Regent University M.Ed. Programs: Explore All Specializations

Balancing professional advancement with personal values often prompts educators to question whether a faith-based graduate program can match the rigor of secular alternatives. Regent University in Virginia Beach rises to the challenge with CAEP-accredited M.Ed. specializations: Curriculum & Instruction, Educational Leadership, TESOL, and more, delivered online or on campus to fit working schedules. Because many Virginia districts pay a master’s premium, your program choice can shape both earning potential and classroom impact.

Regent University School of Education: Faith and Excellence

The Regent University School of Education is built on a mission to prepare educators who lead with both professional skill and Christian character. Since its founding, the school has emphasized integrating faith into every aspect of teaching, learning, and leadership. This perspective shapes what students learn and how they engage with colleagues, students, and communities with compassion, integrity, and a commitment to service.

A Faith-Infused Mission

Every program within the School of Education reflects Regent’s identity as a Christian university. Coursework and field experiences encourage students to view education as a calling, not just a career. Faculty members model this approach, blending academic rigor with caring mentorship that supports personal and professional growth. Many professors are active researchers and practitioners, holding terminal degrees and possessing real-world classroom and administrative experience.

Accredited Quality You Can Trust

Regent University holds regional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), a mark of institutional quality. The School of Education’s programs also carry programmatic accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), ensuring that the curriculum meets rigorous national standards. This dual accreditation ensures your degree is recognized by employers and qualifies you for state licensure in Virginia and beyond.

Diverse M.Ed. Specializations

Regent’s Master of Education portfolio is one of the most comprehensive among faith-based universities. Students can choose from specializations that include Curriculum & Instruction, Educational & Teacher Leadership, Instructional Design & Education Technology, Higher Education & Adult Education, Special Education, Reading & Literacy, Gifted Education, and Mathematics. Each track is designed to sharpen expertise in a specific area while grounding candidates in a Christian worldview. Full details of each specialization, including course requirements and outcomes, are in the program matrix below.

A Reputation for Leadership and Service

Beyond the classroom, Regent’s broader university recognitions enhance the School of Education’s reputation. U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks Regent among top national universities for online programs and veteran support. Graduates serve in K-12 schools, higher education, and nonprofits, combining academic preparation with faith-driven purpose.

Flexible Learning: Online, On-Campus, and Hybrid M.ed. Options

The demand for flexible graduate education has never been higher, as working teachers seek advanced degrees that fit their busy schedules. Regent University responds with multiple delivery modes for its Master of Education (M.Ed.) programs, allowing you to choose the format that aligns with your professional commitments and learning preferences.

Online and Asynchronous Learning at Regent

Regent’s M.Ed. program is primarily available online¹, with the M.Ed. in Teaching (IDP) concentration offered fully at a distance. Courses are delivered asynchronously through BlackBoard, the university’s learning management system, meaning you can log in and complete coursework on your own time each week.³ Eight-week sessions create a brisk but manageable pace², and while the program is asynchronous at its core, some instructors may offer optional synchronous sessions, live virtual meetings that provide real-time discussion and Q&A without being required.

This flexibility benefits educators balancing full-time teaching roles, family responsibilities, or other obligations. You maintain control over your daily schedule while progressing steadily toward your degree.

On-Campus and Blended Options in Virginia Beach

For students who thrive with face-to-face interaction, Regent’s Virginia Beach campus provides on-campus M.Ed. course sections¹. While the Teaching (IDP) concentration is designated as fully online, other M.Ed. specializations may be completed through a blend of online and in-person classes. Blended formats combine the convenience of distance learning with the richness of classroom dialogue, often requiring campus visits for intensive weekends or evening seminars. This hybrid approach works especially well for educators living within commuting distance of coastal Virginia.

Technical Requirements and Student Support

To succeed in Regent’s online environment, you need a reliable computer and a high-speed internet connection. The university ships physical materials, such as textbooks or resource packets, so you are not entirely screen-bound.³ Beyond the technology, Regent’s distance learning infrastructure includes robust student support: academic advisors, IT help desk access, and online library resources all tailored to the needs of remote learners. Whether you study from home, a coffee shop, or during planning periods at school, Regent’s platform ensures you stay connected and on track.

