Graduate Education Programs

Shape the Future of Education with Christ-Centered Excellence

Advance your career with Southern Adventist University’s graduate education programs. The School of Education, Psychology, and Counseling prepares effective Christian professionals committed to truth, wholeness, and service in a diverse society. Our graduate offerings include a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) for candidates seeking initial teaching licensure, and a Master of Science in Education (MSEd) with emphases in instructional leadership, literacy education, and outdoor education—ideal for educators passionate about leadership, reading instruction, and experiential learning.

For those ready to lead at the highest level, the Doctor of Education (EdD) in Innovation in Leadership and Learning equips professionals to address today’s educational challenges through research-driven strategies, organizational change, and creative problem-solving.

Designed for working professionals, these flexible, Christ-centered programs combine academic excellence with real-world application, preparing graduates to become servant leaders in schools, higher education, business, ministry, and beyond.

Programs

EdD — Doctor of Education in Innovation in Leadership & Learning

COMING IN FALL 2026

Prepares educators and outdoor professionals to teach and lead effectively in nature-based learning environments. Designed for professionals with a bachelor’s degree in any field. Focuses on maximizing the potential of the outdoor classroom to accommodate diverse learning styles and foster real-world problem-solving skills in children and adolescents. Grounded in a Christ-centered philosophy with practical and instructional tools to inspire learning through God’s book of nature.

Program Highlights

60 credits, fully online
Designed for working professionals
Completed in approximately two and a half to three years
Part-time options available
Focus on innovation, leadership, organizational change, and learning science
Core competencies include leadership, communication, innovation, and research methods
Customizable electives aligned with professional interests and career goals
Prepares leaders to serve across K–12, higher education, nonprofit, business, ministry, and public sectors
Doctoral project centered on an authentic problem of practice within student’s professional setting
Instruction and mentorship from experienced faculty across education, business, healthcare, and ministry

Online, Coming Fall 2026

MAT — Master of Arts in Teaching

Designed for professionals with a bachelor’s degree in any field who feel called to the teaching profession and want to become licensed educators. Integrates practical classroom training with Christian values through mentorship, hands-on experience, and a relationship-centered approach. Graduates are prepared to teach with competence, compassion, and integrity in elementary or secondary education settings while building a fulfilling career in teaching.

Program Highlights

32-47 credits, fully online
Completed in approximately two to two and a half years of full-time study
Part-time options available for working professionals
Open to professionals with a bachelor’s degree in any field
Graduate teacher education program leading to teacher licensure
Emphases available in Elementary Education and Secondary Education
Combines practical classroom training, mentorship, and Christian values

Online

MSEd — Master of Science in Education

Equips practicing educators with advanced strategies in teaching, administration, and learning facilitation through a Christ-centered framework. Designed to support professional growth and leadership development. Prepares graduates to serve as servant leaders in schools and communities while increasing marketability and recognition among peers and employers. Emphases in Instructional Leadership for roles such as school principals and superintendents and Literacy Education to strengthen student communication, reading, writing, and critical-thinking skills.

Program Highlights

33 credits, fully online
Completed in approximately two years of full-time study
Part-time options available for working professionals
Emphasizes Christian-based leadership, current learning trends, and instructional excellence
Prepares graduates for administrative and leadership roles
Emphases in Instructional Leadership and Literacy Education
Experienced faculty with backgrounds in public and private education
Integrates educational technology and real-world application

Online

MSEd — Outdoor Teacher Education

Pprepares educators and outdoor professionals to teach and lead effectively in nature-based learning environments. Designed for professionals with a bachelor’s degree in any field. Focuses on maximizing the potential of the outdoor classroom to accommodate diverse learning styles and foster real-world problem-solving skills in children and adolescents. Grounded in a Christ-centered philosophy with practical and instructional tools to inspire learning through God’s book of nature.

Program Highlights

33 credits, in-person, two-week summer field school intensives, online coursework
Completed over three consecutive summers with a fall practicum
Open to professionals with a bachelor’s degree in any field
Emphasizes experiential, nature-based education and outdoor leadership
Prepares graduates to work as educators, youth leaders, and outdoor professionals

Hybrid, Summer Intensives

Course Guides

Semester Starts	USA Deadlines	International Deadlines
Fall: August 25 Winter: January 12 Summer: May 12	Fall: August 1 Winter: Nov 15 Summer: April 1	Fall: N/A Winter: N/A Summer: N/A

Program	Admissions Requirements	Admissions Process
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.	Graduate application: Submit a graduate application with non-refundable fee of $40. Transcripts: Submit official college and university transcripts. Recommendations: Submit two recommendation forms completed by work supervisors or professors. Submit a statement of purpose. Résumé: Submit your current résumé through your Application Status page. Background check: Successfully complete an approved background check. 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.	Graduate application: Submit a graduate application with non-refundable fee of $40. Transcripts: Submit official college and university transcripts. Recommendations: Submit two recommendation forms completed by work supervisors or professors. Submit a statement of purpose. Résumé: Submit your current résumé through your Application Status page. Background check: Successfully complete an approved background check. Criminal-Record Release and Declaration: Submit the Criminal-Record Release and Declaration.

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.