Accelerated Master of Education for Instructional Improvement (M.Ed.)
New Leadership & TESL Cognates for 2025-2026
The Accelerated Master of Education for Instructional Improvement offers licensed teachers the opportunity to develop research skills, enhance their practice, and explore an area of professional interest through course selections within a cognate.
Students completing this program will develop and conduct a culminating research project. This pathway will be offered in a cohort format and is designed for professional development and does not lead directly to state endorsement or licensure.
The Details
WHEN: Starts summer 2025
WHERE: Hybrid program. Courses will be delivered Monday & Thursday nights or in an online format. On-campus courses will be at the Fredericksburg Campus and will include some online content.
Admission requirements:
- Possess a professional teaching license
- Meet the GPA expectations for graduate admission
- Adhere to cohort schedule for the accelerated program
Admission review will require:
- Application submission (free online process)
- Current resume
- Transcripts
- Professional Teaching License
- One-page goal statement
Leadership Cognate
Summer 2025
EDUC535 – ON-CAMPUS
Advanced Pedagogy (3 Credits)
Advanced study of theory, research and practice as it relates to planning, instruction, and assessment in the secondary and PreK-12 classroom.
EDUC 520 – ONLINE
Foundations of Educational Research (3 credits)
This purpose of this course is to explore research techniques and methodology.
EDEL541 – ONLINE
Leadership for School Improvement
(3 credits)
This course examines leadership in K-12 curriculum design, implementation, evaluation, and change.
Fall 2025
EDUC511 – ON-CAMPUS
Inclusive Practices in Education (3 Credits)
This course focuses on creating instructional opportunities that are adapted to diverse learners, increasing an understanding of the complexity of the roles of teachers.
EDEL543 – ONLINE
Professional Development and Mentorship of School Personnel (3 credits)
This course focuses on the foundations of leadership. Strategies and assessments related to instructional leadership, professional development, and mentoring school personnel are examined.
Spring 2026
EDUC531 – ON-CAMPUS
Introduction to Action Research (3 credits)
This course immerses M.Ed. candidates in scholarly writing and action research in areas of individual interest.
EDCI527 – ONLINE
Culturally Responsive Teaching & Learning (3 credits)
This course focuses on understanding the effects of socio-cultural variables on education systems and the practical application of theories in linguistically and culturally diverse classrooms.
EDEL546 – ON-CAMPUS
Educational Policy and Decision Making (3 credits)
This course focuses on the political, economic, and social concepts and strategies involved in educational policy development and decision making in a school setting.
Summer 2026
EDCI590 – ON-CAMPUS
Individual Research (3 credits)
This is an experience in self- directed learning and research, which are primary goals of the program.
EDCI546 – ON-CAMPUS
Evaluation for Instructional Improvement (3 credits)
This course focuses on models and practices for assessing student learning outcomes including value-added assessment and the use of test data in establishing a program improvement plan.
TESL Cognate
Summer 2025
EDUC535 – ON-CAMPUS
Advanced Pedagogy (3 Credits)
Advanced study of theory, research and practice as it relates to planning, instruction, and assessment in the secondary and PreK-12 classroom.
EDUC 520 – ONLINE
Foundations of Educational Research (3 credits)
This purpose of this course is to explore research techniques and methodology.
TESL515 – ONLINE
ESL Literacy Strategies: PreK-12 (3 credits)
This course focuses on strategic development of reading and writing skills in the content areas for PreK-12 English language learners.
Fall 2025
EDUC511 – ON-CAMPUS
Inclusive Practices in Education (3 Credits)
This course focuses on creating instructional opportunities that are adapted to diverse learners, increasing an understanding of the complexity of the roles of teachers.
TESL531 – ONLINE
ESL Curriculum, Assessment, and Leadership (3 credits)
This course provides practical, in-depth coverage of current approaches and research-based trends in teaching English language learners from PreK to adult.
Spring 2026
EDUC531 – ON-CAMPUS
Introduction to Action Research (3 credits)
This course immerses M.Ed. candidates in scholarly writing and action research in areas of individual interest.
EDCI527 – ONLINE
Culturally Responsive Teaching & Learning (3 credits)
This course focuses on understanding the effects of socio-cultural variables on education systems and the practical application of theories in linguistically and culturally diverse classrooms.
TESL532 – ON-CAMPUS
Differentiated Instruction Across the Curriculum for English Language Learners (3 credits)
This course provides an introduction to effective strategies for differentiating instruction for English language learners (ELLs) in the mainstream classrooms including understanding of the World-Class Instructional and Design Assessment (WIDA) English Language Development Standards.
Summer 2026
EDCI590 – ON-CAMPUS
Individual Research (3 credits)
This is an experience in self- directed learning and research, which are primary goals of the program.
EDCI546 – ON-CAMPUS
Evaluation for Instructional Improvement (3 credits)
This course focuses on models and practices for assessing student learning outcomes including value-added assessment and the use of test data in establishing a program improvement plan.
