Explore Master's in Education Programs at University of Saint Joseph

Which graduate programs at University of Saint Joseph prepare you for Connecticut's classrooms and corporate training roles? With around 2,500 unfilled educator positions statewide, earning a master's degree here addresses a clear labor-market gap.

USJ structures its graduate education offerings into two main pathways: a Master of Arts in Teaching for those entering the classroom and a Master of Science in Instructional Design & Education Technology for professionals shaping learning environments outside traditional schools.

Program format matters as much as content. Most students balance full-time jobs while moving into roles that require a blend of pedagogical theory and practical tech fluency: a pairing that USJ's hybrid and online options directly support.

Programs Overview: Master's in Education at USJ

The University of Saint Joseph's Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) prepares aspiring educators through a blend of rigorous coursework and hands-on clinical experiences. The Master of Science in Instructional Design & Education Technology, meanwhile, equips professionals to shape learning across diverse sectors. Both programs are offered through the School of Education, but they serve distinct career paths.

Licensure-Track MAT Program

The MAT is designed for career changers and recent graduates who want to earn initial teaching certification in Connecticut. The program offers grade-level specializations in elementary education (grades 1-6) and secondary education (grades 7-12) in subjects such as English, mathematics, science, and social studies. A special education concentration is also available. The clinical component is central: candidates complete a full-semester student teaching placement in a partner public school, guided by a cooperating teacher and university supervisor. Coursework covers child development, assessment, inclusive practices, and subject-specific pedagogy.

Instructional Design & Education Technology

The MS in Instructional Design & Education Technology is a non-licensure program for those who want to create effective learning experiences in K-12, higher education, corporate, or nonprofit contexts. The curriculum explores learning theory, multimedia design, educational software, and user experience. A capstone project challenges students to design a comprehensive instructional solution for a real-world client. Graduates pursue roles such as instructional designer, e-learning developer, and training specialist.

Licensure and Non-Licensure Options

The MAT leads directly to Connecticut initial educator certification, while the MS does not include a teaching license. For educators who already hold certification and seek advanced study, USJ also offers a Master of Education (M.Ed.) with concentrations in areas like literacy, curriculum leadership, and special education. These M.Ed. programs may be licensure-endorsed or designed for professional growth. For instance, the M.Ed. in Literacy includes a reading specialist certification, and the M.Ed. in Special Education can lead to a comprehensive special education endorsement. The following sections provide detailed curriculum breakdowns, clinical requirements, and capstone specifics for the MAT and MS programs.

Teaching (MAT) Program: Curriculum, Concentrations, and Clinical Experience

As of the 2025-2026 academic year, the University of Saint Joseph does not offer a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program that leads to initial teacher licensure.¹ However, USJ provides several other graduate programs in education that may appeal to current educators or those exploring advanced study. The most aligned option for classroom practitioners seeking a master’s degree is the masters in curriculum and instruction.²

Current Status of USJ’s MAT Program

USJ’s academic catalog confirms that no MAT pathway is available for students who need to earn initial teaching certification. The institution instead focuses its graduate education offerings on programs designed for licensed or practicing teachers, such as the M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction, as well as specialized programs in areas like Special Education, TESOL, and Educational Leadership. Altogether, USJ offers eight master’s-level education degrees,⁴ all built for educators who are already certified or working in schools.

Alternative: M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction

The Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction is a 30-credit, fully online program delivered in a cohort format with eight-week course sessions.³ It is specifically designed for educators who already hold a teaching license or are working in educational settings and wish to deepen their instructional expertise without pursuing a new certification.² The curriculum does not include student teaching, practicum, or clinical hours, and it does not lead to initial teacher certification in Connecticut or other states.³

Curriculum Highlights

The program’s curriculum emphasizes reflective practice, culturally responsive pedagogy, and data-informed decision-making. While USJ does not publish a detailed course-by-course plan in public materials, typical courses in similar programs include foundations of curriculum design, assessment strategies, instructional leadership, and a capstone project. The final requirement is a reflective practitioner capstone where students synthesize learning into a project applicable to their professional context.²

Clinical Experience and Certification Implications

Because the M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction is built for practicing educators, it requires zero clinical hours.³ This means it does not satisfy any state’s student teaching or practicum mandates for initial licensure. If you are seeking a program that leads to your first teaching certificate, you will need to consider alternative institutions in Connecticut, like Southern Connecticut State University, that offer state-approved MAT pathways. USJ’s graduate education programs are not currently listed as CAEP-accredited,² which may affect licensure portability across state lines. Prospective students should verify certification requirements with their state’s department of education before enrolling.

