Master’s in Education at University of Mary: Programs & Specializations

For more than 60 years, the Liffrig Family School of Education at the University of Mary has been a cornerstone of teacher preparation in North Dakota. Its M.Ed. graduates enter Bismarck-area schools with a 96% job placement rate, helping to address the state’s critical shortage areas.

Specializations in Curriculum and Instruction, Special Education, and reading lead to salary lane increases and advanced endorsements. Understanding the full costs, online delivery options, and licensure alignment matters for educators balancing career, family, and finances.

Jump straight to the program list →

Bismarck’s Education Landscape: Why an M.ed. Matters Here

Bismarck-Mandan’s public and private schools form the educational backbone of south-central North Dakota, feeding a steady demand for qualified teachers, specialists, and administrators. This demand isn’t limited to the capital region; neighboring cities like Fargo, Grand Forks, Minot, and West Fargo face similar hiring pressures, particularly in high-need subjects.

Current Demand for Educators in Bismarck and Beyond

Bismarck Public Schools, serving over 13,000 students, and Mandan Public Schools regularly post openings for classroom teachers, special educators, and instructional coaches. Legacy High School, part of Bismarck Public Schools, is a major employer of secondary educators. Statewide, North Dakota contends with persistent teacher shortages in mathematics, science, special education, and rural teacher shortages. While exact vacancy counts fluctuate, workforce data consistently shows more open positions than licensed candidates in these areas.

How an M.Ed. Positions You for Career Growth

In North Dakota, school district salary schedules typically reward graduate degrees. A master’s in education can move you into a higher pay lane, often adding several thousand dollars per year to your base salary. Beyond the immediate pay increase, an M.Ed. qualifies you for leadership roles such as curriculum coordinator, principal, or district administrator. For teachers seeking specialized endorsements: reading specialist, gifted education, or special education, the advanced coursework at UMary opens those pathways while building the practical skills employers want.

UMary’s Regional Advantage

University of Mary’s Liffrig Family School of Education has trained educators for decades, earning trust across the region. Because UMary actively partners with Bismarck Public Schools, Mandan Public Schools, and other area districts for field experiences and student teaching, graduates enter the job market with local connections and a deep understanding of North Dakota’s educational priorities. That community-rooted reputation often gives UMary M.Ed. graduates an edge when applying for jobs in the Bismarck area and beyond.

Online and On-Campus Flexibility: How Umary Serves Working Teachers

What delivery formats does University of Mary offer for its M.Ed. programs?

Teachers balancing classrooms, families, and graduate studies often ask this question first. While program specifics evolve, the Liffrig Family School of Education structures many pathways to accommodate working professionals through online, on-campus evening, and hybrid models. The most reliable way to confirm current options is to visit the official University of Mary website and locate the "Graduate Education" or "M.Ed." program pages. From there, you can review delivery details for each specialization, including any synchronous requirements or on-campus intensives.

How to Verify Program Delivery Options

Start directly at the source: the university's academic catalog and the Liffrig Family School of Education webpages. Look for dedicated sections on "Online Programs" or "Flexible Learning." These resources typically outline whether courses are fully online, blended, or in-person, and note if live virtual sessions are required. Because offerings shift with faculty availability and state authorization, bookmark these pages and revisit them as your application timeline approaches.

• Check the syllabus archive: Many departments post sample syllabi that indicate meeting times and formats.
• Contact admissions directly: A quick email or phone call can clarify whether a particular specialization works for a teacher's school-year schedule.
• Attend a virtual information session: These sessions often showcase learning technologies and answer pacing questions in real time.

Using Official Sources to Plan Your Career

Beyond program logistics, authoritative sources help you evaluate long-term returns. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS.gov) provides standardized salary and outlook data for postsecondary education roles and K-12 leadership positions, which can inform your financial planning. Professional associations such as North Dakota United or national bodies like ASCD and AASA publish guidelines on licensure, endorsements, and industry standards for curriculum directors, principals, and superintendents. Cross-referencing these with the North Dakota Education Standards and Practices Board ensures you understand exactly which credentials an M.Ed. supports.

Questions to Ask Admissions Advisors

When you inquire, ask targeted questions to get beyond marketing language:

• Which specializations are available fully online this academic year?
• Are there any required on-campus residencies, even for online tracks?
• What is the typical weekly time commitment for a working teacher taking two courses?

