible for the K-8 and/or 5-12 reading endorsement from the State of Iowa upon completion of the program. Students may take this emphasis with or without an endorsement option.
This emphasis will prepare teachers to provide appropriate levels of instruction to students with disabilities at the elementary and secondary levels.
Five options are available under this program:
- Instructional Strategist I K-8 endorsement
- Instructional Strategist I 5-12 endorsement
- Instructional Strategist II K-12 Behavior Disorders/Learning Disabilities endorsement
- Instructional Strategist II K-12 Intellectual Disabilities endorsement
- Special Education – no endorsement
Earning a Teacher Leader Endorsement can provide more employment opportunities at building and district levels.
If your undergraduate or other graduate degree is not in education, an additional interview with the Director of Graduate Program in Education will be required. Additional coursework beyond that listed in the catalog may be required for those students without a degree in education and/or teaching license.
How can I afford a master’s in education?
You may be eligible for scholarships and loan programs.
The first step is to complete your FAFSA, which helps determine state and federal aid available to you. Our federal school code is 001880. Contact our Financial Aid Office with any questions.
- Get a $600 referral scholarship by referring friends and co-workers.
- Check out the net price calculator
- Explore federal and state grants and loans
- Ask your employer about tuition reimbursement
- See if you get a 10% tuition discount for employer partners
- Learn more about veterans benefits
Get started on your education master’s degree
Applications are accepted and reviewed year-round. Our graduate admissions team is here to help you reach your educational goals and answer your questions.
- Complete your application
- Request official transcripts from all institutions previously attended. Email to gradprograms@mtmercy.edu or mail to:
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Graduate Programs
Mount Mercy University
1330 Elmhurst Drive NE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402-4797
- Bachelor’s degree in education (if adding an endorsement in Special Education, Reading, ESL, or Early Childhood Inclusive Classroom)
- Current standard Iowa teaching license or eligible for an Iowa teaching license if seeking an endorsement in Special Education, Reading, ESL, or Early Childhood Inclusive Classroom
- Resume that lists past and current teaching or work experience
- Teacher Leadership requires an additional interview with the program director if undergraduate or other graduate degree is not in education
- Additional coursework beyond what's listed in the catalog may be required for those students without a degree in education and/or teaching license
- NOTE: Per government policy, international students are unable to attend fully-online university programs in the United States. Unfortunately, we are unable to admit international students to this program.