Kennesaw State University: Master's in Education Programs

Enrolling in a master's program at a large public university often means trading personalized attention for lower tuition, but Kennesaw State University has built its graduate education offerings around the opposite premise. With over 51,000 students across two campuses northwest of Atlanta, KSU ranks among Georgia's largest institutions while maintaining small cohort sizes in its Bagwell College of Education. The college holds CAEP accreditation, a credential that fewer than half of Georgia's education schools can claim, and structures most M.Ed. tracks for working teachers who need evening or online coursework.

This profile covers KSU's graduate education specializations, tuition and total cost estimates, admissions requirements, delivery formats, and post-graduation salary expectations across the Atlanta metro.

Overview of Kennesaw State University

Kennesaw State University (KSU) is a public research university located about 25 miles northwest of downtown Atlanta, with its main campus in Kennesaw, Georgia and a second campus in Marietta. It serves 51,375 students as of Fall 2025¹, making it one of the largest universities in the state and a significant driver of teacher preparation and graduate education in the Atlanta metropolitan region, and a leading provider of master's in education in Georgia.

Size, Location, and Campus Footprint

KSU operates two campuses roughly seven miles apart.² The Kennesaw Campus (1000 Chastain Road, Kennesaw, GA 30144) houses most education programs and general graduate coursework. The Marietta Campus (1100 South Marietta Pkwy, Marietta, GA 30060) hosts engineering and select professional programs. The proximity of both campuses to I-75 and I-575 gives working teachers across Cobb, Cherokee, Paulding, and Fulton counties a realistic commute for evening classes and hybrid meetings.²

System Membership and Accreditation

KSU is a member of the University System of Georgia² and holds the Carnegie R2 doctoral research classification². The university is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)², the accreditor recognized by employers, state licensing boards, and other graduate institutions across the Southeast.

The Bagwell College of Education

master's in education degree programs at KSU are housed in the Bagwell College of Education, one of the largest academic units in Georgia as of 2025³. Bagwell is the institutional home for the M.Ed., Ed.S., and Ed.D. degrees, and its scale, combined with KSU's Atlanta-adjacent location, is a large part of why the university appeals to working K-12 educators pursuing advanced credentials while staying in the classroom.

Master's in Education Programs and Specializations at KSU

As school systems nationwide restructure career ladders for classroom teachers, graduate programs that blend instructional leadership with practical school improvement skills have gained new urgency. Kennesaw State University’s Bagwell College of Education meets this moment with a flexible lineup of master’s degrees, Ed.S. options, and a practice-focused Ed.D., the overwhelming majority delivered fully online.¹

M.Ed. Specializations for Practicing Educators

Bagwell’s M.Ed. programs are designed primarily for educators who already hold a teaching certificate and want to deepen their expertise or move into leadership roles. Each specialization below is offered entirely online (2025, 2026).¹

• Teacher Leadership and Educational Leadership (combined): A streamlined 30-credit online degree that integrates classroom-centered leadership with administrative preparation.
• Elementary & Early Childhood Education: For certified P-5 teachers seeking advanced pedagogical skills; fully online.
• Instructional Technology: Equips K-12 teachers to lead technology integration and digital learning initiatives.
• Literacy Education: A new M.Ed. approved for a 2025 start,³ preparing literacy coaches and reading specialists.
• Secondary & Middle Grades Education: Focuses on curriculum design, assessment, and adolescent development for grades 6, 12 educators.
• Special Education , General Curriculum: Prepares certified special education teachers to serve students with mild to moderate disabilities in inclusive settings.
• TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages): Designed for teachers working with multilingual learners; fully online.

