Explore Concordia University-Saint Paul’s M.Ed. Programs and Specializations

Education jobs requiring a master’s degree are projected to grow 10.2 percent by 2034, far outpacing the average for all occupations. Concordia University-Saint Paul addresses this demand with a focused lineup of M.Ed. specializations shaped by a faith-based mission and designed for working professionals.

With online, hybrid, and on-campus formats, the university allows teachers to earn an advanced credential without stepping away from the classroom. Specializations in Curriculum & Instruction, Reading & Literacy, and Instructional Design meet distinct career goals, while the Master of Arts in Teaching provides a pathway for career changers seeking initial licensure.

Backed by regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission and per-credit costs that vary by program, the real decision point is not whether to advance, but which degree track aligns with your classroom needs and long-term salary growth.

Concordia St. Paul’s M.ed. Specializations at a Glance

Concordia University-Saint Paul offers a focused set of Master of Education (M.Ed.) specializations designed to meet distinct career goals and learning preferences. Each program targets a specific professional pathway, whether you are entering the classroom for the first time or seeking to deepen expertise in curriculum design, literacy instruction, or educational technology. The four main tracks are the Master of Arts in Teaching, Instructional Design & Education Technology, Reading & Literacy, and Curriculum & Instruction. They share a commitment to practical, applied learning but differ in curriculum, credit requirements, and delivery.

Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)

The MAT program is built for career changers and aspiring educators who hold a bachelor’s degree but not a teaching license. Its K-6 licensure track includes 36 credits of coursework, with six credits devoted to intensive field experiences and clinical practice.¹ Delivered entirely online in a cohort format, the MAT emphasizes hands-on preparation for Minnesota elementary classrooms. Graduates earn both a master’s degree and a K-6 teaching license, positioning them to enter public, charter, or private school settings.

Instructional Design & Education Technology

This specialization serves educators and trainers who want to lead the integration of technology into learning environments. Students explore how to design digital content, evaluate emerging tools, and implement blended or fully online instruction. While specific credit totals and delivery modes vary, M.Ed. programs at Concordia typically require between 30 and 36 credit hours, and many are offered fully or primarily online to accommodate working professionals.² This track suits tech-savvy teachers, corporate trainers, and curriculum developers looking to modernize instructional practices.

Reading & Literacy

Tailored for educators aiming to become literacy specialists or reading coaches, this reading and literacy degree focuses on evidence-based strategies for diagnosing and addressing reading difficulties. Coursework covers literacy theory, assessment, and intervention across grade levels. The program prepares teachers to support diverse learners and often aligns with state requirements for reading endorsements. Like other Concordia M.Ed. options, it is designed with flexibility in mind, often available online to fit the schedules of practicing teachers.

Curriculum & Instruction

This curriculum and instruction degree appeals to experienced teachers who want to strengthen their pedagogical skills without necessarily adding a new license or endorsement. It covers curriculum design, instructional best practices, and student engagement strategies. Because it is less prescriptive than licensure tracks, candidates often have space to tailor electives to their grade level or subject area. The program typically falls within the 30, 36 credit range, with online delivery enabling a steady pace alongside full-time teaching.²

For a complete list of all available concentrations, including up-to-date credit details and enrollment options, refer to the full program directory. Concordia’s catalog remains the definitive source, as offerings and requirements evolve over time.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Online and On-Campus Learning Formats

Is it really possible to earn a master’s in education online while teaching full-time, and still feel connected to a campus community? Concordia University, Saint Paul (CSP) designs its online graduate education programs with working professionals in mind, pairing flexible formats with robust support to keep you on track.

Fully Online and Asynchronous M.Ed. Programs

Most of CSP’s M.Ed. and M.A. in Education programs are offered fully online in an asynchronous, cohort-based format.¹ This means you log in when it fits your schedule, completing weekly assignments and discussions on your own time, all while progressing through courses with the same group of peers. The Instructional Design & educational technology master's program, for example, runs entirely online, allowing educators nationwide to enroll without relocating. Courses are delivered in 8-week blocks,² so you focus on one subject at a time. Expect to set aside roughly 6, 9 hours per week per course¹ for readings, discussions, and assignments, a predictable rhythm that fits around a teaching career.

Hybrid Possibilities for Other Specializations

While the university emphasizes online delivery, CSP Global also lists hybrid and in-person formats as available.³ Some programs may blend online coursework with occasional in-person sessions on the Saint Paul campus, though specific hybrid tracks vary by specialization. If you value occasional face-to-face interaction or local networking, check with your admissions advisor about current hybrid options for your chosen M.Ed. track.

Support Services for Online Learners

CSP wraps its online students in the same resources available to on-campus peers. You have 24/7 access to the university library’s digital collections and research guides, along with round-the-clock technical support for any platform hiccups.¹ Virtual advising appointments connect you with academic and career counselors remotely, while cohort-based courses build a natural community; you move through the program with the same classmates, building professional networks even at a distance. Faculty hold virtual office hours and often use Blackboard Collaborate for real-time discussion or optional synchronous sessions.¹

Technology and Tools

The university runs on Blackboard as its learning management system,¹ with Blackboard Collaborate integrated for any live video sessions. Online exams may require Respondus Monitor, a remote proctoring tool that ensures academic integrity without a trip to a testing center.¹ Some programs, like the Educational Specialist track, include a weekly 90-minute synchronous video conference,⁴ blending scheduled live connection with the overall asynchronous design.

