Earn Your Master's in Education at Concordia University Ann Arbor

Michigan’s professional teaching credential requires educators to hold a master’s degree or complete an 18-credit planned program of graduate study. For many, the path to meeting that requirement, and gaining a substantial salary boost, runs through Concordia University Ann Arbor’s School of Education. The small Lutheran university offers focused M.Ed. tracks in Curriculum & Instruction, Teacher Leadership, and Secondary Education, each designed to align with state standards.

In a year when Michigan schools continue to report widespread teaching vacancies, a master’s degree signals not just compliance but competitive advantage. School leaders consistently prioritize candidates who bring advanced training to the classroom.

Master's in Education Programs at Concordia University Ann Arbor

Some educators are drawn to deepening their classroom expertise, while others feel called to shape curriculum, mentor colleagues, or lead entire schools. Concordia University Ann Arbor’s M.Ed. tracks let you pursue either direction, or blend both.

Curriculum & Instruction

The Curriculum & Instruction specialization equips teachers with advanced strategies for designing engaging lessons and assessments, preparing them for roles as curriculum developers. While specific program details are not yet published on our site, the university’s commitment to evidence-based practice ensures graduates are prepared to improve student outcomes.

Educational Leadership (M.S.)

For those ready to step into administrative roles, the Master of Science in Educational Leadership offers a comprehensive path. CAEP-accredited and aligned with Educational Leadership Constituent Council standards, the program covers legal, ethical, and policy issues.

• Delivery: Fully online with 8-week courses
• Cost: $690 per credit
• Pacing: Full-time and part-time options
• Practicum: An internship provides hands-on administrative experience
• Outcome: Qualifies for Michigan’s Building Administrator Certificate
• Support: Military benefits, employer reimbursement, and payment plans accepted

Secondary Education

The Secondary Education specialization is designed for middle and high school educators seeking to advance their content-area teaching skills. Details on this program are still being compiled; interested candidates can explore the university’s website for the most up-to-date information.

Grounded in a faith-based mission, the School of Education emphasizes servant leadership and ethical practice across all its programs, preparing educators to make a meaningful impact in diverse learning communities.

Online, On-Campus, and Hybrid Learning Formats

Concordia University Ann Arbor delivers its master's in education programs through online, on-campus, and hybrid learning formats to meet the diverse needs of working teachers and aspiring school leaders. The flexibility to choose how you learn allows you to continue teaching full-time while earning your graduate degree.

Fully Online Programs

The Master of Science in Educational Leadership is offered entirely online, eliminating the need to relocate or commute. This format serves educators in Michigan and beyond who require a schedule that adapts to their professional and personal commitments. Courses follow accelerated 8-week sessions, enabling focused study and faster completion. While specific synchronous or asynchronous details vary by course, the online design prioritizes self-paced learning with regular deadlines to keep you on track.

On-Campus and Hybrid Options

In addition to online degrees, Concordia Ann Arbor provides on-campus instruction for students who prefer face-to-face interaction and direct access to campus facilities and faculty. Hybrid models combine the convenience of online coursework with occasional on-campus residencies or workshops, striking a balance for those who value in-person collaboration but cannot attend weekly classes. Hybrid schedules often feature evening or weekend sessions to further accommodate work schedules.

Flexibility for Working Educators

Every format at Concordia is built around the realities of a teacher's life. The 8-week course structure, available across multiple formats, allows you to concentrate on one subject at a time without overwhelming your calendar. Employer reimbursement and military benefits are accepted for the online Educational Leadership program, and payment plans help manage tuition costs. This layered flexibility, in format, pacing, and financial support, makes advancing your education achievable without putting your career on hold.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Admissions Requirements and Application Deadlines

What do you need to apply to Concordia University Ann Arbor’s Master’s in Education programs, and when are the deadlines?

