Master's in Education at Andrews University: Programs, Costs & Career Paths

Can a faith-based university deliver a rigorous master's in education that prepares you for public school classrooms and specialized roles?

Andrews University, a Seventh-day Adventist institution in Berrien Springs, Michigan, builds its graduate education programs around service-oriented teaching and scholarly practice. Students choose from the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), a Master of Music Education, or a multi-level Curriculum & Instruction sequence that includes the MA, Education Specialist (EdS), and PhD. The faith-integrated learning environment informs every course, linking instruction to moral leadership and diverse community needs.

In a state where special education vacancies topped 5% during the 2024-2025 school year, advanced credentials from a mission-driven institution carry distinct weight.

Curriculum & Instruction Specializations at Andrews University

Andrews University structures its Curriculum & Instruction (C&I) graduate offerings across three distinct degree levels: a 32-credit Master of Arts, a 64-credit Education Specialist, and a 92-credit Doctor of Philosophy¹. Each track builds advanced expertise for educators aiming to shape curriculum in K, 12 schools, higher education, or instructional design roles.

Master of Arts in Curriculum & Instruction

The MA program is designed for working teachers and curriculum coordinators who need a flexible, practice-oriented credential. It is available through Andrews University's Curriculum & Instruction graduate programs, which are offered both on campus and fully online, allowing students to continue teaching while completing coursework. The 32-credit sequence culminates in a Master's Portfolio, a project or thesis, and a written comprehensive exam. The program does not require the GRE for admission¹, though applicants may submit scores if they want to be considered for scholarships.

A key concentration within the MA is instructional design², which equips educators to create effective, technology-enhanced learning experiences across face-to-face, hybrid, and online classrooms. Coursework typically addresses curriculum theory, assessment strategies, and educational leadership, though specific required courses vary by concentration.

EdS and PhD Pathways

For educators targeting district-level curriculum leadership or professorial roles, the EdS and PhD options provide deeper research training. The EdS is primarily an on-campus program, while the PhD offers both on-campus and online enrollment options to accommodate doctoral students. Both the EdS and the PhD require GRE scores¹, and the doctoral track involves a dissertation that contributes original scholarship to the field.

These advanced degrees align directly with roles such as K, 12 curriculum director, instructional coach, higher education faculty member, and corporate learning designer. Throughout all C&I programs, the faculty emphasize an integration of faith and learning, though the curriculum itself remains broadly applicable across public, private, and international school settings.

MAT, Music Education, and Other Graduate Education Degrees

Andrews University extends its graduate education offerings beyond Curriculum & Instruction with a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), a Master of Music Education, and additional pathways for aspiring and current teachers.

Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)

The MAT program is built for individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-education field and want to earn initial teaching certification. Graduates leave prepared for licensure through both the North American Division (NAD) and the state of Michigan. The curriculum blends advanced pedagogy with extensive field experiences, emphasizing content mastery and youth development within a faith-based context.

Key features of the MAT: - Accreditation: CAEP-accredited, meeting rigorous national standards. - Structure: 32 credit hours, typically completed in two years of full-time study. - Concentrations: Two options are available, including Elementary Education. - Admissions: Rolling admissions with fall, summer, and spring start dates; a minimum 2.6 GPA and two letters of recommendation are required. - Support: Financial aid and scholarships are accessible, and the program has partnerships with districts and unions to facilitate clinical placements.

Master of Music Education

For current music teachers, the Master of Music Education deepens expertise in pedagogy, curriculum design, and ensemble leadership. While detailed program specifications are not captured in this snapshot, the degree typically attracts K-12 music educators pursuing roles as department chairs, curriculum specialists, or postsecondary faculty. Coursework often spans music theory, conducting, technology, and research methods, all integrated with Andrews’ mission of service.

Other Graduate Education Pathways

Andrews University’s School of Education may also offer degrees in educational leadership, special education, or TESOL, among others. Because this article profiles a subset of available data, prospective students should consult the university’s official website for a complete list of programs and any stackable endorsements or certificates. Contacting the admissions office directly is the best way to confirm current options and entry terms.

Online, On-Campus, and Hybrid Options: How Andrews Delivers Its M.ed. Programs

Andrews University gives graduate education students meaningful control over how and where they learn, with a mix of fully online, on-campus, and hybrid delivery tailored to each master’s program.

Fully Online M.Ed. Programs

Several of Andrews’ education master’s are designed for distance learners who never need to visit the Berrien Springs campus. The Secondary Education MAT and the Special Education MS are offered entirely online.¹ The MA in Educational Psychology and the MA in Higher Education Administration also run fully online tracks alongside their on-campus versions.² All four use what the university calls an “interactive online” model³, which emphasizes live, synchronous class meetings paired with on-demand materials for flexibility. No on-campus residencies or intensives are required; the required practicum or fieldwork is completed in the student’s own community.¹²

On-Campus and Hybrid Pathways

The MA in Curriculum and Instruction stands out for its delivery breadth: students can choose interactive online, on-campus, or hybrid formats.³ The MAT pathway shows a similar split, with the elementary education concentration campus-based and the secondary MAT fully online.¹ For programs like the Master of Music in Music Education, official delivery details are not yet published, but given the performance and pedagogy components, a hybrid structure with some in-person sessions is typical. Andrews’ School of Graduate Studies allows mixing formats when a program supports it, so working educators can often combine online courses with occasional on-campus summer or evening classes.

