Advance Your Teaching Career with Notre Dame of Maryland University's Master's in Education

Earning a master's in education consistently raises earning potential and unlocks leadership roles. In Maryland, salary schedules tied to advanced degrees can add over $10,000 annually. Notre Dame of Maryland University has earned a strong regional reputation for preparing educators who lead in Baltimore-area schools, offering M.Ed. and MAT pathways that blend theory with immediate classroom application. The School of Education's flexible online and evening formats allow full-time teachers to earn a graduate degree without pausing their careers, while transparent tuition and streamlined admissions remove common barriers to entry. As the teaching profession demands increasingly specialized expertise, a well-chosen master's program becomes less an option and more a strategic necessity.

Inside the School of Education: Programs, Specializations, and Accreditation

Notre Dame of Maryland University's School of Education approaches graduate preparation with a mission-driven focus: shaping reflective, competent educators and leaders who serve diverse communities. Rooted in the university's Catholic values, the school emphasizes social responsibility, ethical practice, and the development of the whole person, not just a set of clinical skills.

Master's Programs and Specializations

The School of Education offers several paths to a master's degree, designed for both aspiring teachers and experienced educators seeking career advancement. Programs, credit loads, and key details are outlined below.

• Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT): A 36-credit initial licensure program for those entering the classroom for the first time. Candidates choose from secondary education certification areas including English, History, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Theatre, Business, and Computer Science, or special education at the elementary or secondary level. The program includes clinical practice and requires passing the Praxis Core and Praxis II exams.
• MA in Leadership in Teaching: A 30-to-36-credit advanced program for certified teachers. Specializations allow you to deepen expertise in fields such as Administration and Supervision, Literacy Specialist/Coach, Mathematics Instructional Leader, STEM, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), Digital Technology Leadership, and Cultural Proficiency Leadership. Many specializations lead to additional state endorsements.
• MA in Higher Education Leadership for Changing Populations: A 30-credit program focused on college and university administration. Concentrations in Enrollment Management and Philanthropy prepare graduates for roles in admissions, advancement, and student affairs.
• MA in Leadership in Special Education , Exceptionalities: This advanced program develops leaders who can design inclusive practices and advocate for students with disabilities.
• MA in Gifted and Talented Education: Equips teachers to recognize and nurture advanced learners, often leading to a state endorsement.
• Certificate of Advanced Study in Education: A post-master's option for educators seeking specialized study without a full degree, available in several of the concentration areas above.

Features Built Around Your Schedule

Many graduate education courses at NDMU are delivered through cohort models, where you progress with the same group of professionals in face-to-face, hybrid, or online formats. Evening and weekend classes accommodate working teachers, and multiple start dates throughout the year keep the path flexible. For the MAT program, you can choose fully online or hybrid delivery, and some pathways offer dual certification opportunities, allowing you to become licensed in two areas simultaneously. Clinical practice is embedded in licensure tracks, with placements arranged by the school's field experience office.

Accreditation and State Approval

The School of Education holds accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and is approved by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE).¹ These credentials confirm that programs meet rigorous national and state standards, a crucial consideration if you plan to seek teaching licensure in Maryland or reciprocate to another state.

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

On-campus evening classes or fully asynchronous online sessions. Notre Dame of Maryland University lets you choose the format that fits your life as a working educator.

Choosing Your Learning Format

The School of Education offers multiple delivery modes to accommodate the realities of a teaching career. You can complete many programs entirely online, attend classes in person at the main Baltimore campus or one of several satellite locations, or mix both through a hybrid model. This flexibility means you can align your graduate studies with your current job, family commitments, and location without putting your classroom on hold.

Online Programs: Learn on Your Schedule

Online courses at NDMU are primarily asynchronous, so you can log in and complete coursework at times that work best for you. The university uses Canvas as its learning management system, giving you a central hub for assignments, discussions, and resources. Courses typically run 8 to 15 weeks, and the trimester calendar offers start dates in spring, summer, and fall. While most online work is self-paced, some programs may include occasional synchronous components to foster live interaction with faculty and peers. Importantly, there are no required on-campus residencies for online students.¹ Virtual support services mirror the on-campus experience: you have access to online advising, remote library assistance, and technical help.¹

