Master of Arts (M.A.) in Education
Personalized Professional Pathways
Create a graduate study experience as unique as your students!
Why Choose the MA in Education: Personalized Professional Pathways at USJ?
The MA in Education: Personalized Professional Pathways (MAPPP) at the University of Saint Joseph offers educators a flexible, individualized graduate experience that adapts to your professional goals AND your schedule. With multiple pacing options, students may complete the program in approximately two years or accelerate and finish in as little as one year, depending on course load.
- Fully Online Cohort
Study from anywhere while staying connected to a supportive peer community.
- Live Virtual Classes
Courses meet live one or two evenings per week, depending on your chosen pace.
- 8-Week Courses
Focused, fast-paced courses designed for immediate classroom application.
- Flexible Pace Options
One course per 8-week term (one night per week): Complete the program in approximately two years
Two courses per 8-week term (two nights per week): Accelerate and complete the program in as little as one year
- Integrate Technology Tools
Learn to incorporate emerging technologies to enhance teaching and learning.
- Designed for Balance
Advance your career while continuing to teach—at a pace that works for you.
Save on tuition! This program is eligible for our Values and Vision Scholarship, awarding up to $2,000 annually for up to two consecutive years (up to $4,000 total).
Transformative Learning for Today’s Classrooms
The Master of Arts in Education: Personalized Professional Pathways is designed for experienced educators seeking targeted professional growth through a flexible and customizable graduate program. MAPPP empowers students to design a degree aligned with their instructional goals, classroom context, and career trajectory.
Through a blend of core courses, self-selected electives, and a personalized capstone project, students shape a learning pathway that reflects their professional interests. Whether you aim to strengthen technology integration, explore arts-based instruction, or expand inclusive practices for neurodiverse and multilingual learners, MAPPP supports the translation of theory into practice.
With 8‑week courses and the option to enroll in one or two courses per term, students can choose a standard two-year pathway or an accelerated one-year option, applying learning immediately to their classrooms.
Program Design
Students begin the program with a foundational course that supports goal-setting and the development of an individualized plan of study. Six self-selected pathway courses enable deep exploration aligned with professional interests and instructional needs.
Program Structure:
- Courses meet 4:45–8:45 PM
- Most courses are fully online, with occasional hybrid offerings
- Standard pace: One course per term (one evening per week) → completion in approximately two years
- Accelerated pace: Two courses per term (two evenings per week) → completion in as little as one year
The program also includes:
- Special Topics (EDUC 590) – In-depth exploration of a focused area of interest
- Educational Research (EDUC 515) – Foundations in inquiry, analysis, and evidence-based practice
- Reflective Practitioner Capstone (EDUC 537) – A culminating portfolio or project that synthesizes learning and professional growth
Prerequisites
Applicants must:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution (minimum GPA of 2.5)
- Have access to a classroom and students throughout the program to complete fieldwork requirements
Degree Requirements and Career Outcomes
To earn the Master of Arts in Education: Personalized Professional Pathways, students must complete all required courses, six elective pathway courses, and a course-embedded capstone project.
This program does not lead to a certification, licensure, or endorsement.
Through MAPPP, students will:
- Clarify instructional goals and design a customized plan of study
- Select graduate courses aligned with their professional pathway
- Build expertise in areas such as technology integration, inclusive education, arts integration, and multilingual instruction
- Examine current research, policies, and instructional trends
- Apply learning directly to classroom practice and student outcomes
- Document growth through a culminating capstone project or portfolio presentation
Click to view possible professional development goals for educators.
Plan of Study
| Course | Title | Hours |
| EDUC 511 | Educational Issues: Contemporary and Historical Perspectives Examines the philosophical, historical and social foundations of education in contemporary society. Explores a wide range of curriculum and policy issues influencing the major debates in the profession. | 3 |
| Pathway Course #1 Self-Selected: See Menu | 3 | |
| Pathway Course #2 Self-Selected: See Menu | 3 | |
| Pathway Course #3 Self-Selected: See Menu | 3 | |
| Pathway Course #4 Self-Selected: See Menu | 3 | |
| Pathway Course #5 Self-Selected: See Menu | 3 | |
| Pathway Course #6 Self-Selected: See Menu | 3 | |
| EDUC 590 | Special Topics Special topics course in Education | 3 |
| EDUC 515 | Educational Research Students will examine both qualitative and quantitative research and work together as a community of practice. The course requires an extensive literature review and research proposal of an educational topic. | 3 |
| EDUC 537 | Reflective Practitioner* This course is designed to support systematic self-evaluation of classroom teaching. Candidates will judge current practices and make plans for change in classroom organization and management, instructional planning, engaging all learners and/or evaluating student progress. Web based interactive learning tools will be used to support more effective instruction of students with disabilities in an inclusive classroom. Master’s Capstone project included. | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 30 |
Please Note:
*Master’s Capstone Project Included
The courses for this program may be offered in a different order. This list should not be considered the finalized course sequence.
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