Explore Franklin Pierce University's Master's in Education Programs

In New Hampshire, a master’s degree can add $7,000, $12,000 to a teacher’s base salary. But the cost and time commitment of graduate study raise a reasonable question: Is the investment worth it?

Franklin Pierce University’s M.Ed. program offers specializations in Curriculum & Instruction, Special Education, and other in-demand areas, all delivered fully online or in a hybrid format that accommodates a full-time teaching schedule.

With NECHE accreditation and transparent per-credit pricing, the program removes common barriers to entry for educators exploring graduate programs in NH.

Franklin Pierce M.ed. Specializations: From Curriculum & Instruction to Special Education

Franklin Pierce University’s Master of Education (M.Ed.) offers several specializations tailored to different career goals, from masters in curriculum design to teacher leadership and special education. Whether you are a current educator seeking to advance without adding a new certification or a career changer aiming for initial licensure, there is a track that fits your path. All programs combine rigorous coursework with practical experience and can be completed through online, on-campus, or blended formats².

Curriculum & Instruction (Non-Certification)

• Credits: 36 credit hours¹
• Format: Online and on campus²
• Focus: This program is ideal for licensed teachers who want to deepen their expertise in curriculum development, instructional strategies, and assessment without pursuing an additional endorsement. Coursework emphasizes practical application and often culminates in a capstone project.

Educational & Teacher Leadership

• Credits: 36 credit hours³
• Focus: Designed for educators who want to step into formal or informal leadership roles, this specialization covers organizational management, instructional supervision, and school improvement. It does not lead to initial licensure but prepares you for positions such as department chair, curriculum coordinator, or teacher leader. Delivery is available online and on campus.

General Special Education (K-12)

• Credit options:
• M.Ed. with Certification: 48 credits³
• M.Ed. Only: 42 credits³
• Certification Only: 45 credits³
• Format: Online coursework with field placements in accredited schools³
• Unique feature: A dedicated Placement Coordinator helps arrange practicum experiences in NEASC-accredited settings, ensuring you gain hands-on training in inclusive and self-contained classrooms.³ This track meets New Hampshire certification requirements for a masters in special education.

Elementary Education (K-6 or K-8)

• Credit options:
• M.Ed. with Certification: 42 credits³
• M.Ed. Only: 36 credits³
• Certification Only: 39 credits³
• Format: Blended on-campus and online coursework, plus a school-based practicum²
• Focus: The curriculum covers child development, literacy, mathematics, and classroom management. Certification tracks lead to a New Hampshire elementary teaching license and a masters in elementary education.

Secondary Education

• Subject areas: Social Studies (5-8 or 5-12), English Language Arts (5-8 or 5-12), Life Sciences (7-12)
• Credit options: Typically 42 credits for M.Ed. with Certification, 36 credits for M.Ed. Only (where available)³
• Format: Online coursework with required field placements; practicum sites are coordinated through the university³
• Unique aspects: Each track is tailored to content-area expertise, preparing you for middle or high school classrooms. Certification options align with New Hampshire standards for secondary licensure.

Across all certification paths, the Placement Coordinator connects you with quality school placements, ensuring that fieldwork is meaningful and meets state requirements.³ For already-licensed teachers, the non-certification M.Ed. options deliver advanced skills without redundant clinical hours. Most programs are accessible online², making it practical for working educators throughout New Hampshire and beyond to earn their degree on a flexible schedule.

What Does an M.ed. At Franklin Pierce Cost? Tuition, Fees, and Aid

With education budgets tightening and teacher shortages persisting, graduate students are scrutinizing program costs more carefully than ever. At Franklin Pierce University, the M.Ed. programs are priced to balance quality with accessibility, with clear per-credit rates and several avenues for financial assistance.

Tuition and Per-Credit Costs

During the 2025-2026 academic year, graduate education courses are billed at $665 per credit, as listed on the Franklin Pierce tuition and fees page. This rate applies to all M.Ed. specializations, whether you study online, on campus, or through a hybrid format. The university also offers a partnership rate of $532 per credit for employees of qualifying organizations and their immediate family members.¹ If your employer has a standing agreement with Franklin Pierce, this discount can significantly reduce your total expense.

Most M.Ed. programs require between 30 and 36 credits. That puts the total tuition before fees at approximately $19,950 for a 30-credit plan (standard rate) or $15,960 at the partnership rate. For a 36-credit program, standard tuition reaches $23,940, while the partnership rate brings it to $19,152.