• Educational Leadership , Higher Education and Student Affairs (HESA): While still an M.Ed., this 30-credit online track targets college and university student affairs professionals rather than K-12 classroom teachers.²

The Teacher Leadership M.Ed.: A Flagship Pathway

The combined M.Ed. in Teacher Leadership and Educational Leadership stands out as a signature offering. Unlike a standard M.Ed. that may be narrowly focused on curriculum and instruction, this program intentionally fuses two leadership strands. Graduates leave prepared to step into roles such as instructional coach, department chair, grade-level team lead, or assistant principal , all while remaining rooted in classroom practice. The 30-credit structure and fully online delivery make it especially attractive to full-time teachers in Georgia who need a manageable, career-accelerating graduate degree without leaving the classroom.¹

Initial Licensure Master’s Degrees

For those entering the profession, KSU offers Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) programs that lead to initial certification:¹

• MAT in Special Education: Online path to initial certification in special education general curriculum.
• MAT in TESOL: Online program for those seeking initial certification to teach English to speakers of other languages.

Specialist and Doctoral Programs

Beyond the master’s level, Bagwell College provides six fully online Ed.S. degrees for certified educators seeking advanced credentials: Curriculum & Instruction, Educational Leadership (Tier II), Instructional Technology, Special Education, and Secondary and Middle Grades Education.⁴ At the doctoral level, the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership with an Urban School Leadership concentration is delivered fully online and designed for experienced school and district leaders.⁵

Graduate certificates are not a central part of Bagwell’s current portfolio; the college’s emphasis remains on full master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees that embed specialization within the degree itself.

Online, Hybrid, and On-Campus Delivery at KSU

Kennesaw State University’s Bagwell College of Education has deliberately aligned its graduate programming with the schedules of full-time educators, which means the majority of its M.Ed. and Ed.S. offerings are now available fully online. This choice does not represent a single delivery experiment but a sustained institutional commitment to accessible, cohort-driven graduate study.

Fully Online M.Ed. and Ed.S. Options

Bagwell’s catalog includes multiple master’s and specialist tracks that require no campus visits. The M.Ed. in Teacher Leadership and Educational Leadership, for example, is structured as a fully online program that can be finished in five consecutive semesters.¹ The M.Ed. in Elementary and Early Childhood Education and the M.Ed. in Secondary and Middle Grades Education are both 100% online pathways, as is the M.Ed. in Instructional Technology.¹ At the specialist level, the Ed.S. in Curriculum and Instruction follows the same online-only design. While some endorsements and certificate sequences may still meet on campus, the central classroom-teacher-facing programs listed here are delivered virtually, removing geography as a barrier for educators across Georgia.

What Online Means for Working Teachers

The practical appeal of these formats sits squarely with working teachers who cannot leave their classrooms or relocate. A fully online degree at KSU does not mean isolated study; it typically involves structured term-based pacing, regular interaction with faculty, and collaborative projects with peers who are navigating the same school-year rhythms. Because the university operates on a cohort model for many of these programs, students move through core sequences together, building professional networks that last beyond graduation.

Synchronous vs. Asynchronous: Scheduling Considerations

KSU’s online courses blend synchronous and asynchronous elements. Instructors often hold weekly live sessions, usually in the evenings, that allow real-time discussion and small-group work. These sessions are paired with asynchronous modules, readings, and discussion boards that students can complete around their teaching duties. The balance gives enough structure to keep a cohort progressing as a unit while still respecting the unpredictable demands of a classroom. Applicants should be prepared to protect one or two evening blocks per week during the semester, but the asynchronous components mean they are not locked into a rigid daily schedule.

Teacher Leadership: A Flexible Online Pathway

The M.Ed. in Teacher Leadership and Educational Leadership is explicitly designed for full-time teachers who want to strengthen their instructional influence without stepping away from the classroom. Because the entire program is online and paced across five semesters, candidates can earn the degree while continuing to teach, apply coursework directly in their own schools, and satisfy Georgia leadership certification requirements. This online pathway is perhaps the clearest illustration of Kennesaw State’s philosophy: build programs around the lived calendar of a professional educator.

Tuition, Fees, and Total Cost of a KSU Education Master's Degree

Understanding the full financial picture helps you plan confidently for graduate school. Kennesaw State University publishes clear per‑credit rates and mandatory fees for its Bagwell College of Education programs, with distinct costs for in‑state, out‑of‑state, and online students. All figures below reflect the 2025‑2026 academic year and a standard 36‑credit Master of Education (M.Ed.) program.¹

In-State and Out-of-State Tuition Rates

Graduate education tuition at KSU is charged per credit hour. For on‑campus programs, Georgia residents pay $303 per credit, while non‑resident and international students pay $1,175 per credit.² The university also offers fully online M.Ed. pathways, which carry a per‑credit rate of $393 regardless of residency status.³ Because the online rate is the same for all students, out‑of‑state teachers often find the online option among affordable online M.Ed. programs, significantly more affordable than relocating to campus.

