Master of Arts in Education (MAEd) Programs
Graduate programs empowering educators for transformation and professional leadership.
Create a Lasting Impact for Learners
Enroll in one of Concordia University Irvine’s Master of Arts in Education programs and join the thousands of successful graduates making a difference in their schools and organizations.
Concordia’s MAEd programs meet all requirements put forth by the state of California and are approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Concordia is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
“What I enjoyed most about the MAEd program at Concordia was how the instructors invested their time and expertise in effectively making classroom time transfer to the real world.”
Desiree Alexander
School Counseling
Getting Started
Depending on the MAEd degree you enroll in, your program could culminate in a:
- Capstone: Respond to an educational problem using self-reflections, literature, and observations. You’ll then present your capstone in class.
- Practicum: Get hands-on experience working with diverse student populations at school sites and at district levels.
- Field experience: Complete rich, immersive fieldwork experiences that meet all credential program standards.
Next Start
August 24, 2026
Upcoming Starts
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Fall 2 2026 October 19, 2026
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Spring 1 2027 January 11, 2027
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Spring 2 2027 March 8, 2027
Curriculum
View the Concordia University Irvine Online Catalog for a full list of MAEd courses by program.
Explore MAEd Programs
Master of Arts in Education: Curriculum and Instruction
Want to improve school programs? With the Master of Arts in Education: Curriculum and Instruction, you’ll explore current research, innovative technology integration, and cutting-edge classroom strategies. Choose from on-campus or online formats, and decide whether you can take one or two classes each term.
Master of Arts in Education: Learning, Design, and Technology
Lead the use of technology in innovative teaching and learning environments with a Master of Arts in Education: Learning, Design, and Technology. Develop an understanding of the relationship between technology, pedagogy, and content to apply technologies to support and assess the attainment of learning outcomes for all students. The program is offered in a fully online format.
Master of Arts in Education: Curriculum and Instruction and Learning, Design, and Technology (Accelerated Second Degree)
If you’ve completed either the curriculum and instruction or the learning, design, and technology master’s program, you can now earn the other master’s for just 15 more credits – and in as little as 10 months. Learn more about the Master of Arts in Education: Curriculum and Instruction and Learning, Design, and Technology.
Master of Arts in Education: Early Childhood
The Master of Arts in Education: Early Childhood program provides research-based, professional preparation for creating developmentally appropriate learning environments for young children. Our program is designed for individuals passionate about child development and creating learning experiences that will have a positive impact on the lives of students.
Master of Arts in Educational Administration
Keep your teaching degree moving forward with an online Master of Arts in Education: Educational Administration that prepares you as a leader in K-12 schools. Learn to make the decisions that are conducive to student learning.
Master of Arts in Education: School Counseling
With a fully online Master of Arts in Education: School Counseling program, you’ll be prepared to serve as a counselor in K-12 schools in California. And while you’ll move through the program in a cohort, you’ll individually complete 800 hours of field experience.
Coursework focuses on the theory and skills needed to work in areas including:
- Academic, career, personal, and social development counseling and guidance
- Educational assessment
- Counseling diverse populations and exceptional students
- Crisis response and management
- School-wide prevention and intervention programs
- Providing consultation, training, and professional development for teachers and parents
- Counseling program development
- Law and ethics in schools
Master of Arts in Education: School Psychology
Equip yourself with the skills you need in the high-demand field of School Psychology. Choose from the in-person or online Master of Arts in Education: School Psychology while learning to support the mental health of K-12 students. With your cohort, you’ll be prepared to conduct psychoeducational assessments and behavioral interventions.
Master of Arts in Educational Leadership: Social Emotional Learning, Character, and Ethics
Equip yourself with the leadership skills to guide your schools and students into the future with the Master of Arts in Educational Leadership: Social Emotional Learning, Character, and Ethics.
With a focus on servant leadership, you’ll join a growing community of educators, counselors, and administrators in the global push for student support systems that reach the whole child and promote long-term positive outcomes.
Administrative Services Credential Program
The Administrative Services Credential Program offers an online path to secure a credential apart from a master’s degree. Gain knowledge in leadership best practices, facilitating community, and supporting growth.
Tuition and Fees
At Concordia, we understand that investing in your education is a significant decision. That’s why we offer a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help make your academic journey more affordable. View tuition costs and fees.
