Master’s in Education at Averett University: Programs & Specializations

Averett University’s Master of Education in Elementary Education reports nearly 100% job placement, reflecting the program’s small classes and eight regional school partnerships designed for working teachers. Candidates can pursue specializations including Elementary Education, Reading and Literacy, Gifted Education, and Physical Education. Both SACSCOC and CAEP accreditations back the degree, while an asynchronous online format keeps it accessible for full-time educators. In Virginia, a graduate degree frequently separates candidates for instructional leadership positions, making this credential a direct route to career advancement.

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

Averett University structures its Master of Education degrees around a fully online, asynchronous delivery model, giving working teachers the freedom to earn a graduate credential without putting their careers or personal obligations on hold.¹

A Fully Online, Asynchronous Experience

All M.Ed. courses at Averett are delivered 100% online with no required in-person sessions.¹ Asynchronous means you log in when it fits your schedule: lessons, discussions, and assignments are accessible 24/7, not tied to a live class time. This format lets you teach during the day and study during evenings or weekends. The online platform is designed for ease of use, with a clear weekly structure so you always know what’s due.

Program Length and Pacing Options

Most specializations, such as Curriculum & Instruction and Special Education K-12, require 34 credit hours and take about 20 to 24 months to complete.¹ Courses run in accelerated 6- or 8-week blocks, and you can take one or two at a time.¹ Full-time students who carry a heavier load (up to 18 credits per semester in some tracks) may finish closer to 18 months.² Part-time pacing still allows graduation in under two years. Transfer credits from other regionally accredited graduate programs can further shorten your path.³

No On-Campus Commitments

One of the biggest advantages for working professionals is that Averett imposes zero on-campus requirements. There are no residencies, weekend intensives, or mandatory campus visits.¹ Any required field experiences (such as practicums or internships tied to an endorsement) are arranged at a school near you, with local supervision. This makes the program truly accessible to educators in Virginia and beyond.

Five Specializations, One Convenient Format

Averett offers five distinct M.Ed. tracks, all available in the same online asynchronous format.⁴ Popular options include the M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction, which lets you add endorsements in Gifted Education or as a Reading Specialist.³ The M.Ed. in Special Education K-12 prepares you to support diverse learners.² Other tracks may cover Elementary Education, Reading & Literacy, or Physical Education: each designed to advance your classroom practice without interrupting your teaching career.⁴

Breaking Down the Cost of Averett’s M.ed.: Tuition, Fees, and Total Investment

While tuition is the primary cost of Averett's M.Ed., several program-specific fees also apply. For the 2025-2026 academic year, online M.Ed. students should budget for the following additional charges. Always confirm the latest per-credit tuition rate directly with Averett's Office of Graduate Admissions.

Admissions Requirements: What You Need to Apply for Averett’s M.ed.

Applying to Averett University's Master of Education programs requires gathering the right materials and meeting clear academic benchmarks. Whether you are interested in Curriculum and Instruction, Special Education, or Administration and Supervision², the steps are designed to confirm your readiness for graduate-level work and your commitment to the field.

GPA and Academic Prerequisites

Averett expects applicants to hold a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA. For many M.Ed. tracks, a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is the standard¹. Some programs may consider candidates with a GPA slightly below that threshold if other application components are strong, so plan to demonstrate solid academic preparation. If your bachelor's degree is in a field unrelated to education, you may need to complete prerequisite coursework before beginning the master's-level core classes.

Required Application Materials

Your application file must include several key documents. These are reviewed holistically, so each piece matters.

• Official transcripts: You need to submit transcripts from every college or university you have attended, showing your degree conferral and GPA.
• Letters of recommendation: Most programs ask for two or three professional references. Ideal recommenders are supervisors, principals, or professors who can speak to your teaching ability, work ethic, and potential as a graduate student.
• Personal statement: This is your chance to explain why you want to pursue an M.Ed., how it fits your career goals, and what you will bring to the cohort. Follow any prompt provided by the admissions office.
• Current resume or CV: A detailed record of your educational employment, certifications, and relevant volunteer experience helps the committee see your professional trajectory.

Test Score Requirements

Averett's M.Ed. programs do not universally require the GRE or MAT. Many applicants are admitted without standardized test scores, especially if they have a strong undergraduate GPA and teaching experience. However, some specializations or individual cases may ask for scores, so it is best to confirm with your enrollment counselor. If you have taken the GRE or MAT, you are welcome to submit your results to strengthen your file.

Teaching Experience and Licensure

Several Averett M.Ed. concentrations are designed for current classroom teachers². For instance, the Special Education - General Curriculum endorsement track specifies that applicants are licensed educators¹. Similarly, the general M.Ed. plans often assume you are already working in a school setting². If you are seeking initial licensure through your master's, check with the program advisor because additional steps, such as passing state-mandated exams or completing a supervised internship, may be required.

