University of Phoenix Master's in Education Programs: An Overview
The University of Phoenix offers a variety of Master of Arts in Education (MAEd) programs designed to cater to different career aspirations within the education sector. These programs are structured to provide educators and aspiring educators with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience needed to excel in their chosen fields. The university emphasizes the practical value of education, aiming to equip students with skills that can be applied immediately in their careers.
Core Features and Benefits Across Programs
Several features are common across the University of Phoenix Master of Arts in Education programs, providing a consistent and supportive learning environment for all students.
- Accreditation: Since 1978, University of Phoenix has maintained institutional accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), hlcommission.org.
- Experienced Faculty: The faculty members are active teachers or leaders in K-12 schools, ensuring that the curriculum is relevant and grounded in real-world experience.
- Support System: Students have access to a dedicated support team, including finance advisors who can help navigate financial aid options and savings opportunities.
- Flexibility: The university understands the importance of work-life balance, offering flexible online classes that can be attended at any time.
- Career-Relevant Curriculum: College deans focus on developing a curriculum that is relevant to current career demands.
- Resources: College of Education students can find many helpful resources on COE Central. Program handbooks provide a wealth of information on topics such as professional expectations, clinical experiences, clinical practice, internships, edTPA and much more.
- Savings Opportunities: The university offers various savings opportunities, including eligible transfer credits, scholarships, and work experience credits. Phoenix alumni are eligible for special tuition rates and can save up to $2,200 on a master’s degree. The university also considers relevant experience, from parenting to past jobs, to help students get the college credits they deserve. Students are encouraged to check if their employer has an alliance agreement with the University of Phoenix for education benefits.
- Lightcast Integration: The university has worked with labor market researcher Lightcast to identify in-demand skills for occupations and mapped those to related degree programs.
- Tuition Structure: Tuition is based on the number of credit hours per course, with courses typically being 3 credits but ranging from 1-6 credits.
Master of Arts in Education/Special Education
This program is designed for individuals who have earned a bachelor’s degree in another discipline and are looking to make a positive impact on students with learning disabilities. The Master of Arts in Education/Special Education is a graduate degree program intended to prepare students with no prior teaching experience for initial teacher licensure. The program is designed for students who want to become special education teachers. Candidates for this program already have a bachelor’s degree.
- Curriculum: The curriculum is designed to provide practical value, ensuring that learning can be put into practice quickly. Exceptional students need teachers with extraordinary skills.
- Credit Requirements: The program requires 46 credits for completion.
- Clinical Experience: Students benefit from dedicated education program specialists who provide 1:1 support during the 100 required hours of clinical experience (or more if required by your state) and a minimum of 12 weeks of clinical practice (or more if required by your state).
- Licensure: The program prepares students for initial teacher licensure, though additional qualifications and/or disqualifications may apply at the local, state, or federal level. Educator/Principal licensure requirements vary by state. Candidates located in a state that does not provide a direct path to licensure will be required to obtain Arizona certification first, prior to seeking licensure in their home state as an out-of-state prepared teacher/principal candidate. Arizona certification requires candidates to pass all Arizona-specific licensure requirements, including any Arizona-specific exams (or home state equivalents if recognized by Arizona Department of Education.) After obtaining an Arizona teacher/principal certificate, candidates can then apply for licensure in their home state and may be required to complete additional testing and/or requirements at additional cost. Program requirements may change based upon your home state’s agency licensure requirements.
Master of Arts in Education/Secondary Teacher Education
This program is tailored for students with a bachelor's degree who aspire to become single-subject secondary school teachers. The best secondary teachers give young people the tools to succeed in life. The next generation is waiting for a person like you to help them in their educational journey. This degree program is designed to prepare you for teacher licensure and will help you build confidence as a single-subject secondary teacher.
- Curriculum: The program aligns with national standards, ensuring candidates attain a quality degree that’s relevant to today’s classroom.
- Credit Requirements: Completion requires 39 credits.
- Clinical Component: The program includes a clinical component (field experience and student teaching), allowing candidates to acquire the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to positively impact student learning and development. Plus, you’ll find support from our dedicated education program specialists who work with you 1:1 during your 100 required hours of clinical experience (or more if required by your state) and a minimum of 12 weeks of clinical practice (or more if required by your state).