Campus-Based and Satellite Options

If you prefer face-to-face learning, NDMU’s education programs offer evening and weekend classes, designed specifically for teachers who work during the day. In addition to the main Baltimore campus, courses are held at partner sites including the Southern Maryland Higher Education Center, Anne Arundel Community College, and the Eastern Shore Higher Education Center.¹ These satellite locations bring the program closer to where you live and work. Summer intensive sessions also allow you to concentrate coursework into shorter blocks, accelerating your progress.¹ On-campus classes are synchronous, fostering close mentoring relationships with faculty, small class sizes, and in-person advising.²

Hybrid: The Best of Both Worlds

Several programs, including the Master of Arts in Teaching, can be completed in a hybrid format that blends online flexibility with on-site engagement.² This approach lets you do the bulk of your learning online while still benefiting from periodic face-to-face sessions, an ideal setup for those who value campus community but need the convenience of remote study. The hybrid model often combines asynchronous online coursework with scheduled in-person meetings, giving you structure without demanding a daily commute.

Support Where You Are

No matter which delivery mode you choose, NDMU’s commitment to individual support remains constant. Online students receive the same attention as campus-based learners, with virtual advising, remote library access, and tech support.¹ On-campus and hybrid students also benefit from small class sizes and direct mentoring.² This integrated approach ensures that your learning experience is personal and responsive, whether you are logging in from home or sitting in a classroom.

Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid for Your M.ed.

Earning your master’s often means weighing a program’s quality and flexibility against its total cost. Notre Dame of Maryland University keeps that balance front and center with transparent pricing and multiple financial support options.

Current Tuition and Estimated Costs

For the 2026, 2027 academic year, graduate education courses at NDMU are priced at $605 per credit hour.¹ Most master’s programs in education require between 30 and 36 credits, putting the estimated tuition range from roughly $18,150 to $21,780, depending on your specific program and any transfer credits you bring.¹ The MA in Teaching program, which leads to initial certification and includes a substantial internship component, has a published total program cost of $27,500.¹ This figure accounts for all required coursework, the internship semesters, and standard fees, giving you a clear upfront picture of your investment.

Understanding Fees Beyond Tuition

Beyond per-credit charges, a technology and services fee of $199 applies each semester.¹ This fee supports your access to the learning management system, online library resources, and other academic technologies. Additionally, the School of Education may assess program-specific fees in certain semesters, such as for background checks, clinical placement coordination, or certification exam preparation materials.¹ NDMU communicates all mandatory fees before enrollment so you can plan accordingly.

Financial Aid and Ways to Pay

NDMU offers several paths to fund your degree. Federal direct unsubsidized loans are available to eligible graduate students after filing the FAFSA.² If you are a veteran, the Registrar’s Office can help you utilize VA education benefits.² Many local school systems and educational employers provide tuition reimbursement or benefits, check with your district’s human resources office to see if you qualify.² The Office of Financial Aid can guide you through loan options, payment plans, and any available institutional discounts, but note that NDMU does not currently offer graduate assistantships or dedicated scholarships for education students.² Contacting the financial aid office early is the best way to build a funding package that aligns with your personal budget and career goals.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Admission Requirements: How to Apply to NDMU’s Graduate Education Programs

Applying to a graduate education program at Notre Dame of Maryland University (NDMU) is a straightforward process designed to identify committed educators who are ready to advance their careers. The School of Education reviews each application holistically, but there are baseline requirements every applicant must meet.

Admission Criteria and Testing Requirements

All applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and demonstrate a strong academic record. The minimum undergraduate GPA for master’s in education programs is 3.0.² NDMU does not require the GRE or MAT for admission, placing it among the No-GRE master's in education programs that prioritize other measures. However, candidates must submit official Praxis Core test scores³, which assess foundational skills in reading, writing, and mathematics. This requirement aligns with Maryland state licensure standards and ensures candidates are prepared for the academic rigor of graduate-level work.