Application Deadlines

Averett reviews applications on a rolling basis but observes priority deadlines for fall, spring, and summer starts. Submitting early ensures you secure a spot and have time to arrange financial aid. Typical fall deadlines land in mid-summer, spring deadlines in late fall, and summer deadlines in early spring, though these shift slightly each year. The Graduate and Professional Studies office posts the most current calendar, so consult their website as you prepare your materials.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Career Paths and Salary Outcomes for Averett M.ed. Graduates

An M.Ed. from Averett University positions you for instructional leadership roles that shape curriculum, teacher development, and student success across Virginia and beyond. Graduates enter a field where advanced credentials are valued and salaries reflect that expertise.

Roles an M.Ed. Graduate Can Pursue

• Curriculum Specialist: Design and evaluate educational materials and standards for schools or districts, often requiring a curriculum and instruction degree.
• Instructional Coordinator: Oversee school curricula, implement teaching standards, and assess educational programs.
• Literacy Coach: Provide professional development and mentoring to improve reading and writing instruction.
• Gifted Education Teacher: Develop and deliver advanced learning opportunities for high-ability students.
• Physical Education Director: Lead PE programs, ensure wellness standards, and manage athletic curricula.

These roles exist in public and private K-12 schools, district offices, and nonprofit organizations, giving you flexibility to match your passion.

Earnings and Career Outlook

National data for instructional coordinators places the median annual wage at $74,720¹, with the top 10 percent earning over $109,500². While 1-year program-specific earnings are not yet reported, Averett University graduates across all levels show median earnings of $51,516 ten years after entering the institution, reflecting long-term career growth.

Job growth for instructional coordinators is projected at 1 to 1.3 percent¹ over the next decade, translating to steady demand as schools continually seek to improve teaching quality and student outcomes. In Virginia, a growing emphasis on curriculum development and teacher support makes these roles particularly sustainable.

Averett’s Career Support and Alumni Network

Averett connects you to career resources from day one. The university’s career services office offers resume reviews, interview coaching, and job search strategies tailored to education professionals. An active alumni network spans school systems throughout Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic, providing mentorship and job leads. Many M.Ed. graduates benefit from the school’s strong regional partnerships, which contribute to consistently high job placement rates in education fields.

Accreditation and Licensure: Is Averett’s M.ed. Respected?

Institutional and Programmatic Accreditation

Averett University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award master's degrees.¹ This broad institutional accreditation ensures that the university meets standards for governance, resources, and educational quality. More specifically, Averett's educator preparation programs, including its Master of Education pathways, hold programmatic accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) through Spring 2029.² The Virginia Department of Education has also approved these programs for initial teacher licensure.³ Together, these recognitions confirm that Averett's M.Ed. degrees are both respected and directly aligned with state licensure requirements.

What CAEP Accreditation Means for Your Career

CAEP is the only nationally recognized accrediting body for educator preparation, providing rigorous M.Ed. accreditation. Earning this accreditation requires programs to demonstrate that their candidates master content knowledge, use effective teaching practices, and have a positive impact on P-12 student learning, all backed by rigorous evidence. For you, graduating from a CAEP-accredited program signals to school districts that your training is current, research-based, and clinically rich. It can also simplify the licensure process in Virginia and beyond, because many states and hiring committees view CAEP as a hallmark of quality. Averett's continued accreditation through 2029 means the university must continuously assess and improve its programs, ensuring your degree remains relevant in a changing education landscape.

Virginia Licensure and Out-of-State Reciprocity

Averett's M.Ed. programs are structured as initial licensure pathways. For example, the online M.Ed. in Special Education K-12 prepares you for a Virginia teaching license in special education, provided you complete required exams like the VCLA and Praxis assessments.⁴ Once issued, a Virginia license is valid for 10 years and can be renewed.² When you consider teaching in another state, Virginia's participation in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement often makes it easier to transfer your license. Under this agreement, many states recognize Virginia's approved programs and waive certain requirements. However, reciprocity is never unconditional. You may still need to pass state-specific exams, complete additional coursework (such as a course in the state's history or constitution), or teach under a provisional license for a set period. Before relying on portability, check with the licensing agency in your target state, since licensing requirements for M.Ed. programs by state can vary. Averett's licensure officers can help you understand your initial Virginia license pathway, but they cannot guarantee licensure in other states without additional steps.

How Averett Compares to Other Virginia M.ed. Programs

Averett University offers a competitively priced M.Ed. with a total program cost of $12,090, making it the most affordable among selected Virginia peers. Its faith-based mission and small class sizes distinguish it from larger public institutions like UVA Wise and Virginia Union, while still providing a rigorous curriculum.

Frequently Asked Questions About Averett’s M.ed.

Navigating graduate school can be complex. Below are some of the most common questions prospective students have about Averett University's Master of Education programs, covering areas like accreditation, cost, admissions, and career outcomes.

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