Master’s in Education at Concordia College at Moorhead: Programs & Specializations

For working teachers, the decision to pursue a master's often pits an affordable, self-paced online degree against a program with real cohort connections. Concordia College at Moorhead resolves that tension. Its fully online M.Ed. in Teaching and Learning preserves the close-knit, discussion-driven experience that has anchored Concordia's teacher preparation for decades, while offering the flexibility that full-time educators in Minnesota and North Dakota need.

Concordia's School of Education is a long-standing pipeline into Fargo-Moorhead classrooms, and its M.Ed. curriculum translates directly into classroom practice. With a competitive per-credit cost and admissions requiring no GRE, the program is built for working teachers who want to boost their pay and deepen their craft without leaving the classroom.

Concordia College’s Place in the Fargo-Moorhead Education Community

Teacher preparation programs are increasingly judged by how well they connect graduates to meaningful classroom positions. Concordia College’s School of Education answers that demand through a deeply embedded network across the Fargo-Moorhead area and beyond. Known for producing reflective, skilled educators, the school emphasizes a liberal arts foundation and a commitment to service that resonates with district hiring teams throughout the Red River Valley.

The program thrives on a close-knit, supportive cohort model. Small class sizes and accessible faculty foster mentoring relationships that extend past graduation. This environment builds a strong professional community, with many students completing clinical placements and student teaching in Moorhead, Fargo, and West Fargo public schools. These partnerships often lead directly to job offers, creating a reliable entry point into the region's classrooms.

Graduates routinely find positions in a cluster of adjacent cities and regional metros. In addition to Moorhead and Fargo, alumni work in West Fargo, Dilworth, Detroit Lakes, and Grand Forks. The alumni network acts as an informal hiring pipeline: former students now serving as principals, curriculum directors, and mentor teachers actively recruit from Concordia’s M.Ed. cohorts. This Red River Valley web of relationships gives graduates a distinct advantage when seeking initial licensure placements, leadership roles, or advanced endorsements in a market that prizes local preparation and proven classroom readiness.

Questions to Ask Yourself

How Concordia College Delivers Its M.ed. Programs: Online, Hybrid, and On-Campus

M.Ed. Specializations and How They are Delivered

• Master of Education in Teaching and Learning: This 34-credit program is entirely online, letting you complete coursework from anywhere. The curriculum is designed for practicing K-12 teachers, with a cohort-based structure that builds a professional network. You can also pursue a Master to Licensure pathway in subjects like Chemistry, Language Arts, Math, Life Science, Physical Education/Health, or Social Studies. No on-campus visits are required.
• Master of Education , World Language Instruction: Delivered in a hybrid format, this program combines online learning with a transformative 10-day summer immersion experience at Concordia Language Villages near Bemidji, Minnesota. It prepares language educators in Spanish, French, German, Chinese, Arabic, Hmong, Somali, and Karen, and leads to licensure. The summer residency is the only in-person requirement.¹
• Master of Education , Health-PE Concentration: This concentration focuses on physical education and health pedagogy.² While it is one of the three M.Ed. pathways at Concordia, the specific delivery mode and scheduling for this concentration are not detailed in recent publications. Contact the graduate studies office for the most up-to-date information.

Schedules Designed for Working Educators

Both the Teaching and Learning and World Language Instruction tracks follow a two-year timeline. The Teaching and Learning program uses a cohort model, so you move through courses with the same group, often attending virtual sessions in the evenings or on weekends to accommodate a full-time teaching schedule. The World Language program's online classes similarly fit around the school year, with the intensive summer immersion serving as a focused capstone. This structure lets you earn your master's without putting your teaching career on hold.

Flexibility to Advance While You Teach

The online and hybrid paths mean you rarely need to commute to campus. For most teachers in Minnesota or beyond, the only required travel is the brief summer residency for World Language students. At the same time, the cohort approach and summer immersion foster close connections with peers and faculty, an experience that mirrors the community feel of on-campus programs without the weekly drive to Moorhead. This blend of accessibility and engagement is a hallmark of how Concordia supports working educators.

What You’ll Pay: Concordia College Graduate Education Tuition and Fees

At $595 per credit (including the mandatory technology fee), Concordia College Moorhead’s M.Ed. in World Language Instruction carries a total program cost of $21,490.¹ This figure provides a useful benchmark for graduate education expenses at Concordia, though exact totals will shift slightly from program to program.

Breaking Down the Costs

• Per-credit tuition: $560, with a $35 technology support fee added to each credit, pushing the effective per-credit charge to $595. A typical M.Ed. requires around 36 credits, aligning with the total program tuition of $20,230 and fees that bring the bottom line to $21,490.¹
• One-time charges: A $300 application fee applies at admission.¹ On-campus students may also encounter room and board costs, about $650 per term according to institutional estimates,² though many graduate education candidates complete coursework online or in hybrid format.
• Other possible fees: While the technology fee is the primary recurring charge, students should anticipate modest graduation or student-services fees that the bursar’s office can itemize before enrollment.

