Move your career forward while enriching others' lives – and your own.
You’ve made the decision to teach, thereby improving our schools and communities – not to mention the individual lives of your students. Earning a Master of Arts in Education (MAEd) degree could be the next step that launches you into new possibilities in education. University of the Cumberlands’ master's in education online program offers several study options for you to emphasize a specific passion of yours, all with the convenience and flexibility of online courses.
By the Numbers
Programs & Requirements
Master of Arts in Education
An online Master’s of Arts in Education is designed to help educators and teaching professionals like you take the next step on their career paths—traditionally toward a job in administration or for educator roles outside of their current area of teaching expertise. Our online degree program offers concentrations that touch on literacy, counseling, and leadership, helping teachers qualify for specialized positions in and around the classroom.
Course Requirements
EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATIONS (CORE)
- EDOL 547 - Diversity in a Multicultural Society
- EDOL 630 - Research Methods in Education
- EDOL 634 - Curriculum Management and Assessment
AREA OF SPECIALIZATION – 15 Hours Required
- ENOL 531 - Writing Instruction for the Content Areas
- REOL 530 - Reading and Writing Foundations
- REOL 632 - Strategies for Reading Programs
- REOL 630 - Diagnosis of Reading and Writing Problems
- REOL 533 - Teaching Reading in the Content Areas
PROFESSIONAL COURSES – 6 Hours Required
- EDOL 630 - Research Methods in Education
- EDOL 631 - Advanced Human Development, Learning Behavior
- SPOL 530 - Characteristics, Identification, and Instruction of Students with Disabilities
- COOL 530 - Introduction to School Counseling *
- COOL 531 - Social and Cultural Foundations of Counseling
- COOL 536 - Psychological Assessments
- COOL 538 - Counseling Individuals with Diverse Needs
- COOL 539 - Career Development
- COOL 540 - Counseling Theories & Techniques I
- COOL 630 - Introduction to Addiction Counseling
- COOL 631 - Legal and Ethical Issues in Counseling
- COOL 632 - Advanced Clinical Assessment
- COOL 634 - Group Counseling
- COOL 636 - Counseling aspects of Grief and Loss
- COOL 637 - Counseling Practicum (For Teachers) OR COOL 638 - Counseling Internship (For Non-Teachers)
*Pre-requisite to all COOL courses
Level I Certification
- ADOL 636 - School Law I
- ADM 650 - Introduction to School Leadership
- ADM 661 - The School Principal’s Role in Improving School Climate and Culture
- ADM 662 - School and Community Relations
- ADM 670 - Resource Allocation: Strategic Management and School Budgeting
- ADM 671 - The Principal’s Role in Curriculum Leadership
- ADM 672 - Assessing the Instructional Program & Monitoring Student Performance
- ADM 675 - The School Principal’s Role in Creating Organizational Structures & Operations
- ADM 676 - Human Resource Leadership
- ADM 679 - Research and Development: Capstone Project
All courses require field/clinical experience hours to pass the course.
- EDOL 544 - Creating the Effective Inclusive Classroom *(First Course)
- MAOL 531 - Teaching Math to Learners with Disabilities
- REOL 531 - Reading and Writing Foundations
- SPOL 530 - Characteristics, Identification, and Instruction of Students with Disabilities *(Pre-requisite to all SPOL courses)
- SPOL 533 - Collaborative Curriculum and Transition Planning
- SPOL 631 - Special Education Assessment and Evaluation
- SPOL 632 - Consultation and Collaboration for Curriculum Design
- SPOL 634 - Working with Parents of Candidates with Disabilities
- SPOL 635 - Classroom Behavior Management for Special Student Populations
- SPOL 637 - Methods and Materials of Instructional Interventions for Students with Learning and Behavior Disabilities
Teacher Leader
An online Master of Arts in Education is designed to help educators and teaching professionals like you take the next step on their career paths—traditionally toward a job in administration or for educator roles outside of their current area of teaching expertise. Our online degree program offers concentrations touching on literacy, counseling, and leadership, helping teachers qualify for specialized positions in and around the classroom.
