Master's in Education at Belhaven University: Programs & Specializations

Mississippi’s public and private schools continue to seek educators prepared for leadership, literacy, and classroom innovation. Belhaven University’s master’s in education programs answer that call with a distinctly Christian foundation, offering three online-oriented paths: Educational & Teacher Leadership, Teaching (MAT), and Reading & Literacy. Each specialization is built for working teachers who need flexible, asynchronous coursework without sacrificing a faith-integrated approach.

In a state where advanced degrees directly unlock higher pay and administrative roles, earning an M.Ed. remains a strategic move for career-long impact.

Teaching in Jackson, MS: Job Market and Employer Landscape

Public or private: educators in the Jackson metro area face a landscape of opportunity across distinct settings. The region’s mix of large public districts, growing suburban systems, and faith-aligned private schools creates multiple pathways for career growth, particularly for those with advanced credentials from programs like Belhaven’s master’s in education.

Where Teachers Are Needed Most

Recent state data shows strong demand across Mississippi. Elementary, middle, and secondary classrooms combined for over 3,800 unfilled teaching positions statewide during the 2024-2025 school year.¹ In Jackson Public Schools alone, a quarter of teaching posts sat vacant.² Projected annual openings remain elevated: roughly 860 for elementary school teachers, 440 for middle, and 790 for secondary teachers.³ Specialized roles such as reading specialists, special educators, and ESL teachers add nearly 1,000 more vacancies annually.¹ These numbers point to a seller’s market for qualified educators, especially those holding a master’s degree.

Jackson Public Schools anchors the urban core, but surrounding districts in Hinds, Madison, and Rankin counties also compete for talent. Suburban hubs like Pearl, Brandon, and Clinton offer shorter commute times and expanding student enrollment, further widening the employment net.

Faith-Based Schools and Private Academies

Belhaven’s Christian mission aligns naturally with Jackson’s network of private, religiously affiliated schools. Dozens of Christian academies, independent college-preparatory schools, and parochial campuses operate in the metro. These employers often seek teachers who can integrate faith and learning, a distinctive strength of Belhaven graduates. While formal vacancy data for private schools is less tracked, informal demand remains steady as experienced educators retire and enrollments shift.

How a Master’s Degree Boosts Earning Power

In Mississippi, a master’s degree directly influences salary placement on district pay scales. State-level teacher salaries range from about $47,000 to over $78,000,⁴ with Jackson’s starting salary near $47,900.⁵ Earning a graduate degree typically moves a teacher into a higher lane, adding thousands annually and compounding over a career. Beyond pay, advanced credentials open doors to non-teaching jobs for teachers with a master's degree, including instructional coaching, curriculum design, and administrative positions, which are among the fastest-growing needs in the region.

Belhaven’s Online and On-Campus M.ed. Formats Built for Working Teachers

Belhaven University’s Master of Education (M.Ed.) programs are delivered primarily through an asynchronous online format that lets you log into coursework whenever your schedule allows. Optional live virtual sessions, offered periodically during each term, add a collaborative element without requiring you to be available at a set class time. While Belhaven maintains a residential campus in Jackson, Mississippi, its graduate education programs are designed for distance learners, removing the need for any on-campus attendance so you can continue teaching full-time.

A Schedule That Works Around Your Teaching Day

Belhaven structures its M.Ed. courses in accelerated 7-week terms, with multiple start dates spread across the calendar year. This term model means you can step into graduate study during fall, spring, or summer and concentrate on one or two courses at a stretch. Because all core coursework is asynchronous, you decide when to complete readings, discussion posts, and assignments, whether that is early in the morning before school, during a planning period, or in the evening after the school day ends, as long as weekly deadlines are met.

Support Services Designed for Online Graduate Students

Online learners at Belhaven receive the same support resources as on-campus students, tailored to a virtual environment. From the initial inquiry, a dedicated advisor from the Office of Adult, Graduate, and Online Admission helps with program selection and enrollment. Once you begin classes, you gain immediate access to the university’s digital library databases, online tutoring through the Writing Center, and tech support for Canvas, the platform that hosts all course content. The Registrar’s Office staffs specialists who understand online graduate students’ timelines, making course registration, transcript requests, and graduation checks straightforward.

Applying Learning Directly in Your Classroom

Belhaven’s M.Ed. programs do not tack on a separate field placement requirement. Instead, course assignments are intentionally designed to connect theory to practice right inside your own classroom. You might analyze student data, implement a new instructional strategy, or reflect on a mentoring cycle as part of your regular graduate work. This embedded approach respects your status as a practicing educator and ensures that what you learn each term immediately strengthens your teaching.

