Master's in Education at Seattle University: Programs, Specializations & Outcomes

In Washington, teachers with a master's degree earn roughly 21 percent more than their bachelor's-holding peers, a salary boost that reshapes long-term career prospects. Seattle University's Master's in Education programs channel that incentive through a Jesuit educational philosophy committed to social justice. Coursework and field experiences prepare educators to lead in diverse settings, confronting systemic barriers in schools from King County to rural districts. The result is a graduate cohort equipped not only with advanced credentials but with the reflective practice and ethical grounding that Pacific Northwest communities demand.

Seattle University's College of Education: An Overview

What makes Seattle University's College of Education a distinctive force in teacher preparation and educational leadership in the Pacific Northwest? Since its founding in 1935¹, the college has grounded its work in a Jesuit Catholic mission³ to prepare ethical, reflective professionals who excel in diverse communities. Today, the college focuses exclusively on graduate education, offering 11 programs² that span master's degrees, a Doctor of Education (EdD), and post-master's certificates. Its commitment to urban education and social justice is embedded in every pathway, from the nationally recognized Master in Teaching (MIT) to specialized master's programs in counseling and school psychology.

A Mission Rooted in Justice and Urban Education

The college's Department of Teaching, Learning, and Social Justice embodies its dedication to equity. Housed within a university that prioritizes service to urban and underrepresented populations, faculty design curricula that challenge inequities and prepare educators to lead change. Its mission is to prepare ethical and reflective professionals for excellent service in diverse communities⁴. This focus drives program design and community partnerships across Seattle's schools.

Graduate-Only Focus and Program Breadth

In 2004¹, the institution renamed itself the College of Education and shifted entirely to graduate-level instruction. This transition sharpened its ability to offer rigorous, practice-intensive training. Its 11 graduate programs² include the innovative MIT, which can be completed full-time in one year, as well as master's degrees in counseling (the first CACREP-accredited program in the Seattle area)⁵, school psychology, and education leadership. All programs hold appropriate accreditation, and the college itself is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).⁶

Clinical Preparation and Cohort Model

The flagship MIT program exemplifies the college's clinical approach. Enrolling full-time cohorts, it requires 60 credit hours and embeds over 50% of coursework in field experiences. This ensures graduates are classroom-ready from day one. Students choose between elementary or secondary concentration and benefit from a small, personal cohort model, nationally recognized faculty, and a curriculum infused with social justice principles. The college's 11,000 alumni network¹ reflects its long-standing impact on the region's schools and communities.

Master's in Education Specializations at Seattle University

Specializations within a Master's in Education allow you to focus your graduate studies on a particular area of teaching, leadership, or educational support. At Seattle University, these tracks shape your coursework, internships, and the professional network you build, aligning your degree with specific career goals in schools, districts, or community organizations.

Specialization Areas

Seattle University's College of Education offers several pathways for educators, typically including options in curriculum design, instructional practice, and content-area teaching. While exact offerings vary by year, common tracks often include:

• Curriculum & Instruction: Concentrating on how to design, evaluate, and improve educational programs across grade levels. This track often attracts classroom teachers seeking to deepen their instructional skills or move into coaching roles.
• Teaching (MAT): Designed for individuals ready to earn initial teaching certification alongside a master's degree. Candidates typically focus on elementary education, secondary education, or a specific subject area like mathematics, science, or language arts.
• Special Education: Preparing educators to support students with diverse learning needs, often leading to endorsements that are valued in inclusive and self-contained classrooms.
• Educational Leadership: Building skills for administrative roles, such as principal or program director, often tied to state certification requirements.

Additional specializations may be available in areas like literacy, English language learning, or school counseling, depending on current program configurations.

Choosing a Path

Selecting a specialization should start with your career aspirations. If you want to remain in the classroom and refine your practice, a Curriculum & Instruction or content-area MAT might fit best. If you aim to move into an administrative role, leadership tracks are more appropriate. Consider also the state licensure or endorsement requirements tied to each path. For current job market trends, exploring careers for master's in education can provide broad outlook data for roles such as instructional coordinators, principals, or special education teachers.

Next Steps

Because curriculum details and credit loads shift, it's wise to review the current online catalog or speak with an academic advisor. Seattle University's admissions office can provide personalized guidance on prerequisites, your eligibility for specific endorsements, and how a given specialization maps to career transitions. Visiting the College of Education website directly will give you the most up-to-date list of available tracks and their descriptions.

Seattle University M.ed. At a Glance

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Program Formats: Online, On-Campus, and Hybrid Options

Which M.Ed. formats does Seattle University offer for working teachers? Can you complete your degree online, or are campus visits required?

Seattle University’s College of Education designs its graduate programs around the realities of working educators. The delivery format you choose can shape your weekly routine, your budget, and how quickly you finish. While all master’s in education pathways at Seattle University combine rigorous coursework with practical experience, the amount of time you need to be on campus varies significantly by specialization.

