Augsburg University's M.Ed. Programs: Advancing Your Teaching Career

In Minnesota, a master's degree can boost a teacher's salary by $13,779 annually, according to recent pay data from the Anoka-Hennepin School District. Augsburg University's Master of Arts in Education (MAE) is structured to deliver that financial return while grounding educators in an urban equity framework.

Courses are available online and in the evenings, allowing working teachers to earn the credential without interrupting their careers.

The program's emphasis on culturally sustaining pedagogy responds directly to the demographic realities of Twin Cities classrooms, where deep preparation in urban practice is no longer optional but essential for effective teaching.

An Education Rooted in Urban Practice: What Sets Augsburg Apart

Choosing a master’s program is as much about fit as it is about curriculum. For educators drawn to the complexities and opportunities of city schools, Augsburg University’s deliberate focus on urban teaching offers a distinct advantage over more generalized programs. Its approach weaves together equity, community partnerships, and reflective practice, qualities that can make graduates especially effective in diverse, dynamic classrooms.

A Mission Centered on Justice and Community

Augsburg’s identity is tightly linked to its urban setting in Minneapolis. The university’s mission statements and strategic plans consistently emphasize social justice, civic engagement, and service to the surrounding community. This is not a surface-level commitment; it shapes how courses are designed and which clinical experiences are prioritized. Education candidates learn to see themselves as community educators, not just classroom instructors.

Faculty Who Live Urban Education Research

The graduate education faculty bring a wealth of scholarship directly relevant to city schools. Their research interests typically span areas such as culturally sustaining pedagogy, educational equity, language diversity, and trauma-informed teaching, areas that matter enormously in urban contexts. Many faculty members are active in local school improvement efforts or serve on advisory boards, ensuring their teaching remains grounded in real-world challenges.

Partnerships That Bridge Theory and Practice

Augsburg has long-standing relationships with Minneapolis and St. Paul schools, community organizations, and education nonprofits. While specific partnership names are not detailed here, these connections provide MAE candidates with field placements, mentorship opportunities, and community-based research projects. Students often complete their clinical hours in settings that mirror the populations they hope to serve, which can accelerate their professional growth and cultural competence.

A Network That Extends Beyond Graduation

Graduates of Augsburg’s education programs often join a close-knit alumni network concentrated in the Twin Cities metro. This network can be a powerful resource for job placement, professional development, and continued collaboration on urban education initiatives. For educators committed to making a difference in city schools, the Augsburg community offers both a philosophical home and a practical launching pad.

M.ed. Specializations: Curriculum & Instruction, Teaching, and More

Some educators enter graduate school to refine an existing classroom practice; others enroll to earn a teaching license for the first time. Augsburg University accommodates both paths with distinct master's programs: the Master of Arts in Education (MAE) for licensed teachers and the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) for aspiring educators.

The MAE: Deepening Practice for Licensed Educators

The MAE is built around a single, deeply integrated concentration: Culture & Curriculum. This specialization pushes experienced teachers and community workers to examine how cultural contexts shape learning and how to design instruction that responds to diverse student identities. The program incorporates 9 credits of core coursework that ground students in equity-focused research methods and instructional leadership, plus 12 credits of concentration-specific study. The remaining credits are dedicated to electives and a culminating Inquiry Project, bringing the total to 30, 31 credits.¹

Core learning outcomes include the ability to critique and redesign curriculum and instruction through a culturally sustaining lens, analyze systemic barriers to student success, and lead collaborative change in urban school settings. Key course topics typically cover culturally responsive pedagogy, critical curriculum theory, and community-engaged research methodologies.

The MAT: A Pathway to Initial Licensure

For those who hold a bachelor's degree in a field other than education, the MAT provides a route to a Minnesota teaching license alongside a master's degree. The MAT is not a specialization within the MAE; it is a standalone initial-licensure program delivered in evening and weekday formats². Coursework blends pedagogical foundations with extensive clinical practice, preparing candidates for licensure in areas such as elementary education or secondary content fields. Because the MAT leads to initial licensure, its curriculum and credit structure differ from the MAE, focusing on both theory and the practical skills required for a first teaching assignment.

Sample Course Sequence for a Full-Time MAE Student

While exact titles and sequencing change from year to year, a full-time MAE candidate focusing on the Culture & Curriculum concentration might progress through a two-year schedule similar to this:

• Fall, Year 1 (6 credits): Core course in educational research and equity, plus an introductory concentration course on cultural foundations of curriculum.
• Spring, Year 1 (6 credits): Second core course in instructional leadership, and a concentration course exploring community-based learning design.
• Summer, Year 1 (3 credits): Elective chosen from allied graduate offerings, such as special education policy or language and literacy.
• Fall, Year 2 (6 credits): Third core course, and the first phase of the Inquiry Project, problem identification and literature review.
• Spring, Year 2 (6 credits): Remaining concentration course, and completion of the Inquiry Project with a public presentation.

This pace accommodates working professionals; a part-time option stretches the timeline.