Technology Essentials for a Smooth Start

Participating in online M.Ed. coursework requires a reliable computer and a stable internet connection. All activities, from submitting assignments to engaging in discussion boards, happen inside Canvas, which works on standard web browsers and offers a mobile app for quick checks. Belhaven provides orientation modules at the start of each program to familiarize you with the learning management system and online best practices, so even if you have never taken an online class before, you can start with confidence.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Belhaven M.ed. Specializations: Which Path Fits Your Calling?

Which Belhaven M.Ed. path aligns with your calling: teacher leader, literacy specialist, or a career-switching route that leads to classroom licensure? Belhaven structures its graduate education offerings around three distinct specializations, each anchored in Christian faith integration and designed for educators at different stages of their careers.¹

Educational & Teacher Leadership: For Aspiring Principals and Coaches

The School Leadership & Administration M.Ed. prepares you for building-level leadership roles. This 30- to 33-credit program covers organizational management, instructional supervision, and school law. You’ll complete 320 clinical hours embedding you in real administrative settings. After coursework, passing the School Leaders Licensure Assessment (SLLA) qualifies you for Mississippi Administrator Licensure. A culminating capstone project or paper lets you apply leadership theories to a practical challenge. Throughout, Belhaven faculty, many holding terminal degrees and K-12 experience, mentor you one-on-one. Faith integration appears in every course, prompting you to examine ethical dilemmas through a Christian worldview and serve diverse communities with grace.

Reading & Literacy: Become a Literacy Specialist

The Reading Literacy M.Ed. (MEDRL) focuses on evidence-based reading instruction, assessment, and intervention. Over approximately 33 credits, you’ll study literacy development, differentiated strategies, and diagnostic methods. A required reading practicum places you in a school setting to implement and evaluate literacy plans under supervision. The program culminates with a Comprehensive Capstone Paper, synthesizing research and practice. Graduates often pursue reading specialist certification, enhancing their ability to support struggling readers or coach peers. Because literacy gaps disproportionately affect underserved students, Belhaven weaves in biblical principles of service and justice, encouraging you to see your work as both academic and redemptive.

Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT): A Career-Changer Route to Licensure

The MAT is designed for individuals holding a bachelor’s degree in a field other than education who want to earn initial teaching licensure. Belhaven offers Elementary and Secondary tracks, plus a non-licensure option for those teaching in private or international schools. You’ll complete 30-33 credits of pedagogy, content methods, and classroom management, often including a full-time student teaching internship. The program requires a Comprehensive Capstone Paper that demonstrates your ability to connect theory to practice. For those seeking licensure, you’ll meet Mississippi’s alternate certification requirements and be eligible to sit for the relevant Praxis exams. Throughout, the faith-integrated curriculum helps you see teaching as a calling, with courses exploring how to steward students’ gifts and create shalom in the classroom.

Additional M.Ed. Options: Curriculum & Instruction

Beyond these three, Belhaven houses a M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction with emphases such as TESOL or Education Technology. These 33-credit tracks also require a Comprehensive Capstone Paper. Notably, one strand supports National Board Certification preparation, you’ll complete and defend an NBCT Portfolio instead of a traditional capstone. These options suit experienced teachers seeking to deepen pedagogical expertise or earn endorsements without shifting into administrative roles.

Across all paths, Belhaven’s 60-month time limit ensures flexibility for working professionals, and the university accepts up to six semester hours of transfer credit. Whether you aim for the principal’s office, a literacy coaching role, or a new career in the classroom, Belhaven’s specializations provide a coherent, faith-anchored progression toward your goals.

Admissions at a Glance: Belhaven M.ed. Requirements

Gaining entry into Belhaven University’s master’s in education programs begins with a clear set of academic and professional criteria. Whether you are a practicing teacher advancing your career or a newcomer seeking initial licensure, the admissions process is designed to ensure you are ready for graduate-level work in education.

