Your Guide to Master’s in Education Programs at Drew University

New Jersey’s teacher preparation programs produced just two completers for every 1,000 students during the 2025-26 school year, even as the nation faced over 425,000 vacant or uncertified K-12 teaching positions.

For educators seeking to fill that gap, Drew University’s Caspersen School of Education offers a master’s in education that merges a rigorous liberal arts foundation with hands-on classroom training.

Accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), the school provides multiple delivery formats (online, on-campus, and hybrid) to accommodate working teachers and career changers. New Jersey’s persistent need for licensed, well-prepared teachers makes graduate credentials from a respected institution a decisive career asset.

Master’s in Education Programs at Drew University

What master’s in education programs does Drew University offer, and how do they prepare you for the classroom? Drew University’s programs of study include three distinct graduate pathways for aspiring and practicing educators: the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), the M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction, and the Alternate Route M.Ed. in Instructional Practice. Each program addresses different career stages and goals, from initial teacher certification to advanced instructional leadership.

Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)

The MAT is designed for individuals seeking their first teaching license. This 30- to 36-credit program includes a full-time student teaching practicum and leads directly to New Jersey teacher certification. You can complete the program in as little as one year on an accelerated track or stretch it over two years part-time. Drew’s MAT offers dual certification options in special education or English as a Second Language (ESL), expanding your job prospects.³ Key program details include: - Accreditation: CAEP accredited through June 2026 - Clinical experience: 210 clinical hours plus a student teaching semester - Subject areas: Secondary certification in English, math, science, social studies, world languages, or the arts - Cost: $975 per credit - Admissions: 3.0 GPA minimum, two letters of recommendation, entrance exam (Praxis required)¹ - Financial support: Scholarships available, including the Drew Together Scholarship

M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction

The 30-credit M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction is built for current teachers who want to deepen their expertise without a formal student teaching placement. Instead, you’ll complete an inquiry capstone project tied to your own classroom practice. The program offers a concentration in ESL, preparing you to support multilingual learners. This degree does not lead to initial teacher certification but strengthens instructional strategies for in-service educators.

Alternate Route M.Ed. in Instructional Practice

This 30-credit program is tailored for career changers who are already teaching on a Certificate of Eligibility. Through on-the-job support and a clinical seminar, you earn a master’s degree while working toward New Jersey’s standard teaching certification.² The curriculum blends evening coursework with immediate classroom application.

A Hands-On, Cohort-Based Approach

All three programs emphasize practical, school-embedded learning. The MAT’s extensive clinical hours and student teaching ensure you’re classroom-ready from day one. The M.Ed.’s capstone project and the Alternate Route’s clinical seminar connect theory to real-world teaching. Drew’s small cohort model fosters close mentorship and peer collaboration throughout your studies.

Below, you’ll find a full program listing with detailed information for each option.

Drew University Education Program Delivery Formats

Choosing between an online, on-campus, or hybrid master’s program means balancing schedule flexibility with the depth of in-person learning and field experience. Drew University responds with a delivery menu built for educators at different stages of their careers, from full-time students to working professionals seeking an advanced credential without leaving the classroom.

Program Formats at a Glance

Drew’s education graduate offerings are not one-size-fits-all. The Master of Education (MEd) , including tracks such as Curriculum & Instruction, ESL, and Teacher of Students with Disabilities , is available in online, on-campus, and hybrid formats, as detailed on the Drew University’s Master of Education program page. The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), by contrast, is an on-campus program, a structure that supports intensive mentorship and the required clinical hours embedded in its 12-month timeline. The Alternate Route MEd in Instructional Practice takes a distinctive approach: it is fully online and on-the-job, designed exclusively for New Jersey teachers who already hold a Certificate of Eligibility and are employed in a school.

