ALISO VIEJO, Calif. (June 1, 2026) — University of Massachusetts Global has updated its Master of Arts in Education program to provide a more flexible, student-centered path for professionals seeking to enter, advance, or redirect their careers in education and related fields. The revised program will be offered beginning Fall 1 2026.
The updated Master of Arts in Education remains a 30-credit degree but now features three core courses and the opportunity to select targeted electives for the remaining 21 credits to customize the academic journey. The redesigned structure gives students more opportunity to focus their graduate studies around professional interests and career goals.
“The revised MA in Education reflects the needs of today’s education professionals, who are looking for flexible graduate pathways that support meaningful career growth, said Dr. Shari Farris, Associate Professor in the School of Education. “Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, the program supports both experienced educators and career changers seeking to build strong conceptual knowledge and practical workforce skills in the area of their choosing.”
The updated, scenario-based curriculum is designed to help graduates strengthen professional skills valued across industries and global learning environments, including research and data-informed decision-making, curriculum and training program design, adult learning theory, digital learning development, leadership, collaboration, learner support, and equity-centered practice.
Eligible students may receive up to 12 credits through Credit for Prior Learning, plus 3 additional transfer credits, for a maximum of 15 total credits awarded toward the degree. California applicants who hold a valid Preliminary Administrative Services Credential or a valid Clear California Multiple Subject, Single Subject, or Education Specialist Credential may receive 12 CPL credits.
The degree does not lead to a teaching license or credential to provide services in the K-12 education system. Instead, it is designed for professionals who want graduate-level preparation applicable to education and education-related career paths, including training and development, curriculum design, program management, content development, and educational consulting.
Prospective students can visit the Master of Arts in Education program page for more information or speak with an enrollment coach to get started.
Accredited by WSCUC, University of Massachusetts Global is a private, nonprofit affiliate of the University of Massachusetts system, committed to helping adult learners change their lives through education. The university offers over 55 online programs tailored for workplace relevance — associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, along with teaching credentials, stackable certificates, and authorizations. All coursework is 100 percent online, which meshes with the busy lives of non‑traditional students. UMass Global is known for attentive student support, accommodating transfer policies, high graduation rates, alumni satisfaction, and low student loan default rates.
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