ACCREDITED BY
Master of Arts in Education (MAE)
Advance Your Career. Empower Your Students.
Program Overview
The Master of Arts in Education (MAE) at National University is designed for educators ready to take the next step in their careers. Whether you want to strengthen your teaching practice, improve student outcomes, or move into leadership roles like curriculum specialist, department lead, or instructional coach, this flexible program supports your goals.
With 100%-online courses, you can balance school with your classroom and personal life. Expert faculty bring real-world insights you can apply immediately, while NU’s supportive services for working adults help you grow with confidence and make a lasting impact in your school and community.
Regionally Accredited
NU is accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), meeting rigorous standards, and ensuring transferability.
Flexible Format
100% online and convenient 4- and 8- week courses to maximize your work-life balance.
Specialize Your Program
Choose an area of emphasis: advanced teaching practices, early childhood education, technology, higher education administration, special education, or inspired teaching.
Scholarships Available
1:1 assistance navigating the financial aid process, and $55 million in scholarships and tuition reduction just last year.
Course Duration
Complete your MAE in just 10 months!
Key Courses
- Leading and Managing Change Education
- Theory & Technology Developing Online Courseware Identity
- Inclusion and Equity
Is a Master of Arts in Education Right for You?
An MAE is designed for educators and professionals who want to take the next step in their careers, whether you’re teaching in the classroom, leading programs, supporting students, or shaping education at a higher level.
K-12 Teachers
Build on your classroom experience and deepen your impact with advanced instructional strategies.
Curriculum Designers and Specialists
Develop innovative learning materials that improve outcomes for diverse learners across schools and districts.
Aspiring and Current Administrators
Gain the leadership skills to guide schools, programs, and communities with confidence.
School Counselors
Enhance your ability to support students’ academic, social, and personal growth.
Policy and Education Advocates
Drive change at the systems level by shaping policies that improve education for all learners.
Career-Ready Skills
Throughout the MAE program you will learn several practical, research-based tools you can apply right away to strengthen your teaching and expand your impact.
Integrate advanced approaches to instruction, assessment, and learning using digital tools and skills
Design learning experiences that include learner characteristics, principles of customized learning, and assessment as learning
Apply practitioner research methods to study and inform instruction in traditional and digital learning environments
Develop reflective practices that are grounded in current learning science research, professional ethics, and include pathways to continuous growth
With a Master of Arts in Education, you’ll have the skills and qualifications to pursue a range of meaningful education careers**:
Instructional Coordinators
$75,146
23,176 open positions in the last year
Education Administrators (Elementary/ Secondary)
$103,482
25,697 open positions in the last year
Postsecondary Education Administrators
$103,544
18,954 open positions in the last year
Click here to see more potential careers for MAE grads.
*Per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, August 2025 (bls.gov)
** Data Source: The career outcomes data presented is sourced from Lightcast, which provides insights based on real-time job postings, public datasets, and analytics. Lightcast derives its data from sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW), and the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES). While accurate and reliable, this data reflects general labor market trends and may not represent individual outcomes or specific local conditions. For more details on Lightcast’s methodology, visit their Data Overview.
Our Students.
Their Success Stories.
Why Choose NU?
National University’s Whole Human Education™ supports your well-being and success — we’ll be with you side by side, breaking barriers and helping you achieve your educational goals.
Financial
1:1 assistance for navigating the financial aid process, generous transfer credit policy, needs-based tuition reduction grant, and $55 million in scholarships and tuition reduction just last year.
Academic
4-week and 8-week online classes, unlimited free tutoring, individual coaching, writing center, and 150+ degree programs, credentials, and certificates
Career
NU Mentoring Network for individual student and alumni career guidance, professional development opportunities, access to job listings, and customized career support
Family and Community
Web-based student networking platform, student clubs and community service events, plus convenient course formats and flexible online options to balance work and family
Wellness
Free virtual mental health counseling, access to wellness resources, and Student Wellness Center offering 1:1 support for life challenges
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on your goals. For many educators, an MAE opens doors to higher pay, leadership opportunities, and specialized fields like curriculum design or instructional coaching.
An MAE can help you grow your career, boost your earning potential, and develop expertise in areas such as instructional design, leadership, or policy. It equips you with advanced skills to make a greater impact in education.
Graduates often move into roles such as curriculum specialist, instructional coach, administrator, school counselor, or policy advisor. Some also pursue doctoral studies for further specialization.
Ready to Talk About Achieving Your Educational Goals?