Advance Your Teaching Career with Curry College’s M.Ed. Programs

Will a Master’s in Education deliver a meaningful salary boost in Massachusetts, and is a private college like Curry a sound investment?

Curry College, a CAEP-accredited private institution in Milton, MA, reports median earnings of $54,400 for graduates a decade after enrollment, with median federal student loan debt of $25,000. Its M.Ed. specializations in Elementary, Special Education, and Curriculum & Instruction combine with a Hyflex format (attend in person, online, or asynchronously) to meet the demands of working teachers.

Massachusetts’ teacher shortage areas, especially in special education, reward advanced credentials with higher salary lanes and job security.

Why Curry College's M.ed. Stands Out

Curry College’s School of Education reports a 100% licensure pass rate for its graduates, underscoring the program’s effectiveness in preparing teachers for Massachusetts classrooms. This remarkable statistic reflects both rigorous coursework and deep clinical practice, setting a high bar for educator preparation.

Commitment to Social Justice and Equitable Instruction

Curry’s education programs are built on a foundation of social justice and equity. The curriculum integrates culturally responsive teaching strategies, helping you address opportunity gaps and create inclusive learning environments. Faculty emphasize that every student can succeed when instruction is tailored to diverse needs, a perspective that shapes every course and field experience.

CAEP Accreditation: A Mark of Quality

The M.Ed. at Curry holds accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), the gold standard for teacher preparation. CAEP accreditation signals that the program meets rigorous national standards for content, clinical practice, and candidate performance. For you, that means an assurance of quality and a pathway to reciprocal licensure in many other states.

Practical Skills and Licensure Alignment

This 34-credit, cohort-based program is designed for working professionals, with evening and Saturday classes in a Hyflex format that blends online and on-campus learning. You’ll accumulate 300 clinical hours across various settings, supported by dedicated field placement coordinators. The program prepares you to pass the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) and leads to an initial DESE license. A required digital evidence portfolio helps you document your growth and reflect on your teaching practice.

Small class sizes, a hallmark of Curry’s 12:1 student-faculty ratio, foster close mentorship with faculty who are experienced practitioners. By the time you graduate, you’ll have the confidence and competence to thrive in a real classroom from day one.

M.ed. Specializations at Curry College: Tailoring Your Expertise

Curry College offers three distinct Master of Education paths, each designed to meet specific career goals and licensure needs. Whether you are just entering the teaching profession, seeking to support students with disabilities, or deepening your commitment to equitable instruction, there is a program built for your next step.

Elementary Education (Initial Licensure)

Designed for aspiring elementary teachers who do not yet hold a teaching license, this M.Ed. in elementary education program¹ combines immersive coursework with extensive field experience. Over 20 months, you will complete 150 hours of clinical practice¹ in local classrooms, gradually building the skills to manage a diverse, inclusive elementary setting. The curriculum is delivered in a cohort model, so you move through the sequence with the same group of peers, fostering collaboration and professional networking. Graduates earn a Massachusetts Initial Licensure in Elementary Education, qualifying them to teach in grades 1, 6.

• Credit hours: 34
• Clinical hours: 150
• Duration: 20 months
• Credential: Massachusetts Initial Licensure in Elementary Education

Special Education: Moderate Disabilities (PreK, 8 or 5, 12)

For educators ready to work with students who have moderate disabilities, this special education master's specialization prepares you for initial licensure in a high-demand field. You will select a concentration in either PreK, 8 or 5, 12, tailoring your studies to the age group you wish to serve. The 34-credit curriculum² integrates evidence-based practices and assessment strategies, and the program boasts a 100% licensure pass rate. Like the elementary track, it requires 150 hours of clinical placement² and follows a cohort structure, with dedicated field placement coordinators who help you find the right setting. You will also build a digital portfolio that showcases your readiness for the Massachusetts Initial Licensure in Moderate Disabilities.