Additional Fees

In addition to per-credit charges, all students pay a comprehensive fee of $300 per term, which supports technology infrastructure and student services, and a one-time graduation fee of $100. Full-time, on-campus graduate students encounter a graduate administrative fee of $1,633 per term; this fee is not assessed for fully online students. Books and supplies are estimated at $1,000 annually, though actual costs depend on course materials.

Financial Aid and Funding Sources

Eligible students may apply for federal financial aid, including Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Graduate PLUS Loans, by completing the FAFSA and consulting the university's financial aid page. Franklin Pierce also encourages prospective M.Ed. candidates to explore employer tuition reimbursement programs, which many school districts and educational organizations offer.

• Graduate assistantships: A limited number of positions are available each year. These roles typically provide a tuition waiver and a small stipend in exchange for research or administrative support.
• Partnership discounts: If you work for a partner organization, confirm eligibility before enrolling; the reduced rate applies automatically but must be verified at admission.
• Outside scholarships: Private foundations and professional associations for educators often award M.Ed. scholarships; the university's financial aid office can guide you to relevant opportunities.

What Does an M.ed. At Franklin Pierce Cost? Breaking Down the Total

The total cost of Franklin Pierce's M.Ed. typically falls below the New Hampshire average for graduate programs, which stands at around $30,000 per year. Here is how the program's costs break down based on current per-credit rates.

How to Apply to Franklin Pierce's M.ed. Programs

Franklin Pierce University requires a minimum 2.8 undergraduate GPA¹ for its M.Ed. programs. Applicants whose cumulative GPA falls between 2.50 and 2.79 may still be considered for provisional admission.² All candidates must hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution.¹ There is no GRE or other standardized test requirement for admission.¹

Admission Requirements at a Glance

Franklin Pierce evaluates candidates holistically, but meeting the academic baseline is essential. No prior teaching experience or certification is required², making the programs accessible to career changers and recent graduates alike. However, admitted students should be prepared to complete a background check before beginning fieldwork or clinical placements.²

Application Materials

Franklin Pierce uses a completely online application process with no fee.¹ You will need to submit:

• Official transcripts: from every post-secondary institution attended.
• Resume or CV: highlighting educational background, work history, and any relevant volunteer experience.¹
• Personal statement: a focused essay explaining your interest in education, career goals, and reasons for choosing Franklin Pierce.¹
• Letters of recommendation: typically two professional or academic references who can speak to your potential for graduate study.

International students may need to provide additional documentation, such as English proficiency test scores (TOEFL or IELTS) and a credential evaluation. Check the graduate admissions page for the most current requirements.

Rolling Deadlines and What to Expect

Admission to Franklin Pierce's M.Ed. programs operates on a rolling basis for 2026.³ This means applications are reviewed as they arrive, and you can start in the fall, spring, or summer term. The flexibility allows you to apply when you are ready and receive an admission decision within a few weeks of submitting a complete file.

Once admitted, you will connect with a program advisor to plan your course sequence. If you were accepted with provisional status due to a lower GPA, you may need to achieve a "B" average in your first few graduate courses to continue. The enrollment team can clarify any conditions tied to your acceptance.

The entire application process is designed to be straightforward and supportive. Prospective students can reach out to the Graduate Admissions office for guidance on compiling materials, understanding prerequisites, or scheduling a campus visit. With no application fee, rolling review, and minimal barriers to entry, Franklin Pierce makes it practical to take the next step toward an advanced degree in education.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Is Franklin Pierce University Accredited? Understanding Credentials and Licensure

Is Franklin Pierce University Accredited? Understanding Credentials and Licensure

Teacher preparation programs today must demonstrate clear alignment between graduate study and state certification requirements. Franklin Pierce University meets that standard with institutional accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) and state-approved educator preparation programs that prepare you for New Hampshire licensure.

Institutional Accreditation: NECHE

Franklin Pierce University has been continuously accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, a regional accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.¹ This accreditation covers all undergraduate and graduate programs, including the M.Ed. degrees. It ensures the university meets rigorous academic and operational standards, and it is a prerequisite for federal financial aid eligibility.

