College of Health, Education and Social Transformation
Education (M.A.)(M.A.T.)
College of Health, Education and Social Transformation
Education (M.A.)(M.A.T.)
Advance Your Teaching Practice. Expand Your Impact. — Earn Your M.A. in Education
The Master of Arts in Education at New Mexico State University is designed for educators and education professionals seeking to deepen their instructional expertise and broaden their impact in educational settings. This non-licensure graduate program emphasizes advanced teaching strategies, curriculum development, culturally responsive pedagogy, and educational research to support effective learning environments.
Students can choose from four focused concentrations — Curriculum and Instruction, Elementary Science and Mathematics, Language, Literacy and Culture, and Teaching Spanish — allowing them to align their graduate studies with their professional goals and areas of passion. Through rigorous coursework and close faculty mentorship, students develop advanced skills to support learners, design effective instruction, and lead educational innovation.
Admission Deadlines
March 15 (fall), November 15 (spring)
- Total credits: 30-34
Delivery Format
In person and 100% on for concentrations in Curriculum and Instruction and Language, Literacy & Culture
Career Pathways
Graduates of the M.A. or M.A.T. in Education pursue a variety of education-focused roles, including:
- Instructional coach or mentor
- Curriculum specialist or developer
- Literacy or language program specialist
- STEM education specialist
- Spanish language educator or program coordinator
- Teacher leader or department chair
- Professional development facilitator
- Education consultant
- Roles in educational nonprofits, community organizations, or education-focused agencies
Degree questions, answered
Have questions about the Master of Arts in Education? Fill out our inquiry form.
Why choose a M.A.or M.A.T. in Education at NMSU?
NMSU’s non-licensure Master of Arts in Education offers a flexible and intellectually rigorous pathway for educators seeking professional growth beyond certification. The program emphasizes advanced instructional practice, equity-centered teaching, and applied learning, preparing graduates to influence education in meaningful and lasting ways.
Students benefit from experienced faculty mentors, a curriculum responsive to today’s educational challenges, and the opportunity to specialize through focused concentrations. Whether your goal is to strengthen classroom practice, expand language and literacy expertise, or move into instructional leadership or program development, NMSU provides the knowledge, perspective, and support to help you advance your career in education.
Concentration Options:
- Curriculum and Instruction — Strengthen your ability to design, evaluate, and implement effective curriculum and instructional practices that enhance student learning across grade levels and content areas.
- Elementary Science and Mathematics — Develop advanced knowledge in STEM-focused teaching and learning, emphasizing inquiry-based instruction, problem-solving, and innovative approaches to elementary science and mathematics education.
- Language, Literacy and Culture — Explore the intersections of language, literacy development, and culture to support diverse and multilingual learners through inclusive, culturally sustaining educational practices.
- Teaching Spanish — Strengthen your content knowledge in Spanish language and culture while advancing pedagogical skills for teaching Spanish in a variety of educational contexts, including K–12 and community-based programs.
No GRE Required
We’re removing barriers to graduate education, which is why we don’t require the GRE.
The Master of Arts in Education with a Concentration in Curriculum and Instruction/Multicultural Education is a 30-credit (minimum) program of study including elective/minor courses (9-12 credits). This is a hybrid Main Campus program with coursework offered predominantly online and some in person.
Note: Graduates cannot teach in the public schools without seeking a teaching license and cannot seek an endorsement without first obtaining an initial teaching license.
Take classes like:
- EDUC 5120 – Multicultural Education
- EDUC 5160 – Curriculum and Pedagogy
- EDUC 4170 - Action Research Projects
- EDUC 6330 - Critical Race Theory & Storytelling in Educational Spaces
The Master of Arts in Education with a Concentration in Elementary Mathematics and Science is a 34-credit (minimum) program of study for individuals who have completed a Bachelor's degree and already licensed teachers. The program is designed to prepare teachers to be specialists in mathematics and science teaching and learning, and to prepare them to be leaders.
Take classes like:
- EDUC 5120 – Multicultural Education
- MATH 5170 – Using Number Throughout the Curriculum
- BIOL 565 - Biology In The K-6 Curriculum
- EDUC 5540 - Leadership Advocacy in Elementary Mathematics and Science
The Master of Arts in Education with a concentration in Language, Literacy and Culture (Reading, without licensure) is a 33-credit (minimum) program of study that prepares educational leaders and scholars who understand reading, language and literacy education in complex and diverse ways; particularly as these relate to issues of social justice and equity.
Take classes like:
- EDUC 5120 – Multicultural Education
- READ 5360 – Digital Literacies
- EDUC 5160 - Curriculum and Pedagogy
- READ 5410 - Theory and Pedagogy of Literature for Children and Adolescents
The Master of Arts in Teaching with a concentration in Spanish is a 33-credit (minimum) a non-licensure degree with a program of study that is intended for working teachers who already have a license but want to continue their studies, specialize in a specific teaching field and earn an master's degree.
Take classes like:
- EDUC 5120 – Multicultural Education
- EDUC 5130 – Technology and Pedagogy
- EDUC 5160 - Curriculum and Pedagogy
- EDUC 5170 - Action Research Projects
NMSU’s non-licensure Master of Arts in Education program also offers the following concentrations that are 100% online:
Ready to take the next step?
Request Information
Scholarships and Financial Aid
At NMSU, we strive to offer competitively priced tuition to keep your tuition costs affordable. If you need financial aid, we’re ready to work with you to determine the best ways to finance your education.
Financial assistance includes loans, grants, and scholarship opportunities. To apply, use NMSU’s convenient Scholar Dollar$ one-stop scholarship application, which serves all students in the NMSU system.
NMSU students are also eligible for loans and grants. The first step in applying for financial aid is to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Learn more about financial aid opportunities at NMSU.
Contact Financial Aid
Phone: 1-888-729-6678
Email: financialaid@nmsu.edu
Accreditation
New Mexico State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Specialized accreditation from other accrediting agencies is also granted for some programs. NMSU’s accreditation ensures that your education meets high-quality standards and that your credits are transferable.