Application Requirements

Concordia University Ann Arbor takes a holistic approach to admissions. While academic performance is considered, the school also values your professional experience and personal motivation. The following materials are required:

• Degree: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.¹
• GPA: A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0. Applicants with a lower GPA may still be considered through conditional admission.¹
• Test Scores: No GRE or MAT scores are required.¹
• Personal Statement: A written essay detailing your reasons for pursuing a master’s in education and how it fits your career goals.¹
• Letters of Recommendation: Two letters of recommendation from academic or professional references who can speak to your potential.¹
• Résumé: A current professional résumé highlighting your teaching experience and other relevant work.¹
• Background Check: A criminal background check and clearance is required before the start of the program.³

Application Deadlines and Rolling Consideration

The priority application deadline for fall enrollment is January 15.² Submitting by this date ensures your application receives full consideration for admission and any available financial aid. If you apply after January 15, your application may still be reviewed on a rolling basis, but admission and funding are subject to availability. For spring or summer start terms, separate deadlines may apply. Prospective students are encouraged to contact the admissions office directly for the most current dates.

Conditional Admission Options

Concordia University Ann Arbor offers conditional admission for applicants who do not meet all standard requirements but show strong potential.³ This may be granted if your GPA falls below 3.0 or if other components of your application warrant further evaluation. Conditionally admitted students typically must complete a set of initial courses with a satisfactory GPA to remain in the program. This pathway can open the door to a graduate degree for those who need an extra step before full matriculation.

Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid Options

Understanding the cost of your graduate degree is the first step in planning your educational investment. Concordia University Ann Arbor structures its Master's in Education tuition on a per-credit basis, making it easy to calculate your expenses whether you study full- or part-time.

Graduate Tuition Rates

The current per-credit tuition for graduate education programs is $735 (2025-2026 academic year), according to Concordia's tuition and fees page. This rate applies to all domestic students regardless of residency, as Concordia is a private institution. International graduate students pay a slightly reduced rate of $715 per credit, as listed on the international students' tuition page. A consolidated graduate fee of $74 is charged each semester, covering technology and student services.

Total Program Cost Estimate

Most M.Ed. programs at Concordia require between 30 and 36 credit hours. For a 36-credit program, total tuition comes to $26,460. Adding the semester fees across four typical semesters ($296 total) and a one-time transcript fee of $10, the estimated all-in cost is approximately $26,766. This figure does not factor in any scholarships or employer assistance, which can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket expense.

The Academic Community Scholarship

Concordia offers the Academic Community Scholarship to students employed by corporate partners, academic partners, Concordia alumni, and qualifying Christian schools or churches. Eligible students receive $150 to $500 off tuition for each 3-credit course enrolled. This scholarship is awarded per-course and can accumulate to substantial savings over the length of a program. International students are not eligible for this scholarship.

Additional Financial Aid and Payment Options

• Federal Loans: Graduate students may apply for Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Graduate PLUS Loans by completing the FAFSA.³
• Employer Tuition Assistance: Many employers offer tuition reimbursement programs; Concordia works with students to coordinate these benefits.
• Payment Plans: Flexible payment options are available to spread tuition costs across each semester.
• Loan Forgiveness for Teachers: After graduation, educators in qualifying public service or low-income school positions may be eligible for federal Teacher Loan Forgiveness or Public Service Loan Forgiveness programs. Graduate assistantships are not currently advertised for education students, but outside scholarships and state aid in Michigan may supplement your funding.

Curriculum and Course Sequence

Today's master's programs in education increasingly embed clinical practice and state standards into every course, so graduates enter the classroom fully prepared. Concordia University Ann Arbor structures its graduate degrees around this principle, with 30-credit sequences that integrate theory, fieldwork, and capstone experiences aligned to Michigan teacher certification requirements.¹

Curriculum and Instruction with Certification

The Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction (MSCI) offers certification tracks for elementary (PK-3 or 3-6) and secondary education. All certification pathways share a common core of graduate-level courses numbered in the EDU 5000-7000 range, covering topics such as foundations of education, curriculum design, assessment, literacy development, and inclusive practices. For the elementary PK-3 track, required courses include EDU 5000, EDU 5010, EDU 5020, EDU 5030, EDU 5040, EDU 5050, EDU 6010, EDU 6015, and EDU 7010.² Secondary certification candidates take equivalent core work adapted to adolescent development and subject-specific methods. Both elementary and secondary tracks conclude with a 6-credit student teaching capstone,² providing a full-time clinical placement in a Michigan school. All courses incorporate 15 hours of field-based clinical experience,¹ ensuring candidates meet the Michigan Department of Education’s experiential benchmarks before licensure.

