Master of Education (MEd)
Online
Complete your studies on your own time
Finish in 18 months
Average completion time
Next start date
every Monday
Year-round enrollment
Prepare for Higher Levels of Leadership in Education
Degree:
Master of Education (MEd)
Application:
$0 application fee. No essays/exams.
NU offers two track options for students interested in pursuing their master’s in education and preparing for increased leadership responsibilities in K-12 or higher education. Options include a standard online MEd track, or an accelerated track MEd that can help you complete your degree in just one year.
National University’s online Master’s in Education program prepares you to become a leader in the field by giving you the knowledge required to effectively analyze and address educational issues within your area of specialization. You’ll apply education leadership principles to real-world problems through professionally relevant case studies, all while gaining a wealth of experience from your mentoring professors.
Career Potential
Education professionals are in demand, and Emsi labor market analytics and economic data* show plenty of opportunities exist for those who choose to enter the field. Whether you want to teach or prefer to work in an administrative role, earning your PhD can help you impact the industry.
Positions
- Research scientist
- Research associate
- Psychometrician
- Education program consultant
- Education consultant
- College/university-level professor, assistant professor
- Teacher
- Research faculty member
- College/university-level administrator
- Dean
- Director
- Associate director
Work Settings
- Colleges and universities
- State Department of Education agencies
- Education service providers (i.e., Pearson)
- Private research institutes dedicated to educational or social policies
*Positions may require additional experience, training, and other factors beyond completing this degree program. Many roles may also require state licensure, and it is the student’s responsibility to ensure that all licensure requirements are met.
SOURCE: Emsi Labor Analyst- Report
DISCLAIMER: The data provided is for informational purposes only. Emsi data and analysis utilizes government sources to provide insights on industries, demographics, employers, in-demand skills, and more to align academic programs with labor market opportunities. Cited projections may not reflect local or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth. Current and prospective students should use this data with other available economic data to inform their educational decisions.
Program at a Glance
- Total Credit Hours: 30-36 Credit Hours
- Courses: 10-12 Courses*
- Recommended Completion Time: 18 Months
- Next Start Date: Every Monday
- Classroom Size: One
*This program is fully accredited by AAQEP through December 31, 2028.
Course Sequence
10 Courses
Specialization Course 1
Scholarly Writing and Using Research
3.0 Credit Hours
Two key measures of proficiency for any professional are information literacy and written communication. You will focus on these competencies in this course, which blends your need to identify and use credible research with your development as a scholarly writer. With applied activities in areas of interest to you, this course will establish the foundation of your success in the remainder of your graduate work.
Technology and a Vision for the Future – MEd
3.0 Credit Hours
In this course, you will explore the application of both existing and emerging technologies to the learning needs of educational organizations. As you grow as a leader, you will need to plan for technology integration through the evaluation, selection, funding, and adoption of specific hardware and software that meet your organization’s needs. This course will help you to tackle these challenges and more.
Specialization Course 2
Specialization Course 3
Specialization Course 4
Specialization Course 5
Specialization Course 6
MEd Capstone
3.0 Credit Hours
This course represents the culmination of your master’s degree. In this course, you will synthesize the knowledge, skills, and attitudes developed throughout your program into a proposal that addresses an identified need in an organization related to your specialization. Within your selected organization, you will identify, examine, and justify a specific need or problem. Using your recently developed competencies, you will propose a practical, comprehensive solution to mitigate the need or problem.
*May be substituted with a course from the student’s specialization with Dean approval.
Career Outlook
Data Source: The career outcomes data presented is sourced from Lightcast, which provides insights based on real-time job postings, public datasets, and analytics. Lightcast derives its data from sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW), and the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES). While accurate and reliable, this data reflects general labor market trends and may not represent individual outcomes or specific local conditions. For more details on Lightcast’s methodology, visit their Data Overview.
