Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Secondary Education
Program Details
Why Pursue Your M.Ed. in Secondary Education at Xavier University?
Xavier University’s Adolescence to Young Adult Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Secondary Education prepares students to become beginning, secondary or PreK-12 teachers and ensures they meet state licensure requirements. Graduate with practical skills and knowledge. 99% of our master’s degree students pass the licensure exam.
Through the M.Ed. program, you gain a strong foundation in liberal arts education, emphasizing the importance of the individual, educational growth and professional development via thorough classroom instruction and in-depth experience with practicing secondary or K-12 teachers. Enroll today and get ready to manage your classroom and make a difference in students' lives!
Choose From Three Degree Pathways
To accommodate our students’ varied backgrounds and professional goals, Xavier offers numerous secondary education programs.
- Non-licensure Option
Students who are practicing teachers and want to enhance their instructional skills can pursue the 30-credit hour Master of Education in Secondary Education program. This course of study allows students to obtain their master’s degree alone, without licensure, or add coursework leading to Secondary Education licensure. - Teaching Licensure Option
Xavier created the graduate licensure program for students who do not currently have a baccalaureate degree in the licensure content area, which allows students working toward licensure as Adolescent to Young Adult (Grades 7-12) or Multi-Age (PreK-12) teachers to enroll in degree- and licensure-specific courses concurrently. Learn more by contacting the Department of Secondary and Special Education for guidance. - Teacher Licensure for Career Changers
Our X-Alt program supports career-changing students who want to teach at the high school level by creating a clear path to teacher licensure. Students in the X-Alt program hold a bachelor’s degree in their licensure content area but do not hold a teaching license. As they progress through the program, students can complete their licensure in conjunction with a Master of Education in Secondary Education.
Tailor Your Education by Selecting a Licensure Concentration
In our M.Ed. program, you can specialize your degree and focus your career trajectory by selecting a licensure concentration. These require additional coursework and can be planned as part of the degree program.
Fields of licensure include the following:
- Grades 7-12 (Adolescent to Young Adult): Chemistry, Integrated Language Arts (English), Integrated Mathematics, Integrated Science. Integrated Social Studies, Life Science, Physics
- Grades Pre K-12 (Multi-Age): French, German, Music, Spanish, Theater, Visual Art
Admission
Xavier accepts applications to the Master's in Special Education program on a rolling basis, allowing students to start in the summer, fall or spring term. Successful applicants should meet the following criteria:
Undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited university.
Admission test score.
When applying to the M.Ed. in Educational Administration program, please submit the following:
- Online graduate application.
Official transcripts of all previous undergraduate and graduate coursework sent directly from the college or university.
Please send electronic transcripts to xugrad@xavier.edu or hard copies to:
Xavier University
Admission Processing Center
3800 Victory Parkway
Cincinnati, Ohio 45207-5131 - Official test scores from the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). If you have previously taken the GRE and want to have your scores sent to Xavier, please contact GRE at 1-888-GRE-SCORE.
Our Admissions Committee processes and reviews your application immediately upon receiving all the necessary materials and considers all the information in your application, including prior grades, test scores and evidence of potential for success in graduate study.
Xavier waives required test scores if you are:
- A state-licensed teacher.
- Pursuing an M.Ed. or MSEd without licensure (if undergrad GPA is 3.0 or higher).
- Pursuing a principal or administration license.
- Pursuing a second license or endorsement.
- Pursuing a Montessori teaching credential only.
International students may have additional application requirements. Review Xavier’s International Graduate Admissions for more information.
For questions regarding the application process, please email the Office of Graduate Services at xugrad@xavier.edu.
Curriculum
Xavier designs the core curriculum of the M.Ed. in Secondary Education program for educators of all experience levels, empowering them to gain a broad range of new skills and excel in the classroom.
The secondary education program curriculum requires 30 credit hours, consisting of nine credits of core classes and 21 credit hours of approved elective courses. Students can complete the master’s program with an initial teacher licensure program.
Our core classes offer a broad spectrum overview of the American educational system, its philosophies, history and organization. Students also explore the intricacies of academic research methodologies and gain experience conducting and generating a comprehensive research paper.
To build upon these fundamental classes, students take seven approved courses that venture into their unique interests and content areas to support the specialization of their expertise and progress toward their teaching licensure.
Sample Courses
- EDFD 500: History and Philosophy of American Education - In this course, students dive into the historical, social and philosophical influences that impact the American educational system. Students also learn about the professional ethics and values of school administrators.
- EDFD 505: Organization of Education Systems in the U.S. - This class examines the interrelationship of the federal, state and local governments and their influences on public and private education. Additionally, students study the administrative functions of teachers in elementary, middle and secondary schools and their multicultural implications.
- EDFD 507: Educational Research - Students investigate the various educational research methodologies and statistics in research. The course culminates in a comprehensive research project and paper to showcase students’ skill sets.
Tuition and Fees
Xavier University provides affordable tuition rates and supportive financial aid resources to help you invest in education and achieve your personal and professional goals.When we seek something more, we become something greater.
Find more information about how you can become a Musketeer.
Request Information99% Teaching Licensure Exam Pass Rate
With more than 200 graduate students, the Secondary Education Program stands as one of Xavier's most popular education programs. Despite its popularity, we have maintained small class sizes to provide personalized attention to our students. Because of this attention to the individual needs of our students, our program yields favorable outcomes, with 99% of Xavier’s teacher licensure students passing their state exams.
Licensure Options for Secondary Education Students
In addition to the 30 credit hours of coursework required for the degree, graduate students can add classes for licensure in an area of specialty they choose, from science and language to history, music and art. Coursework for licensure areas can be planned as part of the degree program, empowering students to earn their master’s and licensure simultaneously.
Participate in Transformative Student Teaching Experiences
All students seeking licensure in secondary education experience an entire semester of supervised student teaching in local classrooms to develop their practical skills. Through long-term partnerships with over 50 regional school districts, Xavier has cultivated thriving relationships with local educators that benefit our students, their field experiences and student teaching opportunities.
Career Outlook for Teachers
Due to the continual demand for qualified and competent educators, the employment rate for kindergarten, elementary and high school teachers remains steady. Each year, more than 100,000 kindergarten and elementary school educator roles and 67,000 high school positions become available, showcasing the need for teachers passionate about education and committed to impacting students' lives.
Additionally, because of this consistent call for educators, they can earn a dependable annual salary of $69,480. Teachers’ earning potential fluctuates from $46,480 to $101,710 based on state, school district, years of experience and education level. By achieving your master’s in secondary education, you boost your chances of increasing your annual income and tackling advanced positions.
Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Secondary Education Program at Xavier University
At Xavier University’s Master of Education in Secondary Education program, you receive a rigorous liberal arts education and hands-on training to help you grow as an educator and leader. With various concentrations and licensure opportunities, you can customize your degree to suit your professional goals and develop essential skills. Enrich your career and pedagogical knowledge by enrolling in Xavier’s M.Ed. in Secondary Education.
Xavier University's College of Professional Sciences prepares undergraduate and graduate students intellectually, morally and spiritually for careers and professions of service. CPS challenges students to strive for academic excellence and life-long learning through promoting collaboration and community partnerships, and incorporating research, scholarship and innovation.
Xavier University is a private university located in Cincinnati, Ohio, providing a liberal arts education in the Jesuit Catholic tradition. Founded in 1831, the University is the sixth-oldest Catholic university in the nation. It has been ranked among the top 10 master's-level universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report for the past two decades. The Princeton Review names it one of the "Best 385 Colleges in America."