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

Introduction: Your M.ed. Journey at Lehigh University

Why do Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton’s 17 school districts keep hiring Lehigh University M.Ed. graduates for curriculum leadership? Lehigh's College of Education, ranked #73 nationally, designs its master's programs to meet exactly that local demand, offering specializations from Curriculum & Instruction to Educational Leadership in on-campus, online, and hybrid formats.

But picking the right M.Ed. path requires a clear-eyed look at tuition, admissions steps, and the salary outcomes each specialization delivers in the Lehigh Valley job market.

Bethlehem’s Educational Landscape: Where Lehigh M.ed. Graduates Thrive

The Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton metropolitan area includes 17 public school districts, with Allentown School District serving over 16,000 students and Bethlehem Area School District enrolling nearly 13,000. This dense K-12 network creates consistent demand for qualified teachers, curriculum specialists, instructional coaches, and school administrators.

Major School Districts Fueling Demand

Beyond the two largest districts, graduates find opportunities in Easton Area School District, Parkland School District, Nazareth Area School District, and many others. These districts collectively employ thousands of educators across urban, suburban, and rural settings, offering diverse career pathways. Lehigh’s M.Ed. programs align closely with regional needs, particularly in teacher leadership, special education, and curriculum and instruction.

Regional Employers and Charter Networks

Charter schools and educational service agencies form a second robust employment pipeline. Organizations like Lehigh Valley Academy Regional Charter School, Lincoln Leadership Academy Charter School, and Roberto Clemente Charter School actively recruit Lehigh alumni. Intermediate units, including Colonial Intermediate Unit 20 and Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit 21, provide specialized services to area schools and frequently hire M.Ed. graduates for consulting, professional development, and program management roles.

A Proven Talent Pipeline

Lehigh’s College of Education maintains deep community ties through the Centennial School of Lehigh University, a laboratory school serving students with special needs, and the Lehigh University/Allentown School District Partnership focused on school improvement. Many superintendents, principals, and instructional leaders in the region are Lehigh alumni, reflecting the university’s role as a primary talent pipeline for Pennsylvania’s educational leadership. This local network provides current students with mentorship, field placements, and direct hiring connections.

Online and Hybrid M.ed. Formats at Lehigh: Flexibility for Working Educators

Lehigh University's M.Ed. programs are intentionally designed to fit the schedules of full-time educators, with multiple delivery formats that keep you in the classroom while you earn your degree. You can choose from fully online, hybrid, or a blend of asynchronous and live synchronous sessions, depending on the specialization. Each path balances rigorous academic work with the realities of a teaching career, allowing you to advance without pressing pause on your income or classroom impact.

Delivery Formats for Each M.Ed. Specialization

• M.Ed. in Educational Leadership: Available fully online with synchronous live sessions one evening per week, or in a hybrid track that includes required in-person summer coursework. Adding Principal Certification requires an additional 10 credits.¹
• M.Ed. in Teaching & Learning: Offered both online and hybrid. This 30-credit program features tracks in Technology and Design, Innovative Pedagogy, English as a Second Language, and Social-Emotional-Behavior Wellness.³ A specialized ACAMIS cohort includes a one-month summer residency.²
• M.Ed. in Behavior Analysis: Fully online.¹
• M.Ed. in Mental Health Counseling: Fully online.¹
• M.Ed. in International School Counseling: Hybrid format.²

How Online and Hybrid Courses Work

Lehigh's College of Education combines self-paced video lectures with interactive live sessions, so you get the convenience of on-demand content plus real-time engagement with faculty and peers. In the fully online M.Ed. in Educational Leadership, for example, you join a live virtual class one evening each week, which builds community and allows immediate feedback.¹ Hybrid programs like International School Counseling and some Teaching & Learning tracks weave short on-campus residencies (often during summer) into the online framework, satisfying licensure requirements without disrupting the school year.¹

Balancing Work and Study

These flexible formats are built specifically for working teachers. Most students complete their M.Ed. in two to three years while teaching full-time, taking one or two courses per semester. The asynchronous components let you study when it suits you, while scheduled live sessions and residencies are planned outside typical school hours or during breaks. This means you can immediately apply new strategies in your own classroom and build a professional network without sacrificing your current role.

Specialization Spotlight: Curriculum & Instruction

Today's classrooms demand educators who can design responsive curricula and lead instructional improvement, a shift that makes advanced training in curriculum and instruction more relevant than ever.

Lehigh University's M.Ed. in Teaching & Learning with a specialization in Curriculum & Instruction prepares you for this exact challenge. The 30-credit program blends a 15-credit core with 15 credits of electives¹, giving you room to tailor your studies to your professional context.

Core Courses and Real-World Application

The program moves from theory to practice. Core courses typically cover advanced curriculum design, data-driven assessment, and technology integration, areas that the program emphasizes through project-based learning.² Instead of a stand-alone capstone, you embed practical work into your coursework¹, often developing curriculum units or assessment tools that you implement in your own classroom or in partnership with local schools. Faculty mentorship guides these projects, ensuring your learning is both rigorous and immediately useful.

