Master’s in Education at La Salle University: Specializations & Career Outcomes

Pennsylvania teachers with a master’s degree earn about $7,000 more per year than their bachelor’s-only peers. That pay gap mirrors a credential shift: graduate degrees are now a professional baseline in competitive districts.

La Salle’s Master’s in Education, grounded in a Lasallian mission and over 160 years in Philadelphia, channels that earning power into classroom impact. Its design confronts the working teacher’s core dilemma: will this degree change my daily practice or just fill a line on my CV?

Its curriculum and instruction track pushes teachers toward specialist and leadership roles, keeping them anchored in the communities they know.

Why Pursue Your Master’s in Education at La Salle University?

La Salle University’s Master’s in Education programs prepare educators to lead classrooms, schools, and community initiatives through a blend of rigorous scholarship and hands-on practice. The experience is grounded in a distinctive Lasallian Catholic mission that has shaped the university’s approach to teaching for over a century.

A Mission-Driven Foundation

La Salle traces its heritage to Saint John Baptist de La Salle, the patron saint of teachers, who believed that education should be a vehicle for human dignity and social transformation. That belief runs through every graduate education course. Faculty and students engage in equity-driven work¹ that reaches beyond the campus, often partnering with Philadelphia-area schools and non-profits. The Institute for Collective Impact in Education, housed at La Salle, connects candidates with community-based projects that address real-world challenges in urban education. This is not a program that treats schools as assembly lines; instead, it emphasizes project-based and problem-based learning that mirrors the complexity of actual classrooms.

Engaged Learning in an Urban Context

Philadelphia serves as an extended laboratory for educators. Because La Salle is deeply embedded in the city, you will encounter diverse school settings, from public and charter schools to faith-based and independent institutions. Small class sizes are the norm, which means you work closely with faculty mentors who bring expertise in areas like instructional technology, literacy, STEM education, autism spectrum disorders, and instructional coaching.¹ The approach is collaborative and personalized, with faculty often guiding students through action research and field experiences tailored to their career goals.

Professional Network and Regional Impact

La Salle has built a strong reputation across Pennsylvania and the Mid-Atlantic, and its alumni network includes teachers, principals, curriculum specialists, and district leaders. That network becomes a career resource long after graduation. Tuition is competitively priced, and the university offers scholarships and assistantships to help offset costs.¹ For educators concerned about return on investment, graduate employment outcomes show that La Salle graduates are well positioned for leadership roles. Prospective students should note that accreditation status can shift over time; while many employers look for nationally recognized accreditation such as CAEP, we recommend confirming La Salle’s current status directly with the School of Education to ensure it aligns with your licensure or career requirements.¹

La Salle’s Master’s in Education Programs and Specializations

What Master's in Education specializations can I pursue at La Salle University?

La Salle University offers one Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree, designed specifically for practicing educators who already hold a teaching license.¹ The program blends contemporary research with practical classroom strategies, helping experienced teachers refine their craft and advance as instructional leaders.

The M.Ed. in Education: Teaching Strategies for the 21st Century Learner

This 30-credit program centers on a single concentration: Teaching Strategies for the 21st Century Learner.¹ The curriculum examines how today's students learn, emphasizing evidence-based approaches to instruction, assessment, and classroom management. Courses cover topics such as digital literacy, culturally responsive teaching, and data-driven decision-making. By the end of the program, graduates are equipped to adapt their methods to diverse learning environments and student needs.

Because La Salle partners with the Regional Training Center (RTC)¹, the degree provides teachers with strategies they can apply immediately. The coursework is inquiry-based, encouraging educators to reflect on their own practice and test new techniques in real time.

Designed for Practicing Educators

This M.Ed. is structured for licensed K-12 classroom practitioners.¹ It is not a route to initial teacher certification; candidates must enter with an active teaching license. The program builds on existing classroom experience to deepen pedagogical knowledge rather than providing a foundation for pre-service teachers. This focus makes it ideal for teachers seeking to strengthen their professional skills, qualify for leadership roles, or meet continuing education requirements.