Tuition and Financial Aid: Investing in Your Education

A Master of Education from Regent University is a strategic investment, and understanding the costs upfront helps you plan with confidence. The university structures graduate tuition on a per-credit basis, with clear rates that allow you to calculate your total program expense based on your chosen specialization.

Tuition Breakdown

For the standard Master of Education (M.Ed.) offered through the School of Education, the current tuition rate is $585 per credit hour.¹ Most M.Ed. programs require between 33 and 36 credits, which means total tuition will range from approximately $19,305 to $21,060. Regent also publishes a 30-credit total of $17,550 for certain streamlined tracks.¹ Off-campus M.Ed. and Education Specialist (Ed.S.) programs carry a discounted rate of $499 per credit hour,² reducing the overall cost for students who attend partner sites. Because Regent is a private university, these rates apply equally to Virginia residents and out-of-state students, eliminating the premium often charged by public institutions.

Additional Fees and Total Cost

Beyond per-credit tuition, you will encounter a university services fee of $250 per semester for on-campus and online students. While this covers access to technology platforms and academic support, you should also budget for books, course materials, and any technology requirements (such as a reliable computer and internet connection). Regent estimates that books average around $200 per course, though costs vary by subject. When you add these to tuition, a 36-credit program typically falls in the neighborhood of $22,000 to $24,000 before any financial aid is applied.

Financial Aid Opportunities

Regent offers multiple ways to fund your graduate education. Most M.Ed. students begin by filing the FAFSA to access Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans up to $20,500 per academic year.³ Graduate PLUS loans may cover remaining costs.³ For those in high-need teaching fields, selected M.Ed. programs are TEACH Grant eligible, providing up to $4,000 annually in exchange for a service commitment in a low-income school. Note that some licensure and endorsement tracks are not TEACH-eligible, so check with your admissions counselor about your specific program.

Institutional scholarships are available for on-campus and online M.Ed. students,³ but the School of Education does not offer additional school-based scholarships for off-campus programs due to their already discounted tuition.² Military benefits are robust: Regent participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program and accepts tuition assistance from all service branches. For self-pay students, interest-free monthly payment plans allow you to spread each semester’s balance over several installments rather than paying a lump sum upfront.

Private, Not Public: Same Tuition for All

One distinct advantage at Regent is that, as a private institution, there is no distinction between in-state and out-of-state tuition. Whether you live in Virginia Beach or across the country, you will pay the same per-credit rate. This removes a common hurdle for distance learners and ensures that every M.Ed. student receives the same tuition structure and access to financial aid, making cost projections consistent and predictable.

Admissions Requirements for Regent’s Graduate Education Programs

Prerequisites

To enroll in a Regent University Master of Education program, you must possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. A cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 is generally expected. Notably, the GRE is not required,¹ removing a common barrier for working professionals. Most non-licensure concentrations do not demand prior teaching experience.¹ However, certain specializations, including a master's in secondary education, may have distinct prerequisites. It's essential to review the specific requirements for your intended concentration by consulting the School of Education admissions.

Application Materials

Regent uses a streamlined online application to get you started. Gather these essentials: - Unofficial transcripts (official transcripts may be requested later). - The admissions questionnaire, which gathers key details about your educational background and goals. - A government-issued ID to verify your identity. While these are the core documents, additional materials such as a résumé, letters of recommendation, or a goal statement could be needed for particular program tracks. International students must also demonstrate English proficiency through one of these accepted tests: TOEFL iBT (minimum 90), IELTS (minimum 7.0), PTE (minimum 61), or Duolingo (minimum 115).²

Deadlines and Next Steps

Regent admits to its M.Ed. programs in the fall and spring semesters; a summer intake is not currently available. Deadlines vary by term, so confirm with the admissions office. There is no application fee, but policies can change. After submission, a counselor will be assigned to guide you through the final steps. Because requirements can vary between concentrations, from curriculum and instruction to educational leadership, checking with the School of Education early helps ensure your application is complete and competitive.

