Teaching and Learning, M.Ed.

Clemson University has combined the educational excellence that we are known for with the flexibility that many teachers desire and need. The result is a completely online Master of Education Degree in Teaching and Learning. This program is open to current PK-12 educators who work in formal educational settings. Consistent access to a classroom of students is critical to your success in the program since many courses carry a field component. We will consider some informal educational settings (e.g., school clubs, extension activities, before or after school programs), but suggest contacting the program coordinator prior to applying.

Benefits of earning a M.Ed. in Teaching and Learning from Clemson University:

• Earn a degree from a top ranked program* while anywhere in the world.
• Experience educational excellence that Clemson University is known for at very competitive tuition rates.
• Earn a significant pay raise in most states.
• Increase your career options: continue as a classroom teacher or become a curriculum specialist, a department chair or an instructional coach (check your individual state guidelines).
• Join a community of practitioners from across the globe as you work to improve instructional practice

*Ranked among the nation’s Best Online Graduate Education Programs by U.S. News and World Report for five consecutive years

Admission to the Program
The Teaching and Learning M.Ed. program admits students for a summer entrance term. Only complete applications are considered for admission.

Application Deadline

• May 1, or until specializations are at capacity.
  • If specializations fill prior to the application deadline, an announcement of specialization closure will be posted on this webpage.

Application Requirements 

To be considered for the Program, applicants must:

• Have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Currently be working in a formal or informal education setting
• Submit an online Graduate School application which requires:
  • Unofficial transcripts (official transcripts will be required if you are accepted into the program)
  • Official GRE scores
    • The test score requirement will be waived if you received a 3.0 GPA or higher in last degree earned
  • A current résumé
  • Three recommendation forms 
    • Recommendation forms are emailed directly to recommenders via the online application process
    • All recommendations should be written by professional contacts
    • At least two recommendations must focus on your teaching and/or education-related experience
  • A personal statement
    • Statement should address your desire to pursue your chosen specialization (Effective and Reflective Teaching, Experiential Learning for Early Childhood, Instructional Coaching, or STEAM) and how you plan to incorporate what you learn into your classroom.
    • Approximate length is one page
  • Official TOEFL/IELTS scores for international students

Additional information concerning supporting materials

The M.Ed. in Teaching and Learning is an entirely online degree. Students must maintain a grade-point average of 3.0 or higher in their coursework. At this time, all M.Ed. in Teaching and Learning students will select from one of these specialization areas: Effective and Reflective Teaching, Experiential Learning for Early Childhood, Instructional Coaching*, or STEAM.

Teaching and Learning M.Ed. (30 credit hours):

Core pedagogical course work (18 credit hours)
ED 8250 – Cultural Diversity in Education
ED 8600 – Classroom-Based Research I
ED 8650 – Curriculum Theory
ED 8990 – Classroom-Based Research II
EDF 8020 – Learning and Motivation in Context
EDF 8080 – Contemporary Issues in Assessment

Specialization courses (12 credit hours)

* To be considered for the Instructional Coaching specialization, you must have at least three years of classroom teaching experience.

Plan of Study
The M.Ed. in Teaching and Learning is an 18-month program spanning five semesters. Your initial summer semester will offer two courses in the second summer term. Each semester thereafter is divided into two mini semesters allowing students to focus on one course at a time.

– Year 1 –

Summer
ED 8650 – Curriculum Theory
EDF 8080 – Contemporary Issues in Assessment

Fall
ED 8600 – Classroom-Based Research I
Specialization Course #1 

Spring
ED 8990 – Classroom-Based Research II
Specialization Course #2 

– Year 2 –

Summer
ED 8250 – Cultural Diversity in Education
Specialization Course #3

Fall
EDF 8020 – Learning and Motivation in Context
Specialization Course #4

More detailed course descriptions can be found in the Graduate Catalog.

Students will receive a registration email indicating which course section they must use for registration.

Transfer Credits
Transfer credits from other institutions are not accepted for this degree program.

South Carolina is a member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) and Clemson University (CU) is an approved SARA institution, which means we adhere to established standards for offering post-secondary e-learning programs in all member states. Please review our state authorizations to see if this program is offered in your state and our process for student complaints against the university.

M.Ed. in Teaching and Learning students choose from one of four specialization areas during the application process. Students are admitted to the program based upon their chosen specialization area.

Effective and Reflective Teaching
The Effective and Reflective Teaching specialization will provide teachers with an understanding of how content, context, pedagogical content knowledge, and student diversity ground intentional teaching practices. This specialization is also beneficial for students beginning or renewing their National Board Certification. The courses are aligned with content and practices encouraged at National Board workshops and were developed in collaboration with the SC National Board Network. As students complete the four course sequence, they develop an understanding of practices and evidence needed for their National Board portfolio. Please note that successful completion of the coursework does not guarantee National Board certification.

Experiential Learning for Early Childhood
The Experiential Learning for Early Childhood specialization equips you to understand and design experiential learning opportunities for young children that are grounded in inquiry practices and support the development of 21st-century learners. Using brain-based learning research, you will explore how to support children in making connections between prior knowledge, new learning explorations, and social constructs. You will gain knowledge and experience with play-based learning, working with families and communities, brain development, and strategies for implementing experiential learning processes in literacy, math, and science for young children.