Hybrid Models Blend Online Convenience with In-Person Connection

For many students, a hybrid format offers the best of both worlds. The M.Ed. in Transformational Teaching and Learning, for example, delivers the bulk of its curriculum online in an asynchronous format. You log in on your own schedule during the week to complete readings and assignments. But the program also includes mandatory monthly Saturday sessions on campus, as well as a five-day in-person intensive at the start of each academic year. This structure lets you build a professional network with peers and faculty while maintaining a full-time teaching job.

The M.Ed. in Special Education uses a similar approach. Classes typically meet in the late afternoon or early evening, with some courses offered online and on a summer schedule. This hybrid design is specifically tailored to the schedules of K-12 educators who need to plan around the school day. Part-time enrollment is available¹, so you can progress at a pace that matches your job demands.

Fully Online Options with Evening Flexibility

Seattle University’s MAEd in School Counseling program is offered in a predominantly online format, with evening class times that accommodate work commitments. The program also lists hybrid and online options, giving candidates a choice in how they engage with the curriculum. This flexibility means you can largely control when and where you study, though you may still have occasional campus requirements for supervised counseling practicums.

On-Campus Intensives for Licensure Preparation

Not all programs provide remote flexibility. The Master in Teaching (MIT) is a full-time, daytime, on-campus program that runs for 12 months. It uses a cohort model and includes extensive field experiences: over 50% of the credit hours are spent in K-12 classrooms. Because it leads to initial teacher certification, state regulations require significant in-person student teaching. If you are changing careers and can dedicate a year to immersive study, this format offers a fast track to the classroom.

In practice, no Seattle University education graduate program is 100% online¹; even the MAEd in School Counseling and the hybrid M.Ed. programs include some face-to-face elements. However, the university’s deliberate mix of evening, weekend, and asynchronous formats helps you balance graduate study with a full-time job, family obligations, or other commitments. When you apply, consider your own scheduling needs and how each program’s in-person components align with your location and work hours.

Admissions Requirements for Seattle University's M.ed. Programs

Seattle University maintains a straightforward admission process for its Master's in Education programs, with requirements designed to assess academic readiness and professional potential.

• Bachelor's Degree

  A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution is required for all M.Ed. applicants.
• Minimum GPA

  A cumulative GPA of 3.0 is preferred, though applicants with lower GPAs may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
• Prerequisite Coursework

  For teacher preparation tracks, subject-matter coursework aligned with the desired endorsement is necessary.
• Letters of Recommendation

  Two letters of recommendation from academic or professional sources are required.
• Autobiographical Statement

  A personal statement or autobiographical essay outlining your goals and motivation for graduate study is required.
• Resume or CV

  Submit a current resume or curriculum vitae detailing relevant experience.
• Standardized Tests

  GRE or GMAT scores are optional; however, they may be required if your undergraduate transcripts lack traditional grades.
• Application Deadlines

  Priority deadlines vary by program; for example, the Transformational Teaching & Learning M.Ed. hybrid cohort has a July 14 priority deadline. Contact the College of Education for the most current dates.
• Additional Materials

  Teacher preparation applicants must include an endorsement verification form. International students need English proficiency test scores and a declaration of finances.

Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid for Graduate Education Students

Graduate education is a significant investment, and understanding the full cost of attendance helps you plan with confidence. Tuition at Seattle University is charged on a per-credit basis for master's programs, meaning your total will depend on the number of credits required by your chosen specialization. The College of Education typically publishes a credit-hour rate along with any mandatory fees, such as technology, student activity, or health services fees, on its website. Because costs can shift between academic years, it is best to visit the university's Graduate Admissions page and the College of Education's fee schedule for the most current figures.

Understanding Tuition and Fees

Seattle University structures graduate tuition so that students pay only for the courses they enroll in each term. Many M.Ed. programs require between 30 and 45 credits, and you can multiply the per-credit rate by your program's total credits to estimate direct tuition costs. Beyond tuition, expect a few additional fees that support campus services and resources. These are typically listed separately and are not included in the per-credit price. Contact the admissions office or review the latest graduate fee schedule for a complete picture before you commit.

Financial Aid Options

The Financial Aid Office at Seattle University is your primary resource for funding your degree. They can guide you through federal loan eligibility, need-based grants, and payment plan options. Graduate assistantships are another opportunity; these positions often provide a tuition waiver or stipend in exchange for research or administrative work within the College of Education. Because assistantship availability varies, reach out early to both the financial aid staff and your academic department.

External Scholarships

Beyond university-sponsored aid, professional associations frequently offer scholarships for educators. Organizations like the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE) and state-level groups such as the Washington State School Directors' Association may have programs specifically for graduate students in education. These external awards can help reduce your out-of-pocket costs, so set aside time to research and prepare application materials for those with upcoming deadlines.