• Credit hours: 34
• Clinical hours: 150
• Duration: 20 months (typically)
• Credential: Massachusetts Initial Licensure in Moderate Disabilities (PreK, 8 or 5, 12)

Diverse & Equitable Instruction (Non-Licensure)

This non-licensure diverse learning master's degree is ideal for experienced educators, instructional coaches, or school leaders who want to deepen their practice in culturally responsive teaching without pursuing another license. The 34-credit program³ has no clinical hours, making it a flexible option for working professionals. Coursework centers on equity, social justice, and meeting the needs of all learners in today's classrooms. By design, it sharpens your ability to design inclusive lessons and advocate for systemic change from within your school.

• Credit hours: 34
• Clinical hours: None
• Credential: Non-licensure master's degree

Each specialization aligns with a clear career pathway, so take time to consider where you want your teaching career to go. Whether you need an initial license, want to switch to a special education role, or are ready to lead equity work, Curry's M.Ed. options give you a focused route forward.

How You'll Learn: Hyflex, Online, and On-Campus Flexibility

Curry College's Hyflex learning model gives you the power to choose how you engage with every class session, so your graduate education adapts to your life, not the other way around.² Whether you attend in person on the Milton campus, join live via Zoom, or catch up asynchronously with recorded materials, you remain part of a single, cohesive cohort.¹

The Hyflex Model in Action

Each course integrates three modes of participation: face-to-face in a traditional classroom, synchronous online through Zoom, and asynchronous access to session recordings and activities.² This triple-option design ensures you never have to sacrifice learning quality for convenience. Instructors facilitate discussions that bridge in-person and remote students, using Blackboard as the central hub for assignments, resources, and collaboration.

Designed for Working Teachers

All M.Ed. classes meet in the evening, a schedule built around full-time teaching jobs.¹ You can pivot between attendance modes week to week: if parent-teacher conferences run late, you might join via video; when your calendar clears, you can soak up the energy of the on-campus classroom. This flexibility removes the stressful either/or choice between career responsibilities and graduate study, making it possible to earn your master's without pausing your paycheck.¹

Technology and Support for Every Student

To participate fully, you'll need a reliable computer with a webcam and microphone, plus a broadband internet connection.³ Curry's IT help desk and instructional design team offer ongoing support, from Zoom troubleshooting to Blackboard navigation.³ The cohort model further enriches the experience: you'll build professional relationships with peers who share your goals, regardless of how each person connects.¹

Fully Online Options for Maximum Flexibility

While most specializations thrive in the Hyflex format, the M.Ed. in Diverse & Equitable Instruction is structured to be completed 100% online through the same Hyflex framework, ideal for educators outside the Milton area or those who prefer to learn entirely from a distance.

Admission Requirements: Your Path to Enrollment

Gaining admission to Curry College's Master of Education programs involves a straightforward process designed to evaluate your readiness and passion for advancing in the teaching profession.

• Prerequisites

  You must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and a current Massachusetts Initial or Professional teaching license. Teaching experience is not required for admission.
• Application Materials

  Submit an online application, official transcripts from all colleges attended, a 500-word personal statement, one letter of recommendation, and a current résumé.
• Testing Requirements

  The GRE and MAT are not required. However, some programs may require passing scores on the MTEL Communication and Literacy Skills test; the General Curriculum MTEL must be passed before student teaching if applicable.
• Admissions Timeline

  Curry offers rolling admissions. Applications are reviewed as they arrive, and some programs have start dates every eight weeks throughout the year.
• Interview

  An interview is only required for applicants to the M.Ed. in Diverse and Equitable Instruction.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Understanding the Cost: Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid

Curry College charges $557 per credit hour¹ for its Master of Education (M.Ed.) program. That figure anchors all cost calculations for the degree, and because the program uses a fixed-tuition-per-cohort model, the rate you lock in at enrollment remains unchanged for the entire five-semester sequence².

Tuition Breakdown

A typical M.Ed. requires 34 credits², which puts total tuition at approximately $18,938¹. Curry does not layer on separate course fees such as laboratory, technology, or clinical placement charges¹, so the per-credit price is the primary instructional cost. The institution caps additional out-of-pocket expenses at standard university services like parking or optional materials, but those are not mandatory program fees. When compared with the national average total cost of a master’s degree ($44,640), Curry’s degree ranks among the cheapest master's in education.