Accreditation and Academic Quality at Regent

Does Regent University hold the accreditation needed for a master’s in education?

Regional Accreditation: SACSCOC

Regent University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).¹ This institutional accreditation applies to the entire university, including its master’s in education programs. SACSCOC accreditation confirms that Regent meets rigorous standards for academic resources, faculty qualifications, student support, and governance. The university’s most recent reaffirmation occurred in 2019, with the next full review scheduled for 2029.² Regional accreditation is widely recognized: it allows credits to transfer between institutions, enables students to access federal financial aid, and assures employers that your degree carries genuine academic value.

Specialized Accreditation: CAEP

Beyond regional accreditation, Regent’s School of Education holds specialized accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).¹ This accreditation, received in 2023 and valid through 2030, covers both initial-licensure and advanced-level educator preparation programs, including the M.Ed. degrees.¹ CAEP is the primary accrediting body for teacher education in the United States, having consolidated the former NCATE and TEAC standards. Earning CAEP accreditation signals that Regent’s education programs submitted to an independent peer review of their curriculum, clinical partnerships, and data on candidate performance and graduate impact.

Why CAEP Matters for Your M.Ed.

For aspiring teachers and educational leaders, CAEP accreditation is a critical quality indicator. CAEP-accredited programs demonstrate that they produce competent, caring professionals who are ready for the classroom on day one. Many state licensure boards prefer or require completion of a CAEP-accredited program. Additionally, CAEP reviews examine faculty credentials, ensuring instructors hold terminal degrees and relevant professional experience, and require evidence that graduates can positively affect student learning. By choosing a CAEP-accredited M.Ed., you position yourself for smoother licensure pathways and stronger hiring prospects. It also guarantees that your program stays current with best practices, as reaccreditation cycles require continuous improvement.

Faculty and Student Outcomes

While program-level earnings data for Regent M.Ed. graduates are not yet available, the CAEP process reviews internal evidence of candidate competency and program effectiveness. Regent’s education faculty are expected to meet the university’s standards for advanced scholarship and teaching excellence. The accreditation framework requires programs to track measures such as graduation rates, employment in education roles, and employer surveys, all of which reinforce the school’s commitment to academic quality and professional readiness.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Inside the M.ed. Curriculum: Core Courses and Credit Requirements

Regent University’s Master of Education (M.Ed.) curriculum blends educational theory with practical application, all grounded in a Christian worldview. Degree plans typically require between 30 and 37 credit hours¹, with the exact total varying by specialization. Coursework is divided into three interconnected parts: a core set of foundational courses, a sequence of specialization and elective classes, and a culminating hands-on experience.

Core Coursework

Every M.Ed. student completes a common set of core courses that build a shared foundation. These classes cover essentials like foundations of education, research methods, learner development, curriculum design and instruction, classroom management, and educational technology¹. Together, they equip you with the analytical and pedagogical skills needed to excel in diverse educational settings.

Specialization and Elective Courses

After the core, you dive into courses tailored to your chosen concentration. For example, the master's in curriculum and instruction specialization² explores advanced topics in lesson design and assessment, while the Christian School concentration³ adds explicit coursework on integrating faith and learning. The number of credits in this portion varies, providing flexibility to deepen your expertise in areas that match your career goals.

Christian Worldview Integration

A hallmark of Regent’s M.Ed. programs is the intentional weaving of Christian principles into every class. You will examine educational practices through a biblical lens and regularly reflect on how faith informs teaching. This emphasis is particularly strong in specializations like Christian School³, but all tracks encourage you to consider the moral and spiritual dimensions of education.

Culminating Experience

To complete the degree, you undertake a capstone project: either a practicum in a real educational setting or a leadership project⁴. This hands-on requirement lets you apply research and theory to solve practical challenges, often culminating in an action research paper or a professional portfolio that showcases your growth as an educator.

Because each M.Ed. specialization has a unique course sequence, the best way to see your exact classes is to review the program listing for your chosen track. Advisors can help you map out a plan that aligns with your schedule and professional objectives.

