Master's in Education at Friends University: Programs & Specializations

Persistent teacher shortages in Kansas, especially in special education and rural schools, push educators toward advanced credentials. Friends University’s School of Education in Wichita offers three M.Ed. specializations: a Master of Arts in Teaching for initial licensure, a Special Education M.Ed., and a Curriculum & Instruction track for practicing teachers. Online, on-campus, and hybrid delivery options allow students to keep teaching while enrolled. Per-credit tuition remains the same regardless of format, but program-level salary outcomes are not yet reported: licensure rates and local hiring demand are more instructive signals for applicants.

Program Specializations: Which Path Is Right for You?

Choosing between an advanced classroom practitioner track and a licensure-bound specialization defines your graduate experience at Friends University. Each Master of Education (M.Ed.) program targets a distinct career stage, from experienced teachers refining their craft to candidates seeking initial special education licensure or aspiring building administrators.

Master of Education in Teaching and Learning

This 30-credit program serves practicing educators who want to strengthen instructional design and pedagogy without adding a new license. The curriculum balances 18 core credits in areas such as curriculum theory, assessment, and research with 12 elective credits that allow customization. A standout feature is the Dyslexia and Literacy Interventionist concentration, which equips teachers with structured literacy practices and intervention strategies for struggling readers.

The program concludes with an electronic portfolio capstone rather than a thesis. Both on-campus and online delivery modes accommodate working professionals. Because this track does not lead to licensure, it is ideal for teachers who already hold a standard credential and seek to advance their expertise or prepare for instructional coaching and curriculum leadership roles.

Master of Education in Special Education High Incidence (P-12)

This 30-credit pathway is designed for those who want to become licensed special education teachers serving students with high-incidence disabilities. Approved by the Kansas State Department of Education and accredited under CAEP, the program leads directly to P-12 licensure in high-incidence special education. Coursework covers assessment, individualized education programs, behavior interventions, and collaboration with families and general education teams.

Field experiences are embedded throughout, giving candidates practical exposure in diverse school settings. A noteworthy benefit: Wichita USD 259 offers tuition reimbursement of up to $9,500 for qualified educators pursuing this degree, making it a financially accessible route into a high-demand field.

Master of Education in Building Leadership (P-12)

This 30-credit program prepares experienced teachers for administrative roles such as principal or assistant principal. While course specifics are outlined in the graduate catalog, the curriculum typically addresses school law, staff evaluation, school finance, and instructional leadership. Because it leads to a building leadership endorsement, candidates complete an internship or field-based practicum aligned with state licensure requirements. Educators interested in shaping school culture and policy will find this track aligned with Kansas administrative standards.

Credit Structure and Capstone Notes

All three M.Ed. programs require 30 credits. The Teaching and Learning program uses an electronic portfolio as its culminating experience, while the Special Education and Building Leadership programs integrate clinical practice and internships that serve as the capstone. None of the programs mandate a traditional thesis, reinforcing Friends University's practice-oriented approach.

• Credit breakdown for Teaching and Learning: 18 core credits + 12 elective credits, with the Dyslexia and Literacy Interventionist concentration built into the electives.
• Licensure pathways: Only the Special Education High Incidence program leads directly to a Kansas teaching license; Building Leadership leads to an administrative endorsement.
• Financial support: Special Education candidates may qualify for Wichita USD 259 reimbursement, a partnership that significantly offsets tuition.

Online, On-Campus, and Hybrid Learning Formats

Choosing a master's program often means weighing the convenience of online learning against the face-to-face interaction of a traditional classroom, but Friends University offers formats that let you shape your experience around a full-time teaching career. Two fully online specializations, the Master of Education in Teaching & Learning and the M.Ed. in P-12 High Incidence Special Education¹, provide asynchronous coursework paired with optional live virtual sessions², so you stay in control of your weekly schedule.

Asynchronous Delivery with Optional Live Sessions

All online courses follow FriendsFlex, the university's 100 percent online framework. Week by week, you move through eight-week modules on your own time, completing readings, discussions, and assignments by set deadlines. If you need real-time interaction, faculty hold optional synchronous class meetings where you can ask questions and collaborate with peers. There are no required campus visits, keeping the program accessible even if you live far from Wichita.²

Support Services for Online and On-Campus Students

Whether you study online, on campus, or in a blended format, you are assigned an Academic Success Coach and a faculty advisor who check in regularly.² Online students also have full access to the university's tech helpdesk, digital library resources, and Moodle learning management system.³ Blended and on-campus cohorts use these same support channels, so the level of guidance does not shift with the delivery mode.

