Online MEd in Teaching and Learning Outcomes

What Can I Learn as an MEd in Teaching and Learning Student?

Today’s classrooms can present seemingly insurmountable challenges that may appear impossible to overcome. As a student in the MEd in Teaching and Learning program, you’ll uncover insights and discover instructional strategies that will help you attain a mastery level understanding of the challenges that present themselves daily in today’s schools. Expertise gained from the program can be tailored to your personal needs, as a variety of concentrations and specializations are offered.

What is the Career Outlook for Someone with an MEd in Teaching and Learning?

Created in collaboration with school district specialists, school administrators, university faculty and P-12 classroom teachers, UofL’s teaching and learning program prepares Rank III certified Kentucky teachers and out-of-state teachers to pursue career tracks including:

• Curriculum design specialist
• Curriculum coordinator
• Curriculum and instruction specialist
• Instructional coach
• Instructional assessment and evaluation specialist
• Autism spectrum disorder specialist
• Department chair
• Classroom reading specialist
• English as a second language specialist
• Elementary mathematics specialist

The 2019-2029 occupational outlook for high school, middle school, and elementary teachers is expected to grow 4% nationwide, which is as fast as the average national occupation growth rate (bls.gov).

START YOUR APPLICATION     REQUEST INFORMATION

Online MEd in Teaching and Learning Application Deadlines

Note: Although admission is granted on a rolling basis throughout the year, applicants are encouraged to work on and submit their complete application well in advance of the preferred deadline, as obtaining transcripts, test scores and other materials may take more time. Applications submitted or completed after the preferred deadline will be considered on a case-by-case basis for the next available start/term.

How to Apply for the Online Master of Education in Teaching and Learning

1. Start your application for graduate admission
2. Submit $65 non-refundable application fee
3. Upload required materials^*
4. Request official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities. Transcripts are only accepted directly from the institution(s) by email: gradadm@louisville.edu (recommended) or mail: University of Louisville, Graduate School, 2211 S. Brook St., Louisville, KY 40292.
5. Create a financial plan

START YOUR APPLICATION     REQUEST INFORMATION

Online Master of Education in Teaching and Learning Admissions Requirements and Materials

To be considered for admission, applicants must have:

• a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution
• a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale

^*Required application packet materials include:

• valid Kentucky Teaching Certificate or statement of eligibility for candidates outside Kentucky
• two letters of recommendation
• a professional resume
• signed code of ethics and technology use agreement
• two professional statement essays describing the applicant’s background and interest in this master’s program
  • Essay #1
    • In what ways has your cultural heritage and background influenced the way you teach, and impacted your interactions with others who come from a different cultural background? Describe an example of an injustice or inequity that you witnessed, experienced, or became aware of during teaching - and your response at that time. Then, explain how you would respond if it occurred again. Finally, explain how you support respect for diversity in your classroom, and how you demonstrate a commitment to social justice and equity when teaching.
  • Essay #2
    • Please review the Professional Dispositions Rubric [PDF] and consider how you would evaluate your areas of strength as well as those for potential growth in each of the categories. In your essay, please identify three categories that you would rate yourself as "target" or "exemplary" and explain why. Then, identify one area for professional growth, and explain how you envision this program supporting your growth in this area.
  • Please adhere to the following format for both essays:
    • Double-spaced
    • Times New Roman
    • 12-point font
    • No more than three pages

*Your Application Portal:
Once you have started the graduate application, you can check the status and review any additional checklist to-do items. Log in to your application using the email address you used to apply for admission and your password. Your checklist items may include additional materials or documentation that facilitate a smooth admissions process. You will also have access to important contact information and next steps after an admissions decision is made.

Out-of-state Applicants for the Online MEd in Teaching and Learning

Certified teachers outside Kentucky should be advised that we cannot guarantee the program will meet licensure, salary, advancement or other requirements in their state. As part of the admission process, we require a written statement confirming their interest in the program for personal development and that they understand the program is designed to meet Kentucky certification requirements only. For more information, please contact our academic advisor at betty.hampton@louisville.edu.

If you live outside of the United States, be sure to view special requirements for international students.

Online MEd in Teaching and Learning Courses

The online master’s in teaching and learning is a 30 credit hour program available as a general teaching and learning degree or with a focus in special education. Courses are asynchronous, delivered in standard term length. Please note that some specialization options may require additional credit hour and/or synchronous time commitments.

Master of Education in Teaching and Learning Course List

To meet graduation requirements, students in the Master of Education in Teaching and Learning program must complete a total of 30 credit hours. Additional electives may be required. Graduate students will work with their advisor to design an appropriate program to meet their professional needs.

Master of Education in Teaching and Learning – Special Education Course List

START YOUR APPLICATION     REQUEST INFORMATION

Online MEd in Teaching and Learning Course Descriptions

Online MEd in Teaching and Learning Concentration

Concentrations in the Master of Education in Teaching and Learning consist of 12-15 credit hours of coursework selected in consultation with the student's faculty advisor.