Curriculum and Instruction (Non-Certification)

Educators who already hold a teaching certificate or work in non-licensure roles can pursue the master's in curriculum and instruction (MSCI) without certification. This 30-credit program deepens expertise in curriculum theory, instructional strategies, and educational research without the student teaching capstone. The exact course sequence is customized to each student’s goals and is not publicly listed.¹ Prospective students should contact a graduate advisor to review a personalized plan of study.

Educational and Teacher Leadership

The master's in teacher leadership concentration is designed for experienced teachers seeking to influence school improvement from within the classroom. Unlike the MSCI, the specific curriculum for this track is not published online.¹ Interested candidates are encouraged to speak with an advisor to learn about core leadership courses, action research components, and any embedded practicum requirements. The program is grounded in Michigan’s teacher leader standards and typically emphasizes coaching, data-driven decision making, and professional development.

Common Curriculum Features

All M.Ed.-level programs at Concordia Ann Arbor use an 8-week, asynchronous online format,¹ that allows working professionals to move through courses efficiently. The 30-credit structure can be completed in as few as 15-20 months of year-round study.¹ Each course threads together research-based practices and the Michigan teacher standards, so assignments and assessments directly reflect the competencies required for state licensure or advancement. For certification seekers, the capstone student teaching experience is the culmination, while non-certification paths may replace it with a comprehensive exam, portfolio, or other culminating project as defined by the advisor.

Licensure, Endorsements, and Career Outcomes

Initial Teacher Certification Pathways

Concordia University Ann Arbor offers master's-level programs that lead to initial Michigan teacher certification, not just advanced add-ons. The Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction (MSCI) with Elementary Teacher Certification prepares you for PK-3 or 3-6 grade bands through 30 credits¹ and 600 clinical hours² over 12 weeks³. Secondary certification areas include English, Mathematics, Social Studies, Integrated Science, and Spanish⁴. The Special Education Learning Disabilities program allows you to earn an initial Michigan Standard Teaching Certificate (elementary or secondary) alongside the MSCI, with the option to add a Special Education (SM) endorsement⁵. For those exploring how to become an ESL teacher, the ESL Certification program offers an expedited 20-credit⁶ post-baccalaureate route to initial certification in English as a Second Language.

Endorsement and Add-On Options

While the ESL certification program is a full initial certification track, Concordia's Special Education program offers endorsement flexibility⁵. Candidates who already hold a teaching certificate can complete the Learning Disabilities (SM) endorsement as part of the MSCI. This allows currently certified educators to expand their qualifications without repeating student teaching. At this time, Concordia does not offer a standalone ESL endorsement for certified teachers; ESL certification requires the full initial preparation sequence⁵.

Michigan Certification Requirements

To earn the Michigan Standard Teaching Certificate, all candidates must pass the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC)² in their subject area, including the MTTC in ESL⁶ for those in that program. As teacher licensure FAQs explain, state rules mandate a supervised student teaching experience³, which Concordia embeds in its clinical requirements. After completing the program and passing exams, graduates apply to the Michigan Department of Education for certification. Concordia provides guidance throughout this process.

Career Outcomes and Earnings

Program-level earnings data for Concordia’s education graduates is not yet available for the one-, two-, or five-year post-completion marks. However, the university’s overall median alumni earnings 10 years after entry is $56,075, according to federal data. Earning a master's in education in Michigan and additional endorsements significantly increases teacher salaries. Graduates of initial certification programs typically enter the profession at levels that reflect state salary schedules, which reward advanced degrees and specialized credentials. As data becomes available, you can expect to see competitive returns on your investment, particularly in high-demand fields like special education and ESL.

Our M.Ed. programs equip educators with the skills to step into leadership roles and significantly increase their earning potential, often within the first year after graduation.

Your Pathway to Teacher Certification

Concordia University Ann Arbor's M.Ed. programs prepare you for Michigan teacher certification through a structured sequence of coursework, fieldwork, exams, and licensure. Follow this four-step pathway to earn your teaching credential.

Part-Time Study and Fieldwork Requirements

How many practicum hours are required, and can I complete them while working full-time as a teacher?