Lutheran Educator Discount
For applicants currently serving as a teacher or administrator in a Lutheran school, Concordia offers a 10% discount on tuition when you pursue a degree through Concordia University Irvine’s School of Education. Candidates for this special discount simply need to submit a signed letter from their school administrator verifying employment along with all application materials.*
CUI Alumni Loyalty Discount
For applicants who have earned a degree from Concordia University Irvine, the university offers a 10% discount on tuition when you pursue an additional degree or program through our School of Education. Candidates for this special discount simply need to inform the Admissions Office of your eligibility when applying for admissions.*
*Students receiving Concordia Faculty/Staff Waiver, Graduate Assistants, and Scholarship Athletes cannot combine with tuition discounts.
Admission Requirements
View the Graduate Application page for full details on application and admission requirements.
Information Sessions
Attend and Information Session online to learn more about our program, the application process, financial aid, payment plans, and more.
Career Outcomes
Earning an MAEd will help you refine your teaching practices and position you to advance in the field. However, those with a degree in education aren’t limited to working in the field. Here’s a breakdown of some of the more common roles for those with an education degree1:
- Educational instruction and library occupations: 54%
- Management occupations: 11%
- Office and administrative support occupations: 5%
- Sales and related occupations: 4%
- Business and financial operations occupations: 4%
MAED/MAEL Program Handbook
The Program Handbook provides you with certain graduate degree program descriptions and requirements needed to earn a MAED/MAEL degree.
Networking Opportunities
As a graduate student at Concordia, you’ll become part of a vibrant community of over 25,000 alumni and over 3,500 peers, fostering meaningful connections that support both personal and professional growth. Our dedicated faculty and staff are committed to helping you discover and develop your callings through mentorship and collaboration.
Located in Irvine — home to more than 900 tech companies and a hub for innovation — students benefit from proximity to leading industries in life sciences and information technology. One-third of all Fortune 500 companies have a presence in Irvine, offering abundant opportunities for internships, mentorships, and career advancement.
Irvine’s strategic position in Southern California provides access to a dynamic business ecosystem, making it an ideal place to build your professional network. Whether you’re attending on-campus events or engaging with our online community, Concordia offers the resources and support to help you thrive in your various vocations.
Explore Financial Aid
Reduce your tuition costs with financial aid — with help from a team that wants to make your time at Concordia as affordable as possible.
Meet Our Faculty
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Cari Chittick
Director of Lutheran Teaching Programs and LCMS Placement, Professor of…
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Kathy Mueller
Administrative Assistant to the Dean/Assistant Director of Events and Partnerships
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Sandra Mercier
Director, MAEd Learning, Design, and Technology & Curriculum & Instruction
FAQs
Is a Master of Arts in Education worth it?
If your career goals align with the outcomes of an MAEd program, then the degree could very well be worth it.
Who would be best suited for an MAEd degree? It’s designed for people who want to:
- Advance their roles in education
- Specialize in a specific area of education
- Take it for professional development
- Maintain a teaching license
- Have personal growth
Should I choose a Master of Arts in Education over an MEd?
Both the Master of Education (MEd) and the Master of Arts in Education (MAEd) are graduate degrees related to educational topics.
It’s hard to make a general statement that one is better than the other, as it’s important to look closely at what you want to learn in your grad school program. Consider the courses and experience opportunities to determine whether it’s the right fit.
Ask yourself questions like:
- Will this degree help me meet my career goals?
- Is it online, in person, or hybrid?
- How long will it take to complete?
- How much will it cost, and is financial aid available?
- What are alumni from this program doing now?
Can I earn my MAEd while working full time?
Many students in our Master of Arts in Education programs balance graduate school with full-time work and personal responsibilities. Flexible scheduling options, including online and evening formats for select programs, are designed to help working professionals advance their education while maintaining their current commitments.
Related Programs
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Early Childhood – MAED
Create learning experiences that make an impact on young learners.
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Social Emotional Learning, Character, and Ethics – MAEL
Specialize in SEL education practices essential to student well-being.
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Educational Leadership – MAEL
Transform educational policies, systems, and communities.
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School Psychology – MAED
Help children thrive in and out of the classroom with…
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School Counseling – MAED
Transform students’ lives with a master’s in school counseling.
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Learning, Design, and Technology – MAED
Grow your ability to design accessible and equitable learning experiences…
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Educational Administration – MAED
Continue working while earning your graduate degree online.
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Curriculum and Instruction – MAED
Innovate Your Classroom. Elevate Your Teaching.
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Special Education Teaching
Prepare to teach diverse learners with developmental disabilities.
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Secondary Teaching
Gain the skills and knowledge you need to teach at…
Sources
1U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, on the internet, at:
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/field-of-degree/education/education-field-of-degree.htm (viewed Nov. 14, 2024).
Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.