Technology Focus and Professional Flexibility

A notable strength is the optional Technology & Design concentration, which deepens your ability to integrate digital tools and design thinking into instruction.² The program's blended delivery combines evening and online sessions³ to accommodate working teachers, so you can advance your career without stepping away from the classroom. You'll also have opportunities to engage with Lehigh's broader educational research community, connecting your coursework to ongoing initiatives. Whether you are a classroom teacher aiming for a curriculum leader role or an instructional coach seeking formal credentials, this specialization equips you to make data-informed decisions and lead curriculum innovation in your school or district.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Lehigh College of Education: Accreditation, Rankings, and Faculty Excellence

Lehigh’s College of Education is ranked #73 among the nation’s best graduate education schools by U.S. News & World Report.³ This recognition reflects a long-standing commitment to preparing educators who lead in classrooms, schools, and communities.

Accreditation and State Approval

Lehigh’s educator preparation programs hold specialized accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)³ and are fully approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education¹. This dual recognition assures students that coursework, clinical experiences, and faculty qualifications meet rigorous national and state standards. Program-level accreditations further validate quality: the counseling psychology and school psychology doctoral programs are APA-accredited, the school psychology educational specialist program meets NASP standards, and the master’s in counseling and human services holds MPAC accreditation².

National Rankings and Faculty Impact

Beyond education-specific rankings, Lehigh sits at #46 among national universities, is listed as the 45th most innovative school, and ranks #26 for best value, all according to U.S. News & World Report (2025)³. These distinctions speak to the University’s broader academic excellence and return on investment. Within the College of Education, faculty members are recognized for expertise in teacher certification, school psychology, counseling, special education, English as a second language, and educational leadership¹. Their research directly shapes curriculum, informs state policy, and introduces evidence-based practices into graduate coursework. Students benefit from mentors who are active in schools and districts across the Lehigh Valley, ensuring that theory and practice are woven together in every degree program.

Lehigh M.ed. Cost Breakdown: Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid

Lehigh University charges $685 per credit for its M.Ed. programs in the 2026-2027 academic year, with no differential between online and on-campus courses, as detailed on the College of Education Tuition and Costs page. This consistent rate makes budgeting straightforward whether you choose in-person, hybrid, or fully online delivery.

Tuition Rates and Credit Requirements

Most Lehigh master's in education degrees require 30 to 36 credits, though some specializations run longer. A standard 30-credit program, such as the M.Ed. in Educational Leadership or the M.S. in Instructional Technology, totals $20,550 before fees.¹ The M.Ed. in Educational Leadership with Principal Certification requires 40 credits, bringing tuition to $27,400.¹ The 60-credit M.Ed. in Mental Health Counseling has a total tuition cost of $41,100.¹ Administrative and technology fees add between $250 and $550 depending on the program, so factor those into your planning.

Fees to Budget For

Lehigh also charges a graduate fee each semester: $165 for part-time students (1-8 credits) or $315 for full-time students (9 or more credits), per the Graduate Fee Schedule. Specific programs carry additional costs that appear once, such as a $250 internship fee for Educational Leadership tracks, a $300 technology fee for Instructional Technology, or a $175 internship fee for Mental Health Counseling. These one-time fees are included in the total program cost estimates above.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Several funding sources can offset your investment. To begin, submit the FAFSA using Lehigh's school code 03289. Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans are available to eligible students. Note that federal Grad PLUS loans were set to expire on July 1, 2026, so verify current options with Lehigh's financial aid office. The College of Education awards competitive graduate assistantships and departmental scholarships that often include tuition remission and stipends. You can also explore employer tuition reimbursement through your school district, as many Pennsylvania districts have partnerships with Lehigh.

• Pennsylvania Educator Discount: Current Pennsylvania educators receive a 15% tuition reduction on up to 18 credits per year.² This discount can significantly lower the per-credit rate for qualifying teachers. Reach out to Lehigh's Bursar Office to confirm eligibility and required documentation.

How to Apply: Lehigh M.ed. Admissions Requirements

The graduate admissions process at Lehigh University is structured, yet each candidate is evaluated holistically. Below are the baseline requirements, necessary materials, and key dates to plan your application.

Baseline Academic Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree: You must hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution. Official transcripts from all postsecondary schools attended are required.
• Minimum GPA: A cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 is preferred. Programs in the College of Education typically expect this benchmark, though the Graduate School sets an absolute floor of 2.75.¹ Applicants with lower GPAs may be asked to submit additional materials.
• Transcript Evaluation: International students with degrees earned outside the U.S. must provide a professional transcript evaluation verifying equivalency to a U.S. bachelor's degree.

Standardized Tests and Experience

• GRE: Lehigh does not require the GRE for any of its Master of Education programs. There is no need to submit scores, and no waiver is necessary.
• English Proficiency: Non-native English speakers must demonstrate proficiency through TOEFL (minimum iBT score of 93), IELTS (minimum 6.5), or an equivalent assessment.
• Work Experience: No prior teaching certificate or professional background is required for admission. The program welcomes career changers and recent graduates.

