Your Path to a Master's in Education at Howard University

Thirty-three percent of Howard University School of Education graduates teach in District of Columbia public schools, a figure that reflects the university’s deep-rooted commitment to training educators for the communities that need them most. Howard’s nearly 160-year legacy as a leading HBCU in Washington, D.C., anchors its Master of Education (M.Ed.) programs in a tradition of preparing teachers and leaders who understand the cultural and structural dynamics of urban schools.

Through focused specializations and flexible delivery (online, on-campus, or hybrid), the M.Ed. equips you to advance your practice without stepping away from the classroom. In a city where licensure renewal demands ongoing graduate coursework, a master’s degree from Howard serves as both a professional milestone and a strategic credential.

Overview of Howard University’s M.ed. Programs

What makes Howard University's Master of Education programs a powerful option for educators who want to lead change in urban schools? The answer lies in a nearly 160-year legacy of preparing teachers and leaders to serve Black and other underserved communities, combined with a forward-looking curriculum grounded in social justice and anti-racism.

A Historic Mission in the Nation's Capital

Howard University, founded in 1867¹, is one of the country's most prominent Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Located in Washington, D.C., the School of Education belongs to a landscape of master's in education programs in Washington, D.C., carries accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)², and operates with a clear mission: to prepare and empower transformational leaders for Black and other underserved populations.³ Under Dean Dawn G. Williams³ and Director of Graduate Studies Cristobal Rodriguez, the school integrates deep cultural competence with rigorous academic training, ensuring graduates are ready to address the real challenges facing urban schools today.

Commitment to Equity and Urban Education

The School of Education's philosophy centers on social justice², making it a natural home for educators who want to dismantle systemic barriers. Coursework and fieldwork emphasize culturally responsive pedagogy, educational equity, and policy advocacy. Students benefit from strong partnerships with DC Public Schools and community organizations such as Upward Bound, the Early Learning Program, and the historic Journal of Negro Education.² These connections provide hands-on experiences that bridge theory and practice while reinforcing the school's dedication to urban school reform.

Three Distinct M.Ed. Pathways

Howard's graduate education offerings include three primary M.Ed. specializations, each designed to meet different career goals within the education sector. The M.Ed. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies prepares aspiring administrators for roles in K-12 and higher education settings, with the program holding national recognition from the Educational Leadership Constituent Council (ELCC)⁵. An accelerated online M.Ed. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, delivered 100% online with both synchronous and asynchronous components, allows working professionals to complete the degree in 24 months while concentrating on urban educational leadership and policy. The Department of Curriculum and Instruction offers additional M.Ed. tracks focused on classroom practice, instructional design, and reflective teaching, aligned with seven core outcomes for practitioner development. Each path requires a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0³ and connects coursework to real-world school improvement efforts, ensuring that every graduate is equipped to make an immediate impact.

M.ed. Specializations at Howard University

Howard University’s Master of Education (M.Ed.) is built around focused specializations that allow you to deepen your expertise in a particular area of education. Rather than a one-size-fits-all degree, you choose a pathway that aligns with your career goals, whether you want to move into leadership, refine your classroom practice, or support learners with diverse needs. The School of Education currently offers three primary M.Ed. concentrations: Educational and Teacher Leadership, Elementary Education, and Special Education.

Educational and Teacher Leadership

This specialization prepares you for roles that shape instruction beyond a single classroom. Coursework typically covers organizational theory, instructional coaching, data-driven decision making, and school improvement. You learn to mentor colleagues, design professional development, and lead curriculum initiatives. Graduates often pursue positions such as instructional coordinator, department chair, curriculum specialist, or assistant principal. The teacher leadership degree is well suited for experienced teachers who want to stay connected to instruction while taking on broader leadership responsibilities.