A Closer Look at the M.ed. In Curriculum & Instruction

Choosing a Master’s in Education specialization often means deciding between a broad leadership path and a targeted focus on classroom practice. Concordia’s M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction is firmly in the latter camp: it’s for educators who want to master the craft of designing and refining what students learn.

What You’ll Study: Core Curriculum Components

The program grounds educators in the essential elements of curriculum work. A standout required course, ED 508 Legal and Ethical Issues in Education, examines the regulatory and moral frameworks that inform everything from textbook selection to assessment policies.¹ While full course offerings are not enumerated in publicly available materials, the curriculum typically covers advanced study in curriculum theory, instructional design, and evaluation methodologies. You can expect to engage with topics such as aligning lessons to state standards, developing culturally responsive materials, and using technology to enhance learning. The coursework is built to help you move from theory to immediate application in your own classroom or school setting.

Skills You’ll Build: From Analysis to Actionable Change

This M.Ed. targets a clear set of practitioner skills. Graduates gain the ability to critically analyze existing curricula and propose evidence-based improvements. They learn to design unit and lesson plans that differentiate instruction for diverse learners, integrate formative and summative assessments effectively, and lead professional development sessions on instructional best practices. The emphasis is on making you a resource for your colleagues, someone who can not only craft a high-quality lesson but also coach peers in doing the same. You’ll leave the program with a portfolio-ready collection of curriculum artifacts that demonstrate your ability to align goals, instruction, and assessment.

Culminating Experience and Alignment with Minnesota Standards

All candidates complete a capstone project¹, which serves as a practical synthesis of their learning. This project typically involves designing, implementing, and evaluating a complete curriculum unit or school-wide initiative. The capstone is guided by faculty and often connects directly to your current teaching context, ensuring the work is immediately relevant. Concordia aligns its program outcomes with the rigorous standards that define master's in education programs in Minnesota, so you can be confident that your advanced degree supports both your professional growth and your compliance with district expectations for continuing education. This alignment also means the program prepares you to pursue roles like curriculum coordinator or instructional coach, positions that often require a deep understanding of state frameworks.

Is Curriculum & Instruction Right for You?

When compared to other M.Ed. specializations at Concordia, Curriculum & Instruction stands out for its classroom-centric lens. A program in Educational Leadership tilts toward building-level administration and policy, while a track in Differentiated Instruction or Special Education zeroes in on specific student populations. Choose C&I if your passion lies in the “what” and “how” of teaching, if you get excited about lesson design, textbook analysis, and assessment strategy. If you see yourself moving into a principal or district-level role that oversees budgets and personnel, you might weigh a leadership focus instead. But if your goal is to become the educator colleagues turn to for guidance on teaching practice, this program offers a direct path.

Tuition, Fees, and How to Pay for Your M.ed.

Not all M.Ed. specializations at Concordia St. Paul carry the same price: the MAT costs $440 per credit, while the Curriculum & Instruction, IDET, and Reading & Literacy tracks are $395 per credit.¹ Comparing these costs side by side helps you plan your investment.

Per-Credit and Total Program Costs

Most programs require 30 credit hours to complete, so the estimated total program tuition breaks down as follows:

• Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT): $440 per credit hour, 30 credits, total tuition $13,200.
• M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction: $395 per credit hour, 30 credits, total tuition $11,850.
• M.Ed. in Instructional Design and Educational Technology (IDET): $395 per credit hour, 30 credits, total tuition $11,850.
• M.Ed. in Reading and Literacy: $395 per credit hour, 30 credits, total tuition $11,850.

The higher per-credit rate for the MAT reflects its intensive, clinical-based training and licensure preparation. All programs are delivered fully online, so there is no price difference between online and on-campus formats. Concordia does not charge any additional program-specific fees beyond standard university fees.¹ Because courses are online, you also avoid commuting and relocation expenses. These total tuition figures place Concordia St. Paul's online M.Ed. programs among the more affordable options for graduate education in Minnesota, with no hidden fees.

Financial Aid and Payment Options

Concordia University-Saint Paul provides several ways to manage the cost of your graduate degree:²

• Federal student loans: Eligible graduate students can apply for direct unsubsidized loans and graduate PLUS loans by completing the FAFSA. These loans do not require a cosigner and offer flexible repayment terms.
• Employer reimbursement: Many school districts offer tuition reimbursement or professional development funds for teachers pursuing advanced degrees. Check with your human resources department to see if you qualify. Typically, reimbursement requires a minimum grade and may cover a set number of credits per year.
• Payment plans: CSP offers interest-free monthly payment plans that spread tuition costs over the semester, making it easier to budget without taking on debt. This option is ideal if you are paying out of pocket and want to avoid loan interest.