Flexible Delivery: Online and In-Person

La Salle’s M.Ed. can be completed in-person at the Philadelphia campus, entirely online, or through a combination of both. The online format mirrors the on-campus experience, with live sessions and collaborative projects that maintain a strong sense of community. This flexibility lets working teachers balance graduate study with full-time teaching responsibilities.

For the most current information on courses and admissions, visit the La Salle Education M.Ed. program page.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Curriculum & Instruction M.Ed.: Program Details and Course Sequence

For many educators, the pivot from classroom teacher to curriculum leader comes down to choosing between a broad-based M.Ed. in Instruction and a specialized M.A. in Curriculum. La Salle offers both, each shaped for distinct career goals.

## The M.Ed. in Instruction: Designed for Practicing Teachers

La Salle’s M.Ed. in Education with a concentration in Instruction is built exclusively for licensed K-12 teachers who want to deepen their craft without pursuing an additional certification. Delivered both in-person and online, the 30-credit program emphasizes practical strategies you can implement immediately. Because it requires no clinical hours, you can complete coursework on a schedule that fits a full teaching load.

The program accepts students from Pennsylvania and Maryland for face-to-face classes, while online cohorts are open to residents of 49 states: California is the sole exception due to state regulations.[[CITE:1]] If you already hold a clear teaching credential and want to strengthen your instructional practice, the Instruction track offers a clear, accelerated path.

## The M.A. in Curriculum: A Hybrid Path to Curriculum Leadership

The M.A. in Education with a Curriculum concentration, in contrast, is a specialized [[LINK:1|curriculum and instruction degree]] that prepares educators for roles in curriculum design, instructional coaching, or department leadership.[[CITE:2]] The 30-credit program uses a hybrid or fully online format, blending synchronous discussions with asynchronous coursework. Its core sequence moves through foundational theory, design, assessment, and research: EDC 503 (Curriculum Foundations), EDC 510 (Instructional Design), EDC 602 (Assessment and Evaluation), EDC 604 (Curriculum Development), and EDC 613 (Research in Education).[[CITE:3]] You then choose four electives (some candidates opt for certification-focused courses if they need to add endorsements) before completing the capstone, EDC 751 Transformative Pedagogy.

## Licensure and Non-Licensure Options

Neither program automatically leads to Pennsylvania teacher certification. The M.Ed. in Instruction assumes you are already licensed; the M.A. in Curriculum does not include student teaching or a practicum. However, the elective flexibility in the M.A. allows you to stack certification courses if your goal is to add a new credential. This means you can tailor the degree to stay non-licensure or weave in credential coursework, depending on your state’s requirements and your career plans.

## Sample Course Sequence and Time to Completion

A typical full-time student in the M.A. program follows this progression:

- **Fall Semester 1:** EDC 503, EDC 510 - **Spring Semester 1:** EDC 602, EDC 604 - **Summer Term:** One elective - **Fall Semester 2:** EDC 613, one elective - **Spring Semester 2:** Two electives, EDC 751

Part-time students often spread the 30 credits over two to three years, taking one or two courses per term. The M.Ed. in Instruction offers similar pacing, with no required summer enrollment, though many students accelerate by taking courses year-round. Both programs culminate in the Transformative Pedagogy capstone, a project that applies your learning directly to your own school or classroom context.

Flexible Learning Formats: Online, On-Campus, and Hybrid Options

La Salle University structures its Master of Education programs to fit your schedule, not the other way around. The M.Ed. with a concentration in Instruction is offered in fully online, hybrid, and on-campus formats, so you can choose the path that matches your work and life commitments.