- Licensure: The Master of Arts in Education/Secondary Teacher Education is a graduate degree program intended for students with no prior teaching experience for initial teacher licensure. The program is designed for students who want to become single subject school teachers. Candidates for this program have already earned a bachelor's degree. The program includes a clinical component requiring field experiences and student teaching above and beyond program coursework. Requirements for licensure vary by state; please see your state's requirements.
Master of Arts in Education/Adult Education and Training
Designed for those interested in working with adult learners in educational or training environments, this program focuses on motivating adults and helping them reach their potential. Learn how to motivate adults and help them reach their potential when you earn a Master of Arts in Education/Adult Education and Training.
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- Curriculum: Your course schedule may vary based on an evaluation of previous experience, training or transferable credits. Speak to your enrollment representative about graduate-level prior learning assessment saving opportunities.
- Licensure: It's important to note that the MAEd/AET does not prepare students for any type of professional certification or state licensure as a teacher. The Master of Arts in Education/Adult Education and Training is a graduate degree program intended for students interested in working with adult learners in an educational or training environment. The MAEd/AET does not prepare students for any type of professional certification or state licensure as a teacher.
Master of Arts in Education/Curriculum and Instruction
This program is tailored for educators seeking advanced knowledge and skills in curriculum and instruction. Bring your knowledge to the next generation and grow professionally as a teacher with a master’s education degree. Gain real-world classroom skills through hands-on clinical experience, and clinical practice. A master’s education degree prepares you to apply for teacher licensure for elementary, secondary or special education - or K-12 principal licensure, in select states.
- Curriculum: When you earn your online Master of Arts in Education/Curriculum and Instruction, you’ll be equipped with a concrete set of skills you can apply on the job. Along with the knowledge and skills related to the University Learning Goals, students who graduate from the College of Education should gain program-specific knowledge, skills and abilities. Each college or school creates a set of Program Student Learning Outcomes (PSLOs) to describe the knowledge, skills or attitudes students will possess upon completion of the program of study.
- Credit Requirements: You’ll need 35 credits to complete this Master of Arts in Education/Curriculum and Instruction.
- Licensure: The MAEd in Curriculum and Instruction does not lead to certification as a teacher. The Master of Arts in Education/Curriculum and Instruction is a graduate degree program intended to provide educators with advanced knowledge and skills in curriculum and instruction. The MAEd/CI does not prepare students for any type of professional certification or state licensure as a teacher. Teachers with academic endorsements or who have completed specific University of Phoenix® Continuing Education for Teachers courses, such as Assessment and Evaluation for Educators and Technology Integration for Educators, can save time and money by applying to waive up to 12 credits.
Master of Arts in Education/Administration and Supervision
Designed for experienced educators ready to take on leadership roles, this program prepares candidates for K-12 school principal licensure. As an experienced educator, you’re ready to start leading and helping teachers thrive. Our program support specialist can help you navigate principal licensure and credentialing requirements. We’ll also help you with school placements for your clinical experience and clinical practice through our close partnerships with hundreds of school districts nationwide.
- Curriculum: When you earn your online Master of Arts in Education/Administration and Supervision, you’ll be equipped with a concrete set of skills you can apply on the job.
- Credit Requirements: You’ll need 38 credits to complete this Master of Arts in Education/Administration and Supervision.
- Clinical Component: Plus, you’ll find support from our dedicated program support specialists who partner with you during your required 30 hours field experience (minimum) and 240 hours internship (or more if required by your state). The program includes a clinical component requiring field experiences and an administrative internship above and beyond program coursework.
- Licensure: The Master of Arts in Education/Administration and Supervision is a graduate degree program intended to prepare candidates for K-12 school principal licensure. Candidates for this program have already earned a bachelor’s degree. There may be additional qualifications and/or disqualifications applicable in order to work as a principal with any local, state or federal entity. Educator/Principal licensure requirements vary by state. Candidates located in a state that does not provide a direct path to licensure will be required to obtain Arizona certification first, prior to seeking licensure in their home state as an out-of-state prepared teacher/principal candidate. Arizona certification requires candidates to pass all Arizona-specific licensure requirements, including any Arizona-specific exams (or home state equivalents if recognized by Arizona Department of Education.) After obtaining an Arizona teacher/principal certificate, candidates can then apply for licensure in their home state and may be required to complete additional testing and/or requirements at additional cost. Program requirements may change based upon your home state’s agency licensure requirements.