Program Approval: New Hampshire Department of Education

Beyond institutional accreditation, the M.Ed. programs in Curriculum and Instruction and Educational Leadership hold approval from the New Hampshire Department of Education.² This approval indicates that the curricula, clinical experiences, and assessments align with state competencies for educator certification. It does not guarantee licensure, but it means the program is designed to lead to a recommendation for licensure after you complete additional requirements.²

Aligning Your Degree with Teacher Licensure

Graduates seeking initial or advanced New Hampshire licensure should know that completing the M.Ed. is one part of a multi-step process. You will need to pass required exams, such as the Praxis II, undergo a transcript review, and pass a background check.² For elementary education (K-6), this typically includes the Elementary Education: Content Knowledge exam.³ For middle-level endorsements, New Hampshire requires a content concentration plus a corresponding Praxis II test at the middle-school level.³ Franklin Pierce's M.Ed. coursework aligns with these competencies, but you are responsible for confirming the latest testing requirements with the state.

Licensure Reciprocity Across State Lines

If you plan to teach outside New Hampshire, note that each state sets its own licensure rules. Franklin Pierce's education programs meet New Hampshire standards, and the university has not determined if the degree meets other states' requirements.² If you are considering a move, contact the licensing board in your destination state early. Many states have reciprocity agreements that honor a New Hampshire credential, but additional coursework, exams, or a period of temporary licensure may apply.

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Online and Hybrid M.ed. Formats: How Franklin Pierce Delivers Flexibility

A Flexible, Fully Online Learning Environment

Franklin Pierce's Master of Education program is delivered entirely online, with no required campus visits at any point in the 18-month curriculum.¹ This design is built for working teachers and career-changers who need to balance graduate study with full-time jobs and personal commitments. The program operates on a rolling admissions cycle, with four terms each year², so you can start when the timing works best for you and maintain steady momentum through to completion.

All coursework is housed in Franklin Pierce's learning management system, a centralized platform where you access readings, submit assignments, participate in discussions, and connect with instructors and classmates. The interface is intuitive and mobile-friendly, so you can keep up with your studies wherever you have an internet connection. Technical support is available to help you navigate the platform and troubleshoot any issues that arise.

Asynchronous Coursework with Real-Time Engagement Options

Most M.Ed. courses follow an asynchronous format, meaning you log in and complete weekly modules on your own schedule; no requirement to be online at a specific day or time. This is ideal for educators juggling classroom responsibilities, family needs, or other obligations. While deadlines keep you on track, the day-to-day flexibility puts you in control.

Even though the program is largely self-paced within each term, Franklin Pierce faculty often integrate optional live virtual sessions. These synchronous meet-ups, hosted via video conferencing tools, allow for deeper discussion, small-group collaboration, and real-time Q&A. They are typically recorded and shared afterward, so you never miss out if you can't attend live. This blend of independent and interactive learning ensures you receive both flexibility and meaningful connection.

Student Support Services for Distance Learners

Distance doesn't mean disconnected. Franklin Pierce extends a full range of support services to online M.Ed. students. Through the library's digital portal, you have 24/7 access to scholarly databases, e-books, journal articles, and research guides, with librarians available via chat or email to assist with literature searches and citations.

Academic advising and career support are also seamlessly integrated. An enrollment advisor helps you map out your course sequence and stay on pace for graduation. If you're in the teacher certification track, a dedicated Placement Coordinator works with you to secure required field placements in local schools², streamlining what is often the most logistically complex part of the program. Additionally, you can reach admissions support staff by phone or email during business hours² with any administrative or financial aid questions.

Practical Placements for Certification Students

For those pursuing initial teacher licensure, the M.Ed. includes supervised teaching experiences that are coordinated by the university to match your location. Franklin Pierce's Placement Coordinator liaises directly with school districts² to arrange practica and student-teaching placements that satisfy state requirements. These in-person components are the only non-online element, and they are integrated into your local community, not based on campus. This approach keeps the program logistically manageable while ensuring you meet all certification benchmarks. Background checks and any required exams, such as the Praxis Core¹, are the student's responsibility, but guidance is provided to help you meet these checkpoints smoothly.

What Can You Do With a Franklin Pierce M.ed.? Career Paths and Earnings

Ninety-five percent of Franklin Pierce University M.Ed. graduates are employed within two years of completing their program, a strong indicator of the degree’s value in the education job market. This graduate-level preparation opens doors to rewarding master's degree in education jobs, both in and beyond the classroom, often with higher earning potential.

Common Career Paths for M.Ed. Graduates

A master’s in education from Franklin Pierce prepares you for several advanced roles in K-12 education:

• Curriculum Specialist: Develop and assess instructional materials, train teachers, and align curriculum with state standards.
• Instructional Coordinator: Oversee teaching methods, evaluate student performance data, and lead school-wide improvement initiatives.
• School Administrator: Move into assistant principal or principal positions, managing school operations, staff, and student services.
• Lead Teacher/Mentor Teacher: Guide new educators, coordinate grade-level teams, and model best practices in the classroom.