Online, Hybrid, and On-Campus Choices

• Online: Complete your degree 100% online with a mix of synchronous and asynchronous sessions.¹ This option provides maximum flexibility, and new cohorts start every month, so you can begin when it suits you.
• Hybrid: Blend online coursework with face-to-face meetings. On-campus sessions follow a weekend intensive model during the school year and condensed weekdays in the summer,² minimizing disruption to your teaching schedule.
• On-Campus: For those who prefer in-person learning, you can attend sessions on La Salle's Philadelphia campus,⁵ taking advantage of the same accelerated term structure.

All formats deliver the same 30-credit curriculum,¹ and you can move between modes if your needs change.

Designed for Working Educators

The program is built around the realities of a full-time teaching career. Courses are divided into short terms: 8 weeks in fall and spring, 4 weeks in winter, and 5 weeks in summer.⁴ Online courses run just 6 weeks each.² This accelerated structure makes it a strong candidate for those seeking a fast track masters education degree, allowing you to make steady progress while balancing lesson plans, grading, and personal commitments. The weekend and summer face-to-face schedules mean you won't need to leave your classroom for long stretches.

Time to Completion

• Full-time enrollment: You can earn your degree in as few as 12 months, though many students take 18 to 24 months at a full-time pace.³
• Part-time enrollment: Most working educators choose a part-time path, finishing in 24 to 36 months.³

Because the program runs year-round with multiple start dates, you can adjust your pace as needed without waiting for a traditional fall start.

State Authorization and Geographic Access

La Salle University is authorized to deliver online education to residents of 49 states.¹ If you live outside those states, you may still be able to enroll in on-campus or hybrid options, but online access could be limited. Importantly, this program is designed for already-licensed K-12 practitioners; if you plan to use the degree for an initial license or certification in a new state, contact the program office to confirm eligibility before applying.¹

La Salle's master's programs combine a deep commitment to urban education with flexible online and hybrid formats, so working teachers can earn a credential that advances their careers without pausing their lives in the classroom.

Accreditation and Licensure: What It Means for Your Career

Accreditation is a quality assurance process that confirms a university meets established standards for academic rigor, student support, and ethical operations. Licensure, on the other hand, is the state-level credential that authorizes you to teach in public schools. Together, they shape the career pathways open to education graduates.

Institutional Accreditation: La Salle’s Regional Foundation

La Salle University holds institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, with its most recent reaffirmation on May 28, 2026.¹ Regional accreditation like this is the baseline requirement that enables students to access federal financial aid, transfer credits between accredited institutions, and apply for certain teaching certifications. It signals that the university as a whole meets broad academic and administrative criteria.

Programmatic Accreditation and State Approval

For education programs, specialized M.Ed. accreditation, typically from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), adds an extra layer of quality assurance aligned with national teaching standards. La Salle’s School of Education does not currently list CAEP accreditation in its public materials. However, the university maintains state approval from the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) for specific preparation programs. One confirmed pathway is the M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology, which has PDE approval leading to the Instructional I Teacher Certification for Speech and Language Impaired PK, 12. For the Master of Education (M.Ed.) tracks, explicit PDE approval status is not publicly detailed, so candidates should confirm directly with the School of Education how each specialization aligns with certification requirements.²

Licensure Pathways: Initial vs. Advanced

Not all M.Ed. programs are designed to grant the same type of teaching credential. Some cater to career changers seeking their first teaching license, while others serve experienced educators pursuing advanced certification or endorsements. At La Salle, the M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology clearly leads to initial licensure. For the M.Ed., the available documentation does not specify which specializations lead to initial licensure versus advanced roles. Many curriculum and instruction M.Ed. tracks are built for already-certified teachers aiming to deepen their expertise, but this cannot be assumed without confirmation. Prospective students should reach out to the School of Education to map the licensure pathway for their chosen concentration.²

Reciprocity for Online Students

La Salle’s regional accreditation supports credit portability and can simplify the certification process for graduates who plan to teach outside Pennsylvania. Many states participate in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement, which streamlines the transfer of teaching credentials. However, teacher license reciprocity is never automatic, additional coursework, exams, or background checks may still be required. Online students, who often reside in other states, should verify with their own state’s education department whether a La Salle degree and any associated Pennsylvania certification will satisfy local requirements before enrolling.