Course Requirements
TEACHER LEADER CORE CURRICULUM – 12 HOURS
- REOL 533 - Teaching Reading in the Content Areas
- EDOL 630 - Research Methods in Education
- EDOL 643 - Best Practices for Coaching and Mentoring Teachers
- EDOL 647 - Teacher Leader in Professional Learning Communities
TEACHER LEADER ENDORSEMENT CURRICULUM – 18 HOURS
TEACHER LEADER CORE CURRICULUM – 12 HOURS
- REOL 533 - Teaching Reading in the Content Areas
- EDOL 630 - Research Methods in Education
- EDOL 643 - Best Practices for Coaching and Mentoring Teachers
- EDOL 647 - Teacher Leader in Professional Learning Communities
TEACHER LEADER ENDORSEMENT CURRICULUM – 18 HOURS
- ENOL 534 - British Literature
- ENOL 534 - British Literature *(Repeat with Different Topic)
- ENOL 535 - Studies in Modern Literature
- ENOL 535 - Studies in Modern Literature *(Repeat with Different Topic)
- ENOL 550 - Creative Writing
- REOL 536 - Young Adult and Children’s Literature
TEACHER LEADER CORE CURRICULUM – 12 HOURS
- REOL 533 - Teaching Reading in the Content Areas
- EDOL 630 - Research Methods in Education
- EDOL 643 - Best Practices for Coaching and Mentoring Teachers
- EDOL 647 - Teacher Leader in Professional Learning Communities
TEACHER LEADER ENDORSEMENT CURRICULUM – 18 HOURS
- ADOL 653 - Assessment of and for Student Learning
- ESLO 610 - Teaching ESL in a Multicultural Society
- ESLO 615 - Phonology for ESL Teachers
- ESLO 620 - Methods and Materials for Teaching ESL
- ESLO 630 - Methods for Teaching English as an International Language
- ESLO 635 - Teaching ESL through Reading and Writing
TEACHER LEADER CORE CURRICULUM – 12 HOURS
- EDOL 630 - Research Methods in Education
- REOL 533 - Teaching Reading in the Content Areas
- EDOL 643 - Best Practices for Coaching and Mentoring Teachers
- EDOL 647 - Teacher Leader in Professional Learning Communities
TEACHER LEADER ENDORSEMENT CURRICULUM – 18 HOURS
- HHP 534 - Exercise Physiology
- HHP 536 - Foundations of Physical Activity in Health Promotion
- HHP 630 - Health Promotion through Physical Activity
- HHP 632 - Current Issues in Health Promotion
- HHP 635 - Youth Health and Fitness
- HHP 637 - Applied Sports Medicine
- HHP 638 - Administrative and Management Strategies
- HHP 639 - Special Topics
TEACHER LEADER CORE CURRICULUM – 12 HOURS
- REOL 533 - Teaching Reading in the Content Areas
- EDOL 630 - Research Methods in Education
- EDOL 643 - Best Practices for Coaching and Mentoring Teachers
- EDOL 647 - Teacher Leader in Professional Learning Communities
TEACHER LEADER ENDORSEMENT CURRICULUM – 18 HOURS
- REOL 534 - Methods and Materials for Teaching Language Arts K-5
- ADOL 653 - Assessment of and for Student Learning
- EDOL 539 - Modern Elementary School
- SPOL 635 - Classroom Behavior Management for Special Student Populations
- REOL 531 - Reading and Writing Foundations
- EDOL 542 - Change, Professional Development and Teacher Improvement
TEACHER LEADER CORE CURRICULUM – 12 HOURS
- REOL 533 - Teaching Reading in the Content Areas
- EDOL 630 - Research Methods in Education
- EDOL 643 - Best Practices for Coaching and Mentoring Teachers
- EDOL 647 - Teacher Leader in Professional Learning Communities
TEACHER LEADER ENDORSEMENT CURRICULUM – 18 HOURS
- MAOL 530 - Topics in Mathematics I
- MAOL 530 - Topics in Mathematics I *(Repeat with Different Topic)
- MAOL 630 - Topics in Mathematics II
- MAOL 630 - Topics in Mathematics II *(Repeat with Different Topic)
- MAOL 631 - Topics in Geometry Credit(s):
- MAOL 631 - Topics in Geometry Credit(s): *(Repeat with Different Topic)
TEACHER LEADER CORE CURRICULUM – 12 HOURS
- REOL 533 - Teaching Reading in the Content Areas
- EDOL 630 - Research Methods in Education
- EDOL 643 - Best Practices for Coaching and Mentoring Teachers
- EDOL 647 - Teacher Leader in Professional Learning Communities
TEACHER LEADER ENDORSEMENT CURRICULUM – 18 HOURS
*All courses require field/clinical experience hours to pass the course.
