Your Guide to Franklin University's Master's in Education Programs

In many states, a master's degree translates into an automatic salary lane increase of $3,000 to $10,000 per year, a reality that pushes working teachers toward advanced credentials. Franklin University's M.Ed. program answers that demand with a fully online, asynchronous format and two focused career tracks: Curriculum & Instruction and Educational Leadership. Both specializations are regionally accredited and built to accommodate a full-time teaching schedule, allowing educators to boost their qualifications and their pay without pausing their careers.

Franklin University's M.ed. Programs: Curriculum & Instruction and Educational Leadership

Franklin University's School of Education delivers two career-focused online M.Ed. tracks that combine rigorous academics with the practical flexibility working teachers require. Both the Curriculum & Instruction and Educational Leadership concentrations are built to advance your professional impact without putting your current role on hold.

Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction

This track is ideal for educators who want to shape what and how students learn, whether in K-12, higher education, or corporate training settings. The program emphasizes instructional design, assessment strategies, and curriculum development. Students choose from three concentration options, including Higher Education Curriculum & Instruction, which prepares you to lead learning initiatives at the postsecondary level. You will graduate with a professional portfolio that demonstrates real-world mastery, using tools like Articulate 360 to design and prototype instructional materials.

Master of Education in Educational Leadership

The Educational Leadership concentration is tailored for teachers seeking administrative or teacher-leader roles, including principal licensure pathways in Ohio. Coursework focuses on organizational management, school law, community engagement, and data-driven decision-making. Embedded field experiences let you apply leadership concepts in real school environments, often under the mentorship of current administrators.

Practitioner Faculty and Locked-In Tuition

Courses in both tracks are taught by experienced practitioners who bring current classroom and administrative perspectives directly to your learning. Franklin's locked tuition rate, a flat $670 per credit hour, protects you from annual increases, and the 12-month completion timeline for the 32-credit curriculum and instruction track lets you accelerate your return on investment. Both programs are 100% online and admit students at three points each year, so you can start when it works for you.

Online Learning at Franklin: Asynchronous Flexibility and Student Support

As the demand for flexible, career-advancing credentials grows, asynchronous online programs have become the backbone of professional development for educators. Franklin University’s Master of Education (M.Ed.) embraces this model fully, delivering 100% online, self-paced coursework¹ designed for working teachers.

Course Structure and Pacing

Franklin’s M.Ed. courses are offered in accelerated six-week terms.² You take just one course at a time,² which allows you to immerse yourself in the material without the distraction of juggling multiple subjects. The program is designed for completion in as few as 12 months¹ when following the recommended sequence, though you may spread courses out depending on your personal and professional demands. New students can begin at three points during the year,² so you rarely have to wait long to start.

Designed for Engagement and Support

Even though classes are asynchronous, meaning you log in and complete work on your own time, the learning experience is highly collaborative. The project-based curriculum² requires regular discussion board participation, peer feedback, and the development of practical portfolios that mirror real classroom and leadership scenarios. Dedicated academic advisors are available¹ to help you map out your degree plan, while 24/7 tech support³ and online library access¹ ensure that technical hurdles don’t slow you down.

Balancing Flexibility with Rigor

The combination of short terms, single-course focus, and project-based assessment may sound intensive, but Franklin intentionally structures assignments so that each week builds toward a final deliverable you can often use immediately in your school or district. This approach ensures that flexibility never comes at the expense of academic depth. You’ll be challenged to think critically about curriculum design, instructional leadership, or educational technology (depending on your concentration) while still keeping your full-time job. Because the entire degree is completed online, you also avoid commuting and rigid campus schedules, giving you back precious hours each week.

Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid: What You'll Pay for Your M.ed.

The total investment for a Franklin University M.Ed. ranges from $21,440 to $24,120 depending on your chosen specialization. The 32-credit Curriculum and Instruction - Higher Education track costs $21,440, while most other 30-to-36-credit pathways come in at approximately $24,120. These figures include tuition and required fees, giving you a clear picture of program cost from the start.

