Master of Arts Education (MAEd)
Advance your impact with West Liberty University’s flexible online MA in Education, designed to strengthen teaching, leadership, and research-based practice.
Take Your Teaching to the Next Level
with the Best Master’s in Education Programs
West Liberty University’s Master of Arts in Education prepares educators and professionals to grow as innovative, research-driven leaders. Designed with flexibility in mind, the online program option combines theory and real-world application to prepare graduates for meaningful impact in schools and communities.
At a
Glance
Flexible, career-focused graduate training that builds educators’ skills, strengthens classroom practice, and prepares them for leadership opportunities in schools and communities.
Degree: Master of Arts in Education (MAEd)
Total Credits: 30 credit hours
Format: Online, in-person, or hybrid options
Completion Options: Flexible pacing with 8-week (fall/spring) and 6-week (summer) terms
Areas of Emphasis: Multiple concentration options across education and leadership fields
Capstone Requirement: Culminating applied project in final semester
Who This
Program is For
This program is designed for educators and professionals ready to expand their expertise, advance their careers, or transition into leadership roles within education and related fields. West Liberty University’s Master of Arts in Education is often chosen by teachers seeking one of the best graduate programs for lifelong learning.
This online education program is ideal for individuals who:
- Are licensed teachers seeking career advancement or specialization
- Want to transition into leadership, administration, or instructional design roles
- Are passionate about improving student outcomes and learning environments
- Need a flexible program that fits alongside full-time work
- Are pursuing endorsements or advanced credentials
A bachelor’s degree is required; GPA requirements vary by concentration.
Career
Outcomes
WLU graduates of the MAEd program develop advanced knowledge, research skills, and leadership capabilities that prepare them to influence educational systems and drive meaningful change.
Career Opportunities for Graduates
- Classroom Teacher (advanced or specialized roles)
- Instructional Coordinator / Curriculum Specialist
- School Administrator or Principal
- Education Program Director
- Instructional Designer (online or corporate learning)
- Athletic Administrator or Coaching Leader
Employment Outlook Education-related occupations
- Projected to grow steadily due to continued demand for educators and instructional leaders
- Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Median annual wage
- Education, training, and library occupations: ~$63,000+
- Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Why Earn Your
MAEd at WLU?
At West Liberty, you’ll find a supportive, student-centered environment that combines flexibility, affordability, and hands-on learning to help you achieve your professional goals. West Liberty University’s Master of Arts in Education is often chosen by teachers seeking one of the best graduate programs for lifelong learning.
Program highlights include:
- Flexible delivery formats (online master’s program, hybrid, and in-person options)
- Accelerated course structure with 8-week and 6-week terms
- Customizable areas of emphasis aligned with career goals
- Research-based curriculum focused on real-world application
- Capstone experience connecting theory to practice
- Supportive faculty and small-class environment rooted in personalized learning
MAEd Program Tuition, Cost & Affordability
Competitive tuition with one-rate pricing for in- and out-of-state students
Designed to be affordable for working professionals
Flexible learning format with a trusted online option that reduces commuting and campus costs
Compatible with employer tuition assistance programs
Online Program
& Format
Designed for working professionals, the West Liberty University online master’s education program offers flexible delivery options that allow you to balance your education with career and personal commitments.
Program delivery highlights include:
- 100% Online
- Courses offered in 8-week (fall/spring) and 6-week (summer) terms
- Multiple start points throughout the year
- Flexible pacing to fit your schedule
What You’ll Learn
The MAEd program equips graduates with advanced knowledge, leadership skills, and practical tools to create impactful learning experiences and lead effectively in a variety of educational settings.
Educational Leadership & Innovation
- Leadership strategies for schools and organizations
- Change management and organizational improvement
- Ethical decision-making in education
Instructional Design & Teaching Excellence
- Evidence-based instructional strategies
- Curriculum development and innovation
- Inclusive and differentiated teaching practices
Research & Data-Driven Practice
- Applied educational research methods
- Assessment and data literacy
- Using data to improve student outcomes
Professional & Collaborative Skills
- Effective communication and professional writing
- Collaboration across educational settings
- Reflective practice and continuous improvement
Master of Arts Education Curriculum
Overview
The MAEd curriculum at West Liberty University is proven to provide a strong foundation in educational theory and research while allowing students to specialize in a chosen area of emphasis.
- 12 credits of core coursework in research, writing, and assessment
- 18 credits in a selected area of emphasis
- Structured courses delivered in short-term formats (8-week / 6-week)
- Capstone experience integrating program learning into a practical project
Total: 30 credit hours
Graduate Program
Concentrations
Customize your master’s in education online degree by selecting an area of emphasis tailored to your career goals.
Inclusive and Trauma-Responsive Teaching
Prepare to support diverse learners through advanced strategies in trauma-informed teaching, autism spectrum disorders, and collaborative educational practices. This concentration equips educators to create inclusive, supportive learning environments.
Integrated STEAM Teaching
Develop expertise in interdisciplinary instruction that blends science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. Graduates learn to foster creativity, inquiry, and problem-solving in K–12 settings.
Reading Specialist
Gain advanced literacy instruction skills using multi-sensory techniques. This track can lead to West Virginia certification as a Reading Specialist with additional testing requirements.
Leadership in Education Administration
Build the skills needed for roles such as principal, instructional supervisor, or superintendent, focusing on leadership, policy, and school improvement.
Sports Leadership and Coaching
Designed for aspiring or current coaches and athletic administrators, this concentration focuses on leadership, program management, and athlete development.
Visual Art Education
Enhance teaching strategies and content knowledge for visual arts educators seeking to deepen their instructional expertise.
Instructional Design for Learning
Develop the skills to design, implement, and evaluate effective online and blended learning experiences.
Admissions Requirements
West Liberty’s MAEd program seeks motivated professionals with a passion for education and leadership.
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Completed online graduate application
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Minimum 2.5 GPA (some concentrations require 3.0)
- Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
- GRE/MAT may be required for some concentrations
Provisional Admission
Applicants who do not meet GPA or test score requirements may be considered for conditional admission based on performance in initial coursework.
Ready to Advance
Your Career
Take the next step toward becoming a more effective educator, leader, and innovator. West Liberty University’s highly-rated Master of Arts in Education equips you with the knowledge, flexibility, and support to make a meaningful impact—wherever your career takes you.