The Build Your Own Master of Education program lets you combine two areas of study into one master’s degree. Instead of focusing on just one specialty, you can develop expertise in two areas that match your interests and career goals.
For example, you could combine School Leadership with Reading Science to prepare for leadership roles focused on improving literacy. Or you could pair Special Education with Gifted Education to better support students with a wide range of learning needs.
Depending on the areas you choose and your existing qualifications, you may also become eligible for multiple Virginia teaching endorsements.
It’s one flexible, 100% online degree designed to give you more skills, more credentials, and more career options.
Choose two areas of study to explore one customizable master's degree, potential Virginia endorsement pathways, and career directions that bring your interests together.
Choose any two different areas. The MEd requires at least 30 credit hours; additional courses or field experiences may be needed.
Endorsements are awarded separately by the Virginia Department of Education and are not automatic upon graduation.
These are illustrative career directions, not promises of employment or qualification for a particular position. Individual roles may require additional credentials or experience.
Each Virginia endorsement has its own requirements. Depending on your study areas, eligibility may require an active and appropriately endorsed Virginia teaching license, a prior master's degree, assessments, internships, or other conditions. Some areas, such as Instructional Design and Technology, do not lead to a VDOE endorsement. An academic advisor can help confirm your individual pathway.
Find the right combination for your career goals.
Whether you want to lead a school, improve literacy, support students with exceptional learning needs, or design innovative learning experiences, Lynchburg offers five online Master of Education programs that combine areas of expertise to help you expand your opportunities.
Prepare to become a school leader who understands the diverse needs of students and teachers. Combine school administration and supervision with gifted education, special education, reading science, or instructional design and technology. Depending on your concentration, you can work toward multiple Virginia endorsements while developing the skills to lead more inclusive, effective schools.
Explore Inclusive School LeadershipBecome a leader in improving reading instruction and student achievement. This program combines the science of reading with school administration and supervision, preparing educators to guide schoolwide literacy initiatives, support teachers, and pursue endorsements in both reading specialist and educational administration and supervision.
Explore Literacy LeadershipHelp more students become confident, successful readers. Develop advanced expertise in evidence-based literacy instruction while specializing in either gifted education or special education. This program prepares eligible educators to pursue multiple endorsements and support students with a wider range of learning needs.
Explore the Science of ReadingShape the future of teaching and learning. Combine instructional design, educational technology, and AI-supported instruction with a specialization in gifted education, reading science, or special education. Learn to create engaging, accessible learning experiences while preparing for an additional Virginia endorsement in your chosen specialization.
Explore Specialized Instructional DesignSome students have exceptional abilities and learning disabilities at the same time. Develop the specialized knowledge to recognize and support both. By combining gifted education and special education, you’ll prepare to meet the needs of twice-exceptional learners while pursuing add-on endorsements in both areas.
Explore Special and Gifted EducationVirginia endorsement eligibility depends on existing credentials, assessments, and other state requirements.
