Education K-12 Program

With a master’s in education K‑12 from Bethel, you can grow your leadership capacity and expand your impact in K‑12 settings. Graduates develop advanced teaching strategies, explore curriculum design, and build skills in areas like instructional leadership, international education, work‑based learning coordination, and supporting diverse learners. The program also offers concentrations in educational leadership, special education, the international baccalaureate education, work‑based learning, or a custom concentration—so you can tailor your degree to match your professional goals.

Yes. The core courses in Bethel’s M.A. in Education K‑12 program are delivered fully online. Core courses are offered online asynchronously, and concentration courses are taught online as well. 

This program is designed for teachers who already hold a K‑12 teaching license and are working in classroom settings. It supports those who want to grow their instructional skills, take on leadership responsibilities, or specialize in areas like special education or IB. It is ideal for educators balancing full‑time teaching, family, and community commitments.

The online M.A. in Education K‑12 can be completed in about 18 months, not including time for thesis or a collaborative research project. Courses are offered sequentially throughout the year, including summer, and are generally taken one at a time to support flexibility. 

Yes. The program’s design supports working professionals. Because it is fully online and courses are taken one at a time, many students who are full‑time teachers or have other commitments find it manageable to balance work, study, and family.

No, the M.A. in Education K‑12 is not an initial licensure program. It is meant for educators who already hold a valid K‑12 teaching license. Some concentrations do qualify for related endorsements (for example, work‑based learning) if licensure rules are met. Bethel’s M.A. in Teaching is available for individuals who want to transition into teaching and need to complete the requirements for an initial teaching license. Bethel is approved by the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board. Students outside Minnesota should check their own state’s licensing board for equivalent requirements. 

To apply, you must have an earned baccalaureate or higher from an accredited institution, a GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale, current or most recent state or equivalent teaching license at the K‑12 level, and a minimum of one year of teaching experience. You’ll also need to submit official transcripts, a resume or CV, references, and a statement of purpose. International applicants must meet additional standards. See Bethel’s how to apply page.

Tuition depends on which concentration you choose. Explore costs on the program details page.

Bethel’s program stands out for its Christian worldview, its focus on leadership and service, and its high flexibility for working educators. It offers multiple specializations, experienced faculty, and online delivery that accommodates teachers with full schedules. It is regionally accredited, approved by PELSB in Minnesota, and emphasizes both practical classroom application and reflective, research‑informed teaching. While there is no direct ranking comparison here, many students highlight Bethel’s supportive environment, relevant coursework, and the value of being able to apply learning directly in their schools.