Certain application components can be waived under specific conditions. Applicants who already hold a master’s degree are exempt from submitting the personal essay.¹ Additionally, full-time employees of Maryland schools may have the two letters of recommendation requirement waived,¹ a recognition of the professional networks and experience they already bring. An interview may also be requested at the discretion of the admissions committee.¹

Required Application Materials

A complete application for NDMU’s graduate education programs includes the following:

• Official transcripts: From every college or university attended. International applicants must have their transcripts evaluated by a recognized credential evaluation service.¹
• Letters of recommendation: Two letters from academic or professional references who can speak to your potential as a graduate student and educator.¹
• Personal essay: A 300- to 500-word statement explaining your goals, teaching philosophy, and reasons for pursuing advanced study.¹
• Current résumé: Detailing your educational background, work experience, and any relevant certifications or volunteer activities.⁴

All materials are submitted through NDMU’s online application portal. The essay and résumé are particularly important for those who do not meet the minimum GPA, as they provide context for your qualifications and motivation.¹

Application Deadlines and Process

NDMU operates on a rolling admission basis¹ for its graduate education programs, meaning applications are reviewed as they are received. However, to secure a spot for the fall semester, the university encourages submission by June 1.¹ While the exact deadline may vary slightly year to year, this date serves as a reliable target for planning. Spring and summer start options are also available for select programs, with earlier cutoff dates.

After submitting all required materials, some applicants may be invited for an interview with faculty or admissions staff.¹ This conversation allows the committee to assess fit and gives you an opportunity to ask questions about the program. Once a decision is made, you will be notified promptly, typically within a few weeks of completing your file.

With clear requirements and a flexible timeline, NDMU’s admissions process reflects its commitment to making advanced education accessible to working professionals. Preparing your materials early and reaching out to an admissions counselor with any questions can help ensure a smooth application experience.

Career Outcomes: What You Can Earn With an NDMU M.ed.

Graduates of Notre Dame of Maryland University's M.Ed. programs pursue roles such as curriculum specialist, instructional coordinator, lead teacher, or department chair. While program-level earnings data is still being collected, available federal data offers a snapshot of alumni earnings and debt.

Maryland Teacher Certification Through NDMU

How NDMU Stacks up Regionally

When choosing a graduate education program, the balance between tuition costs and career returns is often the deciding factor. For educators in Maryland and the Mid-Atlantic, Notre Dame of Maryland University stands out among the best master's in education programs in Maryland with a compelling combination of competitive pricing and solid post-graduation outcomes.

Tuition: How NDMU Compares

Notre Dame of Maryland University’s School of Education charges $605 per credit¹ for master’s-level courses in the 2026-2027 academic year. That rate positions the university toward the lower end among private graduate education programs in the state. Full degree costs depend on the specific path: the Master’s in Teaching with an internship component is priced at $27,500¹, while other graduate programs typically total around $12,757 in tuition. Across all graduate offerings, the per-credit cost is $660 when accounting for credit variations and fees. By comparison, many private institutions in the Baltimore-Washington corridor list per-credit rates that exceed $800 or even $1,000, making NDMU a noticeably more affordable option for working teachers who often pay out of pocket or rely on limited employer reimbursement.

Earnings and Debt: What the Numbers Show

Graduates of NDMU’s teacher education master’s programs report a mean annual wage of $46,478⁴. That figure aligns with early-career teacher salaries in Maryland, where starting pay typically falls between $45,000 and $52,000 depending on the district. More importantly, the typical debt load among NDMU graduates sits at roughly $11,889, according to available data. This debt level is well below the national average for graduate degree holders, which frequently exceeds $30,000. The combination of moderate debt and steady teaching income means monthly loan payments remain manageable, even for educators in their first years in the classroom.

Return on Investment: A Regional Perspective

When stacked against peer programs throughout the Mid-Atlantic, NDMU’s master’s in education delivers a strong return on investment. A total cost of $12,757 to $27,500 paired with an average salary near $46,500 translates to a debt-to-income ratio that many competing schools cannot match. In Maryland, where public institutions like Towson University or University of Maryland-Baltimore County often offer lower tuition but larger class sizes and less flexible scheduling, NDMU’s value lies in its blend of affordability, small-cohort attention, and pathways designed for working professionals. The $11,889 median debt figure suggests that graduates are not over-leveraged, and the $46,478 mean wage⁴ provides a solid foundation, especially once step increases and advanced degree stipends, common in Maryland districts, begin to accumulate. For educators weighing whether a private university is worth the cost, NDMU’s numbers consistently point toward a favorable balance of upfront investment and long-term career benefit.

Frequently Asked Questions About NDMU’s Education Programs

Find quick answers to common questions about Notre Dame of Maryland University's master's in education programs, including degree options, tuition, accreditation, and how to apply.

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