The concentrations available online are:

• Master of Education in Teaching and Learning - Standard Path

  Social Justice Education Concentration
  The University of Louisville’s Social Justice Education concentration positions teachers to enact culturally sustaining practices in the classroom and advocate locally and beyond for social justice policies. Graduates of the program will possess a skillset geared towards designing and implementing an asset-oriented curriculum along with the capacity to conduct social justice research in education. Coursework will illuminate how education in the U.S. got to this point of vast opportunity disparities across sociocultural groups in education by providing a deep understanding of the foundations of progressive education, curriculum theory, and how educational policies influence practice. Coursework will also provide a practical approach to teaching with various sociocultural identities in mind and provide insights related to conduct justice-focused research in education.

  Content Area or Specialty Concentration

  • Classroom Reading P-12 online endorsement
  • English as a Second Language endorsement
  • Elementary Mathematics Specialist endorsement
• Master of Education in Teaching and Learning - Special Education Path

  Autism Concentration
  The concentration in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is designed to offer graduate level teacher training in the provision of support for persons with ASD within their classrooms. The program has a strong emphasis on the application of assessment and intervention procedures rooted in the principles of applied behavior analysis.

  Special Education Core
  The Special Education Core concentration provides an opportunity for special education teachers to design their own concentration, in consultation with a faculty advisor. Courses may be selected from a variety of options (such as reading and math development, English Language Learners, Autism, and applied behavior analysis) to strengthen and enhance the knowledge and skills of the special education teacher.

Online MEd in Teaching and Learning Success Team

Online MEd in Teaching and Learning FAQ

The set of questions and answers outlined below can help you learn more about our program, delivery method, application and admission process, financial aid options and how to succeed as an online student at UofL. 

• Are classes available to complete the master's degree entirely online?

  Yes! You can complete the entire program 100% online, but you also have the option of taking courses in person if you are local to Louisville.

  Note: certain online courses are accessed via webcam in interactive, synchronous sessions (from 4:30 to 7 p.m. ET on specific weekdays).

• May I transfer credits from another institution or program into my master's program?

  Once you are admitted to the program, you may request to transfer up to 6 credit hours if your UofL advisor approves the request. Transfer requests are then submitted to the Graduate School.

• How long does it take to complete this program?

  The Teaching and Learning program can be completed in as few as two years or as many as six.

• What should I write about in my Personal Statement?

  The personal statement is the applicant's opportunity to demonstrate their writing ability as well as provide a personal introduction to the admissions screening committee. The personal statement should be no more than 500 words, and should be double spaced and word-processed. Applicants are encouraged to proofread their writing and to submit the best work possible. The attached rubric (Ideas to Action Holistic Construct Rubric [PDF]) is provided to help applicants understand how their writing will be evaluated. In developing the personal statement, applicants are encouraged to identify and describe personal characteristics, abilities, beliefs and goals as well as diverse experiences with children and adolescents, which will contribute to their success as an outstanding educator. Applicants should also review the College of Education and Human Development’s Conceptual Framework, reflecting on the concepts of inquiry, action, and advocacy. Applicants should consider the following questions:

  • How do you demonstrate intellectual curiosity?
  • How do you develop positive relationships and work collaboratively with peers, teachers, and others?
  • How do you demonstrate the interpersonal skills necessary to do the daily work of teaching?
  • What would demonstrate your commitment to diversity, equity and social justice? (give examples of how you exhibit this commitment)
  • What are the characteristics critical to successful teaching, such as dependability, initiative, organization? (give examples of how you exhibit those traits)
• What degrees or endorsements do I receive if I complete the Master of Education in Teaching and Learning Program at UofL?

  Successful candidates will graduate with a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Teaching and Learning, including Classroom Reading, English as a Second Language, or Instructional Technology and receive a Teaching and Learning Endorsement (with possibility of other endorsements within the Specialization, including Classroom Reading, English as a Second Language, or Instructional Technology). If you already have a master’s degree and seek only the Teacher Leadership Endorsement, you will complete Levels I and III of the master’s program.

• Will the Master of Education in Teaching and Learning Endorsement help me prepare for National Board Certification?

  Most courses in the Master of Education in Teaching and Learning program are designed to align with at least one of the NBPTS Core Propositions, as well as the Kentucky Teacher Standards (Advanced Level), Kentucky Education Reform Act (KERA) initiatives, and Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB) themes. Each course in the program includes a description of its relationship to NBPTS Core Propositions. The UofL Master of Education in Teaching and Learning is designed so that candidates practice types of entries required in the National Board Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) portfolio. The NBPTS portfolio is a Rank I option in Kentucky.

• Will this program lead to principal certification?

  No, but the University of Louisville does offer a school principal certification program.

• Do I earn the same degree that on-campus students earn? Does the diploma say “online”?

  Your degree—just like the quality of your courses—will be identical to those received by on campus students. It will not contain the method of course delivery (i.e. “online”).