Financial Aid and Scholarship Opportunities

Graduate education students at Concordia can tap several forms of support:

• Federal aid: Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Grad PLUS Loans are available for eligible U.S. citizens and permanent residents, and the teach grant for master’s in education can reduce costs for those who commit to teaching in high-need fields at low-income schools.
• Institutional scholarships: Concordia extends a 10% tuition discount to ACTFL members enrolled in the World Language Instruction M.Ed.¹ School-based scholarships, assistantships, and graduate assistantships may also be offered, prospective students should contact the financial aid office for current listings.
• Employer and partner tuition assistance: Many area school districts offer tuition reimbursement for in-service teachers, and Concordia actively works with regional K-12 partners to facilitate those agreements. So-called “cohort discounts” or group rates may be available when several teachers from the same district enroll simultaneously.

How Concordia Compares

Minnesota private graduate tuition averages range widely, but Concordia’s per-credit rate sits in the middle of the state’s private-college spectrum, competitive with similar institutions like Drake University, while remaining well below many out-of-state or fully online national programs. Public university graduate rates in Minnesota are often lower on a per-credit basis, yet private colleges frequently offset the difference through smaller class sizes, intensive mentorship, and direct alumni networks like the Fargo-Moorhead education community. For a complete picture, weigh the total degree cost against the long-term salary lift that a Concordia M.Ed. provides.

Getting In: Admissions Requirements for Concordia College M.ed. Programs

Applying to Concordia College’s Master of Education in Teaching and Learning is straightforward, with clear criteria and no hidden hurdles. Here’s what you’ll need to submit through the GradCAS application platform.

• Bachelor’s Degree and GPA

  You must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. No prior teaching license or experience is required for admission.
• Required Documents

  Submit official transcripts from all previous colleges, a current résumé detailing professional and educational background, a 500-word personal essay, and three letters of recommendation.
• No Standardized Tests

  Concordia College does not require the GRE or any other standardized exam for M.Ed. applicants. Non-native English speakers must demonstrate English proficiency as outlined by the college.
• Application Deadlines

  While specific dates vary, the program typically offers multiple start terms, fall, spring, and summer. Check directly with the graduate admissions office for the most current deadlines.

Other Minnesota Education Master’s Programs Within Reach of Moorhead

The rise of flexible online and hybrid delivery means geography is no longer the primary filter for choosing a graduate education program, but exploring schools with physical proximity can still open doors to in-person networking, local field placements, and cohort connections. If you are considering a Master's in Education near Moorhead, a few intentional steps will help you compare options beyond Concordia College.

Start with the State's Official Program Directory

Minnesota maintains a centralized resource for prospective graduate students: the Office of Higher Education's website. It offers a searchable database of approved education master's programs across public and private institutions. You can filter by degree type, delivery format, and location. This is the most reliable way to identify which colleges within driving distance, or accessible online, offer tracks aligned with your career goals, whether that is curriculum and instruction, special education, or educational leadership. The listings include direct links to each program's page, saving you from hunting across dozens of college sites.

Compare Tuition and Unique Features on University Websites

Once you have a shortlist, visit each program's official page. Per-credit tuition rates vary widely even among neighboring schools; some charge a flat graduate rate while others differentiate by residency status or program tier. Look for details on licensure tracks, cohort models, and required clinical hours. For instance, Minnesota State University Moorhead and the University of Minnesota Crookston often appear on local educators' radars, but program features evolve quickly. You might discover that one school embeds technology integration across all courses while another emphasizes rural education, a nuance a directory cannot convey. Always verify the current academic catalog for the most accurate credit requirements and fee structures.

Vet Quality Through Accreditation Networks

The Minnesota Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (MACTE) provides a list of member institutions whose education programs meet rigorous professional standards, including M.Ed. accreditation. Contacting MACTE directly can clarify which programs hold CAEP accreditation or state-specific approvals, ensuring your degree is recognized for licensure and employment. Accreditation is not merely a checkbox; it signals that a program continuously assesses candidate outcomes and adapts to P-12 school needs. This step is especially important if you plan to pursue additional endorsements or administrative licenses down the road.

Weigh Costs Against Earning Potential Using Federal Data

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS.gov) publishes salary and job outlook data for roles like instructional coordinators, elementary principals, and special education teachers. Filter by state or metro area to see median wages and projected growth. While program cost is immediate, long-term earnings vary by career path and setting. Using BLS data helps you estimate return on investment, particularly if you compare tuition across multiple MnEd programs and factor in any available graduate assistantships or teacher tuition reimbursement agreements.