Application Materials

• Personal Statement: A thoughtful statement outlining your professional goals, reasons for pursuing an M.Ed., and why you are drawn to Lehigh's program.
• Letters of Recommendation: Two to three letters are required. Recommenders should speak to your academic ability, professional potential, or character. Academic references are preferred, but professional supervisors are also acceptable.
• Résumé: A current résumé highlighting educational background, work experience, and relevant volunteer or leadership activities.
• Application Fee: A non-refundable $65 fee is due when you submit your application.² Fee waivers may be available for eligible applicants.

Deadlines and Rolling Admission

The priority application deadline for the M.Ed. in Teaching & Learning (and most other M.Ed. programs) for fall entry is April 15. While fall is the primary start term, some specializations may offer spring or summer starts; check with the College of Education for availability. Applications received after the deadline are often reviewed on a rolling basis if space remains, so early submission is strongly encouraged.

What Can You Earn With a Lehigh M.ed.? Allentown Metro Salary Data

The demand for curriculum expertise in Pennsylvania’s school districts is reshaping salary expectations for M.Ed. holders right here in the Lehigh Valley.

Setting Salary Expectations for M.Ed. Graduates

Lehigh University does not publicly disclose program-specific salary outcomes for its M.Ed. graduates, but regional labor data offers a practical benchmark. Earnings vary widely based on role, experience, and employer, yet the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton metro area provides a solid reference point for professionals seeking specialized education careers.

Instructional Coordinator Salaries in the Lehigh Valley

Instructional coordinators, a common career path for Curriculum and Instruction specialists, reflect the value of an advanced degree in the local market. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023 data):

• Median Annual Wage: $74,860¹
• Total Local Employment: 330 positions¹

This places instructional coordinator wages in the Allentown metro roughly on par with the national median of $74,720 (2024)², which suggests stable, competitive pay for those designing curricula, training teachers, and implementing academic standards.

Nationwide Demand and Career Outlook

Even with modest projected growth, the national landscape remains a source of opportunity for qualified professionals:

• Projected Job Growth (2024, 2034): 1, 2%²
• Annual Openings: 21,900 (due to retirements and turnover)²
• National Employment: 207,270 instructional coordinators³

These numbers point to consistent hiring activity, particularly as districts continue to navigate evolving standards and technology integration.

Comparing Broader Education Sector Earnings

For broader context, the national median annual wage for all education, instruction, and library occupations sits at $59,220 (2024)⁴, with an estimated 890,300 openings annually over the decade. Instructional coordinator roles clearly command a premium, reflecting the advanced skill set that a Lehigh M.Ed. helps develop.

Actual earnings for Lehigh graduates will depend on their chosen career path, whether in school administration, as a curriculum developer, or in instructional design. State and local education agency data often show that a masters in education salary exceeds that of bachelor's-holding peers, making a Lehigh M.Ed. a strategic investment for those aiming to advance both their impact and income in Pennsylvania’s education system.

PA Teaching Certification and Endorsements for M.ed. Graduates

Earning a master's degree in education from Lehigh University can open doors to initial Pennsylvania teaching certification or a valued add-on endorsement, depending on your career stage. All teacher certification pathways in the state flow through the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE)¹ and require completion of a state-approved educator preparation program.

Initial Certification Through Lehigh’s M.Ed.

If you are seeking your first teaching credential, Lehigh offers M.Ed. specializations that embed the required coursework and field experiences for a Pennsylvania Instructional I certificate³. These programs, such as Elementary Education or Secondary Education, include a supervised student teaching placement³. While the state no longer mandates a basic skills exam,¹ you must pass the appropriate Praxis Subject Assessments (content tests)² for your certification area. For example, elementary candidates take the Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects test, while secondary candidates take a subject-specific exam like the Pennsylvania Grades 7, 12 test for that content area. After completing your approved program and passing exams, you apply for certification through the Teacher Information Management System (TIMS)².

Endorsements and Advanced Roles for Curriculum & Instruction Graduates

For educators who already hold a Pennsylvania teaching license, pursuing Lehigh’s M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction can lead to additional expertise and leadership endorsements. Graduates often pursue roles as instructional coaches, curriculum coordinators, or curriculum supervisors. While Lehigh does not automatically confer these endorsements, the program’s coursework aligns with PDE requirements for the Curriculum and Instruction Supervisor K-12 endorsement, which can be added to an existing Instructional I or II certificate by submitting an application and verification of completed competencies through TIMS.

Lehigh’s Accreditation and State Approval

Lehigh University’s College of Education holds national accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and holds approval from the Pennsylvania Department of Education¹ to offer initial and advanced teacher preparation programs. This dual recognition assures that your degree meets rigorous professional standards and qualifies you for teacher license reciprocity in many other states, though out-of-state comparability is evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

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

Have questions about Lehigh University’s master’s in education programs? Below are answers to common inquiries covering online availability, admissions, costs, and career outcomes. If you need more detail, contact the College of Education directly.

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