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

Lourdes University will wind down operations by summer 2027, giving prospective M.Ed. students a limited window to enroll in its graduate teaching programs. The university offers one focused path: a 33-credit M.Ed. in Teaching & Curriculum with a Reading & Literacy concentration, which leads to the Ohio Reading Endorsement for already-licensed teachers.

The hybrid program mixes online coursework with on-campus evening classes in Sylvania, and the $595 per-credit tuition keeps total degree costs under $20,000. For educators navigating the closure, securing a degree that still carries accreditation and teach-out protections is paramount.

Lourdes University and the Toledo Education Landscape

Where do Lourdes University education graduates typically teach? The answer lies in the university’s deep roots in Sylvania, Ohio, a suburb nestled just northwest of Toledo. From this quiet campus, Lourdes has long served as a reliable pipeline of educators for school districts across the Toledo metropolitan area and beyond.

A Suburban Campus with Regional Impact

Lourdes University sits in a residential part of Sylvania, a community known for strong public schools and a family-oriented atmosphere. The campus offers small class sizes and personalized attention, drawing many aspiring teachers from northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan. This intimate setting allows Lourdes to cultivate close ties with surrounding school systems, making it a natural feeder for districts that need well-prepared, locally connected educators.

Feeding the Region’s Classroom Needs

The largest employers of Lourdes graduates are Toledo Public Schools and Sylvania Schools, two of the region’s biggest and most influential districts. Washington Local Schools, Perrysburg, and Maumee City Schools also regularly draw from the Lourdes talent pool. In addition, many alumni find positions within the Diocese of Toledo’s Catholic school network, a reflection of the university’s Franciscan mission. These partnerships ensure that Lourdes-trained teachers understand the specific challenges and opportunities facing both urban and suburban classrooms in the area.

Where Demand and Preparation Meet

Ohio’s demand for qualified teachers remains strong, especially in high-need fields. The state has designated special education and reading as areas of persistent shortage, and Lourdes’s master’s programs directly address these gaps. Through structured clinical placements and student teaching experiences coordinated with local schools, M.Ed. candidates apply coursework in real classrooms before they graduate. Lourdes maintains formal partnerships with dozens of schools across Lucas County and the surrounding region, so each student gains hands-on experience in settings aligned with their career goals.

Master's in Education Specializations at Lourdes University

Lourdes University offers one focused Master of Education program: the M.Ed. in Teaching & Curriculum, with a concentration in Reading & Literacy that leads to the Ohio Reading Endorsement.¹ This 33-credit graduate degree is designed for licensed teachers who want to deepen their classroom practice, take on literacy leadership roles, or expand their professional qualifications without leaving the workforce.

Teaching & Curriculum (M.Ed.)

The core of the program builds advanced teaching knowledge through five foundation courses (18 credits). Coursework includes EDU 600: Foundations of Education, EDU 611: Curriculum Design & Assessment, and EDU 613: Instructional Leadership. A two-part Action Research Project (EDU 620 and EDU 621) serves as the culminating experience, asking candidates to identify a classroom challenge, design an intervention, and measure its impact. The core is intentionally practical: each course aligns with the realities of today’s classrooms, and the action research component directly involves the teacher’s own students and setting.

Reading & Literacy Concentration (Reading Endorsement)

The remaining 15 credits are devoted to the Reading & Literacy concentration, a sequence of five courses that satisfies Ohio’s academic requirements for the Reading Endorsement. The curriculum covers the full literacy development spectrum: from foundational theories and diagnostic assessment (EDU 640 and EDU 641) to intervention strategies and clinical practice (EDU 642, EDU 643, and EDU 644). The program’s signature field experience, EDU 644: Practicum in Clinical Literacy Practice, places candidates in a supervised setting where they apply assessment results to design and deliver targeted reading instruction. Candidates must also pass the Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE) reading exam to earn the endorsement.¹

This concentration is ideal for general education teachers, intervention specialists, or reading coaches who want to strengthen their ability to support struggling readers and lead literacy initiatives. Because the program requires a valid teaching license for admission, it presumes candidates already have classroom experience and can immediately connect coursework to practice.

What About Other Specializations?

Lourdes does not currently offer M.Ed. specializations in Special Education, Educational Leadership, or other areas. The Teaching & Curriculum degree with the Reading & Literacy track is the sole graduate education path. Educators seeking additional endorsements or administrative credentials should explore partner institutions or other Ohio programs.

Online and On-Campus Learning Options: Flexible Pathways for Working Teachers

Fully online vs. hybrid: Lourdes University’s Master of Education programs follow a hybrid model¹, meaning students combine digital coursework with regular on-campus evening classes. Unlike the university’s self-paced, 100% online programs in nursing and business, the M.Ed. is designed around structured, cohort-based learning that prioritizes face-to-face interaction alongside online convenience.

Hybrid Delivery Across M.Ed. Specializations

All current M.Ed. specializations at Lourdes use a hybrid format¹. This applies to both the Educational Leadership track and the Master of Education in Special Education. While much of the coursework and resources are available online, students meet in person on a set schedule, typically one evening per week, to engage in discussion, group work, and instructor-led sessions. This blend supports working professionals who need flexibility but also value the networking and immediacy of in-classroom collaboration.

