Your Guide to Marymount University’s Graduate Education Programs

Some educators pursue a master's to pivot into administration; others want the classroom expertise that unlocks higher pay tiers. Marymount University's M.Ed. programs in Arlington, Virginia, serve both ambitions. In a state where teacher vacancies hit 4.5% in 2023-2024, the mean annual wage for teachers reaches $76,924, and a master's degree often marks the line between standard compensation and that upper bracket.

Marymount, a Catholic university with a long commitment to graduate education, structures its graduate offerings around real-world classroom demands. Specializations in curriculum and instruction, English learners, and administration align with Virginia's acute needs. The choice between online and on-campus delivery turns on your schedule, not compromise.

M.ed. Specializations: From Curriculum & Instruction to English Learners

Virginia schools are placing new emphasis on interdisciplinary STEM instruction and support for English learners, and Marymount's M.Ed. specializations reflect those priorities. The School of Education offers five distinct tracks, each with its own licensure pathway and curriculum focus. Whether you aim to earn an initial teaching license or advance your expertise without licensure, you can find a program scaled to your career stage.

Curriculum & Instruction (Non-Licensure)

This 36-credit M.Ed. in curriculum and instruction is designed for educators who want to deepen their practice without pursuing a state teaching license. The program is delivered fully online, on campus, or in a hybrid format, giving you flexibility. A standout feature is the built-in STEM concentration: you can complete a 15-credit STEM certificate as part of your degree, preparing you to lead integrative science, technology, engineering, and math initiatives. No licensure exams are required, and there is no supervised practicum, making it a strong fit for current teachers, instructional coaches, or curriculum specialists seeking career advancement.¹

Special Education (Licensure)

This 36-credit master's in special education leads to Virginia licensure in Special Education General Curriculum K, 12. To meet state requirements, you'll also need a 3-credit course in human growth and development, effectively bringing the total to 39 credits.² Evening, hybrid, and online options make the program accessible for working paraprofessionals or career changers. While the core curriculum covers evidence-based practices, you can further specialize by adding a 15-credit ESL certificate,⁵ sharpening your ability to serve dually identified learners. All licensure tracks, including this one, require passing the VCLA and a math competency assessment.³

Elementary Education (Licensure)

If you're seeking initial licensure for grades PK, 6, this 36-credit M.Ed. offers a distinctive Professional Development Schools partnership with Fairfax County Public Schools.⁴ You'll spend an extended period co-teaching in a public elementary classroom, merging theory with sustained practice. The year-long residency model often leads to stronger job placement rates, as graduates are already known in the district. Like all licensure programs, you must complete the VCLA and math competency checks before student teaching.³

Secondary Education and English (Licensure)

For those aiming to teach grades 6, 12, Marymount provides a 36-credit Secondary Education M.Ed. with subject-area endorsements in Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, English, History/Social Science, Mathematics, and Physics.⁵ The English M.Ed. is essentially a focused pathway within secondary education for future English language arts teachers; it also requires 36 credits and leads to licensure. Both programs integrate extensive field experiences and culminate in a student teaching semester.³ Adding the 15-credit ESL certificate is a strategic move,⁵ given Virginia's growing multilingual student population.

How You'll Learn: Online, On-Campus, and Hybrid M.ed. Options

Marymount University designs its Master of Education delivery formats around the reality of full-time teaching and work schedules, giving you genuine choice between online, on-campus, and hybrid pathways depending on your specialization.

Format Options by Specialization

• Curriculum and Instruction (non-licensure): Most flexible. You can choose fully online, on-campus evening classes, or a hybrid mix, and even switch modes term by term to fit your life.
• Administration and Supervision (Catholic School Leadership): Fully online with a cohort model that moves you through the sequence as a group, building a professional network remotely.
• Special Education: Blends hybrid and online options; classes typically meet in the late afternoon or early evening whether you log in or attend in person.
• Elementary Education (PK-6): Offered in hybrid or online formats, ideal for working assistants or career changers who need initial licensure.
• Secondary Education (6-12): Also hybrid or online, built for aspiring middle and high school teachers who are balancing jobs and coursework.

