PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Whether you are an elementary teacher or a high school coach, the highly respected educator preparation program at Carson-Newman University could help you reach your professional goals and become a leader in the field of education.
Flexibility is a hallmark of the MEd program. The Master of Education Program at C-N can be completed in half-semester units, ideal for full-time graduate students. You’ll take six hours each semester, but only one course at a time. You may complete your teacher certification program online or in a hybrid format. You can take up to four classes in a face-to-face format in several locations across the state. Choose your area of emphasis for the specialty you’d like to pursue.
Master of Education Jobs
What are the best careers available for those who complete teaching certification programs? While the answer to that question is subjective, earning your MEd will help qualify you for some of the most coveted roles available in the field of education, including:
- Education Specalist
- Academic Coordinator
- Educational Consultant
- Curriculum Leader
- Dean of Students
EMPHASIS OPTIONS
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Coaching
- Reading Specialist
- Special Education
- Teaching ESL
- Educational Leadership
Accreditation
Carson-Newman University offers an approved Educator Preparation Program that is fully accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Each licensure area listed on this page was part of the most recent joint review conducted by CAEP and the Tennessee Department of Education. For information regarding the CAEP Annual Reporting Measures, click here.
fast facts
36 credit hours
5 semesters (18–20 months)
Online classes available
On-site classes available at certain locations
Hybrid MEd cohorts meet one evening each week, on the same day, for the entire program. There are no weekend classes.
Master of education Courses
Hybrid Format
Students in Carson-Newman blended MEd take core courses for the master’s degree in a face-to-face format. Classes meet once a week, from 4:45 to 8:45 p.m. You’ll take the remaining degree courses online, logging in regularly to complete assignments, participate in online discussions and engage in group activities. During the fall and spring terms, you will finish one course every eight weeks and up to four online courses in the summer. Following this schedule, you can complete the degree in approximately 18 months.
Online Format
Students in Carson-Newman online cohorts take all MEd courses completely online. You’ll log in regularly to complete assignments, participate in online discussions, and engage in group activities. During the fall and spring terms, you will finish one course every eight weeks and up to four courses in the summer. Following this schedule, you can complete the degree in approximately 18 months. All online courses are asynchronous, allowing you the flexibility to complete assignments and participate in discussions any time, day or night.
The Master of Education with Curriculum and Instruction emphasis equips students as pedagogical experts and leaders in pre-K–12 teaching positions. You’ll be ready to serve as a teacher-leader and curriculum developer, providing exemplary classroom instruction. In this program, you will:
- Develop extensive knowledge of educational leadership and change within educational and other societal institutions.
- Analyze and interpret school and primary research data and conduct action research to effect change.
- Learn to foster and maintain relationships within the school, and with the district, parents and community members to support student achievement.
The Master of Education with Coaching emphasis is designed for educators to expand athletic coaching knowledge and for currently licensed teachers looking to renew licensure. Completing coursework based on the National Committee for Accreditation of Coaching Education standards will prepare you to excel in athletic coaching roles. In this program, you will complete sports ethics, performance, injury, and athletic conditioning coursework.
Whether you are a teacher in elementary or high school English, the MEd with Reading Specialist emphasis can help prepare you for leadership roles in classroom management and reading in Pre–K–12 schools. In this program, you will complete coursework that explores reading difficulties, literacy, reading programs, and writing.
The Master of Education with Special Education emphasis prepares teachers for leadership roles in K–12 schools. In this program, you will complete coursework covering exceptional children, behaviors, disabilities, and needs.
With the appropriate content knowledge exam(s) for licensure, you will have the opportunity to add one (or more) of the following endorsements to your Tennessee teaching license:
- K-12 Special Education Comprehensive
- K-8 Interventionist
- 6-12 Interventionist
The Master of Education with Teaching ESL emphasis focuses on education in culturally and linguistically diverse classrooms. This program prepares you to serve international students and those whose first language is not English. You will complete coursework in English syntax, phonology, and language acquisition.
With the appropriate content knowledge exam for licensure, you can add the P-12 ESL Endorsement to your Tennessee teaching license.
The Master of Education with Educational Leadership emphasis equips teachers for administration roles in pre-K–12 schools. In the program, you will:
- Prepare for the School Leaders Licensure Assessment Praxis Exam.
- Develop extensive knowledge of governance and change within educational and other societal institutions.
- Learn how to develop and maintain relationships within the school and with the district, parents and community members to support student achievement.
- Complete coursework related to school management, financial planning and leadership foundations.
- Add the P-12 Instructional Leader endorsement to your Tennessee teaching license.
Master of EDucation ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
To apply for the Carson-Newman MEd program, please follow these steps:
Submit Praxis scores from the PRAXIS II Principles of Learning and Teaching Tests or PRAXIS II Subject Assessment Tests in the area of licensure. Carson-Newman will accept a score from any PRAXIS II test that is currently offered for Tennessee state teachers.
If these scores are unavailable, a GRE score obtained within the last 10 years may be submitted.
If you have a valid Professional Educators License, please submit a copy of your certificate to the Graduate Admissions Office via email at cpsadmissions@cjpk.net.
DID YOU KNOW?
The job outlook for educators is consistent with other occupations. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics the job outlook for teachers is 4-5% through 2031, which is the average for all occupations. The BLS projects approximately 60,200 additional jobs for kindergarten and elementary teachers, 25,000 openings for middle school teachers and 48,700 high school teacher positions by 2031. A specialized master’s degree in education gives you a competitive advantage in the field.
VALUE
An MEd is an investment in your future and the future of your students. You’ll enjoy:
- A program tailored to support and meet the needs of working educators.
- A proven program with high evaluation scores by school administrators and current students.
- A total program cost below $20,000.
PAYMENT PLANS
Our no-interest payment plans help reduce up-front costs. Enrolling in a payment plan allows you to make monthly payments on your direct charges instead of paying your full balance before classes start.
Our Office of Financial Aid is available to guide you through the many options available to graduate students at Carson-Newman.
Master of Education FAQs
What Is a Master of Education Degree?
A Master of Education (MEd) is a postgraduate degree focusing on the theoretical aspects of instruction and education. It provides students with an understanding of educational philosophies, curriculum design, teaching pedagogy, assessment principles, and research methodologies. Students who pursue this degree are looking to deepen their understanding of each area of education as well as improve their skills in working with both children and adults in various instructional contexts.
What Can I Do with a Master’s Degree in Education?
A master’s degree in education is ideal for experienced educators who want to supplement their knowledge base or those who have recently graduated from undergraduate programs and are seeking further study in the field. Earning an MEd can open many possibilities for those pursuing careers in higher education administration or academic-related research positions. With an MEd, you can become a certified educator, instructional coach, school administrator, curriculum specialist, policy analyst, educational consultant, and more!
Is an MEd Worth It?
A Master of Education can be a great way to take your career in teaching to the next level. It gives you access to a wealth of knowledge, experience, and the skills needed to qualify for educational leadership roles. With an MEd, you can pursue higher-paying roles and even become an administrator. In addition, having this degree may make you more competitive in the job market and help confirm your commitment to lifelong learning. Ultimately, if your primary goal is improving yourself and achieving success in education, an MEd is definitely worth considering.
