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The Master of Arts in Education (MAEd) at Franciscan University of Steubenville is a fully online graduate program that equips educators with effective teaching strategies grounded in a distinctly Catholic vision of education.
Unlike programs that merely supplement a secular framework with faith content, the MAEd is built on Christian anthropology and the Franciscan charism, integrating faith and reason throughout every course. You’ll develop practical skills in curriculum design, pedagogy, assessment, classroom management, and educational research while preparing to make a lasting impact in schools and communities.
This online master’s in education combines practical preparation with a distinctly Catholic vision of education, helping you develop the skills needed to teach effectively, lead confidently, and foster the growth of every student, including:
Instructional Design and Assessment: Develop effective curricula, lessons, and assessments that promote meaningful learning.
Research-Supported Teaching: Apply proven instructional strategies that improve student engagement and achievement.
Classroom Leadership: Build classroom environments that support learning, virtue formation, and student success.
Educational Research and Inquiry: Use research to address real-world educational challenges and strengthen professional practice.
Franciscan University’s Department of Education has earned national recognition for preparing educators who combine professional excellence with a faithful Catholic vision of education.
At Franciscan, we keep the graduate admissions process simple. The Master of Arts in Education (MAEd) is designed to provide a flexible pathway to graduate study for educators and other professionals serving in educational settings. Students begin each summer and progress through the program as a cohort while completing coursework in a fully online, asynchronous format.
The inaugural MAEd cohort is expected to begin in summer 2027. Prospective students are encouraged to apply early to allow sufficient time for application review and enrollment preparation.
1. Admission Requirements
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Teaching licensure is not required for admission.
2. Free Online Application
Your journey to Franciscan begins by submitting a free online application . If you have questions about the admissions process, please contact the Graduate Admissions Office for personalized guidance.
3. Submit Documents
Along with your completed application, please submit:
Supplemental materials can be uploaded directly to the application or emailed to the Graduate Admissions Office at:
Office of Admissions
Franciscan University of Steubenville
1235 University Boulevard
Steubenville, OH 43952
Franciscan’s online Master of Arts in Education combines Catholic educational philosophy with practical preparation in curriculum development, pedagogy, classroom management, and educational research. Through 30 credit hours of coursework, students develop research-supported instructional practices, explore the Church’s vision for education, and complete a practitioner-based capstone project that addresses a real-world educational challenge.
The inaugural MAEd cohort is expected to begin in summer 2027. Prospective students are encouraged to apply early to allow sufficient time for application review and enrollment preparation.
Program Requirements (30 Credits)
EDU 530: Christian Anthropology and Education
EDU 531: The History and Philosophy of Education
EDU 550: The Church’s Vision of Catechetics
EDU 630: Curriculum Models & Assessment Methods
EDU 631: Pedagogy in Practice
EDU 632: Classroom Organization & Management
EDU 633: Special Education: Principles & Practices
EDU 634: Social Issues in Education
EDU 640: Foundations of Educational Research
EDU 641: Research Design
EDU 642: Developing the Educational Research Proposal
EDU 645: Capstone Research Project
Note that this is a sample course list.
Catechetics and Evangelization Specialization (9 Credits)
Students choose three of the following courses:
CAT 750: The Mission of Catholic Schools
CAT 600: Evangelization and the Liturgy
CAT 601: Scripture, The Heart of Catechesis
CAT 602: Deposit of Faith
CAT 603: The Pedagogy of God I
CAT 604: The Pedagogy of God II
Candidates may also take other catechetics courses with advisor approval.
Note that this is a sample course list.
Catholic Studies Specialization (9 Credits)
Students choose three of the following courses:
CST 501: Biblical Hermeneutics
CST 513: Philosophical Texts from Ancient and Medieval Philosophy
CST 531: The Catholic Image—Visual Art and Artists
CST 651: Catholic Culture and Thought I: Ancient and Medieval
CST 670: Overview of Western Philosophy
CST 701: Catholic Culture and Thought II: Modern
CST 720: Selected Issues in Philosophy & Theology
CST 751: Catholic Culture and Thought III: 1900–Today
CST 770: Selected Issues in Catholic Studies
CST 800: Important Catholic Authors
CST 801: History and Theory of Catholic Arts
CST 810: Important Catholic Texts
Note that this is a sample course list.
Tuition for the Master of Arts in Education is $630 per credit hour, with a total program cost of approximately $18,900 for the 30-credit degree. Students who choose to pursue an optional specialization can complete the 36-credit pathway for approximately $22,680.
Franciscan University offers a variety of financial aid options to help make graduate education affordable. Educators affiliated with participating diocesan partners may also qualify for discounted tuition rates while advancing their professional and personal formation.
For more information about tuition, financial aid, and diocesan partnership opportunities, contact the Graduate Admissions Office.
Explore Financial AidThe MAEd prepares educators to serve with excellence in classrooms, schools, dioceses, and educational ministries while developing the teaching expertise, research skills, and leadership abilities needed for professional growth.
In many school systems, earning a master's degree in education may support salary advancement, license renewal, and expanded leadership opportunities.
Common careers include:
As part of a cohort of educators committed to professional growth and Catholic formation, you'll also have access to University resources that support your academic success, career development, and vocational formation.
Faculty members bring together scholarly expertise, classroom experience, and a deep commitment to authentic Catholic education.
Is the MAEd only for Catholic school teachers?
No. While the program is especially valuable for educators serving in Catholic schools, it is also designed for teachers and aspiring educators in public schools and other educational settings who want a deeper understanding of student formation, human dignity, and the purpose of education.
Do I need a teaching license to enroll in the program?
No. Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree, but a teaching license is not required.
Can this degree support license renewal or salary advancement?
Yes. For licensed educators, coursework in the MAEd may support license renewal requirements and professional advancement. In many school systems, earning a master's degree may also qualify educators for salary increases or movement on a district salary schedule.
How long does the program take to complete?
The MAEd is designed to be completed in approximately 16–20 months through five consecutive terms.
What does the program cost?
Tuition for the MAEd is projected at $630 per credit hour, for an estimated total cost of $18,900 for the 30-credit degree. Students pursuing an optional specialization can complete the 36-credit pathway for an estimated total cost of $22,680.
Educators affiliated with participating diocesan partners may qualify for reduced tuition. Contact the Graduate Admissions Office to learn more about partnership opportunities and eligibility.
Will I conduct research?
Yes. Students complete a practitioner-based research sequence culminating in a capstone research project.
Is the program fully online?
Yes. Coursework is delivered fully online in an asynchronous format, allowing you to complete assignments around your professional and personal responsibilities.
What makes this program different from other master's degrees in education?
Unlike many graduate education programs, the MAEd is intentionally rooted in Christian anthropology and Catholic educational philosophy. Rather than adding faith content to a traditional education degree, every course integrates a Catholic understanding of the human person while emphasizing research-supported instructional practices.
What specializations are available?
Students may choose an optional specialization in Catechetics & Evangelization or Catholic Studies, allowing them to deepen their expertise in faith formation, evangelization, and the Catholic intellectual tradition.