Master's in Education at Kennesaw State University: Programs & Specializations

Kennesaw State University’s Bagwell College of Education is one of Georgia’s largest producers of teachers and educational leaders, awarding over 300 bachelor’s degrees in education annually and training thousands more at the graduate level. Its master's in education specializations, including Educational and Teacher Leadership, Master of Arts in Teaching, and Instructional Design, map directly onto the state’s tiered certification system.

The college accommodates working professionals through fully online, hybrid, and on-campus formats, so a classroom teacher in Cobb County or a district administrator in Cherokee County can upskill without leaving the workforce. This flexibility has made KSU a primary pipeline for career-advancing credentials in a region where a master’s degree often determines salary scale placement and leadership eligibility.

The Atlanta Metro Advantage: Education Careers in North Georgia

An advanced degree is an investment in your future, but its value is closely tied to the job market where you plan to work. For educators, the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell metropolitan area offers a dynamic landscape of opportunity, and Kennesaw State University sits at its northwest hub, connecting students directly to one of the nation's largest education workforces.

A Thriving Education Sector

The metro area's resilience is reflected in its employment numbers. As of April 2026, the region sustained over 3.2 million total jobs with an unemployment rate of just 3.3 percent¹, signaling a labor market that continues to absorb skilled professionals. Within that ecosystem, educational instruction and library occupations accounted for nearly 150,000 positions, with a mean hourly wage of $53.09², underscoring competitive compensation for qualified educators and a promising landscape for careers for masters in education. While official long-term projections for teacher employment in the metro are not yet released, the sheer scale of the sector and consistent turnover create steady demand for new talent, especially in high-need areas like special education and secondary math and science.

Access to Diverse School Systems

KSU's Kennesaw location places graduate students within commuting distance of some of Georgia's largest and most varied school districts. From the suburban campuses of Cobb County and Marietta to the growing communities of Smyrna, Alpharetta, and Roswell, the region offers exposure to urban, suburban, and even rural settings, a perfect testing ground for those interested in rural teacher careers. Fulton County Schools alone serves over 90,000 students, providing a vast canvas for field placements and eventual employment. This diversity allows aspiring teachers and administrators to gain hands-on experience with different student populations, educational models, and community contexts before they even graduate.

Clinical Experiences and Job Placement

The Bagwell College of Education has cultivated deep partnerships with local districts that directly benefit master's candidates. Formal collaborations with Cobb County and Fulton County schools facilitate student teaching placements, practicum hours, and internship opportunities that often serve as pipelines to full-time roles. These partnerships mean that when you step into a classroom for your clinical experience, you are building a professional network in the very districts that are actively hiring. Graduates frequently transition into roles within these systems, and the college's reputation as a regional leader in educator preparation strengthens the value of a KSU degree across the North Georgia market.

Online, Hybrid, and On-Campus: Which M.ed. Format Fits Your Life?

Which Kennesaw State University M.Ed. programs can I complete entirely online, and are there any that require on-campus attendance?

The Bagwell College of Education delivers most of its master’s degrees through fully online formats, designed to accommodate the demanding schedules of working educators. A small number of concentrations use a hybrid model, and all teacher certification pathways involve in-person fieldwork at school sites. Understanding these distinctions helps you choose a path that fits your professional and personal commitments.

Fully Online Programs for Maximum Flexibility

Kennesaw State’s online M.Ed. programs let you advance your credentials without commuting to campus. Popular fully online options include the M.Ed. in Elementary and Early Childhood Education (cohort-based, 30 credit hours)¹, the M.Ed. in Secondary and Middle Grades Education, and the M.Ed. in Instructional Technology. The M.Ed. in Teacher Leadership and the M.Ed. in Educational Leadership (both K-12 and Higher Education tracks) are also 100% online, though Teacher Leadership requires a job-embedded field residency carried out at your own school.

Most online courses are asynchronous, meaning you can log in and complete work on your own schedule. Some programs may include optional synchronous sessions or live discussions, but these are typically recorded for later viewing. Always verify current requirements with the program director, but the general design emphasizes independent, flexible study.

Hybrid and In-Person Components

A few concentrations blend online coursework with face-to-face instruction. The MAT in Secondary English, Secondary Mathematics, and Secondary Science are offered as hybrid programs, combining online classes with periodic on-campus sessions. These formats provide the convenience of digital learning with the benefits of in-person collaboration and hands-on training.