Mandatory Fees and Per-Semester Costs

In addition to tuition, students pay mandatory fees each semester. On‑campus graduate students are charged a flat $624 per semester, which covers services such as technology support, campus recreation, and health services.² This fee does not vary with the number of credits taken (up to 11 credits per semester). Online students pay a reduced mandatory fee of $340 per semester, which reflects their different access to on‑campus resources.³ However, the online fee structure applies only when all courses are taken in an online format. If an online student registers for an on‑campus or hybrid course, the full $624 campus fee may be assessed instead, and some online fee waivers no longer apply.³ Students living in on‑campus housing may also be charged the full mandatory fee rate.

Total Program Cost Estimates

Based on a typical 36‑credit M.Ed., the total estimated cost of a KSU education master’s degree breaks down as follows: - Georgia resident, on‑campus: approximately $14,652 (tuition plus three semesters of mandatory fees). - Non‑resident or international, on‑campus: approximately $46,044. - Online (any residency): approximately $16,188.

These totals assume continuous enrollment over three semesters; actual costs may vary with your pace and any program‑specific course fees not captured in the generic fee schedules.²³ KSU’s tuition and fee rates are subject to annual review, so it’s wise to confirm current figures with the Bursar’s Office before committing.

Financial Aid, Assistantships, and Employer Support

Many graduate students at KSU reduce out‑of‑pocket costs through financial aid. Federal unsubsidized loans and Graduate PLUS loans are available to qualified students who file the FAFSA. The Bagwell College of Education also offers a limited number of graduate assistantships that provide a stipend and tuition reduction in exchange for research or administrative work. For working teachers, employer tuition reimbursement is a common strategy; many Georgia school districts have partnerships or policies that cover a portion of graduate tuition for advanced degrees. Speak with your human resources department to see if you qualify, and note that reimbursement often applies only to programs directly related to your current teaching role or certification upgrade.¹

KSU Graduate Education Tuition at a Glance

Understanding the full cost of a KSU M.Ed. helps you plan your investment. The figures below reflect estimated totals for a typical 36-credit-hour program, combining tuition and mandatory institutional fees. Out-of-state students should note the significant per-credit-hour premium compared to Georgia residents.

Admissions Requirements for KSU's Graduate Education Programs

Admissions criteria for Kennesaw State University's graduate education programs can vary by specialization and degree track. Because policies may shift from year to year, treat the checklist below as a starting framework and always verify details directly with KSU.

• Confirm GPA, Test Score, and Deadline Requirements

  Visit KSU's official Bagwell College of Education graduate admissions page for the most current minimum GPA thresholds, GRE or MAT score expectations, and application deadlines. These are the most reliable source and should take priority over any third-party listing.
• Inquire About Waivers, Prerequisites, and Experience Requirements

  Contact the KSU admissions office or the specific program coordinator by email or phone to ask about standardized test waivers, prerequisite coursework, and any required teaching experience or Georgia certification. Policies can differ across M.Ed. tracks and the Teacher Leadership program, so a direct conversation helps clarify what applies to your situation.
• Check Georgia Certification Prerequisites

  Review the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) website for state-level certification requirements that may influence your eligibility for certain programs. Some KSU specializations are designed for candidates who already hold a valid teaching certificate, while others may accommodate career changers.
• Gather Supporting Application Materials

  Most graduate education programs at KSU typically require materials such as official transcripts, a statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation. Confirm the exact number and type of documents needed for your chosen program well ahead of the deadline.
• Review Professional Standards for Teacher Leadership

  If you are considering the teacher leadership track, consult resources from organizations like the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) or the Georgia Association of Educators (GAE). These can provide helpful context on the competencies and leadership expectations that inform KSU's program design.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Curriculum, Practicum, and Georgia Licensure Pathways

The M.Ed. in Teacher Leadership and Educational Leadership at Kennesaw State University combines classroom-level instructional leadership with school-wide improvement strategies, preparing educators to step into coaching, department lead, or assistant principal roles. Unlike a standard master's degree that deepens a single subject or pedagogy, this program deliberately bridges teacher expertise with administrative leadership competencies.

