Virtual Open House - Thursday, April 9: 5–6:30pm
Join us at one of our upcoming virtual Graduate School Open House events on Zoom!
You’ll have the opportunity to learn more about Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓÆµ,
participate in a Q&A with current students, and meet key program representatives.
What You'll Learn
The M.A.Ed. programs equip students with advanced knowledge in the chosen area of
concentration while expanding their understanding of child and educational psychology
and exploring innovative approaches to building intentional curricula, while candidates
simultaneously hone and develop research skills. The programs include both hours in
the professional core and hours in the concentration area. All M.A.Ed. programs lead
successful candidates to a recommendation for Advanced Competencies licensure (SP2)
from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.
Where You'll Go
Educators with an M.A.Ed. have more opportunities for lateral movement, teaching advanced
courses, and working in collegiate environments. Graduates often pursue administrative
positions or use their advanced content knowledge and leadership skills to work as
instructional coordinators, trainers or teachers in businesses outside of education.
The Masters of Arts in Education offers opportunities for individuals who already
hold a North Carolina teaching license to become more professionally competitive.
This 30-36 hour degree can open doors and provide a new level of understanding and
expertise in the field. Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓÆµ offers the M.A.Ed. in Comprehensive
Education with concentrations in Art, Biology, Elementary Education, English, Middle
Grades Education, Special Education, and Social Sciences.
The College of Education and Allied Professions is accredited by the Council for the
Accreditation of Education Preparation (CAEP, formerly NCATE)
Candidates with current National Board Certification in the concentration area have
demonstrated advanced competencies and are exempted from the required portfolio. Furthermore,
written essays are submitted in lieu of GRE scores in the following concentrations:
Art, English, Elementary, Middle Grades, and Special Education.
The Elementary, Middle Grades, and Special Education programs are 30 hour programs
offered completely online.
Degree Options
School
College of Education & Allied Professions, School of Teaching & Learning
Location
On-Campus / Residential or Online (depending on concentration)
Length
Part-Time & Full-Time Options — Designed for licensed teachers seeking advanced credentials
Time to Complete:
30–36 graduate semester hours, depending on concentration and prior licensure/licensure
area
Check the Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓÆµGraduate School application deadlines (varies by cycle)
More About WCU's M.A.Ed. Comprehensive Education
°Â°ä±«â€™s M.A.Ed. in Comprehensive Education is designed for already-licensed teachers
seeking to deepen their expertise and advance their careers. The program pairs a foundational
professional core with concentration-specific coursework (e.g. English, Social Sciences,
Special Education, Elementary, Middle Grades, Art, Biology) to expand content knowledge,
pedagogical skills, and educational research competence.
Students engage in advanced study of curriculum design, educational psychology, assessment,
differentiation/diversity, leadership, and research-based instructional practices.
Upon completion, graduates are eligible for recommendation for the state’s Advanced
Competencies (SP2) licensure — positioning them for leadership roles, advanced teaching
assignments, curriculum coordination, or other education-related opportunities.
The M.A.Ed. Comprehensive Education program deepens professional expertise in instructional
design, assessment, leadership, and differentiation. Designed for practicing educators,
it supports career advancement and strengthens teachers’ ability to create high-impact,
student-centered learning.
Graduates complete required coursework and the Advanced Licensure Portfolio demonstrating
mastery of North Carolina’s Graduate Teacher Standards. The program strengthens teachers’
ability to lead, innovate, research, assess learning, and support diverse learners
in K–12 classrooms.
CEAP develops skilled professionals through evidence-based instruction, practical
experience, and field-based learning. Programs emphasize inclusive teaching, leadership,
assessment, and collaboration.
What’s Happening
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