TEACHER LEADER CORE CURRICULUM – 12 HOURS
- REOL 533 - Teaching Reading in the Content Areas
- EDOL 630 - Research Methods in Education
- EDOL 643 - Best Practices for Coaching and Mentoring Teachers
- EDOL 647 - Teacher Leader in Professional Learning Communities
TEACHER LEADER ENDORSEMENT CURRICULUM – 18 HOURS
TEACHER LEADER CORE CURRICULUM – 12 HOURS
- REOL 533 - Teaching Reading in the Content Areas
- EDOL 630 - Research Methods in Education
- EDOL 643 - Best Practices for Coaching and Mentoring Teachers
- EDOL 647 - Teacher Leader in Professional Learning Communities
TEACHER LEADER ENDORSEMENT CURRICULUM – 18 HOURS
Option 6 is Kentucky's university-based alternative certification route. Teacher or administrative candidates who are fully admitted into one of the programs below are eligible for hire via Option 6. Upon receiving an offer for hire in a qualifying position, Option 6 candidates may earn a temporary/provisional license for employment as a teacher while concurrently completing coursework in one of the programs below.
The Option 6 program is for individuals enrolled concurrently with employment as a teacher (in the MAT program) or as an administrator (in the MAED or Ed.S. programs). Candidates in the Option 6 programs follow Track B for Continuous Assessment, while candidates in the Traditional programs follow Track A for Continuous Assessment. Students must have passing scores on all state-required exams before a recommendation can be made for professional licensure.
The following programs provide eligibility for Option 6 upon full admission:
- School Principal, MAED
- School Counselor, MAED
Take the Next Step
Mission and Goals
UC's Master of Arts in Education online, you'll gain an understanding of critical concepts and master crucial higher education skills. This program is designed to support a lifelong pursuit of professional achievement, responsible service, and leadership.
Education Careers & Outcomes
All stats from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Curriculum and Assessment Director: $120,130
Curriculum and Assessment Director: $120,130
Plan coordinate, and direct skills- and knowledge-enhancement programs for an organization’s staff.
Instructional Coordinator: $63,740
Instructional Coordinator: $63,740
Instructional coordinators oversee school curriculums and teaching standards. They develop instructional material, implement it, and assess its effectiveness.
Principal: $98,420
Principal: $98,420
Elementary, middle, and high school principals oversee all school operations, including daily school activities.
School Counselor: $60,510
School Counselor: $60,510
School counselors help students develop academic and social skills. Career counselors and advisors help people choose a path to employment.
Educational Development Specialist: $61,570
Educational Development Specialist: $61,570
Training and development specialists plan and administer programs that improve the skills and knowledge of their employees.
Postsecondary Teacher: $79,640
Postsecondary Teacher: $79,640
Postsecondary teachers instruct students in a variety of academic subjects beyond the high school level.
Common Questions
A Master of Arts in Education (MAEd) is a graduate degree designed for licensed educators who wish to further develop their knowledge, skills, and dispositions to enhance teaching outcomes. This program focuses on advanced educational theories, research, and practices to improve teaching effectiveness and prepare educators for leadership roles.
The MAEd program at the University of the Cumberlands can be completed in as little as 30 credit hours, which typically takes about two years of full-time study. The duration may vary depending on the student’s pace and specific program requirements.
Yes, the University of the Cumberlands offers the MAEd program online, providing flexibility for working professionals. The online format allows educators to balance their studies with personal and professional responsibilities.