Some employers may also participate in CSP's partnership programs, offering reduced tuition rates. Contact the graduate admissions office to see if your organization qualifies. Note that financial aid eligibility can vary based on enrollment status; half-time enrollment is typically required for federal loan eligibility.

Salary Insight: What Concordia M.ed. Graduates Earn

Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard shows that Concordia University-Saint Paul M.Ed. graduates earn a median annual salary of $52,000 one year after completing their degree.

Admissions: What You’ll Need to Apply

Applying to a master’s in education program at Concordia University-Saint Paul is designed to be a straightforward process. The university looks for candidates who demonstrate academic readiness and a commitment to the field, without unnecessary barriers like entrance exams or prior licensure.

Academic Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree: You must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• Minimum GPA: A cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 is required. Applicants with a GPA below 3.0 may be asked to submit an academic success essay to explain their readiness for graduate study.
• Transcripts: Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges are required. If your degree was earned outside the United States, a transcript evaluation (such as WES or ECE) is needed to verify equivalency.
• English proficiency: Non-native English speakers must provide proof of English proficiency, typically through TOEFL or IELTS scores. Concordia St. Paul sets minimum score requirements to ensure success in its graduate-level coursework.

What You’ll Submit

A complete application includes several supporting documents: - A personal statement or essay outlining your goals and reasons for pursuing a master’s in education. - Letters of recommendation, typically one to two, from academic or professional references who can speak to your abilities and potential. - A current résumé highlighting your educational and professional experience.

Program-Specific Notes

• Educational Studies M.Ed.: This program requires at least two years of relevant work experience and three prerequisite education courses at the undergraduate or graduate level. The GPA minimum remains 3.0.¹
• Across all M.Ed. tracks, no teaching license is required for admission. This makes the programs accessible to career changers and those not currently working in K-12 classrooms.
• GRE or MAT scores are not required for any of Concordia’s M.Ed. programs. The admissions committee focuses on your academic record, professional background, and personal statement.

Application Deadlines

Concordia University-Saint Paul admits students three times a year: - Fall start: Apply by August 1. - Spring start: Apply by December 1. - Summer start: Apply by April 15. Prospective students are encouraged to submit materials well before these dates, as program cohorts may fill and some programs have limited capacity.

All application materials are submitted through the online application portal, and decisions are typically communicated within a few weeks of a completed file. If you have questions, the graduate admissions office is available to guide you through the process.

What Are Career Outcomes Like for Concordia Education Graduates?

A Master’s in Education from Concordia University-Saint Paul opens doors across the education spectrum. Graduates move into roles such as classroom teacher, curriculum coordinator, instructional designer, and literacy coach. The university provides robust career support including coaching, a job board, and alumni networking to help you land your next position.

Accreditation and Why It Matters

A degree’s value rests heavily on M.Ed. accreditation, and Concordia University-Saint Paul holds robust regional and program-specific approvals that protect your educational investment.

Regional Accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission

Concordia University-Saint Paul is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), a status it has held continuously since 1967.¹ The university’s most recent HLC reaffirmation review occurred in 2022, with the next scheduled review set for 2028.² This accreditation ensures that the institution meets rigorous standards for academic quality, faculty credentials, and student support services. For students, HLC accreditation means credits are more likely to transfer to other accredited institutions, you can access federal financial aid, and employers recognize your degree as legitimate and rigorous.

Program-Specific Accreditation for Education

Beyond regional accreditation, Concordia’s education programs carry specialized recognitions that speak directly to their quality and career relevance. The teacher preparation programs hold accreditation from the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) for a full seven-year term.³ This accreditation confirms that the programs are aligned with Minnesota’s licensure requirements and prepare graduates to succeed as classroom teachers. Additionally, school administration programs are approved by the Minnesota Board of School Administrators (BOSA), ensuring that candidates meet state standards for principal and superintendent licensure.³

Lutheran Heritage and Educational Philosophy

Founded in 1893 and affiliated with the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod (LCMS)⁴, Concordia University-Saint Paul brings a distinctive values-based perspective to graduate education. This affiliation shapes a learning environment that emphasizes ethical leadership, service to community, and the integration of faith and learning. While the M.Ed. programs are professional degrees, they are delivered within a framework that values the whole person and encourages educators to see their work as a vocation. This mission does not require a faith commitment from students but invites reflection on the moral and ethical dimensions of teaching and leading in schools.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find quick answers to common questions about Concordia University-Saint Paul's Master's in Education programs. Explore details on online availability, costs, admissions, and career outcomes.

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Your Next Step Toward an Advanced Education Degree

Concordia St. Paul’s M.Ed. is a sound choice for advancing your teaching career. With per-credit rates starting at $395 and flexible online and on-campus formats, the specializations balance affordability and convenience. Graduates earn a median salary of $52,000 one year after completing their degree, signaling strong career preparation. Rooted in a Lutheran tradition of service and community, these programs prepare you to make a meaningful impact. Request information or start your application today.