Master's in Education at North American University: Programs & Specializations

Eighty-three percent of Texas school districts now offer a stipend to teachers who hold a master’s degree, making graduate education a direct financial lever for classroom professionals. North American University, a private institution in Stafford, Texas, has aligned its Master of Education programs with this reality, offering three distinct specializations: Curriculum & Instruction, Educational & School Counseling, and Educational & Teacher Leadership. Courses are available online, on-campus, and in hybrid formats designed for working educators. For teachers evaluating their next move, the decision often hinges on whether a program’s format and specialization align with state certification requirements.

M.ed. Specializations: Curriculum & Instruction, Counseling, and Leadership

Some educators pursue a master’s degree to sharpen their classroom expertise, while others aim to transition into counseling or administration. North American University’s M.Ed. program offers three distinct specializations, each designed to equip you for a specific career pathway. Which one aligns with where you want your teaching career to go?

Curriculum & Instruction: Elevating Classroom Practice

If you want to stay in the classroom while becoming a more effective teacher, instructional coach, or curriculum developer, a master's in curriculum and instruction is the direct route. This 30-credit, fully online program balances core courses (24 credits) with a focused concentration (6 credits) in Educational Technology, English Language Arts Education, Mathematics Education, or Science Education.¹ The eight core courses cover advanced topics in instructional design, assessment strategies, and teacher leadership, preparing you to lead curriculum initiatives at the school or district level. Instead of a single thesis, you complete a capstone seminar series (CUIN 5341-5343) where you apply research-based practices to a real-world instructional problem. Career outcomes include roles like curriculum specialist, instructional coach, or lead teacher, positions that impact student learning beyond one classroom.

Educational & School Counseling: Guiding Students Beyond Academics

For those driven to support students’ social, emotional, and academic development, the School Counseling track offers a 48-credit, mostly online program that blends theoretical foundations with extensive clinical practice.¹ The curriculum includes 15 credits of core coursework and 33 credits of major-specific classes covering ethics, counseling techniques, multicultural competence, and career development. A required practicum and internship give you supervised, hands-on experience in a school setting, which is essential for state certification as a school counselor.³ Because this program leads directly to licensure pathways, it’s ideal if you aim to work as a certified school counselor in K-12 settings. Graduates often secure roles in public and private schools, helping students navigate academic challenges, personal issues, and postsecondary planning.

Educational & Teacher Leadership: Building a Path to Administration

If your goal is to become a principal, assistant principal, or instructional leader, the M.Ed. in teacher leadership provides the foundational knowledge and practical experience you need. This 36-credit program includes 15 credits of core leadership courses and a 160-hour internship that immerses you in the daily responsibilities of school administration.² Coursework covers leadership theory, school law, organizational change, and data-driven decision making, all tailored to the Texas educational context. There’s no thesis requirement; instead, the internship serves as the capstone, allowing you to build a portfolio of leadership competencies.² Completing this track positions you for administrative certification and roles such as assistant principal, dean of instruction, or district coordinator, where you can shape school culture and policy.

Each specialization follows a practical, applied model: no thesis is required, and every track includes a capstone or fieldwork component that connects theory to immediate practice in your school. Whether you choose to deepen your instructional craft, become a student advocate, or step into school leadership, the program is structured to fit a working educator’s schedule while meeting the standards for Texas certification and career advancement.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Program Formats: Online, On-Campus, and Hybrid Options for Working Teachers

Balancing a full-time teaching career with graduate school demands a program that bends to your schedule, not the other way around. North American University has designed its Master of Education (M.Ed.) programs to fit the lives of working educators, with every specialization delivered entirely online.¹ This means you can advance your credentials without leaving the classroom, relocating, or sacrificing your income.

Online Delivery Across All Specializations

All three M.Ed. concentrations are available in a fully online format:

• Curriculum & Instruction: 30 semester credit hours, focused on instructional design and assessment.³
• Educational Leadership: 30 credit hours, including an internship component to build administrative skills.²
• School Counseling: 48 credit hours, preparing you for roles in K-12 guidance and student support.¹

No on-campus residencies or hybrid requirements are listed for any of these programs, making them accessible from anywhere in Texas, or beyond, assuming you meet state authorization requirements. The lack of a GRE requirement also simplifies the path to enrollment.¹

Flexible Scheduling with Accelerated Terms

Courses run on an 8-week session schedule¹, a structure that allows you to concentrate on one or two subjects at a time rather than juggling multiple semester-long classes. For a full-time teacher, this pacing can be a game-changer. You might, for example, start a session in October and wrap it up before winter break, keeping your workload manageable during the busiest times of the school year.

Evening and weekend deadlines, common in online programs, mean you can engage with materials after the school day ends. While the university does not publish a detailed daily schedule, the accelerated format typically expects consistent engagement, with discussion posts and assignments due weekly.

Asynchronous Learning and Live Interaction

Most online M.Ed. programs blend asynchronous coursework with optional or required synchronous sessions. North American University’s materials do not specify a synchronous attendance policy, but the nature of graduate education often includes live virtual workshops or office hours. If real-time participation is required, it is likely scheduled during evenings to accommodate working professionals. You should confirm your program’s expectations at the time of application.