Elementary Education

The Elementary Education specialization focuses on the developmental and instructional needs of children in grades 1 through 6. You explore child psychology, literacy instruction, math methods, science and social studies pedagogy, and classroom management. Field experiences and student teaching are central, giving you hands-on practice in real classrooms under the guidance of mentor teachers. This track appeals to career changers and current educators seeking advanced certification. It can also serve as a stepping stone toward a doctoral program or a reading specialist endorsement.

Special Education

Designed for educators committed to serving students with disabilities, the Special Education specialization addresses assessment, individualized education programs (IEPs), behavior intervention, and inclusive practices. You examine federal law (IDEA), collaboration with families and related service providers, and differentiated instruction. Career paths include special education teacher, inclusion facilitator, behavior specialist, or early intervention coordinator. The program often includes a practicum in diverse settings, such as resource rooms, self-contained classrooms, or inclusive general education environments.

Making the Most of Your Research

To match a specialization to your vision, start with the resources Howard provides. Visit the School of Education website at education.howard.edu for official program descriptions, required courses, and faculty profiles. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov) can help you explore job outlook and typical salary ranges for roles tied to each concentration. Professional associations such as the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (aacte.org) or the Council for Exceptional Children (exceptionalchildren.org) offer industry standards and career guidance. If you have specific questions about course sequencing, certification reciprocity, or research opportunities, reach out to the School of Education’s admissions team or request an academic advising appointment.

Learning Formats: Online, On-Campus, and Hybrid Options

Howard University offers M.Ed. students a choice of online, on-campus, or hybrid formats, each with distinct trade-offs in flexibility and interaction. Understanding these options helps you select the path that best fits your professional schedule and learning style.

Tuition and Financial Aid for Howard M.ed. Students

Howard University’s School of Education sets tuition for its Master of Education (M.Ed.) programs on a per-credit basis. For the 2026-2027 academic year, each credit hour costs $1,900.¹ This rate applies uniformly across all M.Ed. specializations, whether students attend on campus or online. Full-time status is defined as 12 to 21 credits per semester, and the university caps the annual credit total at 42 credits, which aligns with a two-semester full-time schedule.¹ At this pace, full-time students pay a flat semester tuition of $17,673, resulting in an annual tuition of $35,346 for two semesters.² Notably, Howard has announced a 0% tuition increase for 2026-2027, providing cost certainty for continuing students.³

Beyond tuition, mandatory university fees amount to $940 per year.² A realistic budget must also account for indirect costs. The university’s estimated off-campus expenses for 2026-2027 include housing ($18,664), food ($6,888), books and supplies ($1,220), transportation ($3,020), and personal expenses ($4,066).² When these are combined with tuition and fees, the total cost of attendance for a full-time M.Ed. student living off campus comes to approximately $70,144. Part-time enrollment reduces tuition proportionally, a student taking 6 credits per semester, for instance, would pay $11,400 per year in tuition, but indirect costs may remain similar if living expenses stay constant. Summer courses are charged at the same per-credit rate, offering a way to accelerate completion or lighten the load during the traditional academic year.

Funding a graduate degree requires careful planning. Howard University’s Office of Financial Aid assists students in navigating federal, state, and institutional sources. The first step is filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which unlocks access to work-study, grants, and federal loans. Many students also search for external awards. A valuable resource is our comprehensive directory of M.Ed. scholarships, which covers both need-based and merit-based opportunities specifically for education graduate students. Within the university, graduate assistantships, including teaching and research positions, can provide tuition remission and a stipend, while also building professional experience. Prospective M.Ed. students are encouraged to contact the financial aid office early, submit the FAFSA promptly, and explore federal loan options such as Direct Unsubsidized and Graduate PLUS Loans to bridge any remaining gaps.

Admissions Requirements and How to Apply

Admission to Howard University’s Master of Education programs involves a thorough review of your academic background, professional experience, and personal goals. The process identifies candidates who are prepared for graduate-level coursework and committed to advancing equity and excellence in education. Since requirements can shift between academic years, the most reliable approach is to gather information directly from official sources.

