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Master of Arts in Education (MAEd)

18-24
Months to complete
Only 30-35 credit hours
Online
Live classes
Learn from anywhere
$556
Per credit hour
$400/credit with scholarship

Expand your influence in the classroom and community

Mount Mercy University’s Master of Arts in Education program empowers teacher leaders.

Earning your master’s degree in education is more than just a credential—it’s a transformative, skill-building experience that prepares you for the future.

Earn your education master’s degree from Mount Mercy and champion meaningful change.

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. 

Why a master’s degree in education from Mount Mercy?

Our Master of Arts in Education program is flexible, practical, and applicable—addressing both the demand for teachers and the demand on teachers.

As you work toward your education master’s degree, you’ll expand your skills through real-world experiences and gain the professional knowledge you need to be an effective leader—in and beyond the classroom.

Benefit from the experience of your professors and customize your education through six areas of emphasis.

Learn on your schedule to earn your master’s degree in education with a format that helps you balance work, school, and all your other responsibilities.

  • Choose from nine start dates
  • 5- and 10-week classes
  • Learn online (live)
  • Complete in only 18-24 months

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.

Christy Waters '04, '19 MAEd

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.   

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.

What is the scholarship for Iowa teachers?

Iowa Teachers Tuition Scholarship Program

  • Receive automatic $145/credit scholarship—over 25% discount on tuition
  • Effective for all courses offered June 2023 to July 2025
  • Applies to all current Iowa public and private PK-12 teachers
  • Additional corporate partner or new teacher discounts do not apply

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 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. 

  1. Complete your application
  2. Request official transcripts from all institutions previously attended. Email to gradprograms@mtmercy.edu or mail to:
  1. 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.