This format still allows for meaningful networking. Online discussion forums, group projects, and faculty virtual office hours create connections that mirror on-campus relationships. Many students report that the intentional design of online cohorts fosters a sense of community without the need for physical proximity.

Completing Practicums and Internships Remotely

The Educational Leadership track requires an internship, and the School Counseling program likely includes practicum hours (given standard licensure requirements). In online programs, these field experiences are typically arranged in your own school or a nearby district, supervised by a mentor and coordinated with your advisor. This approach keeps you rooted in your professional context while applying new skills in real time, and it often eliminates the need for on-campus visits.

Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid: What Your M.ed. Will Cost

How much does a master’s in education cost at North American University? The total investment varies based on the program format, number of required credits, and any concentrations you choose. While official figures are best obtained directly from the university’s bursar or financial aid office, understanding the typical structure of graduate tuition can help you plan.

Understanding Tuition Rates

Graduate programs typically charge tuition on a per-credit-hour basis. At many institutions, education master’s degrees require between 30 and 36 credit hours, but North American University’s M.Ed. may have specific requirements depending on the concentration, such as curriculum and instruction, counseling, or leadership. Online and on-campus formats could carry different rates, with online programs sometimes offering a flat, reduced tuition for all students regardless of residency. When comparing costs, look for any differences between in-state and out-of-state rates, though many universities extend in-state tuition to online learners.

Fees and Additional Costs

Beyond tuition, mandatory fees can include technology, library, and student activity charges, as well as potential course-specific materials or background check fees for field placements. Some programs also require a one-time graduation fee. These extras can add a few hundred to over a thousand dollars to your total. It is wise to review the university’s official fee schedule to avoid surprises. The bursar or financial aid website is the most reliable place to find current figures.

Financial Aid Opportunities

North American University’s graduate school or education department may offer assistantships, scholarships, or grants specifically for M.Ed. candidates. Assistantships often provide a tuition waiver or stipend in exchange for research or teaching duties, which can significantly lower your out-of-pocket cost. External funding from professional organizations like the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE) or the American Association of University Women (AAUW) may also be available. Additionally, federal financial aid, including Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Grad PLUS Loans, is accessible to eligible students who complete the FAFSA. The U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard and the Federal Student Aid website can help you compare costs and understand loan options across programs.

Comparing Costs and Making a Plan

Before enrolling, request a comprehensive breakdown from the university’s financial aid office. Factor in living expenses, books, and any income you may forgo if you reduce your work schedule. Because total cost can range widely, speaking with an admissions or financial aid counselor can clarify what assistance you qualify for and how to structure payments. Remember that an investment in a master’s degree often pays off through increased salary potential and expanded career opportunities, but careful planning ensures you manage the cost effectively.

Career and Salary Outcomes: What Graduates Earn

Career and salary outcomes measure how your graduate degree translates into tangible professional advancement, higher pay, new job titles, and long-term financial stability. For North American University M.Ed. graduates, these numbers offer a reality check on the return on investment. Right now, federal College Scorecard data does not yet publish program-level median earnings for NAU’s education specializations. This is common when a program is newer or has a small number of completers; privacy thresholds prevent the release of granular earnings. Until that data appears, you can still gauge potential by looking at typical masters in education jobs and regional salary trends.

Typical Job Titles for M.Ed. Graduates

An M.Ed. from North American University opens doors to several well-defined career tracks. Common positions include: - Instructional Coordinator: develops curriculum and teacher training, often earning between $55,000 and $75,000 in Texas. - school counseling career path: guides student academic and personal development, with salaries typically starting around $60,000 and rising with experience. - Assistant Principal: a stepping stone to school leadership, frequently paying in the $65,000 to $85,000 range. - Lead Teacher or Mentor Teacher: earns a stipend on top of the classroom salary, rewarding advanced expertise. - Curriculum Specialist: focuses on standards alignment and assessment design, with salaries comparable to instructional coordinators. These roles reflect the practical, career-boosting nature of NAU’s specializations in Curriculum & Instruction, Counseling, and Educational Leadership.

Earnings Potential by Specialization

Without program-specific data, hard comparisons are impossible. However, national and Texas-level patterns suggest that leadership and counseling pathways often out-earn curriculum-focused roles by 10, 15%. For example, assistant principals and school counselors in the Houston area (NAU’s home region) can command base salaries above $70,000 after a few years, while curriculum specialists may start in the high $50,000s. A master’s degree also unlocks horizontal pay lanes on most public school salary schedules, adding $3,000 to $7,000 annually compared to a bachelor’s-level teacher. These bumps compound over a career, making the degree financially worthwhile.

Debt and ROI Considerations

Federal aid data shows that education graduate students typically carry less debt than those in business or law: median federal loan debt often falls in the $20,000 to $40,000 range for a master’s in education. Repayment calculators (like those on the College Scorecard) translate that into an estimated monthly payment of $200 to $400 under a standard 10-year plan. For many graduates, the masters in education salary increase covers that payment within the first year. Keep in mind that earnings outcomes can vary by the share of Pell Grant recipients in a program; those cohorts sometimes show lower initial earnings, reflecting differing socioeconomic backgrounds. NAU’s own data, once released, may break out these subgroups so you can see a realistic range.