Unique Features: Inquiry Project and Embedded Practice

Unlike programs that conclude with a traditional thesis, the MAE anchors itself in an Inquiry Project, a sustained, job-embedded investigation of a real instructional challenge. Candidates identify a problem of practice within their own classroom or community setting, study it using qualitative or mixed methods, and develop an actionable plan for change. This project-based approach means graduates don't just learn about effective teaching; they produce a body of work that directly improves their professional context. For many students, the Inquiry Project doubles as a portfolio piece for career advancement or further graduate study.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Related Articles

Online, Hybrid, and On-Campus: How Augsburg Delivers Its MAE

Balancing graduate coursework with a full-time teaching load demands a program that bends to your schedule, not the other way around. Augsburg University’s Master of Arts in Education (MAE) is built for working educators, combining online flexibility with the irreplaceable value of face-to-face interaction.

A Hybrid Model Designed for Practicing Teachers

Rather than a fully virtual experience, Augsburg’s MAE is a hybrid program that blends asynchronous online modules, live synchronous sessions, and periodic on-campus gatherings. There is no fully online track; every student participates in some in-person class meetings.¹ This approach keeps you connected to a cohort of peers and faculty while minimizing the logistical strain of commuting. In-person sessions are scheduled on evenings or weekends, once a week or less, to fit around a full-time teaching job. All on-campus events take place at Augsburg’s Minneapolis campus, grounding your learning in the urban community that defines the program’s mission.

Synchronous and Asynchronous Learning

Live class meetings bring you together with instructors and classmates for interactive workshops via video conferencing with screen sharing and discussion. These synchronous sessions are not passive lectures; they are designed for collaboration and real-time problem-solving.³ Outside of those meeting times, you’ll engage with self-paced, asynchronous modules: readings, recorded mini-lectures, discussion boards, and assignments that you complete on your own schedule within set deadlines.³ Summer courses follow a similar rhythm, with weekday evening classes that mix online and face-to-face formats.⁴ This structure means you rarely have to choose between a student’s parent-teacher conference and your own graduate seminar.

Part-Time Pacing and Timeline

The MAE is strictly a part-time program, with no full-time option, so you can continue teaching while earning your degree. The program requires 30 to 31 credits, and most students finish in under two years by taking courses in fall, spring, and summer terms.¹ The consistent, manageable pace helps you stay focused without burning out. Because terms run year-round, you can maintain momentum and graduate on a predictable timeline.

On-Campus Requirements

Augsburg does not require a separate on-campus residency or intensive beyond the regular class meetings. The in-person component is simply part of your course schedule: you’ll come to campus for a portion of your class sessions throughout the program. These evenings or weekends in Minneapolis let you build professional networks that often become lasting resources. The hybrid format keeps the program rooted in relationship-based learning while still honoring the busy rhythms of a teacher’s life.

Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid: The True Cost of an Augsburg MAE

How much does a Master's in Education at Augsburg University actually cost? For many aspiring educators, understanding the full financial picture (tuition, fees, and available aid) is the first step toward making an informed decision. Here’s a clear breakdown of what to expect for the 2025, 2026 academic year.

Per-Credit and Total Program Costs

Augsburg’s Master of Arts in Education (MAE) is priced at $588 per credit hour¹ for the 2025, 2026 year. The program requires between 30 and 36 credits¹, depending on your chosen specialization and any prerequisite coursework. For a standard 30-credit path, the total tuition comes to $17,640¹. If your program requires 36 credits, the tuition climbs to $21,168¹. These figures do not include additional fees, which we cover below.

Eligible students may qualify for a tuition reduction of $80 per credit², bringing the per-credit rate down to $508. To receive this discount, you must be employed by a partner organization or have completed a designated Leadership Course through Augsburg.² With the discount, a 30-credit program costs approximately $15,240, and a 36-credit program costs around $18,288².

Additional Fees to Budget For

Beyond tuition, graduate students should anticipate mandatory fees for technology, student services, and possible course materials. While Augsburg does not publish a single master’s-level fee schedule in this dataset, typical charges at comparable institutions range from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars per year. Contact the Office of Graduate Admissions for a personalized estimate. Remember to factor in textbooks, licensure exam fees, and any required background checks if you are pursuing initial teaching licensure.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

All students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for federal loans. Many MAE students use low-interest Direct Unsubsidized Loans to cover part of their costs. Augsburg also offers institutional M.Ed. scholarships for graduate students, some are merit-based, while others support those demonstrating financial need. Graduate assistantships, which provide a stipend and tuition remission in exchange for part-time work on campus, are another option, though availability varies by department.

Employer Partnerships and Tuition Reimbursement

If you are currently working in a school district or nonprofit, ask your employer about tuition reimbursement benefits. Many Minnesota districts partner with Augsburg to offer direct billing or tuition discounts. The $80-per-credit reduction mentioned above is one such partnership incentive. Additionally, Augsburg participates in the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant program, which provides up to $4,000 per year for students who commit to teaching in high-need fields at low-income schools.

For an accurate, up-to-date net price, connect with Augsburg’s financial aid office. They can walk you through payment plans, loan counseling, and external scholarship searches so you can focus on what really matters: preparing to lead in the classroom.