Standard Admission Requirements

Most M.Ed. tracks share a common foundation of requirements: - Bachelor’s degree: A completed bachelor’s from a regionally accredited institution. - Grade point average: A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale.¹ - Teaching license: A valid K-12 teaching license is required for the M.Ed. program.¹ - Professional experience: At least one year of full-time teaching experience; for the School Leadership concentration, three years are required.¹ The Reading Literacy specialization expects candidates to be currently teaching in a reading-related role.¹ - Test scores: No GRE or standardized admission test is required.² - Application fee: A nonrefundable fee is due when you submit the online form.³

How to Apply

The application process is straightforward and entirely online. You will need: - The completed online graduate application. - Official transcripts from every postsecondary institution you have attended.¹ - A statement of purpose outlining your educational goals and why you chose Belhaven. - Two letters of recommendation from professional or academic references.¹ International applicants whose first language is not English must provide TOEFL, IELTS, or CAEL scores to demonstrate English proficiency.³

The MAT Track: Additional Prerequisites

Belhaven’s Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) is geared toward aspiring educators who do not yet hold a teaching license. Because the MAT leads to initial certification, candidates may need to pass Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators or specific content-area Praxis exams before or early in the program. Prospective MAT students should consult directly with an admissions counselor to confirm the exact testing requirements for their intended licensure area.

Rolling Deadlines Throughout the Year

Belhaven reviews applications on a rolling basis, with multiple entry points in the fall, spring, and summer semesters. This flexibility allows you to start when the timing works best for your job and personal schedule. While there are no hard deadlines, applying early for your preferred term is recommended to secure your spot and arrange financial aid.

Contacting the Admissions Team

For specific questions about required documents, prerequisites, or program fit, reach out to the Graduate Admissions office. Contact information, including phone and online inquiry forms, is available on Belhaven’s official website.

Belhaven M.ed. Tuition, Financial Aid, and Scholarships

Two common starting points for understanding cost are checking Belhaven University's official tuition page for per-credit rates or calling the Financial Aid Office to ask about personalized aid packages. Each approach has its strengths, and ideally you will use both.

Tuition and Fee Structure for Belhaven's M.Ed.

Belhaven University structures its graduate tuition on a per-credit-hour basis, and the total cost of your master's in education will depend on how many credits your specialization requires. Because rates are revised annually, the most accurate figure will come directly from the university's published tuition schedule. Look for the current academic year's graduate education rate, and then multiply by the credit count listed in your program's curriculum plan. Beyond tuition, keep in mind that mandatory fees, such as technology, library, or student services fees, may be added each term. These are rarely listed in the headline tuition number, so you will want to request a full cost breakdown from the student accounts office or review the fine print on the tuition page.

Financial Aid and Scholarships for Educators

Belhaven's Financial Aid Office is your best resource for identifying aid that specifically targets education students. While federal aid programs like Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Grad PLUS Loans are available to all qualifying graduate students, Belhaven may also offer institutionally funded M.Ed. scholarships or discounts for teachers. Some possibilities include alumni tuition reductions, church-partner scholarships, or need-based grants. Because eligibility criteria and award amounts can change from year to year, speaking with a financial aid counselor is essential. Be sure to ask whether the School of Education has any dedicated scholarship funds: these can sometimes go underutilized simply because applicants do not know to inquire.

Employer Partnerships and Tuition Reimbursement

Many school districts and private school networks maintain tuition reimbursement programs as part of their employee benefits. If you currently work for an educational employer, check with your human resources department to see whether you can receive partial or full reimbursement for graduate coursework. Belhaven's employer relations or corporate partnership office may also have established agreements with specific districts, granting reduced rates or streamlined billing. Do not assume these partnerships exist only for large districts; sometimes local Christian schools or smaller charter networks participate as well.

Evaluating the Return on Your Investment

Before committing to a loan or drawing from savings, it is wise to project the career and salary impact of earning your M.Ed. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS.gov) publishes occupational outlook data for teachers, instructional coordinators, and school administrators, including median pay and job growth projections. The National Education Association also releases annual salary surveys that can help you gauge typical pay in your region. Combining those external benchmarks with an honest look at your current earnings and career goals will help you decide how much debt, if any, is reasonable for your situation. Belhaven's career services staff can also provide insight into typical salary outcomes for their M.Ed. graduates, though you should always verify with multiple sources.

Faculty Spotlight: Credentials and Experience of Belhaven’s Education Professors

Belhaven University’s School of Education faculty bring a blend of academic rigor and real-world teaching experience to the classroom. All hold terminal degrees, typically an Ed.D. or Ph.D., and many have served as K-12 teachers or administrators before moving into higher education.¹ This practical background means course content is grounded in the challenges and opportunities educators face every day.