Master of Arts in Education/Elementary Teacher Education
This program is designed for individuals with an undergraduate or graduate degree in another field who wish to become elementary school teachers. If you have an undergraduate or graduate degree in another field, the Master of Arts in Education/Elementary Education degree is your next step toward becoming an elementary school teacher. Develop advanced skills in classroom management and lesson planning for teaching elementary age children.
- Curriculum: Theory only goes so far. That’s why our College of Education takes steps to ensure you are engaged in throughout the master’s program, so you can apply theories from your coursework to the real life elementary classroom.
- Credit Requirements: You’ll need 44-45 credits to complete this Master of Arts in Education/Elementary Teacher Education.
- Clinical Experience: Before becoming a teacher, you must demonstrate the skills and knowledge needed for effective classroom practice. Our dedicated education program specialists work with you 1:1 during your required hours of clinical experience (or more if required by your state) and a minimum of 12 weeks of clinical practice (or more in select states).
- Licensure: The Master of Arts in Education/Elementary Teacher Education is a graduate degree program intended for students with no prior teaching experience for initial teacher licensure. The program is designed for students who want to become multiple subject school teachers. Candidates for this program have already earned a bachelor's degree. The program includes a clinical component requiring field experiences and student teaching above and beyond program coursework. Requirements for licensure vary by state; please see your state's requirements. Educator/Principal licensure requirements vary by state. Candidates located in a state that does not provide a direct path to licensure will be required to obtain Arizona certification first, prior to seeking licensure in their home state as an out-of-state prepared teacher/principal candidate. Arizona certification requires candidates to pass all Arizona-specific licensure requirements, including any Arizona-specific exams (or home state equivalents if recognized by Arizona Department of Education.) After obtaining an Arizona teacher/principal certificate, candidates can then apply for licensure in their home state and may be required to complete additional testing and/or requirements at additional cost.
Additional Career Paths with a Master's in Education
A master’s degree in education can help specialize your career path and prepare you to take on leadership roles as well. Education isn’t just about teaching! In this article, we’ll explore some of the career paths open to individuals who earn a master’s degree in education. From school principals to student behavior analysts, these roles can have a major impact on the community and the future. If you’re interested in pursuing one of these careers, University of Phoenix may be able to help. Please note that not all the jobs listed below can be achieved with a University of Phoenix degree.
- School Principal: School principals oversee the entire learning environment for students at the elementary, middle, or high school level. This position typically requires a master’s degree in education leadership or education administration.
- Postsecondary Education Administrator: These professionals perform various roles at colleges and universities, working in departments such as admissions, the registrar’s office, or student affairs.
- Instructional Coordinator: By managing the overall school curriculum and teaching standards, instructional coordinators ensure that students and teachers are aligned and poised for success. This position typically requires completion of an education program at the graduate level, with a master's degree in education or curriculum development and instruction being a common prerequisite.
- School Counselor: School counselors take a personal approach to developing student skills, assessing student interests and strengths, and helping students plan their work or education future after they graduate. Almost every state requires that school counselors have a master’s degree in school counseling or psychology.
- Student Behavior Analyst: Behavior analysts in schools help students overcome mental and social disabilities that can be obstacles to their educational development. They perform psychological work based in practice and theory to help students succeed. Most student behavior analysts require a specialized degree, such as a master’s degree in special education. A state-issued certification and/or licensure will also likely be required to work in public schools.
- Special Education Teacher: Special education teachers focus on designing curriculum and teaching students with learning, mental, emotional, and physical disabilities. A bachelor’s degree is required at minimum to begin teaching special needs students, according to BLS. Teachers in this field will also likely need to gain field experience in a student-teaching education program. A master’s degree in special education can enhance the skill set of a current teacher, such as in the area of classroom management.
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