Responses to these questions give you the practical clarity that brochures alone cannot provide, letting you map a degree onto your real life.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Other North Dakota M.ed. Programs: How Umary Compares

Public graduate schools offer affordability and scale; private institutions bring a distinct mission and cohort experience. For educators considering Master's in Education programs in North Dakota, the choice often comes down to values, format, and proximity. University of Mary stands apart as the state's only Catholic graduate education option, but several other regional universities also serve aspiring teacher leaders.

A Quick Look at North Dakota's M.Ed. Providers

Beyond UMary's Liffrig Family School of Education, four public institutions offer master's pathways for educators:¹

• North Dakota State University (Fargo): A research-driven campus with on-campus, online, and hybrid delivery across several education specializations.
• University of North Dakota (Grand Forks): The state's flagship provides fully online, hybrid, and on-campus M.Ed. formats, often with a focus on higher education or K-12 leadership.
• Minot State University: Serves the northwest region with online and hybrid M.Ed. options, including special education and curriculum tracks.
• Valley City State University: Known for its fully online graduate education degrees, catering especially to working teachers seeking flexible, affordable advancement.

Comparing Key Factors

Direct cost-per-credit comparisons can be tricky because public universities often layer fees, but we can sketch the landscape:

• Cost per credit: UMary lists graduate tuition at $595 per credit (2025).¹ North Dakota's public universities generally charge lower base tuition rates, but total cost depends on residency, program fees, and financial aid.
• Delivery formats: All five institutions offer online or hybrid options. UMary emphasizes blended and online formats² designed around working professionals, while Valley City State specializes in fully online delivery, and UND and NDSU provide the widest in-person resources.
• Specializations: UMary's M.Ed. includes a reading concentration² and other licensure-aligned emphases. Other schools often host broader arrays: NDSU might offer agricultural education or STEM leadership, UND features higher education or special education administration, and Minot State leans into developmental disabilities or early childhood.

The UMary Difference: Faith, Values, and Location

What UMary loses in breadth it gains in identity. As a Benedictine university, it anchors every M.Ed. course in servant leadership, community, and ethical practice. No other North Dakota graduate education program frames teaching through this lens. For educators seeking formation, not just credentials, that matters. Proximity also counts: Bismarck-area teachers can attend hybrid classes on campus, build local professional networks, and benefit from faculty who understand the region's school districts. Public universities may draw from wider geographic pools, but UMary's tight-knit, mission-driven environment offers a distinctive, close-to-home advantage.

M.ed. Salary and Career Outlook in Bismarck

Graduates of University of Mary’s M.Ed. programs pursue careers as instructional coordinators, reading specialists, special education teachers, and curriculum directors. With a 96% job placement rate and median salaries that rise to $48,000 within six years, the degree’s return on investment is strong, often covering tuition costs within a few years.

Related Articles

Licensure and Endorsement Pathways in North Dakota

North Dakota mandates a minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA¹ for all teaching license applicants who complete an approved educator preparation program. At the University of Mary, the Liffrig Family School of Education offers M.Ed. pathways that align with North Dakota Education Standards and Practices Board (ESPB) requirements. Here’s how the licensure and endorsement process works.

The ND Licensure Process

Earning or upgrading a teaching credential in North Dakota follows a structured sequence:

• Complete an approved program: Graduate from a regionally accredited institution with an ESPB-approved program. University of Mary’s M.Ed. concentrations are designed to meet state standards.
• Pass required Praxis exam requirements: Candidates must pass the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators tests and the appropriate Praxis II specialty area exam for their endorsement field.²
• Background check and fingerprinting: All first-time applicants undergo an FBI criminal background investigation and submit fingerprints to the ESPB.¹
• Submit your application: Compile transcripts, exam scores, and completed forms, then apply through the ESPB online portal.

Endorsements Through UMary’s M.Ed. Programs

UMary’s M.Ed. specializations directly support specific North Dakota endorsements:

• Special Education: The Special Education Strategist M.Ed. leads to Learning Disabilities, Emotional Disorders, and Intellectual Disabilities endorsements.³ Secondary-licensed teachers will also need to complete Math Methods and Reading Methods courses.
• Curriculum & Instruction, Reading & Literacy, Secondary Education, Physical Education: These concentrations are built for currently licensed teachers seeking to add endorsements or advance their expertise. The Reading & Literacy track, for example, may fulfill requirements for a reading specialist certification, though verification of specific course alignment with ESPB competencies is recommended.

