The Graduate Education Program at Christian Brothers University has one mission, with two levels of program. Our core mission is to prepare excellent K-12 teachers who will lead in their classrooms and in their schools and thus add value to the lives and learning of children and young people even as they also make strong contributions to the improvement of schools where they teach.

The Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree program is designed to provide advanced professional development for already licensed classroom teachers. The M.Ed. is also appropriate for others in the field of education, e.g., community educators, professional staff and administrators at area community colleges, and trainers/developers in corporate or non-profit settings. In addition to the M.Ed. for advanced professional development, CBU offers an Educational Leadership Program, through the Master of Science (M.S.) degree, which prepares individuals for formal school leadership roles (principal, assistant principal, supervisor, or facilitator) and for the Beginning Administrator License (BAL) in Tennessee. The BAL program is also available on a licensure-only track for individuals who already possess a master’s degree in education.

Get the MEd Application (PDF Format)
Get the MEd Application Attachments (PDF Format)
MED Graduate Recommendation Form (PDF Format)
Education Financial Assistance

Degree Design

The M.Ed. degree, usually used for advanced professional development, is available in two tracks: teacher-leadership and curriculum and instruction. The M.Ed. can also be tailored to around a second endorsement in a desired area: elementary education, middle school education, and secondary education licenses. CBU is also planning to add a concentration for reading specialists.

M.Ed. Course Sequence(PDF Format)
M.Ed. Degree Checklist(PDF Format)
M.Ed. Degree Checklist, Concentration Other (PDF Format)
M.Ed. 2 Year Course Plan (PDF Format)

A Program of Distinction

Heritage

CBU has been preparing learners to be leaders since 1871. Since 1997, CBU has also been preparing leaders for learners through its Graduate Education Program. The heritage is even richer, including three centuries of the internationally renowned Lasallian educational tradition of the Christian Brothers. CBU is well-known for offering small classes, a personal touch in advising, a practical approach to professional development, a concern for the dignity and worth of the human being, a focus on ethics in curriculum and program, and an experienced, excellent faculty. The Graduate Education Program has developed a positive reputation for its preparation of teachers, both initial and advanced, in less than a decade.

Practical Emphasis and Outcomes

At the advanced level, M.Ed. and M.S. students experience a problem-based approach, focusing on the real dilemmas that are part of contemporary school environments. Through a challenging core curriculum that emphasizes case studies, current issues, and the call to improve schools, all advanced students in the Graduate Education Program are encouraged to become self-directed, collaborative, ethically inspired educators. Advanced students are also taught by a combination of academic faculty and current practitioners. By completing the M.Ed. and the M.S. programs, students are expected to add to the overall leadership capacity of their schools.

Leadership

Throughout the program, students are challenged to assume the responsibilities of leadership, to take initiative to solve problems, to show persistence and dedication, and to establish a moral position of advocacy for the learning and lives of children and young people. Initial licensure candidates are encouraged to become advocates for best practice in classrooms and schools, for a fully professional status and stance for teachers, and for the enhancement and transformation of schools into learning communities where the best is expected from everyone. The advanced candidates are expected to exemplify and model teacher-leadership in their classrooms, their schools, and their communities.

Technology

In keeping with the strong technological emphasis that is part of CBU’s heritage, all students in the M.A.T. program are expected to acquire and enhance their technological expertise. M.A.T. students develop an electronic portfolio designed around state, national, and institutional core standards. This portfolio is designed to follow them into their job search and to showcase their abilities to teach using technology. M.Ed. and M.S. students also highlight aspects of their work using a similar process. CBU’s technology capacity in education has been enhanced through its participation in the IBM Reinventing 3 grant as well as through the continual updating provided by CBU’s Information Technology Services unit.

A Learning Community

CBU offers both new educators and continuing professionals a true experience of a learning community. The faculty is committed to teamwork in delivering an outstanding overall program to students. Faculty members know students on an individual basis and are concerned with their development and success. The program and classes are small enough that students have the experience of being treated as individuals. The quality of advising is high, and students have many opportunities for in-depth feedback that can enhance their own growth and learning.

Admission Requirements

For the Advanced Program (M.Ed. or M.S.)

1. Clarify your goal: if you want to stay in the classroom, M.Ed.; if you are planning to go into administration, M.S.
2. Obtain the right admissions packet for your goal. Call the Graduate and Professional Studies office at (901) 321-3291 with your mailing information or click on the application link above to download one.
3. If you are a fully licensed teacher already, you do not have further testing to do. If you have less than a 2.5 undergraduate gpa and are not a fully licensed teacher, we request an acceptable GRE or MAT score.
4. Complete the application, including all official transcripts (with an undergraduate gpa of 2.5 minimum preferred), letters of recommendation, and required essays.
5. After a successful review of the application, have an interview with the Graduate Education Admissions Committee.