A Schedule Built for Working Educators

Every M.Ed. class session is intentionally slotted into late afternoon or early evening windows. You will not sacrifice your school day or miss work obligations. On-campus and hybrid sessions follow the same time blocks, so you can plan your commute or child care once and rely on the routine. Part-time pacing is the norm across all programs. The typical completion timeline runs 12 to 48 months depending on the specialization and how many courses you take per term, and the maximum allowed spans up to 60 months.¹

Online Learning: Asynchronous with Live Connections

Marymount’s online experience prioritizes asynchronous coursework, meaning you can log in, watch lectures, post to discussion boards, and submit assignments on your own weekly rhythm. At the same time, many instructors weave in periodic synchronous sessions for real-time discussion, Q&A, or small group work. These live moments are scheduled to match the same late-afternoon and early evening band, and they are typically recorded for those who cannot attend live. You do not need to relocate or appear on campus regularly; the fully online tracks are designed to be completed from anywhere.

Residency and In-Person Requirements

For the vast majority of specializations, there are no mandatory residencies or on-campus intensives. The Administration and Supervision program once included a summer residency component, but recent cohorts have often had that requirement waived. If you are considering that concentration, confirm the current policy with the program coordinator before applying. Outside of that, any required field experiences or student teaching are arranged locally at a school near you, not on the main campus.¹

Questions to Ask Yourself

Tuition and Fees: What Marymount's M.ed. Really Costs

According to Marymount University's 2025-2026 graduate tuition rates, Master of Education students pay $1,020 per credit hour. That rate, applied across the 30 to 36 credits needed to graduate, brings the base tuition to a range of $30,600 to $36,720.

Per-Credit and Program Costs

A typical M.Ed. candidate completes 30 credits, which at $1,020 each sums to $30,600 in tuition. Some concentrations, such as the Master of Education in Special Education, require 36 credits, pushing the base tuition to $36,720. For context, the per-credit cost has risen from $895 in 2021-2022, as reflected in the 2021-2022 tuition schedule, a measured increase that still keeps Marymount competitive within the private university sector.

Fees That Add Up

Technology fees are assessed at $22 per credit, capped at $275 per semester, as specified in the university's fee policy. This cap means full-time students typically pay no more than $275 in technology fees each semester. For a 30-credit program spread across several terms, total technology fees come to approximately $660, bringing the estimated total cost to $31,260. Students completing 36 credits should budget an additional $132 in fees for a total near $37,452. Other university fees, such as library or student activity charges, tend to be minimal for graduate students and are often included in the published per-credit amount, though applicants should confirm any program-specific charges with the bursar’s office.

How Marymount Compares

While the sticker price may seem steep, many graduate students lower their out-of-pocket expenses through assistantships, scholarships, and federal financial aid. Marymount's financial aid office can provide personalized net price estimates, and students are encouraged to file the FAFSA to determine eligibility for need-based aid. Additionally, employer tuition reimbursement programs may further reduce costs for working educators.

Scholarships and Financial Aid: How to Fund Your M.ed.

Funding your master's in education is an investment, and Marymount University offers multiple pathways to help you pay for it without shouldering the entire cost alone. A proactive approach to financial aid can significantly lower your out-of-pocket expenses, making advanced credentials more accessible.

Start with Federal Aid: The FAFSA

Your first step is submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This unlocks federal direct unsubsidized loans, which many graduate students rely on, as well as eligibility for work-study positions and some institutional need-based awards. File as early as possible each year, since funds are often limited. Include Marymount's federal school code to ensure your information reaches the financial aid office promptly.

Institutional Scholarships and Graduate Assistantships

Marymount's graduate admissions and financial aid pages list institutional aid opportunities specifically for education students. While availability and award amounts vary by term, you may find merit-based scholarships, diversity grants, or assistantships that provide tuition remission and a stipend in exchange for research or teaching support. Review the criteria carefully: some require full-time enrollment, a minimum undergraduate GPA, or an essay. Similarly, the School of Education may have departmental awards for specializations like curriculum and instruction or English as a second language. Because these funds can be competitive, contact the financial aid office directly to confirm current offerings and deadlines; relying on outdated web listings could cause you to miss out.

Employer Reimbursement and External Scholarships

Many school districts, private schools, and educational nonprofits provide tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing advanced degrees. Check your human resources department for policies; some employers cover a percentage of tuition or a per-credit amount. Additionally, professional organizations like the National Education Association (NEA) or the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE) occasionally sponsor M.Ed. scholarships for graduate study. The Bureau of Labor Statistics website can also serve as a resource for salary data that strengthens a request for employer support.

Personalized Guidance from Marymount's Financial Aid Office

No two financial situations are identical. Setting up a one-on-one consultation with a financial aid counselor can clarify which combination of loans, scholarships, and external funds works best for you. Advisors help you navigate the verification process, understand repayment options, and coordinate aid across multiple semesters without exceeding borrowing limits. They can also flag lesser-known resources such as private loans with favorable terms or seasonal grant programs.