2025, 2026 Tuition and Fee Breakdown

Franklin’s graduate tuition is $670 per credit hour¹. For a standard 36-credit master’s program, tuition alone totals $24,120. Additional fees include a $100 resource fee each trimester, a $79 textbook fee per course, and a $119 courseware fee per course². Because many M.Ed. courses run eight weeks and are taken one at a time, these per-course and per-trimester charges are spread out over your enrollment, making costs manageable on a month-to-month basis. The resource fee covers access to the online library, technology platforms, and student support services. Textbooks and courseware are delivered digitally whenever possible, and the per-course fees are factored into the total cost estimates above. The university publishes all fees upfront, and there are no separate application or graduation fees for most M.Ed. programs.

Financial Aid and Employer Support

Franklin University M.Ed. students are eligible for federal student loans¹. Graduate students typically borrow through the Direct Unsubsidized Loan program, and may also be eligible for the Grad PLUS loan if additional funding is needed. To maximize your aid, file the FAFSA as early as possible. Many districts and private schools also offer tuition reimbursement or assistance programs for graduate education, check with your employer’s human resources office. Franklin’s dedicated financial aid counselors can help you coordinate employer benefits with any federal loans you may receive, and they can explain repayment options and how to balance loans with employer reimbursement. While merit-based or need-based grants from Franklin itself are limited for graduate students, outside scholarship databases may yield additional opportunities. The university also accepts military and veteran benefits for those who qualify.

Franklin’s Pricing: Competitive and Predictable

At $670 per credit, Franklin sits in the affordable middle tier of online M.Ed. programs, many of which charge $500 to $900 per credit, according to a tuition comparison. What sets Franklin apart is its three-year tuition lock: once you start, your per-credit rate is guaranteed for three years², protecting you against annual tuition increases common at other institutions. This predictability, paired with the ability to accelerate or slow your pace, helps you budget confidently. When compared to private non-profit online M.Ed. programs with similar accreditation, Franklin’s total cost is often 10 to 20 percent lower, delivering solid value for a regionally accredited degree designed for working educators. The all-inclusive cost structure means you won’t face unexpected surcharges, and the convenience of online learning adds further savings on commuting and campus fees.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Admission Requirements: Your Franklin M.ed. Application Checklist

Franklin University keeps the admission process straightforward, with clear requirements designed for working professionals. Below are the essential items you need to prepare to apply for the Master of Education program.

• Bachelor's Degree from an Accredited Institution

  You must hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university. No specific major or prerequisite coursework is required for the M.Ed. programs.
• Minimum Undergraduate GPA of 2.5

  A cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale is expected. If your GPA falls between 2.250 and 2.499, you may receive automatic conditional admission. A petition is required for GPAs below 2.250.
• No GRE or GMAT Required

  Franklin University does not require GRE or GMAT scores for any M.Ed. program. The emphasis is on your academic background and professional potential, not standardized tests.
• Online Application and Official Transcripts

  Submit your application online and request official transcripts from every previously attended institution. International applicants must also provide proof of English proficiency through TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge English, or Accuplacer ESL unless they hold a degree from an English-speaking country.
• Background Check (Licensure Tracks Only)

  If you are pursuing a teacher licensure track, a background check is required as part of the admission process. This ensures compliance with state licensing regulations.

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Career Outcomes and Salary Data for Franklin M.ed. Graduates

Earnings after a graduate degree reflect both the program's quality and the professional opportunities it unlocks. For Franklin University's M.Ed. programs, specific program-level earnings data for recent graduates is not yet published. However, the university's overall outcomes offer a useful benchmark: across all master's programs, Franklin graduates who are working and not enrolled in further education earn a median salary of $51,892 ten years after entering the institution. This figure serves as a broad reference point for master's in education salary while program-specific numbers develop.