Evaluating Return on Investment

While Seattle University's financial aid office provides accurate cost data, you can use public resources like the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS.gov) to research typical salaries for roles you might pursue after graduation. Comparing median wages for positions such as instructional coordinator, school counselor, or education administrator against your projected loan payments can clarify the long-term value of the degree. Remember that official university channels remain the most reliable source for tuition, fees, and assistantship specifics, as those numbers are updated regularly.

How Much Does a Seattle University M.ed. Cost?

For the 2026-27 academic year, the total cost of attendance for a Seattle University master's in education student living independently is $51,884. The donut chart below breaks that total into direct educational expenses and living costs.

Career Outcomes and Salary Expectations for Graduates

What kinds of jobs do Seattle University M.Ed. graduates land, and how do those roles pay in today’s market?

Seattle University’s College of Education prepares graduates for a range of education careers in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. While program-level employment statistics are not always published publicly, the university maintains a career services office that can connect current students and alumni with job placement data, networking events, and employer partnerships.

Typical Career Paths for M.Ed. Graduates

A Master’s in Education opens doors to both classroom teaching and non-teaching careers. Common positions include:

• Classroom teacher: Many graduates pursue or advance in K-12 teaching roles, where a master’s degree often leads to a salary increase on district pay scales.
• Instructional coach: Supporting fellow teachers through curriculum guidance, mentoring, and professional development.
• Curriculum specialist or instructional coordinator: Designing and evaluating educational programs at the school or district level.
• School administrator: Paths toward principal, vice principal, or program director roles, often requiring additional administrative certification.
• Education nonprofit leader: Working for organizations focused on advocacy, policy, or community education initiatives.
• Higher education professional: Roles in student affairs, academic advising, or training and development at colleges and universities.

Salary Expectations and Job Outlook

Earning a master’s degree generally positions professionals on higher steps of K-12 salary schedules, which can translate to thousands of dollars more per year compared to a bachelor’s alone. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, education occupations across the country show steady demand, with certain specialties like special education, STEM, and bilingual education experiencing faster-than-average growth.

In the Seattle metropolitan area, wages for education professionals can be competitive due to the region’s strong funding base and high cost of living. The median salary for instructional coordinators in Washington State, for example, tends to surpass national figures. Classroom teachers with a master’s degree and several years of experience can see their earnings climb significantly, especially in well-resourced districts.

Keep in mind that actual salaries vary by role, district, years of experience, and additional certifications. The Washington Education Association and other professional groups offer resources on typical compensation packages and bargaining agreements for public school employees.

Where to Find Seattle University-Specific Outcomes

For the most detailed picture of where graduates work and what they earn, prospective students can:

• Visit the university’s College of Education website: Some programs share alumni spotlights or employment highlights.
• Contact the career services office: Advisors can often provide recent placement data and employer lists.
• Use LinkedIn’s alumni tool: Search for Seattle University College of Education graduates to see current job titles and employers. This can give a real-time snapshot of career trajectories.
• Connect with professional associations: Groups like the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education sometimes release graduate outcome reports.

While broad data suggests a positive return on investment for a M.Ed. from a respected institution like Seattle University, individual outcomes depend on specialization, local demand, and personal career goals.

Median Salary for Seattle University M.ed. Graduates

Program-level salary data for Seattle University's M.Ed. graduates is not yet reported. However, median earnings across all Seattle University alumni stand at $75,272 ten years after first enrollment, according to 2023 IPEDS and College Scorecard data.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Accreditation and Program Quality

The landscape of educator preparation is evolving, and accreditation serves as a critical signal of program quality and graduate readiness. Seattle University operates with robust institutional oversight and targeted state approvals, even as the education college navigates a transition in programmatic accreditation.

Regional Accreditation Through NWCCU

Seattle University has been continuously accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) since 1935. This institutional accreditation covers the entire university, including its graduate education programs, and ensures adherence to rigorous academic standards. The most recent evaluation took place in Spring 2025, with the next scheduled for Fall 2026.

Teacher Preparation and State Approval

The College of Education's educator preparation programs, including the Master in Teaching, are approved by the Washington Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) as part of the college's accreditations and certifications, and meet or exceed state standards for teacher certification. This approval is essential for graduates seeking Washington state licensure. While the college previously held national accreditation through the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), that accreditation ended in 2016 and has not been renewed under the newer Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). As of 2024, the college is not currently CAEP-accredited, though the university maintains its regional accreditation and state approval for licensure pathways.

Specialized Accreditations for Support Roles

For students pursuing school counseling or school psychology, separate program-level accreditations apply. The counseling program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), and the school psychology program holds accreditation from the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) through 2031. These specialized accreditations are important for licensure and employment in those fields.

Frequently Asked Questions About Seattle University's M.ed.

Prospective students often have questions about Seattle University's Master's in Education programs. Below, we answer common inquiries regarding specializations, delivery formats, costs, and outcomes.