Salary Insight: What Marymount M.ed. Graduates Command

Admissions at a Glance: Your M.ed. Application Checklist

Here’s what you’ll need to apply to Marymount University’s M.Ed. programs.

• Bachelor’s Degree

  A completed bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75.
• Letters of Recommendation

  Two professional or academic recommendations that speak to your readiness for graduate study in education.
• Personal Statement and Résumé

  A written statement outlining your goals and a current résumé or CV detailing your experience.
• Licensure-Specific Requirements

  Licensure-track applicants may need to demonstrate math competency and complete state-required assessments like the VCLA or Praxis, depending on the program. Non-licensure programs such as Curriculum & Instruction do not require these tests.
• No GRE or MAT

  Marymount does not require GRE or MAT scores for any M.Ed. program.
• International Applicants

  If your first language is not English, you’ll submit TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or equivalent scores.

Application Deadlines and How to Apply

Applying to Marymount's M.Ed. program is a straightforward process, but timing matters, especially if you want full consideration for your preferred start term.

Priority and Final Deadlines

The priority application deadline for all M.Ed. programs is April 1.¹ Submit by this date to secure a spot in your chosen cohort and allow ample time for financial aid processing. Applications received after April 1 are reviewed on a space-available basis through the start of each term.

Rolling Admission and Start Terms

Marymount operates on rolling admission with three entry points: Fall, Spring, and Summer. Because the M.Ed. is not limited to a fall-only cohort, you can begin whenever you are ready, provided seats remain. The admissions team typically delivers decisions by the start of the term you select.

The Application Process

All materials are submitted through the Marymount graduate application portal. Prepare the following: - Application fee: A $50 nonrefundable fee is required.¹ - Additional steps: Some specializations may request a writing sample, interview, or statement of purpose. Review your program's requirements carefully.

Tips for a Strong Application

• Apply early: Submitting well before the priority deadline signals commitment and helps avoid waitlists.
• Personalize your statement: Connect your teaching experience and goals to Marymount's mission and the specific program.
• Follow up: Confirm all transcripts and recommendations are received to prevent delays.

By aligning your application with these deadlines and expectations, you position yourself for a seamless start to graduate study.

Accreditation: The Gold Standard for Education Programs

What CAEP Accreditation Means

Marymount University's teacher preparation programs hold accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), the sole national accrediting body for educator programs leading to certification or licensure. CAEP is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education¹, marking its rigorous standards. Marymount currently holds CAEP accreditation at both the initial-licensure and advanced levels², which covers its Master's in Education specializations including elementary education, curriculum and instruction, and English learners. This national accreditation means every program must demonstrate strong candidate knowledge, clinical partnerships, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Licensure Reciprocity and Portability

Because CAEP accreditation aligns with national standards, graduating from a CAEP-accredited program greatly simplifies the path to teaching licensure in other states. Marymount's programs are also approved by the Virginia Department of Education³, so you will meet state requirements for initial licensure or endorsement. Many states offer teacher licensure reciprocity to candidates from CAEP-accredited institutions, making your degree more portable if you relocate. This network of mutual recognition helps graduates pursue teaching opportunities across the country without extensive additional coursework.

A Proven Track Record

Marymount's accreditation status is affirmed in the university's 2025-2026 catalog and its inclusion in the CAEP Annual Report. The programs undergo regular review to maintain this standing, most recently resulting in continued accreditation at both levels. By choosing a CAEP-accredited M.Ed., you are investing in a program that has been externally validated for quality, ethical practice, and graduate readiness. This distinction is more than a seal of approval. It is a signal to employers and licensing boards that your preparation meets the highest educator standards.

Rankings: How Marymount's Education School Measures Up

Marymount University does not appear in the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings for graduate education schools (2025-2026 cycle). Specifically, it is unranked in the overall Best Education Schools list and in the Best Online Graduate Education Programs rankings. Other major education ranking systems, including those from Times Higher Education and QS, similarly do not include Marymount in their published rankings for graduate education.¹

Context in Virginia and Catholic Higher Education

Within Virginia, the graduate education landscape is dominated by large public research universities, with schools like the University of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, and George Mason University routinely appearing in national rankings. Many smaller private institutions, including Catholic-affiliated universities like Marymount, often go unranked. This absence does not indicate poor quality; rather, ranking methodologies tend to favor institutions with extensive doctoral programs and large research outputs, which are not the core mission of Marymount's master's-focused College of Education.