Flexibility for Working Professionals

Both full-time and part-time enrollment are possible across most programs, allowing you to accelerate or pace your studies according to work and family commitments. The MEd’s online courses are built asynchronously, meaning you can complete readings, discussion posts, and assignments on your own schedule , no required login times. Some electives may offer optional synchronous sessions for real-time collaboration, but the core design respects the busy rhythms of practicing educators. The hybrid option blends periodic campus meetings with online work, providing face-to-face interaction without requiring a daily commute.

Field Placement and Clinical Requirements

Hands-on practice remains central, even in online formats. The MAT requires a full clinical placement, which the campus-based model supports through partnerships with area schools. For online MEd and Alternate Route candidates, field experiences are woven into your current role or arranged locally. The Alternate Route program turns your own classroom into the learning lab, while other MEd tracks coordinate placements near your community. Drew’s field placement office works with distance learners to find appropriate settings, so you can complete requirements without relocating.

New Jersey’s Online Master’s in Education Option

For educators seeking best M.Ed. programs in New Jersey, Drew represents a flexible online route to an advanced degree. The fully online MEd and the Alternate Route pathway allow you to earn a respected credential from a New Jersey institution while staying fully engaged in your teaching position. Because these programs are designed with state certification contexts in mind, they integrate naturally with New Jersey’s professional standards, eliminating the friction that can come with out-of-state online degrees.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Tuition and Cost Breakdown

The published price tag of a master's degree and the actual cost you end up paying are often two very different numbers, especially when institutional aid and federal programs close the gap. At Drew University, the Master of Education carries a per-credit tuition rate that ranges from $900 to $975 for the 2025, 2026 academic year. Because the program requires 30 credits to complete, the total tuition falls between $27,000 and $29,250, according to the 2025-2026 pricing sheet. This figure is consistent whether you choose the on-campus, online, or hybrid delivery mode: Drew does not charge a separate online fee or differential.

What You'll Pay: Tuition and Fees

Beyond tuition, you should budget for mandatory fees that run $1,000 to $1,500 per academic year. These cover services like technology access, student activities, and registration. When combined with tuition, total direct educational costs land in the $29,000 to $32,700 range, a figure comparable to many private M.Ed. programs in the Northeast, such as University of Bridgeport M.Ed. programs.

Additional Costs to Budget For

Plan for books and supplies, which typically cost between $1,200 and $2,000 over the life of the program. Since several courses emphasize digital materials and open educational resources, your actual book expenses could land on the lower end of that range. If you study online, you'll need a reliable computer and internet connection, but there are no added distance-learning fees.

Reducing the Cost: Financial Aid and Scholarships

Drew automatically considers all graduate applicants for merit-based scholarships, which can reduce tuition by up to 20%.¹ You don't need a separate application: your admission materials serve as the scholarship review. Educators employed in schools may also qualify for a dedicated educator scholarship, further lowering the per-credit cost.¹ To access federal support, including Direct Unsubsidized Loans, Grad PLUS Loans, and work-study, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) using Drew's school code.¹ The combination of automatic aid and federal loans often brings the net cost well below the sticker price, making a Drew M.Ed. a strategic investment in your teaching career.

Admissions Requirements for Education Graduate Programs

Applying to graduate school can feel like a balancing act between compiling materials and meeting strict deadlines. Drew University aims to simplify the process with clear requirements and a supportive admissions team. Below is a detailed breakdown of what you need to submit, key deadlines, and pathways for both experienced teachers and career changers.

What You’ll Need to Submit

The application for the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) or other education programs at Drew’s Caspersen School of Graduate Studies requires the following:

• Transcripts: Official transcripts from all undergraduate and any graduate institutions you attended.
• GPA minimum: A cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 is expected¹, though candidates with strong supporting materials may still be considered.
• Personal statement: A 1,000-word essay explaining your goals for graduate study and interest in teaching.
• Letters of recommendation: Two professional or academic references who can speak to your potential as an educator.
• Resume: A current resume or CV detailing your work experience, volunteer activities, and any teaching-related roles.
• Application fee: Paid online at the time of submission.