How to Apply: Admissions Requirements and Deadlines

Augsburg University's Master of Arts in Education (MAE) program welcomes educators at all career stages. Its streamlined admission process focuses on your academic background and commitment to urban education, with no teaching license or prior classroom experience required.

• Bachelor's degree and GPA

  You must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Full admission requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, but applicants with a GPA between 2.5 and 2.99 may be considered for provisional admission.
• No teaching license or experience required

  Unlike many education master's programs, Augsburg's MAE does not mandate a teaching license or any prior professional teaching experience, making it accessible to career changers and recent graduates.
• Resume and recommendations, optional but valuable

  Letters of recommendation are not required. While a resume or CV is not mandated, you may submit one to highlight relevant education, leadership roles, or community involvement.
• Personal statement (writing prompt)

  All applicants must respond to a writing prompt as part of the online application. This essay serves as your personal statement, allowing you to articulate your goals, experiences, and fit for Augsburg's urban education focus.
• Test-optional policy

  No GRE, MAT, or other standardized test scores are required. Admissions decisions are based on your academic record and the strength of your writing prompt.
• Application deadlines

  Augsburg admits MAE students for fall, spring, and summer terms. Priority deadlines are July 15 (fall), December 15 (spring), and March 15 (summer). Final deadlines are August 1, December 30, and April 15, respectively. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so early submission is encouraged.

Career Paths and Salary Potential for Augsburg MAE Graduates

Earning a master's in education opens two distinct career avenues: it can deepen your classroom impact and salary as a teacher, or it can pivot you toward leadership and specialist roles outside the traditional classroom.

Classroom Advancement and Salary Lanes

In Minnesota, teacher salary schedules typically reward advanced degrees. Moving from a bachelor's to a master's often adds $3,000 to $7,000 to your annual base pay, and that incremental increase compounds over a 20- to 30-year career. The Master of Arts in Education from Augsburg University satisfies the graduate credit requirements most districts recognize for lane changes, making it a direct path to higher earnings while you remain in the classroom.

Leadership and Specialist Opportunities

Augsburg's urban-education emphasis prepares you for roles that extend beyond teaching. Graduates commonly move into positions such as instructional coach, department chair, curriculum specialist, or assistant principal. Nonprofit organizations and community education programs also seek MAE holders for program coordination and training roles, with salaries ranging from $50,000 to $80,000.¹ Alumni frequently cite the program's practical, equity-driven training as the catalyst for these transitions.¹

Long-Term Financial Impact

While program-specific earnings data are not yet available, Augsburg's overall graduate outcomes tell a clear story. The median debt for graduates is $25,347, and median earnings reach $58,829 a decade after entry, resulting in a return of roughly 2.3 times the original investment. Employment rates reinforce this strength: 96% of alumni are employed within one year, and 97% remain working five years out.⁴ For teachers, the salary lane boost plus access to higher-paying specialist roles means the MAE often pays for itself within a few years and continues generating increased income for the remainder of your career.

Augsburg Vs. Other Minnesota M.ed. Programs: A Side-By-Side Look

Augsburg University's Master of Arts in Education (MAE) distinguishes itself from other Minnesota master's in education programs through its focused affordability, flexible delivery options, and deep commitment to urban teaching practice.

How Costs Stack Up

• Per-credit rate: At $595 per credit for the 2026-2027 academic year, Augsburg's graduate tuition is competitive with both public and private institutions across Minnesota.¹
• Total program cost: Completing 30 to 31 credits brings the total tuition and fees to between $17,850 and $18,445, a range that often undercuts longer, higher-priced programs in the region.¹
• Value: Given the program's accelerated pace, students can enter the workforce or advance their careers sooner, reducing opportunity costs.

Delivery Modes and Flexibility

• Many Minnesota M.Ed. programs offer either online or on-campus formats. Augsburg blends evening, online, and hybrid courses, year-round.²
• This design supports full-time working educators who need to balance classroom teaching with graduate study.
• Other schools may require more rigid scheduling or limited online access, making Augsburg's approach particularly practitioner-friendly.

Program Duration and Structure

• Augsburg's MAE can be completed in less than two years², which aligns with or surpasses the typical part-time timeline for similar degrees in the state.
• Year-round enrollment (fall, spring, and summer) allows for continuous progress, while some competitors follow traditional semester schedules with summer breaks.²

Unique Urban Education Focus

• Few Minnesota programs embed urban education as centrally as Augsburg does. The curriculum emphasizes social justice, culturally responsive teaching, and community engagement, qualities that set it apart from programs with a more generalized or rural focus.²
• For educators targeting schools in Minneapolis, St. Paul, or similarly diverse urban settings, Augsburg's specialization provides a clear advantage.

Common Questions About Augsburg’s M.ed. Programs

Here are answers to the questions prospective students ask most often about Augsburg University's Master of Arts in Education (MAE) programs. Whether you're curious about length, cost, online options, or specializations, you'll find clear guidance below.

Other Augsburg University Schools

1. California
2. California
3. Connecticut
4. Georgia
5. Michigan
6. Minnesota
7. Mississippi
8. Mississippi
9. Missouri
10. Missouri
11. New Jersey
12. New York
13. Oregon