For education professionals in Virginia, accreditation is the decisive marker of program quality. Marymount's education programs hold CAEP accreditation, ensuring they meet rigorous national standards. Hiring principals and district leaders throughout the state recognize the value of degrees from accredited programs, often prioritizing practical classroom preparation and content expertise over a magazine ranking.

Career Paths: What You Can Do With a Marymount M.ed.

What can you do with a Master's in Education from Marymount University? The answer depends on the path you choose, but the degree opens doors to roles that shape curriculum, lead instruction, and directly impact student learning in schools across the D.C. region and beyond.

Non-Licensure Roles: Curriculum and Instruction Graduates

Marymount’s M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction is designed for educators who already hold a teaching license or do not intend to pursue classroom licensure.¹ This program emphasizes curriculum design, instructional strategies, assessment, and teacher leadership.¹ Graduates commonly move into positions such as:¹

• Instructional coordinator: Overseeing curriculum standards, selecting textbooks and digital resources, and coaching teachers to improve classroom effectiveness.
• Curriculum developer: Designing scope-and-sequence documents, creating instructional materials, and aligning content to state or national standards.
• Educational consultant: Advising schools or districts on professional development, program evaluation, or specialized initiatives like technology integration or literacy coaching.

These roles often exist at the school, district, or contractor level, and many professionals work in public, private, Catholic, or independent school networks throughout the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia area.²

Licensure-Track Outcomes: Classroom Teaching and Special Education

For candidates who enter a licensure-track M.Ed. program, such as those in elementary education, secondary education, or special education, completing the degree and passing required licensure assessments leads directly to classroom teaching positions. Graduates become licensed K-12 teachers in Virginia, often stepping into high-need subject areas or special education roles where master’s-level preparation is increasingly valued by employers.

Where Marymount Graduates Work

While Marymount does not publicly report job placement rates or alumni employment surveys for individual programs,² the university’s proximity to Arlington, Fairfax County, Prince George’s County, and Washington, D.C., school systems creates a natural pipeline. Graduates have historically found roles in regional public school districts, as well as in the area’s many private and Catholic schools, which often seek curriculum specialists and instructional leaders with advanced training.

Earnings Context

Salaries for these masters in education jobs correlate with the level of responsibility and the employing district. For a closer look at what Marymount M.Ed. graduates can expect to earn, review the salary insight section of this article, which breaks down wages by role and experience level.

Marymount M.ed. Earnings and Debt: By the Numbers

While program-level earnings data for Marymount's M.Ed. is not yet available, institution-wide outcomes and program-specific costs paint a clear picture. The numbers below show the financial profile for a Marymount graduate education, highlighting a strong return on investment.

Student Experience: Faculty, Mentoring, and Campus Resources

The student experience at Marymount University combines classroom learning with the personal and professional support that helps you turn a master’s degree into a career milestone. From the first advising session to the final practicum placement, the School of Education aims to create an environment where teachers and aspiring educators can refine their practice and connect theory to real classrooms.

Faculty and Mentoring

• Expertise: Faculty members bring years of classroom and administrative experience to their teaching, often drawing on current research and practical strategies in curriculum design, literacy education, and English language learning.
• Advising: Students typically receive one-on-one academic advising to plan their course sequence and meet licensure or endorsement requirements. Mentorship may extend beyond program completion as alumni networks grow.
• Class size: While specific student-to-faculty ratios vary by semester, graduate courses are often structured to encourage discussion-based learning and individualized feedback.

Fieldwork and Practicum Support

Field experiences are integrated into many M.Ed. programs. Marymount’s location in Arlington, Virginia, provides access to diverse school districts for clinical placements. The School of Education coordinates placements so that candidates work with experienced mentor teachers and gain exposure to best practices in assessment, instruction, and classroom management. If you are pursuing a license or endorsement, your advisor will help you align fieldwork with state requirements.

Campus and Technology Resources

The university offers access to online learning management systems, digital library collections, and educational technology that support both on-campus and online students. The Ballston Center and other campus facilities provide collaborative workspaces, while the university’s technology support team assists with any platform-related questions. For the most current information about specific educational software or emerging tech tools available to M.Ed. candidates, contact the School of Education or the library directly.

Marymount's Master of Education merges practical teaching strategies with a deep commitment to equity, preparing you not just for your next job, but for a career of meaningful impact in diverse learning environments.

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