Additionally, all Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) programs, even those classified as online such as Elementary Education, Special Education, and TESOL, require in-person school field placements. These practical experiences are essential for teacher certification and are arranged at partner schools rather than on the KSU campus. The M.Ed. programs do not typically require on-campus residencies, but the Teacher Leadership degree’s job-embedded residency involves applied projects within your own workplace.

For working teachers, the breadth of online options at Kennesaw State makes it possible to earn an advanced degree while continuing to teach full time. The online M.Ed. in Instructional Technology is a particularly strong choice for educators who want to integrate digital tools into their classrooms without stepping away from their job.

Questions to Ask Yourself

KSU Master's in Education Tuition, Fees and Financial Aid

Tuition for KSU’s master’s in education programs is calculated on a per-credit-hour basis, with rates differing by residency and delivery mode, as published in the graduate tuition and fees schedule. Understanding these costs, and the financial aid programs that can offset them, helps you plan a realistic budget for your graduate studies.

Tuition per Credit Hour

• In-state, on-campus: $306 per credit hour for the 2026-2027 academic year.
• Out-of-state, on-campus: $1,175 per credit hour for 2026-2027.
• Fully online: $393 per credit hour (based on 2025-2026 rates listed in the online tuition schedule; current-year rates are typically consistent). Online tuition is a flat rate regardless of residency.

Mandatory Fees and Online Differential

All graduate students pay fees in addition to tuition. In-person enrollees face mandatory fees of $594 per semester, covering technology, student services, and campus access. Online students instead pay a $340 online learner fee per semester, which replaces many on-campus charges.

Estimated Total Program Cost

Most KSU M.Ed. programs require between 30 and 36 credit hours. The following estimates roll tuition and typical fees into a total for the full degree:

• In-state, on-campus (30 credits): $12,150
• In-state, on-campus (36 credits): $14,580
• Out-of-state, on-campus (30 credits): $38,220
• Out-of-state, on-campus (36 credits): $45,864
• Fully online (30 credits): $13,490
• Fully online (36 credits): $16,188

These totals assume continuous enrollment and current fee levels; individual programs may have small variations.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

KSU and the Bagwell College of Education offer several targeted funding sources, detailed in the graduate catalog, for graduate students.

• Graduate assistantships: Provide a tuition waiver and a stipend in exchange for research or teaching duties. Positions are competitive and tied to specific departments; contact the program director to express interest.
• Bagwell College of Education scholarships: Award amounts vary and are typically based on academic merit, financial need, or specific educator career goals. These are separate from university-wide scholarships.
• Federal loans: Graduate students enrolled at least half-time can access Direct Unsubsidized Loans. For additional need, credit-based Graduate PLUS Loans can cover remaining costs up to the full cost of attendance.
• Payment plans: Semester-based installment plans allow you to spread tuition and fee payments across several months without interest.

Early application for scholarships and assistantships is encouraged, as funds are limited. The graduate financial information page can help you combine funding sources into a manageable aid package.

Salary Snapshot: What KSU Education Graduates Earn

How to Apply: KSU Graduate Education Admission Requirements and Deadlines

Applying to a Kennesaw State University graduate education program means gathering materials that show your academic readiness, professional experience, and commitment to the field. Whether you're targeting a Master of Arts in Teaching or a Master of Education, the process is designed to confirm you can succeed in advanced coursework and classroom practice. This section walks through the general criteria, program-specific requirements, deadlines, and steps to submit a complete application.

General Application Requirements

All KSU graduate education applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and meet a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75. Official transcripts from every college or university attended are required, even if credit was transferred. You will also submit a professional resume detailing your education background and relevant experience, along with a statement of purpose that explains your career goals and reasons for pursuing this degree. Two or three letters of recommendation, often from academic instructors or professional supervisors, are typical. KSU does not require GRE scores for education graduate programs; the admissions process relies on your academic record, experience, and written materials to evaluate readiness.²

Program-Specific Materials

The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) has several additional components. All MAT candidates must complete the Georgia Educator Ethics 360 assessment and obtain a GaPSC Pre-Service Certification before applying. A resume is mandatory, highlighting any teaching or youth-related work. Some MAT concentrations also require subject-area depth: for Secondary English, you need a bachelor's in English or a closely related field and at least 18 credit hours of English coursework; for Secondary Mathematics, you need a bachelor's in math or a related area with 18 credit hours in mathematics.¹

For the M.Ed. in Elementary & Early Childhood Education, you must already hold a clear and renewable Georgia teaching certificate in Birth through Kindergarten or Preschool through 5th grade. Other M.Ed. tracks may require a similar teaching certificate or up to two years of teaching experience.³ Always check the specific program page for your chosen specialty, as these requirements can vary.