Typical Career Paths and Job Roles

An M.Ed. from Franklin University prepares you for advanced masters in education jobs that shape curriculum, instruction, and educational organizations. Graduates commonly move into positions such as: - Curriculum Specialist: Designs and refines instructional materials and assessments for schools or districts. - Instructional Coordinator: Oversees teaching standards, implements educational technology, and coaches teachers. - Educational Leader: Takes on department head, academic dean, or program director roles in K-12 or higher education settings. - Instructional Designer: Creates engaging online and blended learning experiences for corporate or academic environments. These roles leverage the advanced skills built in Franklin's concentrations, especially in instructional design and higher education curriculum. Many graduates also advance within their current schools or districts, stepping into teacher leadership or administrative tracks.

Job Market Outlook

The broader field of instructional coordination is expanding. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of instructional coordinators is projected to grow 6 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations. This demand is driven by ongoing efforts to improve student achievement and integrate technology into classrooms. Franklin's focus on practical, technology-enhanced curriculum development aligns well with these trends.

Employment and Economic Outcomes

While program-level employment shares and poverty threshold figures are not reported for this specific degree, Franklin University's overall return on investment (ROI) ratio of 2.49 suggests that graduates tend to recoup their educational costs relatively quickly. This metric compares median earnings to total program cost, providing a general sense of economic value. With a locked tuition rate and a total program cost of $21,440, the M.Ed. represents a manageable investment that can lead to meaningful salary growth in education leadership roles.

Accreditation and Licensure: Understanding the Pathways

Choosing a graduate program means balancing institutional quality with a clear path to state licensure, and the rules aren’t always the same from one state to the next.

Why Accreditation Matters for Your Career

Accreditation is a signal that a university meets rigorous academic and operational standards. For educators, it also determines whether your degree will be recognized by school districts and state licensing boards. Franklin University holds regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), which is essential for federal financial aid eligibility and often a prerequisite for graduate school transfer credits. While program-level accreditation for education schools, such as that from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), can further validate quality, not all M.Ed. specializations carry this designation. Prospective students should verify both institutional and any specialized education accreditation directly on Franklin University’s website, specifically the accreditation page and individual M.Ed. specialization pages.

Understanding Licensure Pathways in Education

Many graduate programs in education are designed for teachers who already hold an initial license and want to deepen their expertise or move into leadership roles. At Franklin, the M.Ed. in Educational Leadership, for example, may prepare candidates for principal licensure, but typically does not lead to initial classroom teaching certification. Similarly, a Curriculum and Instruction track might be ideal for licensed teachers aiming to become instructional coaches or curriculum specialists. It is critical to read each program’s description carefully: if you need a license to start teaching, you will likely need a different type of program, such as a licensure-track master’s or alternative certification pathway. Franklin’s program pages often state whether a specialization is intended for currently licensed professionals seeking advancement.

Navigating State-Specific Licensure Requirements

Educator licensure is governed by individual state departments of education, and requirements can vary significantly. Even if a program is accredited, it may not meet the specific coursework, testing, or field experience mandates for licensure in your home state. For nationwide reference, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) provides occupation-specific certification summaries, but the most reliable information comes directly from your state’s department of education website, including teacher licensure FAQs or official guidelines. Pay special attention to whether the state requires a CAEP-accredited program or has reciprocity agreements with other states, as these can affect license portability.

Before You Enroll: Key Questions to Ask Franklin

Before committing to a program, take these final steps to avoid costly missteps. First, review Franklin University’s professional licensure disclosures: federal regulations require online programs to list the states where the curriculum meets licensure requirements and, equally important, where it does not. This disclosure page is often linked in the admissions or program details. Second, contact a Franklin admissions advisor or the program director directly. Ask whether students from your state are eligible for licensure upon completion and whether there are any known restrictions. A brief conversation can clarify whether the M.Ed. aligns with your career goals and state regulations, saving you time and money.

Inside the Curriculum: Core Courses and Specializations

Core Education Courses Common to Both Tracks

Franklin University's M.Ed. programs build from a shared foundation of graduate-level education courses that ground you in instructional design, learning theory, and data-driven practice. While each specialization takes these principles in a different direction, the common core typically introduces you to the science of how people learn, methods for designing effective instruction, and the role of educational technology in modern classrooms. You will also develop skills in educational research and assessment, preparing you to evaluate programs and student progress systematically.