What You Can Earn: Education Career Salaries in the Fargo-Moorhead Area

A master's in education opens doors to jobs for master's in education with notably higher earning potential, both nationally and in the Fargo-Moorhead metro. National data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that master's-prepared professionals earn a median of $81,910 per year¹, a benchmark that highlights the value of advanced credentials in education.

Earning Potential by Role

In Fargo-Moorhead, several education positions either require or reward a master's degree. Education administrators (grades K-12 and postsecondary) and instructional coordinators typically enter the field with a master's². While local salary figures are not published for every niche, these roles consistently command wages above the area's overall education median³. Special education teachers, though often starting with a bachelor's, see substantial pay growth when they earn a master's, particularly in leadership or curriculum specialist tracks.

• Education Administrators, K-12: Master's degree typically required; responsible for school operations and staff supervision. National medians trend above $100,000, with Fargo-area figures aligning competitively for the region.
• Instructional Coordinators: Oversee curriculum development and teacher training; master's degree is the standard entry. Salaries reflect the blend of classroom experience and program management.
• Special Education Teachers: Bachelor's is common for entry, but a master's unlocks advanced roles and pay steps in the special education career path. Fargo-Moorhead's demand for specialized support keeps these positions stable.

Local Demand and Hiring Outlook

The Fargo-Moorhead area's mix of public, private, and charter schools, along with a steady population and proximity to higher education institutions, sustains a reliable need for qualified educators. Advanced-degree holders often lead new curriculum initiatives, special education program expansions, and early intervention services, areas where districts actively recruit. While no single projection can capture every nuance, the long-term outlook for master's-level educators in the metro remains positive, with consistent openings in master's in education jobs, including administration and instructional design.

Your Minnesota Licensure and Endorsement Path With Concordia

Understanding Minnesota's Licensure Landscape

Earning a master's in education from Concordia College is a significant step toward advancing your teaching career, but licensure and endorsement requirements are determined by the state, not the college. Minnesota's Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) sets the rules for initial licensure, additional endorsements, and license renewal. Before enrolling, verify that your chosen program aligns with the specific credential you need. Concordia's M.Ed. specializations are designed with Minnesota standards in mind, but you must confirm direct alignment for your target endorsement area.

How Concordia Supports Your Credentialing Goals

Concordia offers M.Ed. tracks in areas like curriculum and instruction, reading, and special education, each potentially leading to an endorsement. While the college cannot guarantee licensure outcomes, its faculty and advising staff can help you map coursework to PELSB requirements. Out-of-state teachers should be especially diligent: Minnesota has reciprocity agreements with some states, but you may need to complete additional testing or coursework. Start by asking Concordia's education department for a program-to-endorsement checklist.

Steps to Verify Your Path

To avoid surprises, take these practical steps:

• Consult PELSB directly: Visit mn.gov/pelsb for current licensure and endorsement rules.
• Request a transcript review: Concordia advisors can evaluate your prior coursework against state standards.
• Check testing requirements: Minnesota often requires the MTLE series; confirm which exams your program prepares you for.
• Plan for renewal: Many M.Ed. credits count toward license renewal, but you must document them correctly.

Resources to Bookmark

Authoritative sources will keep you informed. Bookmark BLS.gov for regional salary data on education careers. Concordia's graduate education page lists program outcomes and links to licensure information. Professional associations like the Minnesota Education Association can offer guidance on navigating the licensure maze. Use these independently to cross-check what you hear from any single source.

What Concordia M.ed. Graduates Are Saying

At Concordia College, 95% of surveyed students say their professors are passionate about teaching, and 74% say their professors put significant effort into their classes. While detailed satisfaction metrics for the M.Ed. in Teaching and Learning are not yet publicly available, these overall faculty ratings reflect the engaging instructional culture that graduate students experience in their online coursework.

Feedback from the Classroom

The 100% online M.Ed. program is built for working K-12 educators¹, and students often cite the convenience and relevance of the curriculum as major strengths. Program leaders note that graduates consistently highlight how course projects directly improve their day-to-day teaching, though standardized satisfaction surveys have not been released.

A small collection of alumni stories on the program webpage describes professionals who advanced to lead teacher roles, became curriculum specialists, or earned pay increases shortly after completing the degree. These testimonials, while informal, mention supportive faculty mentorship and practical assignments that translate immediately to the classroom.

Prospective students can explore recent graduate comments on the Concordia College website to get a feel for the community. For now, the high professor passion scores and word-of-mouth endorsements from area educators are the clearest indicators of program quality.

Concordia’s M.Ed. blends rigorous academics with flexible delivery, so educators can earn an advanced degree while continuing to teach.

Frequently Asked Questions About Concordia College’s M.ed.

Prospective students often have questions about cost, admissions, and career outcomes for Concordia College's M.Ed. programs. Here are answers to some common inquiries, with guidance on where to find the most current information.

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