Master of Education (MEd)

Program Highlights: 

• A variety of specialty options to choose from (listed below)
• Designed for professional educators to continue to build upon their knowledge and experience to employ research to improve professional practice and promote student learning 
• Combine a 15 hour core of professional knowledge and research courses with a 21 hour program specialty area 
• Flexible "rolling admission" allows for program entry at any term, candidates process through the program at their own pace, and the program can be completed in 2 years
• Courses meet weekly during "after school hours" to meet the needs of working educators 
• Faculty with substantial P-12 experience and academic expertise in educational research 
• Scholarship Opportunities

For additional program specific information, visit the School of Education.

Graduate School Application 

Program Locations: 

• Edmonton (Fall Start Only) 
• Portland

Specialty Options: 

• Educational Leadership (Canada only)
• English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Endorsement 
• Preliminary Administrator License (formerly named IAL)  
• Reading Intervention Endorsement 
• Special Education (SPED) Generalist Endorsement  

Admission Requirements:

• Three Essays
  • What is your reason for seeking the Master of Education degree and how does the program complement your current and future professional goals?
  • Reflect on the following:
    1. What are your personal strengths?
    2. What personal and professional aspects of yourself would you like to improve?
    3. What other extra-duty assignments and outside activities may compete for your time and attention with the Master of Education degree program? Have you discussed the implications of enrollment in this program with important persons in your life? Are they supportive of your aspirations?
  • Write a brief description of your perceptions of the key issues facing professionals in your discipline, specifically identifying a particular challenge you would like to explore in depth as part of your education degree experience.
• Current Resume
• Two Letters of Recommendation
  • The online application will prompt you to enter contact information for two references and they will receive a request with a personalized link in order to upload their letter to your application record. 
  • Alternatively, a letter of recommendation may be emailed as a signed attachment to gradschl@up.edu or mailed to ATTN: Graduate School, 5000 N. Willamette Blvd., Portland, OR 97203, directly by the reference.
• Copy of current and valid U.S. or Canadian issued teaching license
  • Preliminary Administrator License: this option requires a minimum of 3 years of in-school experience as a licensed educator prior to beginning coursework
• Official Transcripts (from all previously attended academic institutions)
  • Must be submitted directly from the institution or in a sealed envelope given to the applicant directly from the academic institution 
  • A bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited college or university recognized by the University of Portland is required 
• Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale)
  • Lower GPAs will be considered on a case by case basis 

Application Timeline: 

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the following deadline: 

• Fall Semester: July 31
• Spring Semester: December 7
• Summer Semester: May 30

Program Contact: 

• Anne Rasmussen | rasmusse@up.edu | 503.943.8257