Standardized Tests and Waivers

Drew University has a test-optional policy for many programs, meaning GRE scores are not required¹. However, the MAT program does require passing scores on teacher certification exams like the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators and Praxis Subject Assessments. These exams ensure you have the foundational knowledge and content expertise necessary for teacher certification in New Jersey. If you are a career changer without a teaching background, the Praxis tests are still required, but there are no prerequisite education courses to complete before applying.

Application Deadlines and Admissions Decisions

Drew reviews applications on a rolling basis, but the priority deadlines are: - Fall entry: June 1 - Spring entry: December 1 - International applicants: April 1 (fall) or October 1 (spring)¹

A special accelerated BA/MAT pathway for current Drew undergraduates has a February 1 deadline during senior year.²

Interviews are not part of the standard admissions process.³ Conditional admission may be offered to candidates who need to complete remaining requirements, such as prerequisite coursework or test scores, before full matriculation. This flexibility helps both experienced educators seeking advancement and newcomers transitioning into teaching.

Teacher Certification and Licensure Pathways

Choosing a graduate program often means balancing the path to your first teaching license with the flexibility to add endorsements or teach beyond New Jersey. Drew University addresses both sides through multiple certification routes approved by the New Jersey Department of Education.

Securing Your Initial New Jersey Teaching License

Drew's Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) is designed for those seeking initial teacher certification and leads to a Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing (CEAS) in the state.¹ This is the standard credential for new teachers who complete a state-approved educator preparation program. To earn the CEAS, candidates must meet a 3.0 minimum GPA, pass the required Praxis Core and Praxis II content exams, and complete 210 hours of supervised clinical experience in K-12 classrooms.²¹ Note that the edTPA performance assessment is not a requirement for Drew's program graduates, which can streamline the final steps toward licensure.³

For individuals already working in schools, the Paraprofessional Teacher Pathway offers an approved CEAS route for current paraprofessionals seeking to become fully certified teachers.⁴ Additionally, Drew is an approved Continuing Education (CE) provider for Alternate Route Secondary Education, allowing career changers with a bachelor's degree to obtain alternative teacher certification through the online Alternate Route M.Ed., a 30-credit program completed in 24 months.⁵

Adding Endorsements and Specializations

Beyond initial licensure, Drew offers several endorsement programs that enhance a teaching certificate without requiring a full second degree. These include a Bilingual Education Endorsement and an ESL Certification, preparing you to become an ESL teacher in New Jersey's high-need classrooms.⁶⁷ The Teaching Writing Certificate, while not leading to a stand-alone certification, deepens instructional skills in writing pedagogy and can complement a master's degree.⁸

Navigating Out-of-State Licensure

If you plan to teach outside New Jersey, Drew's programs hold NC-SARA approval and are fully accredited, which generally supports teaching licensure with a master's degree.⁶ However, specific requirements vary by state, so you should verify with the state education agency where you intend to work. Drew's education faculty can guide you through the initial steps, but final approval depends on each state's rules for transferring a New Jersey CEAS.

Career and Salary Outcomes for Education Graduates

What can I earn with a master's in education from Drew University?

Program-level earnings data for Drew University's Master of Arts in Teaching is not yet available through the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard. That means the most recent median earnings figures for graduates one, two, and four years after completing this specific program are still unreported. The same holds true for the share of graduates working in education-related fields shortly after earning their degree. Without those data points, prospective teachers should weigh broader institutional outcomes, regional salary trends, and the program's design features.

Job placement and career paths

Even without granular employment rates, the MAT's structure signals strong in-field preparation. The program requires 210 clinical hours, offers dual certification options in special education or ESL, and leads directly to New Jersey teaching licensure. Graduates typically find master's in education jobs like classroom teaching roles in public or private K-12 schools, and many stay in the Madison area or the wider New Jersey market. The state's teacher demand is rising, especially in high-need subjects like math, science, and world languages, all of which Drew's MAT supports, making in-field employment highly likely for licensure completers.

