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Master of Arts in Education

Master of Arts in Education

By earning your master’s in education, you will join generations of Clarke University graduates as leaders in classrooms and communities across the country. We are a regional leader for teaching degrees thanks to our quality curriculum and personalized approach to learning. Our faculty combine lessons from their years of professional experience with the most up-to-date research on engagement and brain-based learning to present you with an informative and empowering learning experience. Beyond the classroom, you’ll also sharpen your analytical skills to better understand the social, ethical, economic, and political issues at play in the world around you.

You’ll also learn from others pursuing their master’s in education, as Clarke’s MAE program embraces the collaborative and supportive atmosphere the university is known for and delivers it in a 100% online format. Interactive discussions are built into each course so you can network with professionals throughout the region while enjoying the flexibility of accessing your courses when it fits your schedule. In as little as two years, you can earn your degree and the increased career growth potential that comes with it.

Clarke University Master of Arts in Education (MAE) Student Testimonials.


Clarke University Master of Arts in Education student teaching in own classroom.

Accessible, Quality Education

Our courses were designed by teachers, for teachers. We expertly blend theory and application into 8-week sessions so you can immediately practice what you’ve learned with your students. Thanks to our online format, you can access these powerful resources and tools anytime, anywhere! A master’s degree in education will also provide you with the experience and skills to perform action-based research, empowering you to guide your own professional development and learning even after you complete your degree.


A Community of Experts

It is no secret that as rewarding as a career in education may be, it also comes with challenges. As part of your master’s degree in education, you’ll have the opportunity to network with other experienced and highly motivated professionals from our region. Our courses encourage you not to just learn alongside your peers but to learn from each other. With the discussion features in each course, you can receive feedback from professors and classmates about techniques you’re trying to improve or new ones you’d like to introduce in the classroom. Thanks to the fully online format, you’ll have access to this engaged community day or night.

Clarke University Master of Arts in Education (MAE) networking group

Clarke University Master of Arts in Education (MAE) student applying skills learned in the online program to classroom.

Customizable and Cost Effective

While our online format allows for flexibility in your day-to-day work, the education master’s program can also be tailored to fit your long-term goals. You can complete the program in as little as two years or space courses out to match your preferred pace. Some of our most popular program options include:

Sessions begin in August, October, January, March, and June.

Program Details

Our graduate education courses are designed to build upon your experience, knowledge, skills, and teaching strategies. Moreover, they are based upon current research as well as time-tested teaching and learning principles. We offer a solid foundation of integrated theory and practice that complements your experience in the classroom. If you hold a licensure in elementary or secondary education, our curriculum will help you enhance your knowledge, skills, values, and confidence as a professional educator.

  • 36 credit hours
  • Developed for K-12 teachers
  • Complete your degree in as few as two years
  • 100% Online format with 8-week courses
  • Faculty has extensive experience in classroom and online education
  • Financial aid is available
  • For course descriptions and more information, please see the Academic Catalog
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Meet Our Faculty

When our master of arts in education graduates speak about the Clarke moments that helped shape them, there’s always a professor in the story. That’s because being a faculty member at Clarke University requires a deep passion for educating, encouraging, and empowering students. Here, your professors will know you by your first name. They will push you to develop your full potential, and then they’ll ask for more. And, they’ll be right there to congratulate you when you exceed even your own expectations. Often, it’s a relationship that lasts a lifetime. 

View Our Faculty & Staff
Ellen Spencer, Ed.D.

Ellen Spencer, Ed.D.

Chair and Associate Professor of Education

My teaching philosophy is best summed up by Ernst von Glasersfeld: ‘The art of teaching has little to do with the traffic of knowledge. It’s fundamental purpose must be to foster the art of learning.’ 

Beth Putnam, MA

Beth Putnam, MA

Assistant Professor of Education

My expectation is to teach with an open heart, an open mind, and a smile every day. My mission is to maintain a humble and reflective disposition as well as applied flexibility enabling me to remain responsive to the needs of my students, teaching partners, and Clarke University. 

Meredith Schmechel '20M

Meredith Schmechel '20M

Assistant Professor of Education

There are wonderful people here working toward the value of education across our schools and the MAE is a great way to refresh your teaching profession at any time.

Psychology Major students have access to state of the art facilities at Clarke University

But don’t take our word for it…

Our Students & Alumni

Angela Pasker

Angela Pasker

Master of Arts in Education, '22

I would recommend this program to others because the professors go above and beyond to help you. I’ve felt that what I’ve learned, I’ve been able to apply directly to my own classrooms and I’ve had the autonomy to choose some of the classes that would best benefit me, my classroom, and my school.

Ken Kurt

Ken Kurt

Master of Arts in Education ‘19

Every class that I have taken has provided me with actionable moves within my daily work. I was awarded three grants that I completed within the grant writing course, so the overlap of my work in class and the impact on my work at school has been incredible.

Kea Whittington

Kea Whittington

Master of Arts in Education ‘19

Clarke’s education program gave me a great amount of hands-on experience in the classroom. The education professors truly care about you as an individual, student, and future teacher! The education department was my family away from home.

Experience Clarke Master of Arts in Education for Yourself

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