Here are some careers this degree could prepare you for:
Please select the state you will work in to view job data in your area
- Top Jobs in this field
- Median Salary
- Job Openings
- Education Administrators for Elementary and Secondary Schools
-
$158,653
avg. salary (USA) -
2,762
job openings (past yr.) past year
ALl of USAMost Desired Skills
- Student Services
- Special Education
- Student Information Systems
- Academic Advising
- Office Equipment
- Data Analysis
- Support Services
ALl of USATop Companies Hiring
- Edjoin.Org
- California State University-Chancellors Office
- University of California
- Aspire Public Schools
- California State University-San Bernardino
- Coast Community College District Office
- San Diego Unified School District
- Postsecondary Education Administrators
-
$124,401
avg. salary (USA) -
1,600
job openings (past yr.) past year
ALl of USAMost Desired Skills
- Student Services
- Marketing
- Fundraising
- Enrollment Management
- Customer Relationship Management
- Project Management
- Higher Education
ALl of USATop Companies Hiring
- Edjoin.Org
- California State University-Chancellors Office
- University of California-Berkeley
- City Year
- University of California
- Stanford University
- Herc
- Instructional Coordinators
-
$96,846
avg. salary (USA) -
2,597
job openings (past yr.) past year
ALl of USAMost Desired Skills
- Instructional Design
- Curriculum Development
- Special Education
- Learning Management Systems
- Adult Education
- Project Management
- Educational Technologies
ALl of USATop Companies Hiring
- Edjoin.Org
- University of California
- Aleut Federal
- Spectrum Center Schools And Programs
- Pearson Education
- Savvas Learning
- Aspire Public Schools
- Social and Community Service Managers
-
$82,104
avg. salary (USA) -
4,011
job openings (past yr.) past year
ALl of USAMost Desired Skills
- Social Work
- Human Services
- Psychology
- Discharge Planning
- Case Management
- Mental Health
- Disabilities
ALl of USATop Companies Hiring
- Kaiser Permanente
- YMCA
- Adventist Health
- The Salvation Army
- Volunteers of America
- Turning Point Community Programs
- University of California
- Administrative Services Managers
-
$108,753
avg. salary (USA) -
3,787
job openings (past yr.) past year
ALl of USAMost Desired Skills
- Office Management
- Accounting
- Administrative Support
- Finance
- Billing
- Accounts Receivable
- Collections
ALl of USATop Companies Hiring
- State of California
- Ucsf Health Aco
- University of California-San Francisco
- University of California
- Stanford University
- Meta
- Administrative Services Managers
-
$108,753
avg. salary (USA) -
3,787
job openings (past yr.) past year
ALl of USAMost Desired Skills
- Office Management
- Accounting
- Administrative Support
- Finance
- Billing
- Accounts Receivable
- Collections
ALl of USATop Companies Hiring
- State of California
- Ucsf Health Aco
- University of California-San Francisco
- University of California
- Stanford University
- Meta
- Management Analysts
-
$101,491
avg. salary (USA) -
15,103
job openings (past yr.) past year
ALl of USAMost Desired Skills
- Project Management
- Workflow Management
- Data Analysis
- Business Process
- Business Requirements
- Finance
- Process Improvement
ALl of USATop Companies Hiring
- Accenture
- Bank of America
- Call For Referral
- Blue Shield of California
- Southern California Edison
- JPMorgan Chase
- Kaiser Permanente
On-Campus Locations for This Program
In addition to online and hybrid formats, this program is also offered in person at some of our campuses. Explore the in-person options below.
There are no Locations found.
Admissions
Next start date: Every Monday
Year-round enrollment
Transfer Students Welcome
Enrolling in a university is a big decision. That’s why our dedicated admissions team is here to guide you through the admissions process and help you find the right program for you and your career goals.
To that end, we’ve simplified and streamlined our application process, so you can get enrolled in your program right away. Because we accept and review applications year round, you can begin class as soon as next month, depending on your program and location of choice.
Learn more about undergraduate, graduate, military, plus admissions information for transfer students. You can also learn more about our tuition rates and financial aid opportunities.
To speak with our admissions team, call (855) 355-6288 or request information and an advisor will contact you shortly. If you’re ready to apply, simply start your application today.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
National University is dedicated to making higher education affordable, as well as accessible. Through NU scholarship offerings, eligible students are able to reduce the financial burden of college, start classes sooner, and finish their programs faster while focusing on achieving their goals.
Accreditations
The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accredits public and private schools, colleges, and universities in the U.S.
Why National University?
We’re proud to be a Veteran-founded, San Diego-based nonprofit. Since 1971, our mission has been to provide accessible, achievable higher education to adult learners.
Today, we educate students from across the U.S. and around the globe, with over 250,000 alumni worldwide.