Finding Current Admissions Criteria

Prospective students should begin by visiting the Howard University School of Education website. Program pages outline baseline expectations such as a minimum undergraduate GPA, though the specific threshold may vary by concentration. The GRE policy is another critical detail: some M.Ed. tracks may have waived the GRE requirement in recent cycles, while others might still request scores. Because these policies are updated periodically, do not rely on second-hand information. Always confirm the latest GPA minimums and testing expectations directly with the graduate admissions office.

Application Deadlines and Timing

Howard University’s M.Ed. programs may offer multiple start terms, including Fall, Spring, and Summer entry. Each term has its own application deadline, and missing a cutoff can delay your enrollment by several months. For clarity, contact the admissions office directly via email or phone to request a current timeline. Staff can also clarify whether there are priority deadlines for financial aid consideration or rolling admissions processes. Planning ahead is especially important if you intend to apply for scholarships or assistantships, which often have earlier internal deadlines.

Preparing Your Application Materials

Once you have confirmed the deadlines, focus on assembling the required documents. Most M.Ed. concentrations ask for two or three letters of recommendation from academic or professional references who can speak to your potential in graduate study and educational leadership. A personal statement or statement of purpose is typically required; this essay should articulate your career objectives, your reasons for choosing Howard, and how the program aligns with your experience. A current resume or curriculum vitae highlighting relevant work in schools, community organizations, or other educational settings is also standard. Some specializations may request additional materials such as a writing sample or an interview. Because document requirements differ across concentrations, it is essential to consult the specific program page for your chosen track.

Staying Informed of Policy Changes

Graduate education admissions are influenced by broader trends in the field. Organizations like the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE) regularly publish updates on accreditation standards, testing policies, and diversity initiatives that may indirectly affect requirements. Subscribing to education policy newsletters or following School of Education updates can help you anticipate changes before they are formally announced. This proactive habit ensures you are never caught off guard by a new prerequisite.

Starting your application early and verifying every detail with official sources will give you the strongest foundation. When in doubt, a brief call or email to Howard’s admissions team can clarify any uncertainty and set you on a confident path toward enrollment.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Career Outcomes and Salary Potential With a Howard M.ed.

What can you expect to earn and where can you find employment after earning a Master's in Education from Howard University?

Employment and Placement Rates

The Howard University School of Education reports strong career outcomes for its graduates. For the 2022-2023 academic year, 61% of M.Ed. graduates had employment at the time of graduation¹, and among those employed, 93% were working in a field directly related to their degree¹. Within the School of Education, 70% of completers are employed in roles that use their preparation², and 38% are teaching in DC Public Schools², a testament to the program’s deep community ties.

Typical Roles for Graduates

Howard M.Ed. recipients enter the education workforce in a variety of careers for masters in education positions, including: - Elementary and secondary classroom teacher - Special education teacher - Instructional coach or curriculum specialist - Assistant principal or dean of students - Education policy analyst - Community engagement coordinator

Those who complete the M.Ed. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies often assume school administrator, urban education leader, or educational consultant roles³, while many others pursue non-teaching jobs for teachers with a master's degree in government agencies, non-profits, and charter management organizations.

Salary Ranges in the DC Metro Area

Howard graduates benefit from the competitive salaries of the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Half of the M.Ed. graduates from the 2022-2023 cohort reported salaries above $70,000, and the full range spanned from $20,000 to $215,000¹, reflecting varied experience levels and positions. The School of Education notes that 80% of its completers fall into upper-middle or middle salary bands². While specific district pay scales vary, D.C. teachers with a master’s degree typically earn a meaningful premium over bachelor’s-level peers, consistent with national masters in education salary trends.

