PLU introduces new Master of Education program with first cohort beginning Summer 2026
By Marketing & Communications
Pacific Lutheran University will welcome the first cohort of students into its new Master of Education (M.Ed.) program in Summer 2026, offering a flexible pathway for educators and community professionals looking to grow their expertise and expand their impact.
Designed with working professionals in mind, the 15-month program helps participants advance their careers while strengthening the region’s capacity to support P-12 students, local schools, and families. The program is open to certified teachers as well as professionals in related fields — including social workers, behavior therapists, and community advocates — who work in P-12 and related educational settings.
One of the first incoming students, Jered Keller, shares, “PLU has long maintained strong ties to the community that raised me and the one I now serve as an educator. This year, I have also had the privilege of hosting a PLU student teacher, which has allowed me to experience firsthand the high standards, professionalism, and support that PLU provides to its students. I look forward to the possibility of joining a community that embraces and nurtures the diverse needs of the local community I care deeply about, while developing the leaders it supports through its M.Ed. program.”
At a glance: PLU’s Master of Education program
First cohort
Summer 2026
Program length
15 months
Format
Hybrid, for working professionals
Application deadlines
April 1 (early), May 1 (final)
Concentrations
elementary education, special education, English language learners, educational leadership, and Applied Behavior Analysis
Credential opportunities
Endorsements, principal certification, and BCBA preparation
Guaranteed Graduate Admission
Available for eligible PLU education, kinesiology, and music education alumni
Scholarship
Qualified PLU graduates receive a $5,000 PLU Graduate Scholarship
Focused pathways for today’s educators
Students in the program will choose from five concentration areas aligned with high-need roles in schools and educational organizations:
Elementary Education
Special Education
English Language Learners
Educational Leadership
Applied Behavior Analysis
The program also offers opportunities to stack additional credentials through further coursework, including teaching endorsements, principal certification, or preparation for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) exam.
“The M.Ed. program at PLU helps educators strengthen their knowledge and skills through practice-centered learning that connects learning science, reflection, and real work with children, classrooms, and communities. Grounded in a justice-centered approach, the program supports educators in creating equitable, responsive environments where all learners thrive.” —Wendy Gardiner, Associate Professor, Literacy Education
The M.Ed. program at PLU helps educators strengthen their knowledge and skills through practice-centered learning that connects learning science, reflection, and real work with children, classrooms, and communities. Grounded in a justice-centered approach, the program supports educators in creating equitable, responsive environments where all learners thrive.
Built with community partners
PLU’s School of Education developed the program in collaboration with regional school districts and education partners, ensuring the curriculum reflects the evolving needs of educators, students, and local communities.
Sara Olson, a member of PLU’s Professional Education Advisory Board and local elementary school principal, reflects, “As educators, best practice is rooted in continuous learning — we never truly ‘arrive.’ That’s why it’s encouraging to see PLU offer a Master of Education program that supports educators as they take the next step in their careers. For those of us who live nearby, the flexibility of the program makes it possible to continue working while earning an advanced degree and reaching the next career milestone in a relatively short amount of time.”
The program is grounded in the School of Education’s guiding principles, including a commitment to social justice, ethical leadership, and improving achievement for all students. Coursework focuses on pedagogy, community engagement, and data-based decision-making, while also preparing educators to support diverse learners through inclusive, neurodiversity-affirming approaches.
Expanding career pathways
As student needs continue to evolve, schools increasingly seek educators with advanced preparation who can take on expanded teaching, support, and leadership roles.
Graduates of the M.Ed. may pursue careers such as:
- Special education teacher
- English Language Learner (ELL) specialist
- Board Certified Behavior Analyst
- School or district administrator
In Washington state — where the average teacher salary is $91,720, the fourth highest in the nation — advanced credentials can also bring financial benefits. At Tacoma Public Schools, educators with a master’s degree earn about 20% more than those with a bachelor’s degree.