Program Length and Format

The online cohort structure allows full-time students to complete the degree in approximately 24 months.³ The eight-week sessions enable a manageable pace for working professionals, and the asynchronous online delivery offers flexibility for those balancing career and family obligations.

Instructional Design & Education Technology: Program Details and Capstone

Instructional design has rapidly evolved from a niche specialty into a central function across education and corporate training. The University of Saint Joseph's Master of Arts in Instructional Technology equips professionals to lead that shift with a fully online, practice-oriented curriculum that blends learning science, multimedia creation, and project leadership. The 30-credit program unfolds through 10 courses, each spanning a concise 8-9 weeks, and is designed for completion in approximately 24 months while you continue working.¹²

Core Curriculum and Elective Options

The program builds foundational and advanced skills through a structured sequence of courses. While the exact sequence may vary by cohort, the curriculum typically includes: - Learning theory and cognition: Examine how people learn and how technology can amplify instructional impact. - Multimedia design and development: Create effective digital learning assets, from videos to interactive modules. - Assessment and evaluation: Design formative and summative assessments aligned to learning objectives. - Project management for learning initiatives: Lead instructional design projects from conception through implementation.

Elective flexibility allows you to tailor the degree toward your career goals, whether that means deeper dives into user experience, emerging technologies, or leadership in educational settings.

The Capstone Experience: EDUC 537: Reflective Practitioner

All candidates complete a culminating capstone course, EDUC 537: Reflective Practitioner.² This 3-credit experience challenges you to synthesize everything you have learned into a professional portfolio or applied design project. You will document your growth, showcase real-world deliverables, and demonstrate readiness to lead instructional technology efforts. The reflective structure encourages you to connect theory with practice and to articulate your unique design philosophy to future employers or collaborators.

Preparing for Instructional Design Careers

The program intentionally prepares graduates for instructional design roles across multiple sectors. Through coursework and the capstone, you will develop the competencies sought by: - Corporate learning and development teams that need efficient, scalable training solutions. - K-12 school districts adopting blended and digital learning environments. - Higher education institutions expanding online course offerings and faculty support services.

Alumni have moved into positions such as instructional designer, e-learning developer, learning experience designer, and technology integration specialist, typical jobs with a masters in education.

Online Delivery and Program Flexibility

Every course is delivered fully online with no required in-person components³, giving you the geographic freedom to study from anywhere. The cohort model means you progress with the same supportive peer group, fostering professional networking and collaboration. Courses are asynchronous but structured with regular deadlines, so you can manage your workload around a full-time teaching or training schedule. This intentional design makes the degree accessible to working educators and corporate trainers seeking to advance without pausing their careers.

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

USJ’s graduate education programs use a mix of online, hybrid, and on-campus delivery to meet the needs of working educators. The format available to you depends on the degree track you choose, but every option is built around the reality of balancing teaching and grad school while earning a degree.

Program-Specific Delivery Formats

The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program includes significant face-to-face requirements because it leads to initial Connecticut teacher certification. Courses are typically held on the West Hartford campus in the late afternoon and evening, with some hybrid sections that blend online coursework with periodic in-person meetings. The MAT demands deep clinical experience, which can only be fulfilled locally through supervised practica and student teaching placements in partner schools.

The MS in Instructional Design and Educational Technology (IDET) program, by contrast, is offered entirely online. There are no campus visits, and the full curriculum is built for remote completion. This makes the IDET degree accessible to educators anywhere in the country while they continue working full time.

Scheduling and Asynchronous Flexibility

Online courses in the MS IDET program are primarily asynchronous, meaning you can log in and complete work on your own schedule each week, so no set class times to attend. This structure is particularly helpful for teachers whose days vary from lesson planning to after-school duties. The MAT program’s evening and hybrid courses often include some synchronous elements (such as live discussions or real-time group work), but these are scheduled with working professionals in mind and typically meet just once per week.