Course Schedules Built for Working Educators

Classes run in accelerated, 7-week terms², allowing students to focus on one or two courses at a time without a multi-year lockstep commitment. In the Educational Leadership program, the cohort attends a single evening session each week, either Tuesday or Wednesday, which is manageable alongside full-time teaching, balancing teaching and grad school. The special education M.Ed. spans approximately 30 months³, giving candidates ample time to integrate learning with their current classroom roles. This pacing helps educators apply new strategies right away.

Technology and Support for Hybrid Learners

Online components are hosted on the university’s learning management system, and students need reliable internet access to participate in discussion boards, submit assignments, and view recorded materials. An IT Help Desk is available to assist with login issues and platform questions⁴. While Lourdes does not list specific hardware requirements, a modern laptop and basic productivity software are sufficient for most tasks. Advisors and faculty also provide guidance to help students transition smoothly into the hybrid rhythm.

Admissions Requirements and Key Deadlines

Admission to the M.Ed. in Educational Leadership program at Lourdes University is based on several criteria. While specific requirements may vary for other education programs, the following checklist outlines what you need to apply.

• Official Transcripts

  Submit official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions attended, showing completion of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Letter of Recommendation

  Provide one letter of recommendation from a professional or academic reference who can speak to your qualifications for graduate study and leadership potential.
• Current Résumé

  Include a résumé highlighting your professional experience, particularly any roles in education or related fields.
• Teaching License

  Applicants must hold a valid teaching license. This requirement is specific to the Educational Leadership track and reflects the program's focus on preparing licensed educators for administrative roles.
• Rolling Application Deadline

  Lourdes University operates on a rolling admissions basis, allowing you to apply for fall, spring, or summer start terms. Submit your application materials as soon as possible to secure your spot.

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

At $595 per credit hour for the 2026-2027 academic year, Lourdes University’s Master of Education programs total an estimated $17,850 in tuition for a standard 30-credit degree, as detailed in the university’s tuition and fee schedule. This per-credit rate places the university among Ohio’s private graduate education options, but additional fees and aid opportunities shape the true cost for working teachers.

Understanding the Cost Structure: Tuition and Fees

• Tuition: The 30-credit M.Ed. totals $17,850, though some concentrations may require additional credits. Part-time students often spread costs over 2, 3 years.
• Fees: As of the 2023-2024 aid year, students paid a $305 per-semester mandatory fee and roughly $250 in other annual fees, covering technology, student services, and graduation.² Current fee schedules may differ; contact the business office for the latest amounts.
• Books and supplies: Plan on $500, $800 per semester, depending on course load and format.

Financial Aid Options for Graduate Education Students

Lourdes participates in all major federal aid programs, and working educators often access additional support:

• Federal loans: Direct Unsubsidized Loans (up to $20,500 per academic year) and Grad PLUS Loans are available to cover remaining costs.
• TEACH Grant: Qualifying students committed to teaching in a high-need field and low-income school may receive up to $3,772 annually (award year 2025-2026).
• Tuition reimbursement: Many Ohio school districts offer partial or full reimbursement for graduate courses; check with your human resources department.
• Institutional and external scholarships: Specific M.Ed. scholarships are not currently published, but the financial aid office can help identify general graduate scholarships or partner discounts.

How Lourdes Compares to Other Ohio Private M.Ed. Programs

The $595 per-credit rate is typical of private universities in Ohio, such as Mount St. Joseph University or Ursuline College, where graduate education credits often fall between $530 and $650. While state universities may charge less, Lourdes’s small classes and Franciscan mission can add value for educators seeking close mentorship. With the university’s announced closure timeline, confirm that any enrolled program will be covered by a teach-out plan and that financial aid commitments remain in place.

Related Articles

Other M.ed. Options in the Toledo Area

Sylvania educators exploring master's programs are not limited to a single institution; the Toledo metropolitan area offers a range of M.Ed. pathways at nearby public and private universities.

Nearby Universities with M.Ed. Programs

The University of Toledo and Bowling Green State University are two prominent public universities within commuting distance. Each operates a College of Education with multiple M.Ed. specializations, including areas such as Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Leadership, and Special Education. While specific program formats shift over time, many now provide online or hybrid options designed for working teachers. Prospective students should visit each university's official website to review current specializations, delivery methods, and admission deadlines. Other private colleges in the region may also maintain graduate education tracks, though their offerings tend to be smaller in scale.

Articulation Agreements and Transfer Credits

Given the closure plans for Lourdes University, anyone with prior Lourdes coursework or an active enrollment should ask about articulation agreements or credit transfer policies at nearby institutions. Contact the admissions office or a graduate academic advisor directly at the target school and inquire whether any formal partnerships exist. Some universities evaluate transfer credits on a case-by-case basis, particularly for graduate-level education courses. Early conversations can clarify which completed credits might apply toward a new M.Ed. program and help avoid redundant coursework.