Support for Career Advancement

Howard’s close partnerships with DC Public Schools and charter networks provide a direct pipeline to employment, and employer satisfaction scores (ranging from 3.9 to 4.0 on a 4.0 scale, or 5.40 to 5.75 on an alternate measure)² indicate that school leaders value Howard-trained educators. The M.Ed. coursework also builds a foundation for advanced certifications like National Board Certification, which can further increase earning potential and leadership opportunities. Many Howard alumni progress quickly, moving from classroom teacher to instructional coach or assistant principal within a few years, and ultimately into principal or district leadership roles.

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Accreditation and Teacher Licensure Pathways

Accreditation is a critical mark of quality for educator preparation programs, and Howard University’s School of Education carries the field’s most respected credentials. The school is nationally accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) through 2031, a status earned after a rigorous review of its curriculum, faculty, clinical experiences, and candidate performance.¹ CAEP accreditation, a form of national accreditation, signals to employers and licensing boards that Howard graduates have received a high-caliber, research-aligned education. The university itself also holds institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, which you should verify remains current by checking the commission’s directory.²

National Accreditation and Quality Assurance

Howard’s CAEP designation is not just a badge; it is a prerequisite for licensure in many states due to reciprocity agreements. It confirms that the programs meet national standards for preparing effective teachers and school leaders. For anyone considering an M.Ed., CAEP accreditation provides assurance that your degree will be recognized and valued across the country. The School of Education regularly reports assessment data and undergoes continuous improvement cycles to maintain this status, ensuring that the curriculum remains current with best practices and D.C. education requirements.

D.C. Teacher Licensure Through Howard’s M.Ed. Programs

Not all M.Ed. specializations lead to the same credential. The Elementary Education and Special Education concentration tracks are designed as initial teacher preparation programs, meaning they include the coursework and clinical experiences required for a first-time teaching license in the District of Columbia. Upon successfully completing one of these programs, you will be eligible for an initial D.C. Standard Teacher License. In contrast, the Educational & Teacher Leadership specialization may lead to an administrative services credential rather than a classroom teaching license. If you are interested in becoming a principal or instructional coordinator, this pathway aligns with your goals, but it is not the route to a standard teaching certificate.

Steps to Obtain Your D.C. License

The licensure process follows a straightforward sequence:

• Complete your M.Ed. program: Fulfill all academic requirements, including specified field hours and a culminating student teaching placement. Howard’s Office of Clinical Experiences coordinates placements in diverse D.C. schools.
• Pass required Praxis exams: The D.C. Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) mandates the Praxis Core or equivalent basic skills assessment, as well as content-specific tests for your licensure area (e.g., Elementary Education, Special Education). Your program advisor will guide you toward the correct exams, and you can review Praxis exam requirements by state for additional context.
• Apply to OSSE: Submit your official transcripts, exam score reports, and a completed application through OSSE’s online licensure portal. You must also pass a background check. OSSE will verify that Howard’s program is state-approved³ and that you meet all requirements before issuing your license.

The School of Education’s licensure team helps candidates navigate each step, from registration deadlines to application submission. You can find detailed, up-to-date guides on the OSSE website.

Licensure Reciprocity and Out-of-State Teaching

One advantage of completing a CAEP-accredited, state-approved program is the portability of your license. D.C. participates in the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) interstate agreement, which streamlines the transfer of teaching credentials to more than 45 states through teacher license reciprocity. In most cases, you can apply for a comparable license in another state without retaking core exams or completing additional coursework. However, some states may require an exam in a new content area, a course in state-specific history or law, or additional teaching experience. It is wise to review the target state’s requirements early. Howard’s alumni network and the OSSE reciprocity guide are excellent resources for understanding what extra steps might apply.

Whether you plan to teach in D.C. for your entire career or eventually move, a Howard M.Ed. positions you to meet licensure standards with confidence. CAEP accreditation and a structured, supportive licensure pathway make the transition from student to professional educator as smooth as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions About Howard’s M.ed.

Prospective students often have questions about Howard University's Master of Education programs. Here are answers to some of the most common inquiries to help you plan your graduate journey.

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