Financial Aid Opportunities

You can fund your M.Ed. through several channels. Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Graduate PLUS Loans are available¹; eligibility is determined by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, and Curry’s financial aid office helps you identify the right mix. For educators committed to high-need fields, the TEACH Grant provides up to $4,000 per year and converts to a loan only if service requirements are not met³. Curry also offers an alumni discount for graduates returning for a master’s degree¹, reducing the per-credit charge. Many districts and private employers maintain tuition reimbursement programs, and Curry’s cohort format makes it easier to align your coursework with reimbursement cycles.

Realistic Net Price

Beyond sticker price, average net cost, what students actually pay after grants and scholarships, offers a more practical outlook. Across all Curry students, the effective net price after aid is $29,207. While that figure blends undergraduate and graduate populations, it signals that institutional and federal aid substantially reduce out-of-pocket spending. Graduate students often tap employer reimbursement, private scholarships, or loan forgiveness programs layered on top of the base aid package, bringing the final cost well below the headline tuition total.

Career Outcomes and Earnings: What to Expect After Graduation

While program-level salary data for the Master of Education is not yet available, Curry College's institutional outcomes paint a picture of solid earning potential and manageable debt. The figures below are based on all aided graduates and provide a useful benchmark.

Salary Snapshot: Curry M.ed. Graduates' Earnings Potential

Massachusetts Teacher Licensure: How Curry Prepares You

As states strengthen teacher preparation requirements, Massachusetts remains a leader in ensuring educators are classroom-ready through rigorous teacher certification exams and clinical practice. Curry College's Master of Education programs are designed to meet these standards, providing clear pathways to initial licensure and career advancement.

Programs That Lead to Massachusetts Initial Licensure

Curry's M.Ed. in Elementary Education (Initial License: Teacher, Grades 1-6) and M.Ed. in Special Education (Moderate Disabilities, PreK-8) are both approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).¹ Completing either program fulfills the academic requirements for an initial teaching license in the Commonwealth.¹ Note that there is no Moderate Disabilities track for grades 5-12 at this time.² For those not seeking an initial license, the M.Ed. in Diverse and Equitable Instruction offers a non-licensure option, though it can support professional license advancement with DESE pre-approval.⁴

Required MTEL Exams

To earn licensure, candidates must pass the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL). All M.Ed. licensure tracks require the Communication and Literacy Skills test. Elementary education candidates must also pass the General Curriculum exam, which includes both multi-subject and mathematics subtests. Special education candidates take the General Curriculum exam as well, and typically must pass the Foundations of Reading MTEL, which assesses knowledge of reading development and instruction. Curry's curriculum embeds preparation for these assessments, and faculty advisors help candidates plan their testing timelines.³

Clinical Practice and Student Teaching

Field experience is a cornerstone of licensure preparation. Curry requires at least 150 hours of clinical practice, integrated with coursework, plus a full-time student teaching placement.² These experiences are designed to meet DESE's requirements for field-based preparation, ensuring that graduates enter the classroom with hands-on experience in managing diverse learners and implementing effective instructional strategies.

Licensure Exam Success

Program outcomes reflect strong preparation. According to the most recent available data (2019-2020), Curry M.Ed. completers achieved a 100% first-time pass rate on required licensure exams.² This track record underscores the program's effectiveness in equipping educators to meet state standards.

Licensure Portability and Reciprocity

While the initial license is issued by Massachusetts, it is portable. Through the NASDTEC interstate agreement, Massachusetts participates in a teacher license reciprocity network, allowing license holders to pursue certification in many other states without starting from scratch.¹ If you plan to teach elsewhere, Curry's faculty and licensing advisors can help you understand specific requirements for your destination state.

How Long Does It Take? Program Length and Pacing

Full-time immersion or part-time cohort? Curry College offers two distinct paths to the M.Ed., each with its own timeline. The right pace depends on your current work-life balance and how quickly you want to advance.

