Build-Your-Own Master of Education (MEd)
March 25, 2025 2025-04-17 10:57Build-Your-Own Master of Education (MEd)
Shape the Future of Education
Build-Your-Own Master of Education (MEd)
Earn multiple VDOE licensure endorsements to further your career in education.
Build-Your-Own Master of Education (MEd)
Unlock your potential and advance your career with the innovative Build-Your-Own Master of Education (MEd) program at the University of Lynchburg. Designed specifically for educators and working professionals, this flexible and stackable degree allows you to tailor your coursework to match your career goals. Prepare to lead with confidence, vision, and purpose while championing academic excellence.Â
Our 100% online MEd program offers unparalleled flexibility. It delivers coursework through convenient online formats paired with scheduled synchronous sessions. You can engage in interactive discussions, collaborative projects, and personalized mentorship while balancing your professional responsibilities. This makes the Build-Your-Own MEd ideal for educators seeking career advancement without interrupting their current roles.
This stackable certification model uniquely positions you for career growth by allowing you to earn multiple credentials recognized by schools and districts in Virginia. Each concentration is strategically designed to enhance your leadership capacity, increase your professional marketability, and expand your opportunities across various educational settings.
Customize Your Degree:
Select any two areas of study to create a customized degree tailored precisely to your professional interests. Interested in deepening your expertise even further? Add a third specialization through additional coursework.
VDOE Endorsement Eligibility
Upon successful completion of your chosen concentration areas, you may qualify for Virginia Department of Education endorsements.Â
- School Leadership
- Educators with an active Virginia teaching license and a masters degree will be eligible for an endorsement in PreK-12 Educational Administration and Supervision at the completion of this concentration and passing the SLLA.
- Special Education
- Educators holding a current Virginia teaching license in one of the following endorsement areas: (a) Elementary Education, (b) Middle Grades Education with endorsement(s) in English, history and social sciences, mathematics, or science, or (c) Secondary Grades Education with endorsement(s) in English, history and social sciences, mathematics, biology, chemistry, Earth science, or physics may pursue the Special Education General Curriculum Add-on endorsement. This endorsement corresponds with your initial license’s grade band (e.g., K-6 OR 6 – 12).Â
- Gifted Education
- Educators with an active Virginia teaching license will be eligible for a Gifted Education Add-on endorsement upon completion of this concentration.Â
- Reading Science
- Educators with an active Virginia teaching license and a master’s degree will be eligible for endorsement as a Reading Specialist upon completion of this concentration and passing the Praxis Reading Specialist (5302) exam.
Curriculum
A minimum of 30 hours are required to earn Lynchburg’s MEd degree. Additional hours may be required, depending on licensure and internship requirements for specific endorsement areas. Â
School Leadership (21 Credit Hours)
- EDLS 603 – Educational Policy and Law
- EDLS 613 – Leadership in School Finance
- EDCI 610 – Advanced Curriculum Development
- EDLS 623 – Supervising and Supporting Personnel
- EDLS 643 – The Principalship
- EDLS 646 – Improving the School Structure and Climate
- EDLS 699 – School Leadership Internship (3 semesters)
Special Education (General Curriculum Add-On Endorsement) (15-18* Credit Hours)
- SPED 600 – Foundations and Legal Aspects of Special Education
- SPED 601 – Designing and Implementing Individualized Education Programs
- SPED 645 – Instructional Strategies in Mathematics and Science
- RDNG 625 – Survey of Effective Reading Methods
Choose one to align with grade level band of initial endorsement:
- SPED 616 – Assessment and Evaluation (Elementary K-6 Add-On)
- SPED 635 – Transitioning to Adult Life for People with Disabilities (Secondary 6-12 Add-On)
*Internship Option if needed for licensure:Â
- SPED 696 – Internship in Special Education – General Curriculum1Â
1 Â Candidates may elect to waive the internship in special education if they have one year of successful, full-time teaching experience with students with disabilities accessing the general curriculum in a public or an accredited nonpublic school provided the teacher is assigned a mentor holding a valid license with an endorsement in special education.
Reading Specialist Endorsement (18 Credit Hours)
- RDNG 625 – Survey of Effective Reading Methods
- RDNG 640 – Strategies for Teaching Phonics, Spelling, and Vocabulary
- RDNG 643 – Teaching Writing
- RDNG 672 – Reading and Study Skills in the Content Areas
- RDNG 690 – Assessment, Diagnosis, and Remediation of Reading Problems
- RDNG 691 – Assessment and Diagnosis Practicum
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Gifted Add-On Endorsement (12 - 15* Credit Hours)
- EDCI 640 – Introduction to and Identification of Gifted Learners
- EDCI 641 – Special Populations of Gifted Learners
- EDCI 642 – Curriculum, Strategies, and Programming for Gifted Learners
- EDCI 643 – Social and Emotional Development and Guidance of Gifted Learners
*Internship Option if needed for licensure:
- EDCI 644 – Practicum in Gifted Education1
1Candidates may waive the practicum in gifted education if they have one year of successful, full-time teaching experience with gifted students in a public or an accredited nonpublic school, provided the teacher is assigned a mentor holding a valid license with an endorsement in gifted education.
