General Education

Master of Education

The General Education specialization will provide you with the opportunity to develop a broad base of knowledge, research and critical thinking skills as you tailor your education to match your career interests and goals. You will further your understanding of education theory and best practices and how to apply these principles in your profession. You will also develop a strong core of education and research knowledge, which you will partner with elective courses that further your own particular interests.

Certification and Licensing

The School of Education serves educational leaders by providing online graduate studies in education to reach worldwide populations. The MEd program is designed to reach national and international markets and does not purport to provide licensure or certification in any particular state or country. Certification requirements vary by state. Students are advised to contact their state department of education or local school district for guidance in obtaining certification or licensure, or for approval in fulfilling district level incentive programs.

There are several reasons why an educator would want to pursue a graduate degree in education that does not lead to state licensing or certification.

Reasons may include:

  • "Move up" steps on the salary schedule.
  • Improve skills and professionalism in general or to pursue a ”leadership” position outside the classroom (school-based or district level).
  • Advance as a ”teacher leader” through a graduate degree (already has a bachelor's degree and certification).
  • Meet the needs of increasingly diverse students.
  • Work in a traditional K-12 classroom environment (trainer, educational consultant, etc).

Completion Period for Master's Degrees

Northcentral University allows 5 years to complete all 30 credit hour master's programs. Normal time to complete varies depending upon the rate courses are taken and credits transferred.

Course Length

Existing MEd students may opt to switch to eight-week courses by contacting their Academic Advisor. Once existing MEd students have opted for eight-week courses, they must receive approval from the Office of the Dean to switch back to a program of 12-week courses. All eight-week courses are indicated by a "-8" (dash eight) at the end of the course code.

Course Sequence

Course Code

Name

Course Description

EDU5000 / EDU5000-8

Foundations for Graduate Study

This course is an orientation to Northcentral University and to the essential skills needed to pursue a Master's degree in Education. Graduate level skills, such as academic integrity, time management, effective use of the Northcentral Library, comprehending complex scholarly texts and research articles, and APA form and style in professional communication are also introduced. Students will complete the course with a better understanding of personal goals, strengths, and challenges, and a roadmap to navigate their way to completion of their educational aspirations.

Specialization Course 1

Specialization Course 2

Specialization Course 3

ED6001 / ED6001-8

Educational Research

This graduate course will examine a comprehensive overview of research tools utilized by education practitioners. Students will be provided with a solid understanding of research concepts, skills, and principles such as data collection, literature reviews, and evaluation methods.

Specialization Course 4

Specialization Course 5

Specialization Course 6

Specialization Course 7

ED6002 / ED6002-8

Action Research Capstone

This graduate course emphasizes practical research skills utilized by education practitioners. Students will develop an action research project based on the scientific method and concepts presented in ED6001. The culminating product will reflect critical thinking, graduate level writing skills, and correct APA format. This course is open only to students pursuing the Master of Education.

Foundation Course - 3 credit hours

Course Code

Name

Course Description

EDU5000 / EDU5000-8

Foundations for Graduate Study

This course is an orientation to Northcentral University and to the essential skills needed to pursue a Master's degree in Education. Graduate level skills, such as academic integrity, time management, effective use of the Northcentral Library, comprehending complex scholarly texts and research articles, and APA form and style in professional communication are also introduced. Students will complete the course with a better understanding of personal goals, strengths, and challenges, and a roadmap to navigate their way to completion of their educational aspirations.

Recommended Specialization Courses - 21 credit hours

Course Code

Name

Course Description

ED5004-8

School Law

students will investigate the impact of school law on the rights of students and educators as guaranteed by the Constitution and its amendments. This investigation will include state and federal statutory and regulatory provisions as well as tort and contract liability as they influence education.

ED5008-8

Teaching Diverse students

As the United States continues to experience increasing cultural diversity, todays educators must become proficient in reaching diverse and exceptional students. Additionally, individuals differ in gender, sexual orientation, age, physical, and mental abilities. The purpose of this Masters level course is to address the nature of cultural diversity, its sources, and its importance to educators. Students will understand how to adapt instructions to the needs of diverse students, taking into consideration epistemological and axiological perspectives unique to each culture.

ED5012-8

Leadership in Educational Organizations

This Master's level course is about effective leadership in educational organizations. It is particularly relevant for practicing school administrators, those who desire to become administrators, and classroom teachers who recognize the importance of leadership to positively impact schooling in our nation. Students pursuing a specialization in Educational Leadership are advised to take this as their first course of study.

ED5013-8

School Finance

This course will provide students with an understanding of and practical experience with the major concepts and tools in school finance. The course will cover the three distinct components of education finance: (1) evaluating revenue sources, including school aid; (2) developing and defending budgets; and (3) managing the finances and business operations of a school district. The objective is to provide students with an understanding of the general principles of education finance that can be applied in any setting.

ED5014-8

School Organization

Examines the organizational structure of schools and school systems and their relationships to and effects on school programs, teaching strategies, testing and measurement, and evaluation of programs in schools.

ED5023-8

Multicultural Relationships in Educational Organizations

The effects of cultural diversity on organizational behavior are complex and powerful. What is diversity and what are the goals in achieving a more diverse society? This Masters level course examines the educational community's thinking on race, language, culture, gender and disability in the educational setting.

ED5029-8

Measurement and Assessment in Education

This course is designed to facilitate graduate students in acquiring the fundamental concepts, principles, theories, and techniques of educational measurement and classroom assessment. The underlying premise for the value of such knowledge for educators is that it is necessary for sound educational decision making. Moreover, graduate students will acquire competence in the planning and development of informal classroom assessments and the evaluation of standardized tests.

Required Capstone Course - 3 credit hours

Course Code

Name

Course Description

ED6002 / ED6002-8

Action Research Capstone

This graduate course emphasizes practical research skills utilized by education practitioners. Students will develop an action research project based on the scientific method and concepts presented in ED6001. The culminating product will reflect critical thinking, graduate level writing skills, and correct APA format. This course is open only to students pursuing the Master of Education.

At Northcentral University, we pride ourselves in being completely transparent when it comes to tuition and fees. We have adopted an all-inclusive tuition model that gives you the cost of your Master of Education tuition and fees in one flat program rate*. The only additional cost above your MEd program rate is books. Learn more about the NCU’s MEd costs below:

  • Per credit cost: $544
  • Per 3 credit course cost: $1,631
  • Program cost: $16,310 
  • Average book cost per course: $150
  • Application Fee: $0
  • Technology Fee: $0
  • Registration Fee: $0

Click here to learn more about payment and financing options.

*Program rates are subject to change and generally increase at the start of each calendar year.

If there’s one thing we’ve learned about our students, it’s that they are motivated and ambitious—but they are also busy! At Northcentral University, we’ve designed our education experience to work with you, not against you, so you can achieve your academic goals without sacrificing the quality, flexibility and support you need to be successful.

To learn more, request information or call 1-866-776-0331 or start a live chat to speak with an enrollment advisor today. We offer new courses every Monday of the year so you can get started when it’s best for you.