Required In-Person Components

Any student pursuing teacher certification through the MAT must complete student teaching in a Connecticut school district. This full-time, semester-long internship requires your physical presence in a classroom, working alongside a supervising practitioner. The program also embeds earlier field experiences that place you in schools for observation and co-teaching hours. For the MS IDET, there are no in-person requirements; even the final capstone project is developed and submitted online.

Academic Calendar and Part-Time Study

USJ operates on a traditional semester calendar with fall, spring, and summer terms. Most graduate education students enroll on a part-time basis, taking one or two courses per term. This pace typically allows a working educator to finish the MAT in about two years and the MS IDET in as little as 18 months to two years, depending on transfer credits and summer study. The calendar includes multiple start dates for online programs, giving you flexibility to begin when you are ready.

Admissions Requirements and Prerequisites

Choosing the right graduate program often comes down to two paths: applying to a single program with a clear, streamlined checklist or navigating multiple options with varying requirements. At the University of Saint Joseph, the admissions process blends efficiency with personalized support, ensuring candidates successfully move from application to enrollment.

Application Deadlines and Start Terms

Most graduate education programs at USJ operate on a rolling admissions basis, meaning you can submit your application at any time and receive a decision relatively quickly.³ For the M.A. in Instructional Technology, for example, the deadline is rolling, allowing for flexible entry into fall, spring, or summer start terms.³ However, the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) may have more structured timelines aligned with clinical placements, so early application is encouraged to secure a spot in your preferred cohort.¹

Required Materials for All Programs

Regardless of which education master’s you pursue, the core application components are straightforward. You’ll need to submit official transcripts from every institution attended, demonstrating a completed bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college.¹ A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 is expected for the Instructional Technology program; some programs, including the MAT, may set a higher threshold.¹ While specific documentation varies by program, a current resume or CV detailing professional experience is typically part of the packet.¹ Letters of recommendation and a personal statement are not universally mandated across all USJ education programs but are commonly requested for the MAT and other specialized degrees. Check the specific program page for the exact list.¹

Program-Specific Prerequisites

Admission to the MAT program requires a bachelor’s degree and often expects candidates to have relevant teaching or field experience, though this is not a strict barrier. Depending on your chosen concentration, you may need to complete specific prerequisite coursework in education or a related subject area.¹ The M.A. in Instructional Technology is designed for practicing educators, so applicants must have ongoing access to a classroom and students for field study activities throughout the program.² Candidates with a GPA between 2.5 and 2.67 may be asked to participate in an interview as part of the review.¹

Standardized Test Policy

USJ has moved away from requiring GRE or other standardized test scores for its graduate education programs. Neither the MAT nor the Instructional Technology track mandates the GRE, making the application process more accessible for working professionals, a feature shared by many no-GRE master's in education programs.¹

From Application to Enrollment: Graduate Student Support

Once you submit your application, along with any applicable non-refundable fee, a dedicated graduate admissions counselor guides you through the remaining steps. This support extends from clarifying program requirements and financial aid options to course registration and orientation. USJ’s model ensures that every applicant, regardless of background, receives individual attention to help navigate the transition into graduate study.³

Questions to Ask Yourself

Tuition, Financial Aid, and Return on Investment

Balancing the upfront cost of a graduate degree against its long-term earning potential is the central financial question for any educator considering a master's program.

Tuition and Fee Structure

For the 2025-2026 academic year, USJ's education cohort programs are priced to be accessible. The off-campus education cohort programs carry a per-credit cost of $693¹, while the TESOL cohort program is $807¹ per credit. These rates are guaranteed as long as students remain continuously enrolled.¹

• Off-Campus Education Cohort Programs: $693 per credit¹
• TESOL Cohort Program: $807 per credit¹
• Typical total program cost: Assuming a 30-credit master's degree, tuition would range from $20,790 to $24,210. Actual cost depends on program length and any additional university or student fees.¹

USJ delivers many education programs in hybrid or off-campus formats, so these cohort rates apply regardless of delivery mode. By comparison, standard on-campus graduate courses in other USJ departments range from $950 to $1,142 per credit², which highlights the value of the cohort pricing for educators.

