Master’s in Education at Regis University: Programs, Online Options & Careers

Teachers with a master’s degree earn a 27.6% salary premium over those with a bachelor’s, making an M.Ed. a practical route to higher pay, specialized roles, and instructional leadership. Regis University, a Jesuit institution in Denver, integrates ethical commitment and social justice into its graduate education programs. The private university’s tuition requires careful budgeting, and working teachers need schedules that won’t disrupt their classrooms. Regis addresses this with multiple annual start dates, online and hybrid options, and a curriculum aligned to Colorado licensure requirements. For Colorado educators, that alignment reduces the risk of earning a degree that doesn’t advance a concrete career goal.

Flexible Learning: Online, On-Campus, and Hybrid M.ed. Options at Regis

Choosing between a fully online master's and one with on-campus commitments often forces working teachers to weigh flexibility against valuable in-person interaction. Regis University meets that tension with a variety of delivery formats, allowing you to match your learning style and life demands while still completing a rigorous, accredited M.Ed.

Online and Hybrid Pathways

Regis structures its M.Ed. programs as fully online, hybrid, or online with optional on-campus elements. The M.Ed. in Educational Leadership is entirely online, combining asynchronous learning with occasional synchronous sessions that fit around a full-time teaching schedule. The master's in reading and literacy also gives you the choice: you can complete it fully online or select a hybrid track that mixes virtual work with limited on-campus sessions.

The M.Ed. in Elementary Education is delivered primarily online, but you may opt into on-campus or hybrid components if you prefer more face-to-face engagement. Its curriculum blends self-paced modules with live discussion forums and virtual office hours. The M.Ed. in Special Education uses a hybrid approach, requiring some on-campus attendance along with extensive fieldwork, which ensures you build collaborative skills alongside peers and instructors.

Field Experience and Clinical Requirements

Every M.Ed. at Regis weaves real-world practice into its coursework. For Elementary Education, you will accumulate 800 hours of clinical practice, which includes student teaching, plus an additional 200 hours of pre-student teaching field experience spread across 1, 3 hours per week in partner schools.¹ This totals roughly 1,000 hours in K-6 classrooms, aligning with Colorado licensure expectations.

Special Education demands a 150-hour internship² in addition to its hybrid coursework. You work directly with students who have diverse learning needs, applying course strategies under mentor supervision. Reading & Literacy and Educational Leadership programs shift toward practitioner inquiry or applied leadership projects rather than traditional student teaching, often integrating field-based assignments within your own school or district.

Balancing Work and Graduate Study

Regis designs these pathways to accommodate the unpredictable hours of a teaching career, making balancing teaching and grad school achievable. Most online courses are asynchronous, so you can watch lectures, complete readings, and post discussion responses when your schedule permits, evenings, weekends, or planning periods. Hybrid and optional on-campus sessions are typically held in the evenings or on weekends, minimizing conflicts. The Elementary Education program, for example, can be finished in as few as 25 months if you study year-round, or spread over 47 months if you need a lighter load.³ All M.Ed. specialties support part-time study, and start dates occur multiple times a year, so you never have to wait long to begin.

What You’ll Pay: Regis University M.ed. Tuition and Financial Aid

When budgeting for a master’s in education, you’ll find two distinct pricing models: public universities with state-subsidized tuition and private institutions like Regis University that bundle personalized support and Jesuit values into the cost. Understanding what you’ll actually pay, and what financial help is available, starts with breaking down the numbers.

Understanding the Costs

Regis University charges a per-credit rate for graduate education courses. For the 2025, 2026 academic year, that rate is $790 per credit hour.¹ Since most M.Ed. specializations require 42 credits, the total tuition for a complete program comes to $33,180.¹ This figure does not include additional fees. You should also budget for a one-time graduation fee of $300,² and possibly course-specific materials or technology fees. While Regis does not publish a universal comprehensive fee schedule for education programs, it’s wise to contact the Bursar’s Office to confirm any per-semester charges. The university reviews tuition annually, so costs may shift slightly for future cohorts.

For comparison, the 2025, 2026 national average for a master’s in education at private non-profit universities hovers around $30,000, $40,000. Regis falls squarely in that range, offering a competitive price for a degree with small class sizes, personalized advising, and faith-based leadership training. Keep in mind that some public universities charge less, but they often lack the integrated support and mission-driven approach Regis provides.