How the Curriculum Differs from a Standard M.Ed.

A typical education master's may focus on refining instructional techniques or content knowledge. KSU's Teacher Leadership curriculum shifts the lens outward: coursework covers adult learning, data-driven decision making, school culture, and equity-centered leadership. Graduates emerge ready to mentor peers, lead professional learning communities, and drive change from inside the classroom while also earning a foundational administrator credential.

Coursework Structure and Specializations

The 30-credit program is delivered fully online and designed to be completed in 24 months of part-time study.¹² Candidates choose one of three concentrations that shape the elective and project work²:

• Coaching for Performance: Focus on peer coaching, observation cycles, and building teacher capacity.
• Leadership in Rural Schools: Strategies for resource-limited settings, community partnerships, and place-conscious leadership.
• Leadership in Urban Schools: Equity frameworks, culturally responsive practices, and leading in diverse, high-need environments.

All three paths end with the same dual certification eligibility. Core classes thread through topics like teacher evaluation, school law, budget and operations, and leading curriculum alignment, ensuring a practical balance between instructional leadership and building-level administration.

Practicum and Field Experience

Instead of a standalone student-teaching semester, the program embeds field-based performance tasks inside leadership coursework. Candidates complete a clinical practice experience that aligns with their concentration and current school role, often collaborating with a mentor principal or district leader. Exact clock hours depend on the placement and candidate's background, but the practicum is structured to meet Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) requirements for Tier I leadership certification without requiring a leave from the classroom.

Georgia Certification and GACE Exams

Successful completion leads to two GaPSC certifications: a Teacher Leadership endorsement (added to a clear renewable T5 or S5 certificate) and a Tier I Educational Leadership certificate (L5), which is the entry-level administrator credential for positions such as assistant principal and helps you become a school principal.¹ The program is not a Tier II preparation path; educators seeking the highest-level principal certification would stack an additional advanced degree afterward.

Both credentials require passing Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators (GACE) exams, the state-specific teacher certification exams: the GACE Teacher Leadership assessment and the GACE Educational Leadership (Tier I) assessment.³ KSU's curriculum is aligned to the exam blueprints, and faculty embed practice questions, case study analysis, and mock performance tasks to build readiness.

Exam Pass Rates and Data

As of the 2024-2025 academic year, Kennesaw State and the GaPSC have not published first-time pass rates or program completion data for this specific M.Ed. cohort.¹ Candidates can contact the Bagwell College of Education's assessment office for the most current candidate performance snapshots once they become available.

Related Articles

Career Outcomes and Salary Expectations for KSU Education Graduates

What roles can a Kennesaw State University Master's in Teacher Leadership actually open up, and which jobs with a master's in education deliver the salary growth Georgia educators expect after earning the degree?

Common Career Paths for KSU Teacher Leadership Graduates

KSU's combined M.Ed. in Teacher Leadership and Educational Leadership, the only program of its kind in Georgia¹, prepares graduates for a range of school-based leadership positions without leaving the classroom entirely. Alumni commonly step into:

• Assistant Principal: A direct path into building administration, leading teacher evaluation, discipline, and school operations.
• Instructional Coach: Working with teachers one-on-one or in teams to improve instructional practices and student outcomes.
• Academic Coach and Grade-Level Team Lead: Guiding curriculum pacing, data analysis, and professional learning communities at the grade or department level.
• Curriculum Director (district administrator) or Department Chair: Overseeing program design, standards alignment, and resource selection across subjects or grade bands.

