Missouri Valley College | Academics | Graduate Studies | Master of Arts in Education

Master of Arts in Education

New for You!

Missouri Valley College is proud to announce the launch of a Master of Arts in Education degree. This 100% online program can be completed in 2 years or less and is exclusively designed to support your success as a professional educator.

Professional growth.

  • Enhance your professional skills, impact, and recognition through learning experiences carefully aligned with advanced levels of the Missouri Model Teacher Evaluation Standards and the Missouri Teacher Development System.

Career advancement.

  • Build expertise and customize coursework to match your certification area(s), professional interests, or career goals.

Increased earning potential.

  • According to data from the National Center for Education Statistics, on average, educators with a master’s degree earn a higher salary than colleagues with a bachelor’s degree, even if they have the same amount of experience.

Immediate results. 

  • Apply what you learn today in your classroom tomorrow. There’s never been a better time than now to make a difference.

Learning at the speed of life.

  • With 6 start dates per year, this program is designed for busy professionals. You can begin in the summer, fall, or spring without adding any additional time toward completion.
  • How to Apply

    Complete the online application.

    Applications should be submitted by the following dates. However, applications will be continued to be reviewed until classes begin as space allows.

    • Fall Semester, 1st 8-weeks, apply by August 1

    • Fall Semester, 2nd 8-weeks, apply by October 1

    • Spring Semester, 1st 8-weeks, apply by December 1

    • Spring Semester, 2nd 8-weeks, apply by February 1

    • Summer Semester, 1st 8-weeks, apply by April 1

    • Summer Semester, 2nd 8-weeks, apply by June 1

  • Program Mastery Goals

    Leader

    Scholar

    Teacher

    1. Assessing the value and applicability of trends in educational systems and leadership; remaining current on best practices.

    4. Applying conventions of professional communications.

    7. Designing and delivering equitable, inclusive, and active learning experiences.

    2. Leading with interpersonal and communication skill, social-emotional insight, cultural understanding, and professional acumen.

    5. Engaging in critical and reflective analysis.

    8. Applying technological advances to enhance teaching and learning.

    3. Applying learning and experience to advance professional expertise and identity.

    6. Engaging In evidence-based inquiry.

    9. Assessing the impact of instruction and improvement efforts on learner success and well being.
  • Curriculum

    Current Issues in Educational Leadership (3) / 7.5-week course

    An examination of current topics related to educational systems and leadership. Requires critical and reflective analysis of problems, innovations, trends, policies, and improvement initiatives in sociocultural, political, and economic contexts.

    Foundations of Educational Leadership (3) / 7.5-week course

    This course explores the roles of educational leaders and foundational principles and strategies related to culturally responsive leadership, high-performing teams, and professional learning communities. Includes evidence-based practices and successful models for improving academic performance.

    Educational Research (3) / 15-week course

    An introduction to methods and conventions of conducting qualitative, quantitative, and action research. Emphasis on problems, designs, and findings in the student’s selected area of interest. Requires critical analysis and a formal research prospectus.

    Curriculum Analysis & Design (3) / 7.5-week course

    Analysis and application of evidence-based practice for curriculum design using the backward design framework. Emphasis on measurable outcomes; formative and summative assessment; resource curation; and active learning experiences.

    Outcomes Assessment and Improvement (3) / 7.5-week course

    An investigation into methods for improving outcomes in educational contexts, including collaborative problem-solving, assessment models, and design thinking. Requires application in the student’s selected area of interest.

    Instructional Communications (3) / 7.5-week course

    Through print, audio, and visual media, participants in this course will analyze, evaluate, and create a range of instructional communications aligned with the student’s selected area of interest. Emphasis on accessibility, privacy and security protocols, and digital etiquette.

    Educational Technology (3) / 7.5-week course

    The educational landscape includes a growing number of web-based applications designed to enhance teaching and learning. This course involves using a range of these tools (including AI) to build community, design and deliver learning experiences, and support academic integrity. Course fee may apply.

    Instructional Design and Innovation (3) / 7.5-week course

    Through instructional challenges selected to inspire innovative thinking, participants will design and deliver active and culturally-responsive learning experiences in traditional and remote contexts. Requires critical analysis and reflection in relation to evidence-based practice.

    Directed Studies (3) / 7.5-week course

    Personalized learning focused on developing a project proposal related to an educational need or problem in the student’s school, workplace, or community. Requires a contextual description; a review of related literature; the proposed initiative or solution, including an evidence-based rationale; timeline; and reference list. May be completed individually or in small groups.

    Professional Practicum (3) / 7.5-week course

    Experiential learning through implementation of an approved final project. Requires a culminating presentation, including purpose, rationale, methodology, and impact/outcomes. May be completed individually or in small groups.

  • Program Completion

    Completion of the following requirements for graduation is the responsibility of the student.

    • Successfully completed the program of study with a minimum grade of B in all course work and a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.

    • Completed an application for graduation by the institutional deadline.

    • All financial obligations to the college have been met, including the graduation fee.

  • Course Rotations

    Summer 1

    Summer 2

    Fall 1

    Fall 2

    Spring 1

    Spring 2

    Summer 2024 – Spring 2025

    EDUC 502 Current Issues in Educational Leadership (3)

    EDUC 501 Foundations of Educational Leadership (3)

    EDUC 511 Educational Research (3)

    EDUC 514

    Outcomes Assessment and Improvement (3)

    EDUC 516 Instructional Communications (3)

    EDUC 510 Curriculum Analysis & Design (3)

    Summer 2025 Forward

    EDUC 502 Current Issues in Educational Leadership (3)

    EDUC 501 Foundations of Educational Leadership (3)

    EDUC 511 Educational Research (3)

    EDUC 514 Outcomes Assessment and Improvement (3)

    EDUC 516 Instructional Communications (3)

    EDUC 510 Curriculum Analysis & Design (3)

    EDUC 515 Educational Technology (3)

    EDUC 517 Instructional Design and Innovation (3)

    EDUC 515 Educational Technology (3)

    EDUC 517 Instructional Design and Innovation (3)

    EDUC 515 Educational Technology (3

    EDUC 517 Instructional Design and Innovation (3

    EDUC 518

    Directed Studies (3)

    EDUC 520 Professional Practicum (3)

    EDUC 518

    Directed Studies (3)

    EDUC 520 Professional Practicum (3)

    EDUC 518

    Directed Studies (3)

    EDUC 520 Professional Practicum (3)

    EDUC 518

    Directed Studies (3)

    EDUC 520 Professional Practicum (3)

    EDUC 518

    Directed Studies (3)

    EDUC 520 Professional Practicum (3)

    EDUC 518

    Directed Studies (3)

    EDUC 520 Professional Practicum (3)
  • Tuition & Fees

    Tuition

    Fees

    $430/credit hour

    $200 enrollment fee (annual)

    Additional fees may be charged for individual course labs or materials. If applicable, course fees are included in course descriptions in the catalog.

    $120 graduation fee

Faculty

Dr. Earl Wellborn

Professor of Education
Dr. Lisa Rice
Associate Professor
Dean
Janine Machholz
Assistant Professor of Education
Debbie Gonzalez
Program Director - RPED
Adjunct Instructor