Financial Aid Opportunities

USJ participates in federal student aid programs. Graduate students may apply for Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Graduate PLUS Loans by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).² USJ also offers merit-based scholarships², and graduate assistantships may provide tuition remission and a stipend. A monthly payment plan is available as a budget-friendly alternative to paying in full at the start of each semester.² Prospective students should submit the FAFSA early and consult the financial aid office to explore all options, including employer tuition reimbursement programs.

Return on Investment

A master's degree in education often translates directly into higher earnings, especially in public school districts where salary schedules reward advanced degrees with permanent salary increases. While individual increases vary, many graduates see annual raises of $2,000 to $5,000 or more. Assuming a $3,000 annual increase, a $21,000 program could pay for itself within seven years, not accounting for additional career advancement opportunities or lifetime earnings growth. National data consistently show a notable salary premium for master's degree holders in education compared to bachelor's-level peers, making the investment financially sound over a full teaching career. USJ's strong reputation and accreditation also position graduates for hiring preferences and leadership roles.

Career Paths, Certification, and Salary Outcomes

edTPA portfolio assessment has been a mandatory component for MAT graduates since the 2019-20 academic year.¹ This performance-based assessment is one of several testing requirements that align the University of Saint Joseph’s Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program with Connecticut’s educator certification process.

Certification Exams for MAT Graduates

To qualify for an initial teaching certificate in Connecticut, MAT candidates must complete a series of teacher certification exams. The state requires a basic skills assessment, typically fulfilled by passing the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators or by achieving qualifying scores on the SAT or ACT. Additionally, each teacher candidate must pass the appropriate Praxis Subject Assessments in their specific content area. The edTPA portfolio, which evaluates planning, instruction, and assessment during student teaching, serves as the culminating performance measure. Since the 2019-20 cohort, a passing edTPA score has been an absolute requirement for program completion and certification recommendation.¹ Candidates also need to pass the Connecticut Foundations of Reading test for elementary and special education endorsements.²

Steps to Initial Educator Certification

Connecticut's initial teacher certification path begins with meeting the program’s admission standards, including a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0.¹ Once enrolled, students complete all coursework and clinical experiences required by the MAT program. After successful program completion, USJ’s certification officer submits a recommendation to the Connecticut State Department of Education. The candidate then applies online and pays a $50 certification fee. The initial certificate is issued at the Initial level. After three years of successful teaching and completion of the Teacher Education and Mentoring (TEAM) program, educators can apply for a Provisional certificate. To advance to the Professional certificate, teachers must complete at least 50 months of teaching experience, hold a master’s degree (already earned through USJ’s MAT), and fulfill any additional professional learning requirements as specified by the state.³

Career Paths for USJ Education Graduates

Graduates of the MAT program typically move directly into teaching roles in public or private K-12 schools. Common positions include classroom teacher at the elementary, middle, or secondary level depending on endorsement. Beyond classroom teaching, the advanced preparation can lead to roles such as instructional coordinator, curriculum developer, or department lead. For those who complete USJ’s M.Ed. in instructional design or educational technology, career options extend to educational technology specialist, learning designer, or corporate training facilitator. While USJ does not publish program-specific employment reports, the school’s undergraduate and graduate education completers are recognized by Connecticut’s approved preparation program list, which signals alignment with state workforce needs.

Salary Outlook and Portability

Program-level median earnings data for USJ education graduates is not publicly reported. However, Connecticut consistently ranks among states with higher-than-average teacher salaries, which provides strong potential return on investment for master’s degree holders. The state’s tiered licensure system incentivizes ongoing professional growth, and a master’s degree is required for the Professional certificate. Because USJ’s education programs hold full approval from the Connecticut State Board of Education (valid through 2032)⁴, graduates are well-positioned to meet certification requirements in other states through reciprocity agreements. Many states recognize credentials from approved programs and may require only minimal additional testing or paperwork. This portability is particularly useful for educators who may relocate during their careers.

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