Financial Aid and Discounts for Educators

Regis University actively works to make graduate education affordable for teachers and school staff. Several educator-specific financial aid options are available:

• Tuition Discounts: Regis partners with many Colorado school districts, diocesan systems, and independent schools to offer reduced tuition rates for employees. If you teach in a partner district, you may qualify for a per-credit discount , sometimes as much as 10 to 20%. Check with your employer’s HR department or Regis’s Graduate Admissions team to see if your school qualifies.
• Graduate Assistantships: A limited number of assistantships are available each year, providing a tuition waiver and stipend in exchange for research or administrative work. These are competitive and typically require a separate application.
• Scholarships: Regis offers institutional scholarships based on academic merit, financial need, and sometimes specific to education majors. The university also encourages students to apply for external scholarships like the TEACH Grant or state-funded educator awards.
• Federal Financial Aid: All graduate students can apply for federal unsubsidized loans by completing the FAFSA. While not a discount, these loans come with flexible repayment options and sometimes loan forgiveness for teachers in high-need fields.

Payment plans are available through the Student Accounts office, allowing you to spread each semester’s charges over several months without penalty. Regis does not currently offer a multi-year tuition guarantee, so if you enroll part-time, your per-credit rate may increase slightly each year.

Comparing the Investment

Weighing $33,180 against potential salary increases is essential. In Colorado, teachers with a master’s degree often see a $5,000, $10,000 annual boost in pay, depending on the district. Over a 20 to 30 year career, the return on investment can be substantial. Additionally, the personal and professional growth from a Jesuit education, with its emphasis on ethics, social justice, and reflective practice, adds intangible value that goes beyond a paycheck.

If you’re concerned about the total cost, start by exploring tuition discounts through your employer. Many educators at Regis reduce their net price significantly this way, making the degree more affordable than the sticker price suggests. Reach out to the Office of Financial Aid early to build a funding package that includes grants, scholarships, and any employer benefits. With careful planning, the cost of a Regis M.Ed. can be a manageable step toward a more fulfilling career.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Getting In: Admissions Requirements and Deadlines for Regis M.ed. Programs

What does it take to get into Regis University's Master's in Education programs? The process is designed to be straightforward, with no GRE and multiple start dates each year. Whether you're a practicing teacher advancing your career or seeking initial licensure, here's what you need to apply.

GPA and Test Requirements

For most M.Ed. programs, a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 is required.¹ However, if you are applying to the M.A. in Education leading to initial teacher licensure, you'll need a higher GPA of at least 3.00.² Regis does not require the GRE for any M.Ed. program.¹ International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency: a minimum TOEFL score of 82 or an overall IELTS band score of 5.³ Additionally, all applicants must successfully complete a background check before admission.¹

Application Materials

You'll submit your application online.¹ Required materials include official transcripts from every college or university you've attended, a current résumé, and a completed online application form.¹ Some applicants may also need to participate in an interview.¹ If you're applying to the M.Ed. for Practicing Teachers, you must hold a current teaching license and include a copy with your application.⁴ The M.A. in Education for initial licensure has additional prerequisites: you need a bachelor's degree with content-area coursework that aligns with Colorado Department of Education guidelines, and you must pass the Colorado PLACE or Praxis II content exam.²

Deadlines and Timing

Regis University operates on a rolling admissions basis with multiple start dates throughout the year.⁵ For domestic applicants, early application is encouraged to secure your spot and allow time for processing.⁵

Licensure-Specific Requirements

If you're pursuing initial teacher certification through the M.A. in Education, your application must demonstrate that your undergraduate coursework meets state content standards.² This may require a transcript review by the program advisor.² For the M.Ed. for Practicing Teachers, your current teaching license serves as evidence of your classroom experience and commitment to the profession.⁴

Pathways to Licensure: What Regis M.ed. Programs Qualify You For

Three years of licensed teaching experience, that’s the baseline requirement for Regis University’s M.Ed. in Educational Leadership, which leads to Colorado principal licensure.¹ Not all M.Ed. paths at Regis are designed for aspiring administrators, though. The university’s graduate education programs are built around distinct licensure outcomes, and which one fits you depends on whether you already hold a teaching license and what professional milestone you’re aiming for next.

Initial Licensure Pathway

If you’re entering the classroom for the first time, the M.Ed. in Elementary Education is your on-ramp. This program is approved by the Colorado Department of Education² and leads directly to an initial K-6 elementary teaching license. It’s designed for candidates who do not yet hold any teaching credential⁴, covering both foundational pedagogy and the supervised clinical practice required for state licensure. Upon completion, you’ll be eligible to apply for your Colorado initial license and begin teaching in elementary settings.

Added Endorsement Tracks

For educators who already have a license, two specializations add endorsements to expand your qualifications. The M.Ed. in Special Education (Added Endorsement) prepares you for the Special Education Generalist endorsement³, authorizing you to serve students with disabilities across a range of grade levels. Similarly, the M.Ed. in Reading (Endorsement Track) leads to reading specialist certification³, positioning you as a literacy leader in your school. Both tracks assume you enter with a valid Colorado teaching license and build on your existing classroom experience.

