Educational Studies (M.Ed.)

The Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Educational Studies is a master’s degree program that can be completed fully or partially online. It is designed for educators working in both school and non-school settings who wish to expand their knowledge of education, improve their educational practice, and positively impact the educational settings they are engaged with. The M.Ed. is also intended to provide a foundation in educational studies for individuals broadly interested in education in a variety of settings, including public and private schools, afterschool settings and informal learning settings such as museums and camps, business, educational and research centers, and national and state agencies. The program provides a context in which participants can develop tools of inquiry to investigate questions about teaching, mentoring, learning and school reform, and to inspire others to work toward positive change to the education system. This program does not lead to a teaching or administrative credential.

The program is structured around a knowledge and application core that includes a course on: contemporary issues in education; the analysis of teaching, mentoring and learning; and educational research methods. Program participants will also complete electives, designed to provide depth or breadth to their course of study. Finally, program participants will complete an inquiry project course in which they develop a literature review on an educational issue of their choice, conduct research, and present their findings in the context of the course. The program includes flexible options for study, including a fully online option.

The M.Ed. in Educational Studies requires a minimum of 30 credits.

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Program participants choose a set of four elective courses in consultation with their advisor, reflecting their personal, professional, and academic interests, needs, and goals. The electives are intended to provide breadth and depth to each participant’s course of study. At least two electives must be courses whose primary topical focus is education (8 credits). Students should consult with their advisor to have education elective options approved. The other two elective courses may be taken in education, another department at UNH, or another approved institution with the appropriate permission and consistent with Graduate School transfer credit policies (6 – 8 credits, depending on school / department). Electives can be online, hybrid, or face-­to-­face courses.

Accelerated Master's Overview

Accelerated Master’s programs offer qualified University of New Hampshire undergraduate students the opportunity to begin graduate coursework in select graduate programs while completing a bachelor’s degree. Accelerated master's programs are designed to provide students with an efficient and cost-effective pathway to earn both a bachelor's and master's degree or graduate certificate, enhancing career opportunities and long-term earning potential.

Accelerated Master's Highlights

• Begin studying advanced topics while an undergraduate student with the opportunity to complete a master’s degree or graduate certificate early.
• Master’s degree program students: Earn up to 12* graduate (800-level) course credits while completing a bachelor’s degree. This coursework will count as dual-credit toward both the bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
• Graduate certificate program students: Earn up to 8* graduate (800-level) course credits while completing a bachelor’s degree. This coursework will count as dual-credit toward both the bachelor’s degree and the graduate certificate.
• Students complete the bachelor’s degree, and then officially matriculate into the master’s or graduate certificate program to complete the remaining required graduate-level coursework.

*Some exceptions apply. 

Accelerated Master's Admission Requirements

• A minimum 3.2 cumulative GPA is required.*
• A minimum of 90 undergraduate credits must be completed prior to enrolling in graduate (800-level) courses.
• Streamlined Graduate School Application (two letters of recommendation; most standardized tests and application fee are waived).*

*Some exceptions apply.

Accelerated Master's Requirements

• Students must attend a mandatory orientation session.
• Students must submit a special registration form each semester for dual-credit courses and note any DegreeWorks exceptions.
• Students may defer graduate matriculation for up to one year after earning their bachelor’s degree in most programs.
• See the Accelerated Master’s Catalog Policy and Accelerated Master’s Website for additional information and a list of programs. Note that some programs have additional requirements (e.g. higher-grade expectations) compared to the general policy.

Educational Studies (M.Ed.) Accelerated Option

This graduate degree program is approved to be taken on an accelerated basis in articulation with the following undergraduate program(s):

• Students will learn how to analyze and critique issues in education.
• Students will apply learning theory to educational issues in both formal and informal learning contexts.
• Students will learn to critique and design educational research.
• Students will gain expertise in one or more substantive areas of inquiry in educational research, policy, and/or practice.