Return on investment

Drew's MAT costs approximately $27,010 in total tuition (36 credits at $975 per credit). Compared to the institution-wide median earnings of $63,646 for Drew alumni 10 years after entry, the financial picture is encouraging, even if that figure blends all majors. For education students in New Jersey, pay scales are typically higher than the national average. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, high school teachers earned a national median of $65,220 in 2024, while instructional coordinators earned $74,620. In New Jersey, average teacher salaries often top $80,000 after a few years of experience, which can make the upfront cost recoverable early in a career, highlighting the strong ROI of a master's in education. Scholarships like the Drew Together Scholarship also help reduce the net expense.

How Drew compares to national benchmarks

When viewed against national medians, a Drew MAT is a competitive entry point. The total program cost sits below many private graduate education programs, and the credential opens doors to a state with some of the nation's strongest teacher pay schedules. Even without tailor-made earnings data, the combination of licensure, clinical training, and in-state salary averages suggests graduates can expect a return that mirrors or exceeds typical returns for master's-level educators elsewhere.

Is Drew University Good for Education Majors?

Drew University’s Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program stands out as a strong choice for aspiring educators, particularly those seeking a tight-knit academic community, respected accreditation, and a clear pathway to New Jersey certification. The program balances rigorous coursework with hands-on clinical experience, and its small class sizes and dedicated faculty create a supportive environment for career changers and recent graduates alike.

Accreditation and Recognition

Drew’s MAT program holds CAEP (Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation) accreditation with a Recognition of Excellence¹, a distinction that signals the program meets the highest national standards for teacher preparation. This accreditation, valid through June 2026, places Drew among a select group of programs nationwide. Additionally, Drew University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, and the MAT program is approved by the New Jersey Department of Education, leading to a Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing (CEAS). These credentials give graduates a competitive edge in the job market and ensure the program is aligned with state licensure requirements.

Student Experience and Support

Drew’s 11:1 student-faculty ratio fosters personalized attention and mentorship, a significant advantage for graduate students navigating clinical placements and coursework. The university’s overall retention rate of 88% reflects a campus culture that supports student success. While Drew’s six-year undergraduate graduation rate is about 70%, the typical completion range for master's in education programs is 70% to 90%¹. However, program-specific graduation data for the MAT is not yet publicly reported, so prospective students should inquire directly about the MAT cohort’s outcomes.

Cost and Value

Drew’s MAT program costs approximately $27,010 in total tuition, which is on the lower end of the national range for private master’s in education programs, typically between $25,000 and $50,000¹. When compared to public institutions, where per-credit costs range from $500 to $900¹, Drew’s per-credit rate of $975 is competitive for a private school. Earnings data for Drew alumni show a median salary of about $63,600 ten years after entry, which aligns with national figures for K-12 teachers with a master’s degree, who earn between $55,000 and $75,000¹. While program-specific earnings are not yet available, the overall earnings profile suggests a solid return on investment.

Is Drew the Right Fit?

For education majors, Drew offers a compelling combination of respected accreditation, small classes, and a clear route to New Jersey licensure. The CAEP Recognition of Excellence adds prestige, and the program’s design accommodates both full-time and part-time students. However, the lack of detailed program-level outcomes data, such as job placement rates or specific earnings for MAT graduates, means candidates should weigh these factors alongside personal career goals and financial considerations. Those who value close faculty interaction and a well-regarded credential will find Drew a worthwhile investment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Drew's Education Programs

Find quick answers to common questions about Drew University’s graduate education offerings, admissions, costs, and program formats.

Other Drew University Schools

Related Articles

Over 425,000 teaching positions stood vacant or uncertified across the U.S. last year, and New Jersey's teacher pipeline remains thin, making a master's degree from Drew University a strategic investment. With flexible online, hybrid, and on-campus formats, clear certification pathways, and a total M.Ed. cost near $28,050, Drew equips you to step into high-need classrooms with confidence. Connect with an admissions counselor or attend an upcoming info session to see how the program aligns with your career goals. A master's in education isn't just a credential: it's your launchpad for lasting impact.