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Graduate Education Programs

Shape the Future of Education with Christ-Centered Excellence

Southern Adventist University’s graduate programs in Education prepare Christ-centered professionals to lead with integrity, innovation, and service in a diverse society. Designed for working adults, these flexible programs combine academic excellence with real-world application and a commitment to truth, wholeness, and servant leadership.

Offerings include the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) for initial licensure, the Master of Science in Education (MSEd) with emphases in instructional leadership, literacy education, and outdoor education, and the Doctor of Education (EdD) in Innovation in Leadership and Learning for professionals seeking advanced leadership roles. Graduates are equipped to make meaningful, lasting impact in schools, higher education, organizations, ministry, and beyond.

Program Pathways

EdD—Doctor of Education in Innovation in Learning and Leadership

EdD—Doctor of Education in Innovation in Learning and Leadership

Lead meaningful change in education and beyond with Southern’s Doctor of Education (EdD) in Innovation in Learning and Leadership. Designed for working professionals, this fully online doctoral program integrates leadership, learning science, innovation, and applied research to prepare professionals to address complex challenges and lead with creativity, purpose, and integrity across a variety of organizations and industries.
Online
MAT—Master of Arts in Teaching

MAT—Master of Arts in Teaching

Prepares professionals with a bachelor’s degree in any field to become licensed educators through flexible online coursework, practical classroom experience, and a strong foundation in Christian values. With options in Elementary and Secondary Education, the program is designed to help you turn your passion for teaching into a meaningful career.

Online
MSEd—Master of Science in Education

MSEd—Master of Science in Education

Advance your career in education with Southern’s Master of Science in Education (MSEd). Designed for practicing educators, this fully online program combines instructional excellence, educational technology, and leadership development within a Christ-centered framework. With emphases in Instructional Leadership and Literacy Education, the MSEd equips educators with advanced skills to strengthen learning, lead effectively, and make a meaningful impact in their schools and communities.

Online
MSEd—Outdoor Teacher Education

MSEd—Outdoor Teacher Education

Take learning beyond the traditional classroom with Southern’s MSEd in Outdoor Teacher Education. Designed for educators and professionals with a bachelor’s degree in any field, this unique program combines experiential learning, outdoor leadership, and practical teaching strategies to help students use nature as a powerful learning environment. Grounded in a Christ-centered philosophy, the program prepares graduates to inspire learning, foster real-world problem-solving, and lead effectively in outdoor settings.
Hybrid, Summer Intensives

Course Guides

STEP INTO YOUR CALLING!
 
The application deadline for Winter 2027 is November 1  •  Classes begin January 11

Admissions Process

Important Dates
Our deadlines are flexibleand we accept applications year-round. When in doubt, please reach out to an enrollment adviser.

Program's Entry Terms: Fall, Winter, and Summer

Semester Starts USA Deadlines International Deadlines
Fall: August 24
Winter: January 11
Summer: May 11		 Fall: August 1
Winter: Nov 15
Summer: April 1		 Fall: N/A
Winter: N/A
Summer: N/A
Admissions Requirements
For comprehensive information regarding the Education programs, visit the Program's Catalog Page.
Program Admissions Requirements Admissions Process
Doctor of Education (EdD)
  • Master's degree in any field from regionally accredited institution
  • Three years of professional experience
  • Documentation of successful completion of a graduate course in statistics. (If not, it must be completed during the first year in the program)
  1. Graduate application: Submit a graduate application with non-refundable fee of $50.
  2. Transcripts: Submit official college and university transcripts.
  3. Recommendations: Submit three recommendation forms completed by work supervisors or professors.
  4. Submit a statement of purpose.
  5. Résumé: Submit your current résumé
Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)
  • Bachelor's degree: A four-year degree in any field.
  • GPA requirement: A minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.00.
  1. Graduate application: Submit a graduate application with non-refundable fee of $50.
  2. Transcripts: Submit official college and university transcripts.
  3. Recommendations: Submit two recommendation forms completed by work supervisors or professors.
  4. Submit a statement of purpose.
  5. Résumé: Submit your current résumé through your Application Status page.
  6. Background check: Successfully complete an approved background check.
  7. Criminal-Record Release and Declaration: Submit the Criminal-Record Release and Declaration.
Master of Science in Education (MSEd)
  • Bachelor's degree: A four-year degree in any field from an accredited institution.
  • GPA requirement: A minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.00.
  • Instructional Leadership emphasis: Applicants must have two years of teaching experience.
  1. Graduate application: Submit a graduate application with non-refundable fee of $50.
  2. Transcripts: Submit official college and university transcripts.
  3. Recommendations: Submit two recommendation forms completed by work supervisors or professors.
  4. Submit a statement of purpose.
  5. Résumé: Submit your current résumé through your Application Status page.
  6. Background check: Successfully complete an approved background check.
  7. Criminal-Record Release and Declaration: Submit the Criminal-Record Release and Declaration.
Admissions Requirements for International Students
U.S. visa regulations require international students to enroll full-time in programs delivered in person. Fully online degrees do not meet F-1 student visa requirements; therefore, international applicants who wish to pursue an online program must do so from their country of residence.

All of our graduate education degrees are delivered either fully online or in hybrid formats that include brief in-person components. Due to program-specific requirements, only the following graduate education programs are available to students residing outside the United States:
  • Doctor of Education (EdD) - Innovation in Leadership and Learning
  • Master of Science in Education (MSEd) - Literacy Education

See Full Requirements
Statement of Purpose Guidelines (MAT and MSED)
Background Check Information

Why Southern?

The graduate programs in education at Southern Adventist University are designed for ambitious educators seeking impactful growth without disrupting their current commitments. Rooted in a Christ-centered mission, these programs prepare professionals who value truth, wholeness, and service in a diverse society. Our flexible structure allows you to deepen your expertise through focused coursework, ensuring you can master critical concepts at a pace that fits your life. No matter your career aspirations in education—whether classroom leadership, curriculum development, or administrative roles—Southern equips you with the knowledge and skills to become a transformative leader. More than academic excellence, our programs emphasize faith integration and servant leadership, empowering you to make a lasting impact in education while modeling Christ-like character and service.