Experienced Leaders and Practitioners

The faculty roster includes accomplished leaders who shape both master’s and doctoral studies. Dean David B. Hand, Ed.D., oversees the school,¹ while Associate Professor Tracey Gregory directs the Ed.D. program. Professors like Becky Mincey and Tammy Smith² contribute deep expertise in elementary teacher education and curriculum design. Faculty certifications span elementary education, school administration, special education, and reading,³ underscoring their ongoing connection to pre-K through 12 practice.

Mentorship and Ongoing Engagement

With intentionally small class sizes, Belhaven professors provide personalized mentorship and academic advising. They do not simply teach about schools: they remain active in school improvement consulting, curriculum development, and national conference presentations. This scholar-practitioner model means you learn from faculty who are still shaping the field, and the school’s CAEP accreditation and Mississippi Department of Education approval¹ confirm that the faculty meet rigorous, nationally recognized standards.

Belhaven's education professors bring decades of real-world classroom and administrative experience, grounding every course in practice.

Career Support and Alumni Outcomes for Belhaven M.ed. Graduates

What kind of career support do Belhaven’s M.Ed. graduates receive, and where do they end up working? Belhaven University provides a comprehensive suite of career services to all education graduate students and alumni through its Center for Career & Calling.¹ From resume assistance and interview preparation to annual career fairs and an online job portal, educators gain access to tools that can help them advance in the classroom or move into leadership.

Career Services and Resources

Students and alumni can tap into a range of no-cost resources. Resume help includes a partnership with Resume Target for one-on-one feedback, plus workshops on formatting and tailoring documents for education roles.² Interview preparation sessions and career bootcamps build confidence for job searches, while LinkedIn optimization guidance ensures your professional profile gets noticed.¹ The Blazer Career Portal (Blazenet) posts masters in education jobs from local school districts, private schools, and education organizations across Mississippi and beyond.⁶ An annual career fair draws employers seeking entry-level and mid-career educators, giving M.Ed. students and graduates a convenient way to connect with hiring managers.³

Alumni Careers and Employer Connections

While Belhaven does not publish specific graduate employment rates or average salary increases,⁴ typical careers for masters in education graduates are well established. Many stay in the classroom with higher pay or move into roles such as instructional coach, curriculum specialist, reading specialist, department leader, or principal.⁴ The university’s employer network includes public K-12 districts, Christian schools, and education support organizations.⁵ Although formal partnerships with specific districts are not publicly listed, the career center fosters pipelines through events and an active alumni network that stretches across Mississippi.⁵ Graduates often remain in the Jackson metro area or find positions elsewhere in the state.

Connecting with the Center for Career & Calling

Whether you are a current student or an alumnus years removed from graduation, Belhaven’s career services are available at no charge.¹ Reach out to the Center for Career & Calling to schedule a consultation, refine your job-search strategy, or explore new directions in education. Personalized support can help you translate your M.Ed. into the next step you are working toward.

Education Salaries in Mississippi and the Jackson Metro Area

Mississippi Teacher Salary Overview

Mississippi teacher salaries vary by role and experience, with 2024 BLS data showing a range from roughly $49,000 to $57,000 for K-12 positions. The table below highlights median annual wages for common teaching roles across the state.

These figures represent statewide averages and do not reflect district-specific supplements or extended-year contracts, which can boost pay.

The Master’s Degree Advantage

Earning a master’s degree typically unlocks higher pay in Mississippi school districts. Most public school salary schedules include lanes that reward advanced degrees with automatic step increases or annual stipends. According to master's in education salary data, teachers with a master’s earn about $14,500 more than those with only a bachelor’s nationally,⁴ and Mississippi districts follow this pattern. For Belhaven M.Ed. graduates, the credential can lead to immediate pay bumps, especially in teacher leadership roles like instructional coaching or administration that require or favor a master’s.

Jackson Metro Area Salaries

While the BLS does not publish a separate breakout for the Jackson metropolitan area, educators in the capital city and surrounding suburbs often earn slightly above the state medians. Districts like Jackson Public Schools and neighboring Madison or Rankin County Schools typically offer higher base salaries to attract and retain talent in an urban setting. Master’s-prepared teachers in these systems can expect compensation that reflects the higher cost of living and competitive labor market, making the Jackson metro one of Mississippi’s more lucrative regions for education careers.

Belhaven Vs. Other Mississippi M.ed. Programs: How It Stacks Up

$406 per credit: Belhaven University’s online M.Ed. programs carry a clear, affordable price tag that stands out among private graduate education options in Mississippi. For a 33-credit master's in curriculum and instruction, that translates to about $13,398 total¹, not including fees or materials, a figure that compares favorably with other faith-based private colleges and even some public university out-of-state rates.

