Master of Education
The MED program offers specialization strands in special education, English language learners (ELL), and K-12 administration.
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Why Saint Martin's University?
A master’s in education degree from Saint Martin's University helps educators develop their professional capacity, preparing them to meet the diverse needs of individual learners and to be effective leaders within complex educational systems. Our one-year programs (summer, fall, spring) and synchronous online, evening courses are designed with working professionals in mind, combining the relational aspects of face-to-face instruction with the flexibility of online education.
At Saint Martin’s, M.Ed. students can choose from the following concentrations:
- Inclusive Education (Special Education)
- English Language Learners
- K-12 Administration
Who is the M.Ed. program for?
Saint Martin’s M.Ed. programs are designed for individuals who:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university
- Have an interest in one of the concentration areas
- Have experience in an educational setting (e.g. K-12)
The M.Ed. is ideal for current teachers who want to pair a master’s degree with Washington state endorsements in special education or ELL. Likewise, it is ideal for those who wish to move into K-12 administration, combining a master’s degree with Washington state principal or program administrator certification. The M.Ed. programs also work with individuals who teach in non-certified or private settings and who want to develop their skills without necessarily pursuing state endorsements or certification.
Educators who already hold a master’s degree may pursue an endorsement or certification only.
Note: The M.Ed. program is not an initial teacher certification program. In you want to become a teacher, please consider the MIT program.
Federal aid
Federal financial aid is available for graduate students who will be enrolled at least half time and are citizens, or eligible non-citizens, of the USA. Most federal aid for graduate students is in the form of direct loans.
For more details about federal aid eligibility and the different types of aid available for graduate and professional studies visit studentaid.gov.
Graduate assistantships
Saint Martin’s University offers a limited number of graduate assistantships to graduate students. Contact the Office of the Provost for more information.
Master of Education Requirements
The M.Ed. programs range from 24 to 30 credits, depending on the concentration. All M.Ed. programs consist of core and concentration courses. Programs share the same core courses but differ by concentration courses.
Completion of the M.Ed. program requires a B- or higher in all courses and successful completion of any and all relevant field experiences/practica.
Required courses (12-14 hours)
- MED 599: Educational Philosophy and History (3)
- MED 602: Current Issues in Education (3)
- MED 601: Educational Research Methods (3)
- MED 698: Integrating Theory and Practice in Education: Capstone Course (3)
- MED 595: Education Elective (2)*
* ELL and K-12 Administration concentrations only
- English Language Learner: 14 core + 10 concentration = 14 total credits
- Inclusive Education (Special Education): 12 core + 14 concentration = 26 total credits
- K-12 Administration: 14 core + 16 concentration = 30 total credits
Specific course sequences and course descriptions can be found in the graduate academic catalog and on each program's webpage.
What are the differences between the M.Ed. and the MIT program?
The M.Ed. program is designed for existing educators who are looking for a master's degree to further develop their skills and knowledge. The MIT program is designed for those looking to become certified as teachers while earning a master's degree.
Can credits from another university be transferred to the M.Ed. program?
Up to two courses may be taken at another institution and transferred, provided the work fits the program plan, is recommended by the program advisor and is approved by the director of master's programs in education. Transfers will be considered as course-for-course replacements, not as credit-for-credit replacements. Students applying for admission to the program may request to have prior graduate study considered for transfer into the program.
What if I’m interested in the M.Ed. program, but I already have a master’s degree?
All M.Ed. concentrations are available to pursue as endorsement-only or certification-only pathways. These pathways do not include the M.Ed. core courses and are ideal for individuals who already hold master’s degrees. Follow the regular M.Ed. application pathway, and choose the “endorsement only” or “certification only” option for your concentration.
I am an educator, but I do not hold a teaching certificate. Can I still do the M.Ed. program?
Yes. Non-certified educators may pursue the Inclusive Education and English Language Learners M.Ed. concentrations, although they will not be eligible to earn an additional Washington state endorsement. Applicants to the K-12 Administration concentration must hold a valid Washington state teaching certificate.
What is a 4+1 pathway?
A 4+1 pathway is an efficient means of earning a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree by overlapping some of the course work. By taking some of the graduate course work during the undergraduate years, individuals in the 4+1 pathway can fold some graduate courses under the umbrella of their undergraduate tuition. Upon graduation with a BA or BS, they enter the M.Ed. or MIT program with roughly one third of the coursework already completed. This leads to a cheaper and quicker master’s degree program, because although the 4+1 pathways require all the same courses as the traditional graduate pathways, some of the courses are taken during the undergraduate years.
Saint Martin’s 4+1 pathways are open to Saint Martin’s undergraduate students only.
I am an international student/I am not a U.S. Citizen. Can I enroll in the M.Ed. program?
The M.Ed. programs at Saint Martin’s are specifically designed to meet the needs of educators in Washington state. Furthermore, most student visas prohibit international students from enrolling in fully online programs. Unfortunately, our programs do not meet the needs of most international students or non-U.S. citizens. If you are in either of these categories, and you are still interested in the M.Ed. program, please reach out to the program director of the concentration you are interested in.
Master of Education at a Glance
- Degree
- Master
- Master (4+1)
- Program Type
- 4+1 Accelerated
- Master’s Degree
- Campus
- Main (Lacey)
- Type of Instruction
- Online
