Felician University

What you'll study

The M.Ed. curriculum combines core graduate-level foundations with practitioner-focused coursework and a supervised practicum or capstone. Core topics typically include learning theory and child/adolescent development, curriculum design and assessment, instructional strategies, classroom management, and educational research and data-driven decision making.

Students choose from specialisms or elective strands such as Curriculum and Instruction, Special Education, Educational Leadership, or TESOL. Typical modules you can expect across these pathways include:

• Foundations of Teaching and Learning – historical, philosophical and ethical perspectives on schooling and diversity.
• Assessment and Curriculum Development – designing standards-aligned curriculum and formative/summative assessment systems.
• Instructional Strategies and Differentiation – practical methods for meeting diverse learner needs, including Universal Design for Learning.
• Classroom Management and Positive Behaviour Supports – evidence-based approaches to creating inclusive, well-managed learning environments.
• Special Education Theory and Law (for relevant tracks) – identification, IEP development and legal responsibilities under federal and state frameworks.
• Educational Leadership and Supervision (for leadership track) – organisational leadership, school law, finance basics and human resource considerations for school leaders.
• Instructional Technology and Digital Tools – integrating technology effectively into lesson design and assessment.
• Research Methods and Capstone/Project – programme-appropriate research skills, action research or a culminating practicum/project focused on a real-school problem.

Many students complete a supervised practicum, internship or a capstone project that emphasises application of theory in PK–12 settings. Courses are offered in flexible formats, including evening and hybrid options, to accommodate working professionals.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Admissions materials usually include official transcripts, a personal statement outlining professional goals and preparation for graduate study, and one or more academic or professional references. Certain tracks—for example those leading to state teacher certification or administrative credentials—may require a valid teaching certificate, documented classroom experience, or additional background checks and clearances in line with state requirements.

Successful applicants typically demonstrate professional readiness for graduate-level coursework; some programmes may ask for a résumé/CV and an interview. International applicants must meet any university-wide language proficiency standards and provide equivalent credential documentation.

Career prospects

Graduates of the M.Ed. at Felician advance into a range of education roles. Common career paths include:

• Classroom teacher in elementary or secondary schools, including roles with expanded responsibilities.
• Specialist positions such as special education teacher, literacy coach, or ESL/TESOL instructor.
• Instructional coach, curriculum coordinator or district-level curriculum specialist focusing on teacher development and programme design.
• School leadership and administrative roles (often pursued with additional certification), such as assistant principal or principal.
• Educational consultant, professional development provider, or roles in curriculum/materials development and assessment.
• Opportunities in adult education, community education programmes, and certain positions in higher education or nonprofit organisations that support schools and learners.

The programme emphasises practical skills, applied research and partnerships with local schools to support employability and career advancement within the regional education workforce.

Why study at Felician University

Felician University offers a small-campus environment with a Franciscan, values-based approach to professional formation. Class sizes are intentionally limited to support close faculty mentoring and personalised feedback on practicum and capstone work. Faculty bring PK–12 teaching and leadership experience and maintain active relationships with local school districts, which helps students arrange supervised practicum placements and build regional professional networks.

The university provides flexible scheduling with evening and hybrid course options to accommodate working teachers, and offers structured pathways that align coursework with state certification requirements where applicable. For educators who value an intimate learning community, applied preparation and connections to local schools, Felician presents a focused setting to complete graduate study in education.