Cost and Value Among Mississippi Peers

When weighing Belhaven against other master's in education programs in Mississippi, cost is one of the most concrete differentiators. Private Christian institutions such as Mississippi College and William Carey University often charge similar per-credit rates, typically in the $400, $600 range, while public universities like the University of Mississippi may offer lower in-state tuition but sometimes require more credit hours or impose additional campus residency requirements. Belhaven’s consistent $406 rate for all online M.Ed. courses, regardless of state residency, provides predictability. The net price for graduate study at Belhaven (around $15,676 after aid) also places it among the more accessible private options in the state.

Accelerated 7-Week Terms vs. Traditional Semesters

Belhaven’s accelerated master's in education 7-week courses are a key advantage for working teachers¹. Students take one course at a time, allowing deep focus without the semester-long juggling act common at other schools. A full-time student can complete the 33-credit program in less than two years, while part-time pacing remains flexible. By contrast, many Mississippi M.Ed. programs operate on 15-week semesters, spreading coursework over longer periods. This compact schedule can mean earlier career advancement and a quicker return on investment.

Faith-Integrated Learning and Personal Support

Few regional programs match Belhaven’s explicit integration of a Christian worldview into every education course. While other Christian colleges share similar values, Belhaven’s small class sizes, faculty mentorship, and mission to develop “teacher leaders” set it apart. Larger public programs may offer more specialization options but often lack the tight-knit community and personalized advising that Belhaven emphasizes.

Choosing on Fit, Not Just Price

Ultimately, the best M.Ed. program depends on your calling and circumstances. If you value a Christ-centered curriculum, accelerated online delivery, and a supportive environment, Belhaven merits strong consideration. If you prefer a broader research university setting or extremely low in-state tuition, public institutions might appeal more. Prospective students should request detailed cost breakdowns and speak with admissions counselors about hidden fees, transfer credits, and licensure alignment before deciding.

Mississippi Teacher Licensure: What You Need to Know

Mississippi's teaching licensure framework is adapting to streamline entry for career-changers while maintaining strong preparation benchmarks, making it an opportune time to understand the pathways. Belhaven University's programs are built to align with these state requirements, so you can move from coursework to classroom with clarity.

The Standard Pathway: Class A Licensure

Mississippi's Class A license is the master's-level teaching credential. To qualify, you need a bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA, though an ACT score of 21 or passing scores on the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators can serve as alternative entry screens.¹ You must complete a state-approved educator preparation program, like Belhaven's M.Ed. tracks, and pass the appropriate Praxis Subject Assessment, as covered in the Praxis exam requirements, for your content area.² The Mississippi Department of Education issues the license upon verification of these components.

Alternative Routes: How Belhaven's MAT Fits In

For those entering teaching from another field, Mississippi offers several alternative teacher certification pathways: Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), Teach Mississippi Institute (TMI), and American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence (ABCTE).¹ Belhaven's MAT program is designed specifically for these candidates, embedding full initial licensure within the degree. You'll complete rigorous coursework and clinical experiences while meeting all state-mandated testing and portfolio requirements.

Renewal and Advanced Endorsements

Once licensed, educators must renew their credentials every five years by completing continuing education units or additional coursework.⁴ Earning a master's degree like those at Belhaven not only fulfills renewal requirements but also positions you for advanced endorsements. Add-on credentials in areas such as School Administrator, Reading Specialist, or other specialized fields become available once you hold a Class A license and the necessary graduate credits.

Aligning with Mississippi Standards

Belhaven's M.Ed. and MAT programs are intentionally designed to satisfy Mississippi's licensure competencies. Course content, field placements, and assessments are mapped to state standards, so graduates can apply for certification immediately upon completion. For official, up-to-date details on licensure rules, always refer directly to the Mississippi Department of Education's website, which publishes current renewal guidelines, testing windows, and endorsement pathways.

Frequently Asked Questions About Belhaven’s M.ed. Programs

Find answers to frequently asked questions about Belhaven University's Master of Education programs, including accreditation, program duration, online options, and admission requirements.

Other Belhaven University Schools

1. Arizona
2. Florida
3. Louisiana
4. Michigan
5. New York
6. Pennsylvania
7. Pennsylvania
8. Texas
9. Utah
10. Washington

Related Articles