Bagwell College of Education also highlights roles such as Research Team Leader, Program Leader, and Instructional Advocate for those who combine the program's dual certification with district-level responsibilities.²

Georgia Salary Benchmarks for Education Leadership Roles

While the university has not yet published a centralized graduate placement report³, state and federal data provide reliable context. Georgia instructional coordinators, a role that maps closely to curriculum specialists and academic coaches, earn a median annual wage in the mid-$70,000s, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Elementary and secondary school education administrators, which include assistant principals, typically range from $85,000 to $100,000, with metropolitan Atlanta districts often paying at the higher end of that scale.

For teachers moving from a standard classroom salary (often in the $50,000s on a Georgia state salary schedule), the jump into a teacher leadership or assistant principal role represents a substantial earnings increase. Many school systems add a leadership supplement or stipend for teachers who hold advanced certification and take on official team-lead or coach duties, even before moving into a full-time administrative post.

Certification and Career Advancement in Georgia

Graduates earn both Teacher Leadership (T5/S5) and Tier I Educational Leadership (L5) certifications. The Tier I credential is the essential gateway to entry-level building leadership: it is required for assistant principal roles in Georgia public schools and sets the foundation for eventual Tier II certification and principal licensure. Because KSU's program bundles the two certifications, educators can satisfy state requirements for leadership roles without completing separate master's degrees, which accelerates the timeline to a higher pay grade.

Required GACE assessments in Educational Leadership and Teacher Leadership validate candidate readiness, and school districts statewide recognize these credentials when considering promotion to coaching, department chair, or assistant principal positions. For teachers seeking to remain partially in the classroom while leading, the Teacher Leadership certification also supports an immediate salary bump on many local salary schedules, as it qualifies you for a higher certificate level.

How KSU's Education Programs Compare in Georgia

When comparing graduate education programs across Georgia, working teachers often face a tradeoff between affordability and the national recognition that comes with specialized accreditation. KSU's Bagwell College of Education holds state approval but lacks CAEP accreditation as of 2025, placing it in a different tier than some flagship peers that carry both credentials.

Accreditation and State Approval

The Bagwell College of Education operates as a Georgia Professional Standards Commission-approved Education Preparation Provider, ensuring that completers of its initial certification tracks meet state requirements for educator licensure. This approval is sufficient for teaching in Georgia public schools and many other states that maintain reciprocity with Georgia. However, KSU does not hold CAEP (Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation) accreditation. By comparison, many of KSU's major in-state peers, such as the University of Georgia, Georgia State University, and Georgia Southern University, maintain CAEP accreditation in addition to state approval. For educators who may relocate or seek roles in districts that prioritize nationally accredited degrees, this distinction can influence program choice. Prospective students should confirm the current accreditation status of any program directly through the CAEP provider list and each university's college of education.

Cost and Delivery Formats

Graduate tuition rates and delivery formats differ considerably among Georgia's public universities. KSU's M.Ed. programs are priced competitively for in-state students, but exact per-credit-hour rates vary by program and are subject to annual changes. Candidates should visit the KSU Graduate Catalog and Bursar's Office page for the most current figures, then compare them with the graduate tuition schedules published by UGA, Georgia State, and Georgia Southern. In terms of flexibility, KSU offers a mix of online, hybrid, and on-campus courses, with many programs designed to accommodate working teachers through evening, weekend, and summer intensive formats. Other institutions also provide robust online and cohort-based options; contacting each school's admissions or program coordinator directly is often the best way to assess how well a program's schedule aligns with a full-time teaching contract.

Employment Outcomes and Statewide Data

Salary expectations for Georgia educators are shaped more by district pay scales and degree level than by the specific university granting the master's degree. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Georgia Department of Education's annual reports provide up-to-date employment and compensation data for teachers across the state. While program-level earnings data for KSU education graduates are not always publicly reported, pursuing an advanced degree from any state-approved program typically leads to a pay-scale increase under Georgia's tiered certification system. When evaluating long-term return on investment, factor in total program cost, time to completion, and the portability of the credential you will earn. Consult broader resources on masters in education jobs for typical salary outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions About KSU's Education Graduate Programs

Below are answers to some of the most common questions prospective students ask about Kennesaw State University's graduate education programs. Each answer draws on current program details, tuition figures, and admissions data covered throughout this article.