Coursework will focus on advanced curriculum design and innovative inquiry-based instructional approaches. In addition, teachers will gain an understanding of the historical and political underpinnings in early childhood education and the need to create culturally-responsive environments for young children. For licensed Early Childhood teachers, this program will enhance current practice and afford increased opportunities to support students. The program can also lead to a rewarding position in the field of Early Childhood Education, such as Program Director, Curriculum Developer, Non-Profit Leader, or Policy Advocate.

Instructional Coaching*
The instructional coaching specialization equips current or aspiring instructional coaches with the skills to be an effective instructional or curriculum specialist within their school or district. Coursework focuses on the practical application of reflective coaching practices and professional learning opportunities within the school setting to empower teachers for a positive impact on student growth. An instructional coach brings evidence-based practices into classrooms by guiding their colleagues in data analysis, best instructional practices, and collaboration to improve student learning. Instructional coaching supports professional learning within the school setting by focusing on student learning needs. As schools adopt varying coaching models and roles for teachers, this program seeks to create pathways to develop a positive school culture where mutual respect, collegial relationships, and a shared responsibility for student learning emerges. 

Through this four-course sequence, participants will develop an understanding of professional learning, coaching models, student-centered collaborative protocols, and student-centered instructional and coaching practices. Coursework takes place within the context of the school setting with a focus on practical application of learning to gain a deeper understanding of instructional coaching. Clemson University is excited to offer a unique concentration in the area of instructional coaching. 

Those completing the Instructional Coaching specialization will have the option to apply for a Teacher Leader endorsement from the South Carolina State Department of Education.

* To be considered for the Instructional Coaching specialization, applicants must have at least three years classroom teaching experience. 

STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics)
The STEAM education specialization provides teachers with the ability to infuse STEAM practices in their classrooms. STEAM is a transdisciplinary approach for engaging all learners to solve real-world problems. The four-course sequence equips teachers with skills to create, implement, reflect and assess students engaged in STEAM units. This specialization is appropriate for K-12 teachers of all content areas. STEAM education is an innovative approach to teaching in the K-12 setting. This transdisciplinary approach engages learners to solve real-world problems through STEAM problem scenarios. STEAM education has demonstrated much success in re-engaging learners and teachers through problem-based approaches.  

The four-course sequence builds upon a foundational understanding of the differences between STEM and STEAM, by creating standards-based problem-scenarios in the first course, STEAM Instructional Design. The second course, STEAM transdisciplinary teaching, uses technology to connect and integrate disciplines a transdisciplinary approach. The third course, STEAM Assessment, focuses on assessment practices including both formative and summative assessments that are aligned to the STEAM units. The fourth course, STEAM Enacted and Evaluated, provides teachers with the opportunity to test out these practices in their classroom while receiving supportive feedback. At the end of this sequence, teachers will be prepared to implement STEAM units, practices, and new pedagogical techniques that will create a platform for creativity, communication, critical thinking, and collaboration in their classrooms.

Those completing the STEAM specialization will have the option to apply for a STEAM endorsement from the South Carolina State Department of Education.

Courses are offered in eight-week terms (excluding summers which are five-week terms). Taking one course at a time, students complete two courses each semester. Most students complete the program within five semesters.

With the support of CU Online, Clemson uses the most advanced online technology to provide a rich, supportive, seamless learning environment. Courses will be asynchronous thus allowing students to access courses when and where they need. 

While students have great flexibility in asynchronous learning, there are key deadlines in each course when learning modules must be completed. Students will be provided with timely support from instructors and technology personnel so that learning is maximized. 

Canvas, a very user friendly learning management system, is used for all courses to guide the learning experiences. An orientation module will be provided before the start of the program to allow students to become comfortable with expectations and the technologies before classes formally start.

Tuition and Fees
Explore information on tuition and fees using the Student Financial Services’ tuition and fee calculator (be sure to choose the ‘Go to Online’ tab at the top of the page).

S.C. Teacher Incentive
The Teaching and Learning M.Ed. offers a South Carolina Teacher Incentive reducing tuition by 10% for all SC K-12 teachers/leaders.

Financial Aid
For information regarding Financial Aid, please contact the office of Student Financial Aid.

Teaching and Learning Online M.Ed. Award
The Teaching and Learning Online M.Ed. Award was established to recognize exemplary educators who show evidence and potential as a leader in their field. This honor is awarded to one student from each M.Ed. specialization (Effective and Reflective Teaching, Experiential Learning for Early Childhood, Instructional Coaching and STEAM), who are currently enrolled in their second semester coursework. This award will provide up to $6,000 tuition reduction for selected awardees over the last three semesters of their Online M.Ed. in Teaching and Learning coursework.

The Teaching and Learning M.Ed. program coordinator will contact students concerning the application cycle during their second semester of study.

Review our College of Education Graduate Calendar to view upcoming events and information sessions.

For more information regarding the program or questions associated with applying to the program, please contact Julie Jones at jgambre@clemson.edu.