Because the program includes teacher certification, graduates are also qualified for standard classroom teaching roles, but the M.Ed. credential often fast-tracks their advancement to these leadership positions.

Employment Outcomes and Earnings

Franklin Pierce M.Ed. graduates demonstrate strong employment outcomes. Within two years, 95% are working, and the six-year employment rate holds at 92%. The education sector dominates placement³, reflecting the program’s close alignment with school district needs. Earnings data shows a clear progression: median income two years after graduation is $34,100, climbing to $39,700 at the six-year mark, consistent with broader masters in education salary trends. Average post-graduation earnings hover around $38,000², while mid-career professionals average $45,000² annually. While these figures represent an early- to mid-career range, they highlight a consistent upward trend.

Salary Boost and Return on Investment

On average, Franklin Pierce M.Ed. alumni experience a $2,266 salary increase attributed to the advanced degree². This boost reflects the typical step-and-lane pay structures in public education, where a master’s degree qualifies a teacher for a higher salary lane. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the earnings gap between a bachelor’s and a master’s degree for teachers persists nationally, and in New Hampshire, the differential can be substantial, especially for those who move into administrative or specialist roles. The combination of reliable employment and incremental pay growth makes the M.Ed. a practical investment for career longevity.

Career Services and Alumni Support

Franklin Pierce University provides career resources that help M.Ed. students and graduates navigate the job market. The career services office offers one-on-one advising, resume workshops, and interview preparation tailored to education careers. An active alumni network further connects new graduates to hiring administrators across New Hampshire and New England. This professional community can be invaluable for finding openings, securing references, and staying current with licensure requirements. The program’s strong employment rates suggest that these supports, combined with the curriculum’s practical focus, effectively bridge the gap between graduation and career advancement.

New Hampshire Teacher Salaries: The Impact of a Master's Degree

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Who Teaches at Franklin Pierce? Faculty Credentials and the Student Experience

What credentials do Franklin Pierce’s M.Ed. faculty hold, and how does the student experience compare to other programs? While the university does not publish a detailed breakdown of professor credentials on a single public page, the School of Education’s graduate catalog and academic resources indicate that Franklin Pierce employs a dedicated instructional staff, a majority of whom are full-time faculty committed to close mentorship. The program notes emphasize “small classes with close faculty interaction,”² but you’ll need to take a few extra steps to confirm how that plays out in practice.

Faculty Credentials and Expertise

Franklin Pierce University’s education faculty typically hold terminal degrees, such as an Ed.D. or Ph.D., along with relevant professional certifications in areas like curriculum and instruction or educational leadership. To verify this for the specific program track you’re considering, visit the official university website and locate the faculty directory for the School of Education. There you can review individual biographies for details on teaching experience, research interests, and K-12 backgrounds. For additional context on program quality, check the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE) website; membership can signal alignment with national professional standards.

Class Size and Interaction

The university’s catalog emphasizes a personalized learning environment. However, exact average class sizes for M.Ed. courses are not publicly disclosed online. Contact the admissions office directly and ask for recent class-size statistics or any available student satisfaction survey results. Admissions representatives can also connect you with program coordinators who can describe typical seminar sizes and the frequency of one-on-one advising sessions.

Student Testimonials and Outcomes

Third-party review sites occasionally feature student comments about the education programs at Franklin Pierce. Search for “Franklin Pierce M.Ed. reviews” to find candid takes on workload, faculty accessibility, and support services. If you prefer a more structured perspective, ask the admissions team whether they can put you in touch with alumni who have volunteered to share their experience: many small universities maintain informal ambassador networks.

Aligning Your Investment with Career Demand

To assess whether the faculty’s areas of expertise match your career goals, cross-reference their specializations with Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data on education-related job demand. For example, if several professors focus on curriculum and instruction, and BLS projections show growing need for instructional coordinators, that alignment suggests the program is designed with labor-market relevance in mind. This kind of homework helps ensure that the connections and skills you gain from Franklin Pierce’s faculty translate into real advancement opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions About Franklin Pierce M.ed. Programs

Get quick answers to common questions about Franklin Pierce University's Master of Education offerings. We cover tuition, specializations, accreditation, and admissions to help you make an informed decision.

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