Curriculum & Instruction Specialization

The M.Ed. in Instructional Design & Technology with a Curriculum & Instruction emphasis offers two pathways: one for K‑12 educators and another for those in higher education settings. Both require 32 credit hours¹² and an integrated capstone-style course³ that synthesizes your learning.

• Higher Education Track: Core courses focus on post-secondary contexts. A signature course is EDUC 625 , Curriculum Leadership in Higher Education (4 credits)¹, which examines how to design, implement, and evaluate academic programs at colleges and universities. Additional coursework explores adult learning theory, assessment in higher education, and the integration of technology into instruction.

• K‑12 Track: Designed for practicing teachers, this track includes courses like EDUC 618 , Strategies for Inclusive Classrooms (4 credits)². You will also study curriculum mapping, standards-based instruction, and methods for differentiating instruction across diverse learners. The program emphasizes practical strategies you can apply immediately in your own classroom.

Educational Leadership Specialization

The M.Ed. in Educational Leadership , K‑12 Building Level Leadership prepares you for administrative roles such as principal or assistant principal. Coursework covers school law, finance, supervision of instruction, and organizational leadership. A practicum or internship component is typically required, giving you hands-on experience in a school setting under the mentorship of a practicing administrator. This track also usually concludes with a portfolio or comprehensive assessment that demonstrates your readiness for licensure.

Capstone and Practical Application

Every Franklin M.Ed. program prioritizes applied learning. Instead of a standalone thesis, you complete an integrated capstone project³ embedded in your coursework. This approach ensures that you produce a tangible artifact, such as a curriculum map, a school improvement plan, or a leadership portfolio, that directly benefits your current or future professional role. The balance of theory and practice is intentional: you leave the program not just with new knowledge but with a portfolio of work that shows your competence.

How to Apply to Franklin's M.ed. Program: A Step-By-Step Guide

Franklin University typically renders admission decisions within two weeks of receiving all required materials, a timeline that respects the urgency of working professionals planning their next career move. The application process is deliberately uncomplicated, stripping away barriers like entrance exams and long lead times. With six start dates spread across the year, you can begin your M.Ed. when it suits you, not just in fall or spring.

Step 1: Connect with an Admissions Advisor

Before you begin the online application, schedule a call with an admissions advisor. This brief conversation clarifies program fit, confirms that you meet prerequisites, and helps you gather the right documents. Advisors also review your professional background and highlight which specialization aligns with your goals. You can request a call through the Franklin University website or by calling the admissions office directly.

Step 2: Complete the Online Application

The online application itself is free and takes roughly 15 minutes. You will create a profile on the Franklin University admissions portal, enter your educational history, and select your intended M.Ed. program. There is no formal essay or test score required at this stage; the focus is on providing accurate contact and academic information.

Step 3: Send Official Transcripts

Request official transcripts from every institution where you earned undergraduate or graduate credit. Franklin requires a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 for full admission. Transcripts can be sent electronically via services like Parchment or mailed directly from the issuing school. If your GPA falls below 2.75, an admissions advisor can discuss provisional admission options.

Step 4: Gather Supplementary Materials

Depending on your chosen specialization, you may need to provide a copy of your current teaching license, a professional resume, and a brief statement of purpose. The M.Ed. in Educational Leadership may also ask for evidence of teaching experience. Check your program’s admission page for precise requirements, or rely on your advisor’s guidance.

Step 5: File for Financial Aid

After submitting your application, file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) using Franklin’s school code (003046). Graduate students are eligible for federal unsubsidized loans, and many employers offer tuition reimbursement. Visit Franklin’s financial aid website to explore scholarships, payment plans, and veteran benefits. A dedicated financial aid counselor can walk you through your package once you are admitted.

The entire process, from initial contact to decision, often wraps up in three to four weeks. You will receive an email notification when your application is complete and again when a decision is rendered.

Frequently Asked Questions About Franklin University's M.ed. Programs

Find quick answers to common questions about Franklin University’s Master’s in Education programs. From accreditation and tuition to licensure pathways and financial aid, we’ve gathered the essential information to help you plan your next step in education.