Full-Time Accelerated: Finish in Just Over a Year

Two programs can be completed in as few as 14 months of full-time study.¹ The on-campus Elementary Education residency and the fully online Diverse & Equitable Instruction M.Ed. each require around 31-34 credits.¹ These accelerated master's in education programs run year-round, including intensive summer semesters, allowing you to earn your degree quickly and enter or re-enter the classroom fast.

Part-Time Cohort: Designed for Working Professionals

If you need to balance teaching and grad school, the 20-month part-time cohort model¹ is built for you. Evening and Saturday classes in the Elementary Education and Educational Foundations programs carry 30-34 credits and follow a paced, lockstep sequence with a small group of peers. You’ll graduate in under two years without sacrificing your current position.

Maximum Completion Time and Pacing Flexibility

Curry College allows up to 150% of the published program length to finish your degree.² For a 20-month part-time program, that gives you roughly five years from start to finish, ample flexibility if life interrupts your plans. No matter the path, academic advisors help you map out a realistic schedule aligned with your licensure or endorsement goals.

Support Along the Way: Student Services and Mentoring

What kind of support will I have as a Curry College M.Ed. student? From your first inquiry through graduation, you are backed by a network designed specifically for graduate education students. The support structure combines personalized advising, career-focused coaching, and a built-in peer community to help you balance coursework with your professional life.

Dedicated Academic Advising for Education Students

Through dedicated advising and support services, you are assigned a program-specific advisor who understands the M.Ed. curriculum and Massachusetts licensure requirements. These advisors help you map out your course sequence, choose electives that align with your career goals, and navigate any academic challenges. Regular check-ins ensure you stay on track, whether you are studying full-time or balancing a teaching job.

Career Services Tailored to Educators

The Career Center offers specialized support for education professionals, not generic job search tips. Services include: - Individualized career counseling: Explore paths in curriculum and instruction, administration, or specialized roles. - Resume and cover letter development: Craft materials that highlight your classroom experience and graduate training. - Interview preparation: Practice responses to common hiring scenarios in Massachusetts districts using teacher interview tips. - Job search strategies: Access education-specific job boards, networking events, and licensure guidance.⁵

The Power of a Cohort and Embedded Mentoring

Curry's graduate education programs use a cohort model, meaning you progress through courses with the same group of peers. This structure builds a professional learning community where you exchange ideas, share resources, and support one another. Embedded mentoring complements the cohort experience: faculty and experienced practitioners provide guidance directly within courses, offering real-world insights and feedback on your practice.

Comprehensive Campus Resources at Your Fingertips

Beyond advising and career services, you have full access to resources that support your learning and well-being: - Tutoring and Writing Center: Through Curry's academic support services, you have access to up to 180 minutes of free tutoring per week, plus writing support for academic papers, available virtually or in person through online scheduling. - Counseling Services: Free individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, and after-hours support via a counselor on call.⁶ - Technology Help Desk: Assistance with the MyCurry portal, learning management systems, and Hyflex classroom tools.⁸ - Additional Support: The CARES team addresses student concerns⁷, and the Spiritual Life Office provides pastoral care.⁶ All services are designed to keep you focused on your studies, whether you attend on campus or online.

Other Curry College Schools

1. California
2. Delaware
3. Indiana
4. New York
5. New York
6. North Dakota
7. Oklahoma
8. Oklahoma
9. Oregon
10. Pennsylvania
11. Texas
12. Texas
13. Washington
14. Wisconsin

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Take the Next Step: Your Future in Education Starts Here

Curry College's M.Ed. combines a Hyflex learning model, a 100% licensure pass rate, and a fixed tuition rate of $557 per credit, giving you flexibility, strong preparation, and predictable costs. Whether you specialize in elementary education, special education, or social justice, you'll be ready for high-demand roles in Massachusetts schools. Explore how to choose a master's in education specialization to find the path that fits your goals, or connect with Curry's admissions team. Your next step in shaping young minds starts here.