Concordia University Ann Arbor offers part-time enrollment across its master's in education programs, making it feasible to advance your credentials while balancing teaching and grad school.² Most M.Ed. tracks require 30 credits, and part-time students typically take 3 to 6 credits per semester.¹ At that pace, you can complete the degree in roughly two to three years, though some pathways like the M.S. in Educational Leadership are structured for a 24-month finish even in a mixed delivery model.¹ The university also allows up to three credit hours of coursework by arrangement, giving you additional flexibility for independent study or special topics.¹

What does a part-time course load look like?

• Credit load: Part-time students often register for one or two courses per term, totaling 3 to 6 credits.
• Completion time: With consistent enrollment, most students finish in 2 to 3 years; the M.S. in Educational Leadership can be completed in as few as 24 months.
• Transfer credits: You may be able to transfer in up to six credits from another accredited institution, potentially shortening your timeline.
• Online options: Several programs offer online coursework, so you can complete requirements without commuting to campus.

Fieldwork and practicum requirements

Field experiences are embedded into specific specializations, and they are designed with full-time educators in mind. Advanced Literacy candidates complete their practicum in a school setting, and the Instructional Leadership specialization includes a series of three practicum courses (EDAD 5154, 5155, and 5156) that build administrative competencies.¹ Because you must hold current employment in a school or obtain principal permission to enroll,¹ most practicum activities can be carried out in your own classroom or building, eliminating the need to take a leave of absence.

• Instructional Leadership: Three sequential practicum courses focus on real-world administrative tasks under the mentorship of a site supervisor.
• Advanced Literacy: Practicum occurs in your school, allowing you to apply literacy strategies immediately with your own students.
• Prerequisites: To begin field experiences, you need a current teaching position or principal approval, which aligns with the program's expectation that candidates are already practicing educators.

Balancing work, life, and graduate study

Because Concordia Ann Arbor's M.Ed. programs are built around the schedules of working teachers, deadlines are often flexible, and assignments are applied directly to your job. You will not need to quit teaching to log hours; instead, observations and projects are integrated into your regular workday. Many instructors have K-12 experience themselves and understand the seasonal demands of a school year. Whether you are completing the program fully online or attending occasional on-campus sessions, the rhythm of part-time study fits naturally alongside full-time employment, letting you advance on a timeline that respects your classroom commitments.

Why Choose Concordia University Ann Arbor?

Some graduate programs leave you feeling like a number in a crowded lecture hall. Others wrap you in a close-knit community where professors know your name and your goals. Concordia University Ann Arbor belongs to the second category.

Accreditation that Matters

Concordia University Ann Arbor holds institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), a rigorous standard that ensures quality across all programs. Additionally, the School of Education is fully accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), confirming that its curricula meet national benchmarks for preparing effective teachers. This dual accreditation means your M.Ed. from Concordia Ann Arbor is recognized by schools and districts nationwide.

Faculty Who Know the Classroom

The graduate faculty in education are not just academics; they are experienced practitioners who have led classrooms, supervised instruction, or served as school administrators. Many hold advanced degrees and remain active in educational research and professional organizations. Their blend of real-world insight and scholarly expertise means your coursework is both evidence-based and immediately applicable to your teaching context.

Student Support Woven into Your Journey

From the moment you inquire about a program, you are paired with an academic advisor who helps you map out a course sequence that aligns with your career goals and personal obligations. Career services staff offer resume reviews, interview coaching, and job search strategies tailored to educational roles. The Lutheran identity of the university also shapes a caring environment where faculty and staff genuinely invest in your success, academically, professionally, and personally.

A Community of Faith and Learning

As a branch campus of Concordia University Wisconsin, the Ann Arbor campus is grounded in the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod tradition.² This faith-based perspective fosters an inclusive and reflective community where ethical leadership and servant teaching are emphasized. Class discussions often explore how values inform educational practice, preparing you to serve in diverse public, private, or charter school settings. Though the student-faculty ratio is 21:1,¹ the campus culture prioritizes personal connection, making it easy to build relationships with instructors and peers who can support you throughout your career.

All of this is wrapped in the resources of a four-year private nonprofit institution nestled in the vibrant education hub of Ann Arbor, Michigan, giving you access to both a supportive campus and a dynamic professional network.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Find clear answers to common questions about Concordia University Ann Arbor's Master's in Education programs, covering formats, admissions, cost, and more.

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