Master of Education – M.Ed.
PLU’s Master of Education is built for educators and related professionals (social workers, behavior therapists, community advocates, etc.), who are ready to deepen their knowledge and skills to advance their careers, meet the needs of students and children in our region, and make an impact in our communities.
Whether you are a certified teacher or community worker ready to take the next step in your professional development, the PLU M.Ed. will help you build expertise in areas aligned with your goals.
Our 15-month M.Ed. – designed for working professionals – offers a flexible, practice-centered curriculum focused on pedagogy, community, justice, current issues in education, and data-based decision-making. Coursework is grounded in real educational contexts and shaped by current needs of educators, district partners, and local communities.
As an M.Ed. student, you’ll choose from one of five specializations:
- Elementary Education
- Special Education
- English Language Learners
- Educational Leadership
- Applied Behavior Analysis
You’ll also have opportunities to stack credentials through additional coursework, including teaching endorsements, administrator and principal certification, or preparation for the BCBA exam.
Why PLU’s Master of Education degree?
Hybrid & Flexible Format
The 15-month program has been designed with working professionals in mind to help you advance in your career.
Community Collaboration
Our School of Education is well-known and respected in the region. The focus and options within our M.Ed. reflect priorities identified by our partner districts and educators.
Options & Opportunities
Your M.Ed. will include one of five concentration options, as well as options to complete PLU continuing education coursework to earn an add-on endorsement, principal certification, or Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) exam preparation.
Commitment to Social Justice and Student Achievement
PLU’s School of Education guiding principles lay the foundation for our M.Ed. curriculum: commitment to social justice; understanding of ethical responsibilities of leadership; effective and respectful interaction with others of similar and diverse cultures, values, and perspectives; commitment to increasing achievement for all students.
Guaranteed Admission for PLU Alum
Graduates of PLU’s Bachelor of Arts in Education, Bachelor of Arts in Kinesiology with Health & Fitness Education Certification, and Bachelor of Music Education programs are eligible for Guaranteed Graduate Admission to the M.Ed. and the $5,000 PLU Graduate Scholarship.
Career Prospects & Preparation
As student needs and expectations continue to change, schools and districts increasingly seek educators with deeper preparation. Advanced training supports educators in taking on expanded roles grounded in research-informed practice.
This program prepares educators for a broader range of classroom and student-support roles across schools and communities. Graduates may be positioned to teach in special education classrooms, support multilingual learners through ELL-focused roles, or provide specialized instruction through Applied Behavior Analysis as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. These pathways open doors to high-need instructional and support positions.
A Master of Education (M.Ed.) from PLU can prepare educators for leadership and administrative roles, including school principal, district superintendent, and positions focused on curriculum, programs, and grants. Beyond primary and secondary education, the M.Ed. can also open pathways to teaching at the postsecondary level, including roles as a professor, lecturer, or adjunct instructor at community colleges and four-year institutions.
PLU’s Master of Education program supports these pathways through focused concentration options and opportunities to build additional credentials. Graduates are prepared to take on new responsibilities while continuing to serve students, schools, and communities.