Technology Requirements and Platforms

To participate in online courses, you need a reliable computer and a high-speed internet connection.² Friends uses Moodle as its learning management system,³ where you submit work, access course materials, and join optional virtual sessions. If a technical issue arises, helpdesk staff are available during extended hours to troubleshoot.²

Flexibility for Full-Time Educators

The eight-week term structure and fully online design allow you to continue teaching full time while completing your degree.² The Teaching & Learning and Special Education tracks each take roughly 12 months,³ letting you advance your qualifications without pausing your career or relocating. Because all coursework is asynchronous,² you can log in evenings, weekends, or during planning periods, making the schedule truly yours.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid for M.ed. Students

Tuition for graduate education courses at Friends University is charged per credit, giving students the flexibility to pay as they progress through their program rather than in a lump sum. The cost structure is consistent across delivery formats, whether you study online, on campus, or in a hybrid model. Below, we break down the 2026-2027 rates, mandatory fees, and ways to manage the investment.

Tuition Rates and Program Costs

Friends University sets a per-credit tuition rate of $595 for its Master of Education programs, with no difference between in-state and out-of-state students.¹ A technology fee of $30 per credit is added to each course, bringing the effective per-credit cost to $625.² Here is an overview of total program tuition estimates based on required credits:¹

• Master of Education in Teaching and Learning (30 credits): $12,510
• Master of Education in Special Education (31 credits): $13,105
• Master of Education in Building Leadership (30 credits): $13,400

These totals represent tuition only and may vary slightly depending on course selection or any transfer credits applied. You should also budget for textbooks and course materials, which are not included in these figures.

Mandatory Fees

Beyond the per-credit technology fee, there are few hidden costs. The university offers an installment payment plan for a flat $50 fee per semester¹, allowing you to spread payments over several months. No other mandatory institutional fees, such as student activity or health fees, are specifically assessed on graduate education students, but you should confirm the absence of additional charges during the enrollment process.

Financial Aid and Payment Options

Friends University does not offer dedicated graduate scholarships, assistantships, or TEACH Grant participation for M.Ed. students.¹ However, several avenues can make funding more manageable:

• Federal Student Loans: Eligible students can apply for Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Graduate PLUS Loans by completing the FAFSA. These loans provide low-interest options to cover tuition and living expenses.
• Employer Tuition Reimbursement: Many school districts and educational organizations partner with Friends to reimburse tuition for employees seeking advanced degrees.¹ Check with your district's human resources office to see if you qualify, as this can significantly offset costs.
• Payment Plans: The aforementioned installment plan can break each semester’s balance into smaller, interest-free payments.

Because no institutional aid is earmarked for graduate students, planning ahead and combining federal loans with employer benefits is often the most practical approach. Contact the financial aid office for personalized counseling once you are admitted.

Admissions: Requirements and How to Apply

The M.Ed. admission process at Friends University follows two distinct paths: a straightforward standard admission for those who meet the baseline requirements, and a conditional track that provides flexibility for applicants who may need a semester to prove their readiness. Understanding which path fits your profile can streamline your application.

Standard Admission Requirements

Admission to the Master of Education program begins with a completed bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution. While a current teaching license is not a formal prerequisite for the M.Ed., many candidates are practicing educators or work in education-related roles. The minimum undergraduate GPA for full admission is 2.75 on a 4.0 scale, per the graduate admission requirements. Applicants who fall below this threshold may still be considered through the conditional admission pathway described below.

Application Materials

Compiling a complete application involves several key documents:

• Official transcripts: Request official transcripts from every college or university you have attended. These must be sent directly to the Friends University graduate admissions office.
• Resume or CV: A current professional summary highlighting your education experience, certifications, and any leadership roles.
• Personal statement: A written essay explaining your reasons for pursuing a graduate degree in education, your career objectives, and how the Friends University M.Ed. will help you achieve them.
• Letters of recommendation: Most programs ask for two or three letters from academic or professional references who can speak to your potential for graduate study.
• Application fee: A nonrefundable $50 fee is required when you submit your graduate application.

Some specializations may request additional materials or an interview, so it is wise to review the specific program catalog on the Friends University website.

Conditional Admission and Interviews

Friends University offers provisional or probationary admission for students who do not meet all standard criteria, such as a GPA slightly below 2.75. In these cases, the admissions committee may grant a conditional start, typically requiring the student to earn a minimum grade (often a B or better) in their first few graduate courses to continue. This pathway allows promising candidates to demonstrate their academic readiness without a lengthy waiting period. Additionally, certain concentrations within the M.Ed. may require an interview with faculty, either in person or via video call, to assess fit and commitment.