“National University has impacted my career. You can immediately apply what you learn in class to your business.”
Francisco R.,
Class of 2016
What makes a degree
with National University unique?
Free Tutoring Sessions
Access personalized tutoring sessions at no cost — empowering your learning.
Online
Flexibility meets quality education with our online learning option.
24/7 Support
Get assistance anytime, anywhere with our round-the-clock support services.
Military Friendly
Committed to serving those who serve — diverse resources and support for veterans and family. Military and Veteran Admissions.
Mentoring Network
Individual student and alumni career guidance, professional development opportunities, and customized career support.
Transfer Students Welcome
NU makes it easy to get your degree, even if you started it with another university. Learn more about transferring to NU.
Accelerate Your Career With NU
At National University, you’re part of a family. As a student, you’ll have the support of staff, faculty members, students, and alumni who will be there with you every step of the way, cheering you on as you pursue your goals.
Our network of 250,000 alumni is a large global community that provides our graduates with the professional connections to get a leg up in your new career.
Frequently Asked Questions
This program is designed for educators preparing to step into school-site or district-level leadership roles. The California Credential Option allows qualified students to complete both the master’s degree and the requirements for the Preliminary Administrative Services Credential, which is needed for many administrative positions in California public schools. Students working in private or nonpublic settings may pursue the degree-only option without the credential component.
No. The MEd program at National University is open to a wide range of education professionals and does not list a required teaching license or previous certification for admission. While many students have classroom or school-based experience, it is not a stated requirement. If you intend to pursue state certification or licensure, be sure to check your state’s requirements, as this degree alone may not meet them.
Yes. The program is designed for working professionals. It is fully online, offers weekly start dates, and allows you to complete the program in approximately 18 months, or faster if you transfer credits. The online format, structured course pacing, and flexible scheduling make it manageable for students who work full-time.
Graduates may pursue roles such as:
- Research associate or research specialist
- Education program consultant
- Education consultant
- College or university administrator
- Director or associate director in educational organizations
- Classroom teacher or faculty member (depending on prior background and state requirements)
Your specific outcomes will depend on the specialization you choose and your professional goals.
- Flexibility: The program is 100% online with frequent start dates, making it ideal for working adults.
- Practice-Oriented Curriculum: Coursework blends educational theory with applied skills such as instructional design, research methods, equity in education, and leadership.
- Capstone Experience: A culminating capstone allows students to apply their learning to a real-world educational challenge or project.
Compared to an MBA, the MEd focuses on education-specific leadership and instructional expertise rather than general business management.
Program Disclosure
Successful completion and attainment of National University degrees do not lead to automatic or immediate licensure, employment, or certification in any state/country. The University cannot guarantee that any professional organization or business will accept a graduate’s application to sit for any certification, licensure, or related exam for the purpose of professional certification.
Program availability varies by state. Many disciplines, professions, and jobs require disclosure of an individual’s criminal history, and a variety of states require background checks to apply to, or be eligible for, certain certificates, registrations, and licenses. Existence of a criminal history may also subject an individual to denial of an initial application for a certificate, registration, or license and/or result in the revocation or suspension of an existing certificate, registration, or license. Requirements can vary by state, occupation, and/or licensing authority.
NU graduates will be subject to additional requirements on a program, certification/licensure, employment, and state-by-state basis that can include one or more of the following items: internships, practicum experience, additional coursework, exams, tests, drug testing, earning an additional degree, and/or other training/education requirements.
All prospective students are advised to review employment, certification, and/or licensure requirements in their state, and to contact the certification/licensing body of the state and/or country where they intend to obtain certification/licensure to verify that these courses/programs qualify in that state/country, prior to enrolling. Prospective students are also advised to regularly review the state’s/country’s policies and procedures relating to certification/licensure, as those policies are subject to change.
National University degrees do not guarantee employment or salary of any kind. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to review desired job positions to review degrees, education, and/or training required to apply for desired positions. Prospective students should monitor these positions as requirements, salary, and other relevant factors can change over time.
Kentucky Disclosure
Please be advised that this program is NOT accredited in Kentucky by the Education Professional Standards Board and is NOT recognized for initial, additional, or renewal of certification or salary enhancement (rank change) for P-12 educators in Kentucky. For more information, please visit the Education Professional Standards Board’s website.
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