Yes, earning an MAEd is worth it for educators seeking to advance their careers, enhance their teaching skills, and increase their earning potential. The program opens doors to various educational leadership roles and specialized teaching positions.
With an MAEd, you can pursue various roles such as curriculum and assessment director, instructional coordinator, principal, school counselor, educational development specialist, and postsecondary teacher. These positions involve overseeing school curriculums, developing instructional materials, and providing educational guidance and leadership.
To get an MAEd, you need to have a bachelor’s degree and meet the prerequisite requirements for the program. After being accepted into an accredited MAEd program, you will complete the required coursework and any necessary practicums or internships. The University of the Cumberlands offers an online MAEd program that includes 30 credit hours of coursework.
A Master of Education can be either an MA (Master of Arts) or an MS (Master of Science), depending on the institution and the program's focus. An MA typically emphasizes the theoretical aspects of education, while an MS may focus more on the scientific and research components.
The choice between a Master of Arts (MA) and a Master of Education (MEd) depends on your career goals and interests. An MAEd often focuses on advanced teaching methods and educational theories, making it suitable for those interested in becoming educational leaders or specialists. An MEd might be more appropriate for those interested in the administrative and policy aspects of education.
A master’s degree in education typically requires around 30 to 45 credit hours, depending on the specific program and concentration. The MAEd program at the University of the Cumberlands requires 30 credit hours.
Yes, you can teach with a master’s in education. An MAEd can qualify you for advanced teaching positions, specialized roles, and educational leadership positions. It can also enhance your teaching credentials and increase your eligibility for higher-paying jobs.
A master’s in education generally takes about two years of full-time study to complete. The exact duration may vary depending on the program's structure, the student’s pace, and whether the student is studying full-time or part-time.
Yes! University of the Cumberlands' School of Education is accredited through Kentucky's Educational Professional Standards Board (EPSB) and has national accreditation through the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) at the initial-licensure level and advanced-level. UC’s School of Education has earned national accreditation by demonstrating excellence in the areas of content and pedagogy, clinical experiences, selectivity, program impact, and capacity for continuous improvement.
For more information:
KDE/EPSB – State Accreditation
University of the Cumberlands' School of Education is further accredited through Kentucky's Educational Professional Standards Board (EPSB), 100 Airport Road, 3rd Floor, Frankfort, KY 40601. (502) 564-4606. Fax: (502) 564-7080.
CAEP – National Accreditation
The School of Education at University of the Cumberlands (UC) is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) at the initial-licensure level and advanced-level. CAEP promotes excellence in educator preparation through quality assurance and continuous improvement. UC’s School of Education has earned national accreditation by demonstrating excellence in the areas of content and pedagogy, clinical experiences, selectivity, program impact, and capacity for continuous improvement.
CAEP Address: 1140 19th St NW #400, Washington, DC 20036
CAEP Phone Number: (202) 223-0077
You will be working with staff in the School of Education to make sure you are on track. UC offers a variety of programs in education so certain requirements do not apply to everyone. It is important to review your specific Plan Program/Curriculum Contract to know what is required of you.
The School of Education has provided a list of items you are required to have turned in by the time you complete your program. The list can be seen on your MyUC account located under the “Student Tab”. The list appears in red and will show the item(s) that are past due. Please do not be alarmed when you see this, it is a computer glitch and you need not worry. We are simply letting you know what is still needed from you at this point, as well as, what will be required of you to complete the program. It is our hope that you will have a smooth transition when you exit your program.
Certification & Reciprocity for Education Programs
Learn more about the certification process for Cumberlands education programs.
Faculty Experts
Learn more about the professors you will interact with during your studies.
Dr. Debbie Richard
Dr. Eric Jay Rosser
Dr. Jennifer Chambers
Dr. Jennifer Chambers
Contact Information
Graduation Education Handbooks & Resources
Education students in our graduate programs will need to access program handbooks, forms and other resources throughout their academic career.
Request Information
Ask us your questions and find out if the Master of Arts in Education program is right for you.