Test Score Policies

The university does not require the GRE or GMAT for admission to its M.Ed. programs. Instead, the review process emphasizes your academic record, professional experience, and the strength of your personal statement and recommendations. This no-exam policy removes a common barrier and speeds up the application timeline.

Application Deadlines

Friends University accepts graduate applications on a rolling basis for fall, spring, and summer entry. While no fixed cutoff dates are published, early submission is strongly encouraged. The admissions office typically recommends that all materials arrive at least six to eight weeks before the intended start of classes to allow for processing and, if needed, financial aid packaging. Given the rolling nature, seats in some programs may fill before a specific start term, so applying early also secures your place in the cohort.

Career Outcomes and Salary Expectations

The current teacher shortage in Kansas and across the country has heightened demand for educators with advanced credentials, making career outcomes for master's graduates more favorable than in years past. While program-specific earnings data one year after graduation are not yet available, institutional data from the U.S. Department of Education provides a useful benchmark for Friends University graduates.

Earnings and Debt Snapshot

Friends University graduates who received federal financial aid earn a median masters in education salary of $52,113 ten years after entering the institution. The median federal student loan debt at graduation is $25,000, producing an earnings-to-debt ratio above 2.0. This metric suggests that, on average, graduates earn more than double their total loan balance within a few years of repayment. For the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), total program tuition is just $11,988, which helps keep debt burdens low. Employment rate data (the share of students working and not enrolled) is not reported for this institution, so direct job placement figures are unavailable. However, the strong earnings relative to debt point to a solid return on investment for education degree holders.

Career Pathways for M.Ed. Specializations

Graduates of the MAT typically enter the classroom as licensed teachers, often in high-need areas such as elementary education or special education. The program's focus on advocacy and leadership also prepares candidates for teacher-leader roles early in their careers. For experienced educators, the M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction opens doors to positions like instructional coach, curriculum specialist, or professional development coordinator, roles that shape teaching quality across a school or district. The M.Ed. in Special Education leads to coordinator or director positions where professionals manage individualized education programs (IEPs), train staff, and ensure legal compliance. These masters in education jobs often come with salary increases, as most Kansas school districts offer stipends or higher pay scales for advanced degrees.

Staying Local, Growing Careers

Many Friends University education graduates remain in Kansas, strengthening the talent pipeline in Wichita Public Schools, Derby, Andover, and other nearby districts. Advanced degree holders are critical in sustaining improvement efforts in urban and rural schools alike. With a median debt of $25,000 and clear pathways to pay scale advancement, the financial picture for Friends University M.Ed. students is one of manageable debt and rising earning potential, solidifying the degree's value in a state that consistently invests in K, 12 education.

Friends University Rankings and Recognition

With a return-on-investment ratio of 2.08, Friends University’s Master of Arts in Teaching program provides strong long-term value for educators advancing their careers. This metric, which compares post-graduation earnings to program costs, places the university among the top-performing schools in our analysis of online and hybrid graduate teaching programs for 2026.

Accreditation and State Approval

Friends University holds programmatic accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), a premier national accreditation body for educator preparation.¹ CAEP accreditation covers both initial undergraduate licensure programs and advanced graduate special education programs, ensuring they meet rigorous standards for curriculum quality and candidate outcomes. The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) also approves these programs, confirming they align with state licensure requirements.²

National and Field-Specific Recognitions

The university’s Professional Education Unit received the Frank Murray Recognition for Continuous Improvement in 2023.³ This award, granted by CAEP, honors institutions that demonstrate sustained progress in using data to strengthen their educator preparation programs. Additionally, the education programs at Friends University have been recognized by Colleges of Distinction, an honor that highlights the school’s commitment to engaged, effective teaching and student development.⁴

What This Means for Your Career

These credentials signal that a Friends University M.A.T. or M.Ed. is built on a foundation of quality and continuous improvement, directly supporting your career advancement in Kansas and beyond. Federal data shows that graduates of the Teaching M.A.T. earn median wages of $52,113 ten years after starting their studies, a figure that compares favorably with regional benchmarks. Coupled with a manageable debt load (median federal graduate debt of $25,000), this reinforces the program’s reputation for affordability and solid return. When you choose a CAEP-accredited, nationally recognized program, you invest in a degree that licensing boards and school districts respect, a practical edge in a competitive job market. The Frank Murray award further confirms that the School of Education uses evidence-based practices to refine its offerings, helping you graduate with skills that match current classroom demands.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Friends University M.ed. Programs

Here are answers to some of the most common questions about Friends University's Master of Education programs. Whether you are curious about specializations, costs, or licensure, this FAQ covers the key details.

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