Non-Licensure and Professional Advancement

Not every Regis M.Ed. pursuit is tied to a new state credential. The M.Ed. in Reading also offers a degree-only track³ for graduate students who want advanced expertise in literacy instruction without seeking an endorsement. This path is flexible: it doesn’t require a teaching license and is open to professionals exploring curriculum design, tutoring, or education-adjacent roles. Meanwhile, the Educational Leadership program, while culminating in principal licensure¹, is fundamentally a career-advancement degree for experienced teachers ready to step into school administration. It requires at least three years of licensed teaching before you can even apply.¹

Licensure Reciprocity and Out-of-State Steps

All Regis licensure programs are built around Colorado’s educator preparation standards. If you plan to teach or lead in another state, you’ll typically need to pursue licensure by reciprocity. Colorado participates in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement, which simplifies the process for moving your credential across participating states. However, exact requirements vary: some states may ask for additional coursework, exams, or a temporary license while you complete their specific requirements. For the clearest path, contact the department of education in your target state early in your program to understand what they’ll need beyond your Regis degree and Colorado endorsement.

Inside the Classroom: M.ed. Curriculum and Field Experience at Regis

A Foundation in Jesuit Values

All Regis University Master of Education (M.Ed.) students share a common grounding in courses that reflect the university's Jesuit identity. Foundational coursework explores educational philosophy, ethics, and the role of reflection in teaching practice. These classes emphasize social justice, contemplation in action, and the dignity of every learner; hallmarks of a Regis education. You will study child and adolescent development, multicultural perspectives, and research methodologies that equip you to become a thoughtful, effective educator.

Specialized Pathways and Credit Requirements

Regis structures its M.Ed. around distinct career goals. Each pathway has its own credit total and course sequence.

• Elementary Education (45 credits): This licensure program includes 12 credits of core coursework, 27 credits in elementary methods (literacy, mathematics, science, social studies), a 3-credit student teaching placement, a 3-credit professionalism seminar, and 6 additional licensure credits. You must also pass the PRAXIS exam¹.
• Secondary Education (33 credits): Designed for those teaching grades 7 to 12, this track incorporates 200 hours of field experience before a full-time student teaching semester. The curriculum addresses content-specific pedagogy and adolescent literacy².
• Special Education (30 credits): For teachers seeking an endorsement without a full master's, a 27-credit endorsement-only option exists. The full M.Ed. integrates assessment, behavior support, and inclusive practices³.
• Dual MS ABA + M.Ed. Special Education (76 credits): This intensive program combines applied behavior analysis training with special education coursework. It requires a two-part thesis (ABA 625 and 626) and includes 9 credits of student teaching plus a 3-credit accompanying seminar⁴.

Elective choices are built into some specializations, allowing you to tailor your degree to interests such as bilingual education or instructional technology.

Field Experience and Student Teaching

All licensure tracks embed practical training from the start. During early coursework, you will complete at least 200 hours of field experience¹, often scheduled 1 to 3 hours per week in a partner school. This gradual immersion builds confidence and connects theory directly to classroom realities. The experience culminates in a full-time student teaching semester, pushing total hands-on hours to approximately 800¹. Mentor teachers and university supervisors provide ongoing feedback and evaluation, and student teaching tips from our guides can complement that guidance.

Capstone and Thesis Requirements

Most M.Ed. candidates demonstrate mastery through a capstone licensure presentation and review (ED 699)⁵. This zero-credit milestone involves a portfolio or public exhibition of your readiness to lead a classroom. The dual MS ABA + M.Ed. program substitutes a two-course thesis sequence (ABA 625 and 626)⁴, reflecting its clinical and research orientation. Whether through capstone or thesis, you will synthesize your learning in a way that advances your professional practice.

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Where a Regis M.ed. Can Take You: Career and Salary Outcomes

As school systems shift toward data-driven practices and specialized support roles, educators with a master’s degree are positioned to move beyond the classroom into impactful leadership and specialist positions. Regis University’s M.Ed. programs align with Colorado’s licensure requirements and national standards, opening doors to a range of in-demand careers.