Inside Andrews’ Interactive Online Classroom

The “interactive online” designation means most class sessions are synchronous,³ with students logging in at set times for live discussion, small-group work, and real-time faculty instruction via videoconference.¹³ At the same time, many courses weave in asynchronous activities like recorded lectures, discussion boards, and flexible assignment deadlines.¹³ This blend balances the accountability of a scheduled class with the flexibility to manage a teaching job and family commitments. Because no campus visits are required, remote learners can complete the entire degree from their home district, working with a cooperating teacher or mentor locally for any clinical hours.¹² For students who want to walk the stage, commencement attendance in Berrien Springs is always an option, but it is never a graduation requirement.³

Admissions Requirements for Andrews University Graduate Education Applicants

Admission to Andrews University's master's in education programs requires a completed application with the materials below.

• Bachelor's Degree and GPA

  A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.60.
• Official Transcripts

  Submit official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions attended.
• Standardized Test Scores

  GRE scores (minimum 140 verbal, 140 quantitative, and 3.0 analytical writing) are required, but waivers are available for qualified applicants.
• Letters of Recommendation

  Two letters of recommendation from academic or professional references.
• Statement of Purpose

  A 500-word statement outlining your goals and reasons for pursuing graduate study.
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae

  A current professional resume or CV highlighting relevant experience.
• Program-Specific Prerequisites

  Some programs, such as Curriculum & Instruction, require 9 credits of education coursework including educational psychology.
• International Student Requirements

  Official English proficiency scores (TOEFL 80, IELTS 6.5, PTE 54, or Duolingo 110) and a credential evaluation of international transcripts.
• Application Fee

  No application fee for graduate education programs.

Tuition, Fees, and Estimated Total Cost for Andrews M.ed. Programs

Andrews University charges $1,426 per credit for all three major M.Ed. tracks in the 2026-2027 academic year. The tuition structure remains consistent whether you enroll in the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), the Curriculum & Instruction M.Ed., or the specialized Music Education M.Ed.

Cost Per Credit and Total Credits

Every M.Ed. program requires 30 graduate credits. Multiplying the per-credit rate of $1,426 yields a base tuition of $42,780. This uniformity simplifies planning, eliminating surprise credit loads when comparing specializations.

Mandatory Fees

A flat $595 mandatory fee covers essential student services and administrative support. This fee is applied per program and is not prorated by enrollment status.

Estimated Total Program Cost

Base tuition plus mandatory fees totals $44,380 for the degree. This estimate excludes textbooks, software, and other course materials, which vary by semester. The university's 2026-2027 Graduate Cost Sheet provides this figure as a reliable planning number.¹

Delivery Mode and Tuition

Online and on-campus courses share the same per-credit rate, so mixing modalities incurs no cost penalty. This parity lets you network in person while retaining the flexibility to study remotely.

Budgeting Beyond Tuition and Fees

Account for books, technology subscriptions, and possible transportation to on-campus sessions when planning. Andrews University participates in federal financial aid programs, and graduate students may consider federal loans, employer tuition reimbursement, or payment plans through the student financial services office.

Breaking Down the Cost of an Andrews M.ed.

Understanding the full cost of an M.Ed. helps with financial planning beyond per-credit tuition rates. The breakdown below shows how tuition, fees, and materials fit into the total investment.

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Questions to Ask Yourself

When to Apply: Deadlines and Cohort Start Dates

Application deadlines and cohort start dates determine when you submit your materials and when you actually begin coursework in an Andrews University master's in education program. Because each graduate degree track may operate on its own calendar, and delivery formats (online, on-campus, or hybrid) can shift the timeline, it is important to verify dates directly with the School of Education rather than relying on a single university-wide calendar.

Where to Find Official Deadlines

The most reliable starting point is the Andrews University School of Education website. Navigate to the page for the specific M.Ed. program you are interested in (Curriculum & Instruction, MAT, or music education, for example) and look for an admissions or application timeline section. Many programs post upcoming start terms and corresponding application cutoffs. If the page does not list a clear deadline, look for a contact link to the program coordinator.

Understanding Rolling vs. Fixed Admissions

Some Andrews M.Ed. programs may review applications on a rolling basis, meaning materials are evaluated as they arrive and decisions are issued continuously until the cohort fills. Other programs use fixed deadlines. To find out which model a program follows:

• Contact the program coordinator directly via email or phone and ask whether admission is rolling or has a hard deadline.
• Ask about upcoming cohort start dates. Even within a broad fall-spring-summer structure, a program might only enroll new students in the fall term.

Financial Aid Priority Dates

The Office of Financial Aid at Andrews University sets priority deadlines for submitting the FAFSA and any institutional aid applications. These dates often fall earlier than program application cutoffs. Missing a priority date can reduce the aid package available to you. Check the financial aid website for M.Ed. scholarships and note any deadlines tied to the academic year you plan to enter.

Planning Your Start Term

While general reference points (such as a fall start in late August or a spring start in January) can help you plan, they are not a substitute for official confirmation. Professional timelines from organizations like AACTE or the Michigan Department of Education are useful for understanding broad academic cycles, but they should never replace the dates published by Andrews itself. Once you have the confirmed dates, work backward to allow time for transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, and any required interviews.

Frequently Asked Questions About Andrews University's Education Master's

Get quick answers to common questions about Andrews University's Master's in Education programs, including details on completion time, admissions requirements, financial aid, and career support. For the most current policies, always refer to the official School of Education website.

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