What Can You Do With a Regent M.ed.? Career Paths and Salary Potential

A master's in education can deepen your classroom expertise, but it can also launch you into curriculum leadership, administration, or student affairs. Regent's M.Ed. programs intentionally prepare you for both paths, equipping you with skills that translate across school and college settings.

Common Career Paths

Graduates of Regent's M.Ed. programs commonly move into roles such as instructional coordinator, curriculum specialist, teacher leader, or higher education administrator. For those drawn to student support, positions like academic advisor, enrollment management coordinator, or associate vice president¹ are within reach. The School of Education notes that alumni also work for Fortune 100 companies², reflecting the versatility of an education degree in corporate training and development settings.

Earning Potential and ROI

While program-specific earnings data for M.Ed. completers is not yet reported, Regent's institutional median earnings for former students is $44,498 (as of 2023). For curriculum and instruction graduates, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage of over $73,000 for instructional coordinators. With a total program tuition of approximately $17,869, the earnings potential suggests a strong return on investment and aligns with broader masters in education salary data, even for early-career professionals. Many graduates see immediate salary increases or qualify for roles with higher pay bands upon completion.

Career Services and Support

Regent's Center for Student Happiness provides career services including resume reviews, interview preparation, and job fairs. The School of Education does not offer a formal job placement guarantee³, but it actively connects students with employers and has reported instances of immediate hiring¹. Alumni benefit from a network of over 900 teachers of the year and a faith-based professional community that opens doors in both public and private sectors. For those entering K-12 teaching, the Career Switcher program offers a three-month path to a provisional license, with mentoring and support toward full licensure after one year.

Regent M.ed. Graduate Earnings at a Glance

Regent Vs. Other Virginia M.ed. Programs: A Quick Look

The Virginia graduate education market offers a wide range of options, but program cost, delivery format, and institutional mission often determine the best fit for working teachers. Regent stands out not only for its faith-based approach, but also for its competitive tuition, especially when compared to other well-known programs in the state.

• Regent University: $674 per credit hour (all students), annual tuition of $17,869
• Virginia statewide in-state average: $629 per credit hour, $15,271 annually
• Virginia statewide out-of-state average: $820 per credit hour, $19,842 annually
• University of Virginia (on-grounds): $794 in-state, $1,270 out-of-state per credit; online as low as $622 per credit (educator discounts available)¹
• George Mason University: $650, $800 per credit in-state²
• Virginia Commonwealth University: $600, $750 per credit in-state²

Tuition and Cost Comparison

Regent’s per-credit rate lands squarely in the middle of the pack. For in-state students, the $674 rate is slightly above the statewide average of $629, a premium of about 7.2 percent, but it undercuts out-of-state averages by nearly $150 per credit. That equalized pricing for all students simplifies planning and can be a significant advantage for out-of-state educators. When stacked against specific institutions, Regent compares favorably: UVA’s on-grounds rates are noticeably higher, and while UVA’s online option is roughly similar, Regent’s all-inclusive online pricing avoids hidden fees. George Mason and VCU, both public, have ranges that overlap with Regent’s figure, meaning the private university doesn’t carry the steep premium often associated with non-public schools.

Delivery Formats and Flexibility

Regent is known for its fully online M.Ed. programs, with some on-campus and hybrid offerings also available. This asynchronous flexibility appeals to teachers balancing full-time jobs. While many Virginia public universities now offer online education degrees, their formats can vary, and some still include synchronous sessions or require occasional campus visits. Regent’s long history of online delivery gives it an edge in structure and support for remote learners.

Accreditation and Institutional Mission

Regent’s CAEP accreditation signals that its programs meet national standards, but the most distinctive factor is its Christian worldview. Unlike secular public institutions, Regent integrates faith into coursework, leadership training, and classroom practice. For educators who want their graduate studies to align with personal beliefs, this sets Regent apart. For a broader comparison of M.Ed. programs across Virginia, see our list of the best master's in education programs in Virginia.

Frequently Asked Questions About Regent University M.ed. Programs

Prospective graduate students often have questions about Regent University's Master's in Education programs. Below, you'll find answers to common inquiries about specializations, accreditation, costs, and career paths. For the most current details, always refer to official Regent University resources or contact their admissions team directly.

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