Instructional Design & Technology (12 Credit Hours)
- EDCI 620 – Introduction to Educational Technology
- EDCI 621 – Advanced AI Techniques for Modern Instructional Design
- EDCI 623 – Design and Management of Online Learning
- EDCI 630 – Instructional Design
Build-Your-Own MEd Application Process
Application Deadlines
- Summer semester: May 1
- Fall semester: July 31
- Spring term: Nov. 30
How to Apply
- Complete the online application.
- Submit an official transcript from all colleges or universities attended.
- Submit proof of active teaching license.Â
- Submit a brief (approximately two double-spaced pages) essay on the following topic:
- Why do you want to pursue the Build-Your-Own Master of Education (MEd) degree, and/or how will this degree assist you in achieving your career goals?
- Submit two letters of recommendation.
Build-Your-Own Master of Education (MEd) Faculty
Holly Gould, PhD
Lucinda (Cindi) Spaulding, PhD
Mac Duis, EdD
Stefanie B. Copp, EdD
Holly Gould, PhD
Lucinda (Cindi) Spaulding, PhD
Mac Duis, EdD
Stefanie B. Copp, EdD
The University of Lynchburg's School of Professional and Applied Sciences, Leadership Studies, and Counseling has obtained full accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. This accreditation signifies that the college meets the comprehensive standards for educator preparation.
The accreditation process evaluates several aspects of an educational institution, including the effectiveness of its teaching programs, the preparation of its students for careers in education, and the institution's commitment to continuous improvement and current educational practices.
As a CAEP-accredited institution, the college has demonstrated its ability to prepare its students for teaching roles in pre-K to 12th-grade education. This achievement reflects the college's ongoing commitment to maintaining high educational standards and adapting to the evolving requirements of teacher education.
This accreditation is an important milestone for the School of Professional and Applied Sciences, Leadership Studies, and Counseling, and it ensures that the college continues to provide quality education to its students.
CAEP Accountability Measures
- Measure 1: Completer Impact and Effectiveness
- Measure 2: Satisfaction of Employers and Stakeholder Involvement
- Measure 3: Candidate Competency at Program Completion
- Measure 4: Ability of Completers to be Hired in Education Positions for Which They Have Been Prepared
Title II Report Cards
- 2022-2023 Title II Program Report [PDF]
- 2021-2022 Title II Program Report [PDF]
- 2020-2021 Title II Program Report [PDF]
- 2019-2020 Title II Program Report [PDF]
- 2018-2019 Title II Program Report [PDF]
Licensure and Certification
Per federal regulations from the U.S. Department of Education and CAEP, we must disclose whether our educational programs are eligible for state credentialing such as certification or licensure. The University of Lynchburg has been approved by the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Education to offer 11 initial licensure programs at the undergraduate level. If you gain licensure in Virginia, it can lead to reciprocal licensure in other states and jurisdictions. The teacher education program at the University of Lynchburg can assist you in obtaining the following types of licenses:- Elementary Education (PreK – 6th grade): Elementary Education (BS)
- Secondary Education (6th – 12th grades): English Education (BA), History and Social Studies Education (BA), Mathematics Education (BS), Biology Education (BS), Chemistry Education (BA), Earth Science Education (BA)
- Designated Discipline Education (PreK–12th grade): Health and Physical Education (BS)
Reciprocal Licensure and Other State Requirements
Educators who are licensed in the Commonwealth of Virginia are eligible for reciprocal licensure in more than 45 states across the U.S. However, it is important to note that some states may require additional temporary, testing, or other requirements that educators must meet before teaching in that jurisdiction. To determine the necessary steps for teaching outside of Virginia, refer to the state reciprocity information or contact the Department of Education in each state.
As a Lynchburg MEd student, you'll:
“The program has taught me how to effectively apply my skill set and content knowledge in a school setting. The faculty has been nothing short of wonderful."
Graduate Tuition
The 40% Aspiring Educator Discount applies to all emphasis areas and is available to all current and aspiring educators and paraprofessionals pursuing a Master of Education (MEd) degree.
Build-Your-Own Master of Education (MEd)
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Cost Per Credit Hour: $354 (With 40% Tuition Discount)
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Credit Hours: 30+
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Estimated Cost of Completion: $17,700
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Estimated Cost of Completion: $10,620 (With 40% Tuition Discount)