Initial Licensure vs. Endorsement Advancement

UMary’s master’s in education programs do not provide a path to initial teaching licensure. All M.Ed. applicants must already hold a valid teaching license.³ The degrees serve to add endorsements, move from an interim to a professional license, or prepare for leadership roles. If you seek first-time licensure, you’ll need to complete a bachelor’s-level teacher preparation program.

Reciprocity with Neighboring States

Educators moving to or from Minnesota, South Dakota, or Montana may benefit from North Dakota’s participation in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement. While this agreement streamlines teacher license reciprocity, out-of-state applicants must still undergo a transcript evaluation and meet any ND-specific testing or coursework deficiencies. Contact the ESPB directly for a personalized reciprocity review.

Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid for Umary M.ed. Students

University of Mary’s Master of Education programs deliver strong value through transparent pricing and multiple financial aid pathways. Understanding the full cost picture helps you plan ahead and maximize return on your graduate investment.

Current Tuition and Program Costs

For the 2024, 2025 academic year, the per-credit rate for M.Ed. courses is $595¹. Most M.Ed. concentrations require around 20 credits, bringing the total tuition to $11,840². A notable exception is the Teacher Leadership Academy pathway, which totals $10,038². These figures do not include additional fees, which are modest.

Understanding Fees

Beyond per-credit charges, graduate students encounter a technology fee and occasional course-specific materials fees. These are typically under $500 per year and are built into the broader cost of attendance. UMary does not currently offer a separate tuition discount for fully online students, but the per-credit rate remains consistent regardless of delivery format, simplifying budgeting for distance learners.

Financial Aid Options

Several aid sources can lower out-of-pocket costs significantly. Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Grad PLUS Loans are available, along with TEACH Grants for those planning to serve in high-need fields and schools, which can lead to a tuition-free teacher education. University of Mary offers graduate assistantships that provide a stipend and tuition remission; these are competitive but well worth pursuing. Education-specific scholarships, including those linked to North Dakota teacher loan forgiveness programs, further reduce debt.

Aid in Practice

Recent data shows that the average total aid package for UMary graduate students exceeds $17,265³. Need-based scholarship and grant awards averaged $14,008³, while non-need-based aid averaged $10,258³. Need-based loans averaged $3,893³, indicating that many students graduate with manageable debt relative to the salary gains an M.Ed. brings.

Return on Investment

With a total program cost well under $14,000 and a typical salary bump for North Dakota teachers who earn a master’s degree, the payback period is often just two to three years. This makes UMary’s M.Ed. a fiscally smart choice for career advancement in Bismarck and beyond.

Admissions Requirements and How to Apply

Getting started with the University of Mary Master of Education application is straightforward, and the process is designed with working educators in mind. Below are the step-by-step requirements.

Prerequisites and Academic Requirements

To qualify for the M.Ed. in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment (or other specializations)², you must hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution. A minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.75 is required. The University of Mary's M.Ed. is among no GRE master's in education programs, so no graduate entrance exams, such as the GRE, are necessary¹, making it simpler for classroom teachers to advance their credentials without additional testing. If you are pursuing a track that leads to a North Dakota endorsement or licensure, you may also need to present a current, valid teaching license. International applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate proficiency with a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 71 points.¹

Required Application Materials

Your completed online application will need to be accompanied by several supporting documents. Gather these materials early to avoid delays: - Official transcripts: Request sealed transcripts from every postsecondary institution you have attended. - Letters of recommendation: Two recommendations, typically from academic or professional references who can speak to your teaching potential, work ethic, and readiness for graduate study. - Personal statement: A written essay outlining your career goals, reasons for choosing UMary, and how the M.Ed. will support your professional aspirations. - Resume or CV: A current summary of your educational background, work experience, certifications, and relevant accomplishments.

Application Deadlines and Start Dates

University of Mary operates on a rolling admissions basis¹, so you can apply at any time. For planning purposes, the program offers multiple entry points each year. Confirm specific deadlines with the Liffrig Family School of Education, but generally, applications are accepted for fall, spring, and summer semesters. Applying early is encouraged to secure your spot and complete financial aid paperwork.

Who Is a Good Fit?

Many UMary M.Ed. students are experienced K-12 teachers looking to deepen their expertise in curriculum design, assessment, or leadership. However, the program also welcomes career changers who hold a bachelor's degree and are passionate about education. The online format makes it accessible whether you are in Bismarck, elsewhere in North Dakota, or out of state.

Frequently Asked Questions About Umary’s M.ed.

Below are answers to common questions about the University of Mary’s Master’s in Education programs. For the most accurate and current details, visit umary.edu or contact an admissions advisor.