Researching Career Outcomes and Professional Guidance

Authoritative sources like the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS.gov) offer up-to-date employment projections and wage data for roles that M.Ed. graduates often pursue, such as instructional coordinators, school administrators, and special education teachers. Pairing that data with guidance from professional associations, including the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD), gives a fuller picture of the field. Many of these organizations maintain local chapters or state affiliates that can connect educators with mentorship and job-search resources in Northwest Ohio.

What M.ed. Graduates Earn in the Toledo Metro

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has not yet released 2026 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics for the Toledo metropolitan area. The figure below reflects the most current available estimate for a common education role in the region.

Ohio Teacher Licensure and Endorsements Through Lourdes M.ed.

For teachers in Ohio, the path to a full professional license begins with the Resident Educator License. A master’s degree, such as those offered at Lourdes University, plays a strategic role but does not by itself grant a higher license. Instead, it positions you for advanced credentials and endorsements that can accelerate your career and expand your teaching qualifications.

From Resident to Professional License

The Resident Educator License is the initial credential for new teachers. You must complete a four-year residency program¹ before applying for the Professional Educator License, which is valid for five years². You will need to pass the Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE) for both pedagogy and your content area². While your Lourdes M.Ed. coursework deepens your practice, it does not substitute for these state requirements. Later, the master’s degree becomes a prerequisite for the Senior Professional Educator License (after nine years of teaching) and for the Teacher Leader Endorsement².

Endorsements Available Through Lourdes Programs

Lourdes University’s M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction and related tracks can prepare you for several Ohio endorsements. The Reading Endorsement (K-12) is a popular option, requiring you to pass the OAE Reading Endorsement Exam². Lourdes coursework may also meet the 12 semester hours of reading instruction required for the Elementary/Middle School License³. The Teacher Leader Endorsement, which calls for a master’s degree, is another pathway for educators who want to mentor colleagues or lead instructional initiatives without leaving the classroom².

Required Assessments and Application Steps

Before graduating, you will likely take the OAE pedagogy/professional knowledge assessment and any necessary content-area tests². Passing scores are needed for licensure, not for graduation, but Lourdes advisors will guide you on timing². Once you have completed the residency and passed the required OAEs, you can apply for the Professional Educator License through the Ohio State Board of Education⁴. For endorsements, confirm with your program director which courses align with specific OAE exams and application timelines.

Accreditation and Teach-Out Plans: Navigating Lourdes's Closure

When a university announces its closure, students face a stark choice: stay and complete their program through a teach-out agreement, or transfer credits to another institution to finish their degree. Navigating this decision requires careful research and timely action, especially for graduate students in specialized programs like the Master's in Education at Lourdes University.

Checking Accreditation Status

The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) serves as the institutional accrediting body for Lourdes University. Accreditation status directly affects how a degree is recognized by employers, licensing boards, and other institutions. When a university closes, the HLC website typically documents any special monitoring, show-cause orders, or terms of the closure. Reviewing these records can clarify whether the institution remains in good standing through its final term and how degrees awarded prior to closure are regarded.

For graduate education students, maintaining an active, regionally accredited status is often essential for teacher license reciprocity and salary advancement. If the closure timeline impacts accreditation, the HLC may outline steps for students to request official transcripts and verify degree conferral dates.

Official Closure Announcements and Teach-Out Plans

If Lourdes University's website remains active, it likely hosts a dedicated closure information page. This page is the most direct source for understanding the teach-out plan, which is a written agreement to allow currently enrolled students to complete their programs within a defined time frame. Teach-out plans may specify which programs are included, whether courses are delivered on campus, online, or through a partner institution, and final deadlines for degree completion.

For M.Ed. candidates, it is important to determine whether the entire specialization is teach-out eligible or if certain concentrations are wrapped up earlier. The announcement should also clarify tuition rates during the teach-out period and any changes to financial aid eligibility.

State Guidance and Transfer Agreements

The Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE) often coordinates with closing institutions to minimize disruption for students. ODHE may publish transfer pathways with nearby public universities, such as the University of Toledo and Bowling Green State University, ensuring that credits earned at Lourdes can be applied toward equivalent graduate programs. Contacting ODHE directly or visiting its website can reveal formal agreements not yet reflected on individual school sites.

State-level guidance can also clarify residency requirements for remaining semesters, how to access student records after closure, and which institutions are designated as repositories for transcripts.

Articulation Agreements with Receiving Institutions

Even without a statewide mandate, individual universities often negotiate articulation agreements to streamline the transfer process. Prospective transfer students should review the websites of the University of Toledo and Bowling Green State University for M.Ed. program pathways. These agreements may detail which Lourdes courses fulfill degree requirements, the maximum number of transferable credits, and any additional admission conditions.

When evaluating a receiving institution, look for alignment in specialization areas such as Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Leadership, or Special Education. Some programs may offer rolling admission specifically for students affected by closures, with application fee waivers or dedicated advising staff. Reaching out to graduate admissions offices early can provide clarity on time frames and required documentation.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Frequently Asked Questions About Lourdes University M.ed.

Given Lourdes University’s planned closure, many prospective and current M.Ed. students have questions about program availability, costs, and next steps. The answers below reflect the most common inquiries, but all information is subject to change as the teach-out process unfolds. Always confirm details with official university sources.