How to Apply: Admissions Requirements and Deadlines

La Salle University maintains a straightforward, rolling admissions process for its Master’s in Education program. Below are the required materials and key deadlines for domestic and international applicants.

• Bachelor’s Degree with Minimum GPA

  A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution is required, with a cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0.
• Official Transcripts

  Submit official transcripts from all previously attended institutions.
• Letter of Recommendation

  One letter of recommendation is required, ideally from a professional or academic reference familiar with your qualifications.
• Résumé or Curriculum Vitae

  Provide a current résumé or CV highlighting relevant education experience and achievements.
• No GRE Required

  The GRE is not required for admission to the M.Ed. program.
• Application Deadlines

  Deadlines are August 15 (fall), December 15 (spring), and April 15 (summer) for domestic applicants; international applicants should apply by July 15, November 15, and March 15 respectively.
• English Proficiency (International Applicants)

  Non-native English speakers must submit TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores.

Tuition, Financial Aid, and Return on Investment

How much does a Master’s in Education cost at La Salle University, and is the investment worthwhile?

What You’ll Pay: Tuition and Fees

For the 2026-2027 academic year, the Master of Arts in Education programs at La Salle University have a per-credit cost of $975 (La Salle's tuition and fees page). Most specializations require 30 to 36 credits, bringing the total program tuition to a range of $29,250 to $35,100. These costs are consistent across all education specializations; there is no premium for particular concentrations like Curriculum & Instruction or Early Childhood Education. Part-time students, who may take longer to complete the degree, pay a per-credit rate of $900. When you add the university’s average graduate fees of $570 per year, the total estimated cost for a full-time student falls near the overall graduate tuition and fees average of $29,220. This positions La Salle competitively among private universities in the region, where graduate tuition often exceeds $30,000 per year.

Financial Aid and Support for Graduate Students

La Salle offers several avenues to reduce out-of-pocket costs. All admitted M.Ed. students are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships, and the university has a dedicated portal for external scholarship opportunities on its graduate admission page. Graduate assistantships provide a stipend and tuition remission in exchange for part-time work in research, teaching, or administrative roles; these positions are limited and require a separate application. Federal student loans, including Unsubsidized Direct Loans and Grad PLUS Loans, are available for those who qualify. Additionally, La Salle participates in employer tuition assistance programs, and prospective students should check with their HR departments. A notable perk: La Salle alumni receive a 20% tuition discount on graduate programs, which can significantly lower the total cost. To be considered for the full range of financial awards, the priority application deadline is August 31 for fall enrollment. Payment plans are also offered to spread tuition over the semester.

Is the Investment Worth It? Return on Investment

While program-specific outcome data for the M.Ed. is still being collected, broader institutional metrics paint a positive picture. La Salle University’s overall graduate student ROI ratio is an estimated 2.7, meaning that over a lifetime, earnings gains far exceed the cost of the degree. The median earnings of La Salle alumni 10 years after entry are approximately $67,416, reflecting the university’s strong career-advancement potential. For educators, a master’s degree typically leads to a salary boost, many school districts have structured pay scales that reward graduate credits. When you combine moderate tuition, robust financial aid, and a career with public service loan forgiveness eligibility, the long-term benefits often justify the initial expense. For the most precise and personalized estimate, prospective students are encouraged to contact La Salle’s financial aid office or use the university’s net price calculator.

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What La Salle M.ed. Graduates Earn: Career Outcomes at a Glance

Program-level earnings data for La Salle's M.Ed. completers is not yet published in federal databases. The following figures reflect institution-wide outcomes for all La Salle graduates who received federal financial aid.