Application Deadlines

KSU typically sets a priority deadline of July 1 for fall entry. For the upcoming cycles, aim for July 1, 2026 to start in fall 2026, November 1, 2026 for spring 2027, and April 1, 2027 for summer 2027. These dates can shift, so confirm the most current deadlines by visiting the KSU graduate admissions website.

Fees and International Requirements

A $60 nonrefundable application fee is required. International applicants whose first language is not English must submit TOEFL iBT scores of at least 80 or IELTS scores of 6.5. The GRE is not used for any education graduate program at KSU.

How to Submit

All materials are submitted online through the KSU graduate application portal. Create an account, select your program, and upload each document. You can track your application status through the same system. If you have questions, the graduate admissions office offers support by phone and email.

Teacher Certification and Gapsc Endorsements Through KSU

Some educators pursue a master's primarily to earn their initial teaching credential, while others already hold a certificate and aim to add specialized endorsements. At Kennesaw State University, graduate education programs serve both paths, but the requirements, assessments, and application steps differ significantly. Knowing which category you fall into early can save months of unnecessary coursework and testing.

Initial Certification vs. Endorsement Pathways

KSU offers Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) tracks that lead to initial Georgia certification in fields such as elementary, middle grades, and secondary education. These programs embed clinical practice, content pedagogy, and the required teacher certification exams, such as the GACE content assessments. In contrast, the M.Ed. in Educational Leadership, Instructional Technology, or Teacher Leadership typically functions as an add-on for educators who already hold a clear renewable certificate. Those programs often lead to GaPSC service fields like Teacher Leadership (Tier I) or Instructional Technology, which appear as endorsements or new certificate fields on your Georgia certificate.

• Initial certification: Requires passing GACE content assessments, completing a state-approved program, and earning the Pre-Service Certificate or Induction Certificate.
• Add-on endorsement or upgrade: Usually assumes you hold a standard professional certificate; you complete the master's program and any required GACE or portfolio assessment to add the new field.

Checking GaPSC Requirements and KSU Offerings

The Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) maintains the definitive list of educator certification rules, endorsement codes, and assessment requirements. Before enrolling, visit the GaPSC website and search for the endorsement or certificate field you are targeting. Then cross-reference this with KSU's College of Education program pages. Most graduate programs include a "Certification" or "Endorsements" tab that lists the specific GaPSC codes, required GACE assessments, and whether the program leads to an initial certificate or an add-on.

• GaPSC site: Look for the "Certification" or "Endorsements" section; note the exact field code and any prerequisites.
• KSU program pages: Under each degree (MAT, M.Ed., Ed.S.), find the certification details; these often include links to GaPSC rules and GACE registration.

Alternative Certification and Certificate-Only Options

For career changers or those who already hold a bachelor's degree but not a teaching certificate, GaPSC's alternative teacher certification pathways may be relevant. KSU's College of Education sometimes offers non-degree or certificate-only programs (such as a Teacher Certification Preparation Certificate) that lead to initial certification without a full master's degree. These are typically listed separately from the graduate degree tracks and might have accelerated timelines. Look for pages labeled "Alternative Certification" or "Non-Degree Programs" on the KSU site, and consult GaPSC's "Alternative Preparation" webpage for statewide options.

• Non-degree routes: Often allow you to complete certification coursework and field experience without earning a master's, though you may later apply those credits toward a degree.
• GaPSC alternative pathways: Include options like Georgia Teacher Academy for Preparation and Pedagogy (GaTAPP) for those hired by a district before completing certification.

Getting Personalized Guidance from KSU's Certification Office

Because certification rules can shift and individual circumstances vary, direct contact with KSU's certification officer or the graduate program advisor is essential. Each program page provides a departmental contact who can clarify whether a particular endorsement requires a teaching position, a portfolio, or specific years of experience. They can also advise on whether your current certificate qualifies you for an upgrade or if you need additional GACE assessments. Reach out early, before applying, to confirm that your chosen path aligns with GaPSC's current regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions About KSU's Education Master's

Thinking about advancing your teaching career with a master's from Kennesaw State? Here are straightforward answers to the most common questions educators ask before applying to KSU's Bagwell College of Education graduate programs.

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