Next Steps While You Wait for Data

Because specific earnings numbers are not yet available, contact North American University’s education department directly for graduate employment rates, sample job placements, and alumni salary surveys. Ask about partnerships with local school districts and whether the program tracks licensure outcomes. Combining that firsthand information with the general trends above gives you a clear, grounded picture of what your M.Ed. can deliver.

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Admissions Requirements and Application Deadlines

North American University sets a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75¹ for admission to its M.Ed. programs. The university does not require GRE scores¹ for any graduate education program, simplifying the application process for working teachers and career changers.

What You'll Need to Apply

All applicants submit materials through the online application portal. Required items include official transcripts from every college attended, two letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a current resume or CV. A nonrefundable application fee of $50 is due at submission. The university also asks for a copy of a government-issued photo ID.²

Deadlines and Rolling Admission

Although North American University operates on a rolling admission basis, priority consideration for fall entry requires a complete application by July 15. The same rolling framework applies to spring and summer terms, and early submission is encouraged because cohort sizes can fill quickly. Prospective students should confirm term-specific dates with the graduate admissions office, as deadlines occasionally shift.

Additional Requirements by Specialization

Certain M.Ed. tracks expect professional experience. The Educational Leadership specialization prefers at least two years of full-time teaching or relevant educational work.³ The School Counseling program does not have a work experience minimum, making it accessible immediately after a bachelor's degree.⁴ Candidates who do not meet experience thresholds may still be considered but should address their background in the personal statement.

International Applicants

If English is not your first language, you must demonstrate proficiency. Accepted scores include a TOEFL iBT of 79, an IELTS band of 6.5, a Duolingo score of 105, or a PTE Academic mark of 58⁵. Alternatively, the university waives testing for anyone who has taught at an English-medium K, 12 school for at least two years.⁵ International transcripts must undergo a course-by-course evaluation by a NACES-approved service.⁵

Once all materials are received, the admissions committee reviews files holistically. For questions about the process or to check application status, reach out to the graduate admissions team through the contact form on the university's website. The online portal remains the only application method.

Accreditation and Licensure: Is Your Degree Recognized?

The landscape of higher education accreditation is evolving, but for teachers and counselors, state licensure boards still lean heavily on specific quality markers.

Institutional Accreditation: National, Not Regional

North American University holds national accreditation from the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.¹ This status means the university meets federal standards, so students can use federal financial aid, including loans and grants. However, it is not regionally accredited. The university's application for candidacy with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) was denied in 2024.² National accreditation can limit credit transfer, as most regionally accredited institutions will not accept credits from nationally accredited schools. While many employers accept nationally accredited degrees, some school districts and states prefer or require regional accreditation, especially for public school positions.

Programmatic Accreditation: No CAEP or CACREP

The M.Ed. programs at North American University do not carry specialized accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) or the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).¹ These programmatic accreditations are often required, or strongly preferred, by state licensure boards for teachers, principals, and school counselors. Without them, a graduate degree may not automatically qualify you for state certification.

Texas Licensure Pathways: What the M.Ed. Provides

Texas requires educators to complete an approved educator preparation program (EPP), pass relevant certification exams, and apply through the Texas Education Agency (TEA). While North American University is approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to offer graduate degrees,¹ the M.Ed. programs themselves may not constitute a state-approved EPP for initial teaching certification, principal certification, or school counselor certification. The university does not hold CAEP or CACREP accreditation, which are commonly embedded in TEA-recognized preparation pathways. Before enrolling, confirm directly with the education department whether completing the M.Ed. allows you to sit for TExES exams and apply for standard certification, or if you must pursue alternative certification afterward.

Steps to Certification in Texas

If your degree program does align with TEA requirements, typical steps after earning the M.Ed. include: - Complete required experiences: Fulfill any internship, practicum, or clinical hours embedded in the program. - Pass certification exams: Take the appropriate TExES content and pedagogy exams for your intended role. - Apply online: Submit an application through the TEA Educator Certification Online System. - Clear a background check: Undergo fingerprinting and a criminal history review. For school counseling, additional supervised post-master's hours may be required. Without programmatic accreditation, you should verify each of these steps directly with TEA and the university.

Out-of-State Educators: Check Your State's Rules

Educators planning to work outside Texas must research their target state's licensure requirements carefully. Many states require regional accreditation and CAEP- or CACREP-accredited preparation programs for full licensure. A nationally accredited degree alone may not satisfy these criteria, even if it led to Texas certification. Contact your state's department of education to understand teacher license reciprocity agreements, any additional coursework or exams needed, and whether the degree will be recognized for employment in public schools.

Frequently Asked Questions About North American University's M.ed.

Find quick answers to common questions about North American University's Master of Education programs. Below we cover online availability, costs, admissions, accreditation, specializations, and more.