Career Pathways and Typical Roles

Graduates of Regis M.Ed. programs step into roles that shape curriculum, guide teachers, and drive student success. Depending on your specialization, you might pursue:

• Instructional Coordinator: Designing and implementing curriculum across a school or district, a common path for masters in curriculum and instruction graduates.
• Reading Specialist: Providing literacy intervention and coaching, often in a pull-out or push-in model.
• Special Education Director: Overseeing programs and compliance for students with disabilities, a role often pursued with a masters in special education.
• Principal or Assistant Principal: Leading a school community, managing staff, and setting instructional vision.
• Curriculum Developer or Instructional Designer: Creating engaging learning materials for K-12 or higher education settings.

Many Regis M.Ed. tracks include credentials like the Principal Licensure (Educational Leadership)³ or Special Education Generalist Licensure⁴, while programs in Elementary and Secondary Education lead to initial teacher licensure in Colorado.

Salary Outcomes and Return on Investment

A master’s degree in education often translates directly into higher pay, as most school districts place M.Ed. holders on a higher salary schedule lane. Regis reports that its M.Ed. graduates experience an average salary increase of 26% over their bachelor’s-only peers.¹ National data further illustrate the earning potential:

• Elementary and secondary teachers with an M.Ed. typically earn between $55,000 and $80,000 annually.
• Reading and literacy specialists can expect $65,000 to $95,000.
• Assistant principals and deans often see $80,000 to $100,000.
• District-level directors in curriculum or special education range from $80,000 to $110,000.
• Instructional designers and training specialists earn $65,000 to $95,000.

For those aiming at the top, school principals earn a median national salary of $103,460, and postsecondary education administrators (often prepared through a master’s in higher education) earn $102,000. While job growth for principals is projected at 4% over the next decade, specialized roles in instructional coordination and reading intervention are expanding as districts invest in targeted student support.²

Career Services and Employer Connections

Regis University’s Career Center offers M.Ed. students personalized guidance, from resume reviews to interview preparation and job search strategies. The university maintains an active alumni network and strong partnerships with Colorado school districts, from Denver and Aurora to Jefferson and Douglas counties. Many graduates find leadership roles within these districts, charter schools, and private institutions that value the Jesuit emphasis on ethical leadership and service.

For those open to relocating, the M.Ed. credential from a respected institution like Regis is portable, particularly when coupled with a renewable license. The combination of rigorous coursework, hands-on field experiences, and a built-in professional network gives Regis graduates a strong foundation to advance their careers and achieve meaningful salary growth.

Regis M.ed. Graduate Salary Snapshot

The Regis Difference: Jesuit Values, Faculty, and Denver Location

While many M.Ed. programs center on theory and research, Regis University’s graduate education experience weaves a commitment to service, social justice, and whole-person development into every course. This Jesuit approach, known as cura personalis, or care for the whole person, shapes the curriculum and how faculty mentor students.

A Mission-Driven Education

Regis’s Division of Education embeds values of service, equity, and inclusive practice directly into its M.Ed. programs. Students learn to design equitable learning environments and advocate for justice in schools. Experiential education and service learning are not add-ons; they are core components of the degree. This means that as you master teaching strategies, you also reflect on your role in creating fair and compassionate classrooms.

Faculty Who’ve Walked the Classroom Walk

Regis faculty combine deep scholarly work with substantial K-12 practitioner experience. They bring real-world stories and tested methods into every discussion. For example, Dr. Elizabeth Grassi, Professor of Education, brings an international perspective through an Erasmus+ grant collaboration with Østfold University College in Norway.¹ Other faculty lead equity-minded audits of evaluation processes, always pushing the field forward.² Their combined commitment to scholarship and student success offers mentorship grounded in both research and the day-to-day realities of teaching.

Denver: Your Classroom and Your Network

The campus sits in the heart of the Denver metro area, alongside other institutions like Metropolitan State University of Denver, giving you access to an incredibly diverse range of school settings. Urban, suburban, and rural districts all lie within reach for field placements, student teaching, and networking. This geographic advantage means you can apply what you learn in settings that match your career goals, whether that’s a bilingual classroom in Aurora or an innovative charter school in downtown Denver.

An Alumni Network That Opens Doors

Regis education graduates join a values-driven network that stretches across Colorado and beyond. Alumni often stay connected through service projects, professional development, and hiring pipelines. This community isn’t just about job leads; it’s about shared purpose. When you earn your M.Ed. from Regis, you become part of a collective working toward educational equity, and that identity can accelerate your career impact in meaningful ways.

The Regis M.Ed. program stands apart because it is grounded in the Jesuit commitment to educating the whole person, fostering educators who are not just masters of pedagogy but also champions of equity, reflection, and service to others.

Your Questions About Regis University M.ed. Programs, Answered

Planning your master’s in education comes with key questions. Below, we address what prospective Regis University students frequently ask about M.Ed. specializations, accreditation, duration, online delivery, licensure, and tuition.

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