Accelerated Master of Education for Instructional Improvement (MEd)
The Accelerated Master of Education for Instructional Improvement offers licensed teachers the opportunity to develop research skills, enhance their practice, and explore an area of professional interest through course selections within a cognate.
Students completing this program will develop and conduct a culminating research project. This pathway will be offered in a cohort format and is designed for professional development and does not lead directly to state endorsement or licensure.
The Details
WHEN: Summer 2024
WHERE: Hybrid program. Courses will be delivered Monday & Thursday nights or in an online format. On-campus courses will be at the Fredericksburg Campus and will include some online content.

Admission requirements:
- Possess a professional teaching license
- Meet the GPA expectations for graduate admission
- Adhere to cohort schedule for the accelerated program
Admission review will require:
- Application submission (free online process)
- Current resume
- Transcripts
- Professional Teaching License
- One-page goal statement
Literacy Cognate
Summer 1
EDUC535 – ON-CAMPUS
Advanced Pedagogy (3 Credits)
Advanced study of theory, research and practice as it relates to planning, instruction, and assessment in the secondary and PreK-12 classroom.
EDUC 520 – ONLINE
Foundations of Educational Research (3 credits)
This purpose of this course is to explore research techniques and methodology.
EDLS541 – ONLINE
Linguistic Foundations of Literacy
(3 credits)
This course investigates the sociological, cultural, cognitive and psychological bases of the reading process.
Fall
EDUC511 – ON-CAMPUS
Inclusive Practices in Education (3 Credits)
This course focuses on creating instructional opportunities that are adapted to diverse learners, increasing an understanding of the complexity of the roles of teachers.
EDLS547 – ON-CAMPUS
Literacy & Diverse Student Populations
(3 credits)
Advanced study of theory, research and practice as it relates to planning, instruction, and assessment in the secondary and PreK-12 classroom.
Spring
EDUC531 – ON-CAMPUS
Introduction to Action Research (3 credits)
This course immerses M.Ed. candidates in scholarly writing and action research in areas of individual interest.
EDCI527 – ONLINE
Culturally Responsive Teaching & Learning (3 credits)
This course focuses on understanding the effects of socio-cultural variables on education systems and the practical application of theories in linguistically and culturally diverse classrooms.
EDLS545 – ON-CAMPUS
Writing Process & Instruction (3 credits)
This course focuses on the knowledge, skills, and processes necessary for teaching writing.
Summer 2
EDCI590 – ON-CAMPUS
Individual Research (3 credits)
This is an experience in self- directed learning and research, which are primary goals of the program.
EDCI546 – ON-CAMPUS
Evaluation for Instructional Improvement (3 credits)
This course focuses on models and practices for assessing student learning outcomes including value-added assessment and the use of test data in establishing a program improvement plan.
Special Education Cognate
Summer 1
EDUC535 – ON-CAMPUS
Advanced Pedagogy (3 Credits)
Advanced study of theory, research and practice as it relates to planning, instruction, and assessment in the secondary and PreK-12 classroom.
EDUC 520 – ONLINE
Foundations of Educational Research (3 credits)
This purpose of this course is to explore research techniques and methodology.
EDSE533 – ONLINE
Positive Approaches to Behavior Management (3 credits)
This course focuses on how to utilize a variety of positive behavior management strategies within the classroom to increase the learning of students with emotional disturbance, learning disabilities and autism.
Fall
EDUC511 – ON-CAMPUS
Inclusive Practices in Education (3 Credits)
This course focuses on creating instructional opportunities that are adapted to diverse learners, increasing an understanding of the complexity of the roles of teachers.
EDSE521 – ON-CAMPUS
Language & Literacy for Special Populations (3 credits)
The study of language development provides a context for understanding and diagnosing language and reading problems.
Or… EDSE515 – ONLINE
Individualized Education Program Planning & Transition Services
(3 credits)
This course focuses on legal and regulatory requirements of special education eligibility processes and individual education programs for students with disabilities accessing the general curriculum.
Spring
EDUC531 – ON-CAMPUS
Introduction to Action Research (3 credits)
This course immerses M.Ed. candidates in scholarly writing and action research in areas of individual interest.
EDCI527 – ONLINE
Culturally Responsive Teaching & Learning (3 credits)
This course focuses on understanding the effects of socio-cultural variables on education systems and the practical application of theories in linguistically and culturally diverse classrooms.
EDSE534 – ON-CAMPUS
Assessment, Evaluation, and Instructional Planning (3 credits)
This course examines a variety of formal and informal approaches to assessing and evaluating student learning and behavior.
Summer 2
EDCI590 – ON-CAMPUS
Individual Research (3 credits)
This is an experience in self- directed learning and research, which are primary goals of the program.
EDCI546 – ON-CAMPUS
Evaluation for Instructional Improvement (3 credits)
This course focuses on models and practices for assessing student learning outcomes including value-added assessment and the use of test data in establishing a program improvement plan.