Graduate Degree Programs

UNCW is among the top-ranked public, master's-focused universities in the South. The Graduate School administers excellent master's programs in the Watson School of Education.

In addition, UNCW offers a terminal degree for Ed.D. in educational leadership and administration.

For more information about admissions, please visit the Graduate School website.

WSE Graduate Student Information and Admissions Requirements

Master of Education (M.Ed.)

Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Elementary Education, Curriculum/Instruction Supervision, Language and Literacy Education, Middle Grades Education, Secondary Education, and Special Education. The programs in these areas address the need for conceptual and procedural foundations for decision-making and for specific alternatives within the student's area of professional practice. The M.Ed. programs address the North Carolina Masters/Advanced Competencies requirements. Designed for individuals who have "A" level teaching licenses.

Master of School Administration (M.S.A.)

Master of School Administration (M.S.A.) in Educational Leadership prepares personnel to become school principals. The program is authorized by the Principal Fellows Program, which provides two-year scholarship loans in the amount of $20,000 annually. Principal Fellows information may be obtained by calling (919) 962-4575. Designed for individuals seeking principal licensure. (View the Program Sheet PDF)

MSA Add-on Licensure

To be eligible for consideration for the MSA add-on licensure option, candidates must have:

  1. A master’s degree from a regionally accredited university
  2. A minimum of three years of teaching or other professional education experience
  3. A current North Carolina educator’s license

(View the Program Sheet PDF)

Master of Science in Instructional Technology (M.S.)

The Master of Science in Instructional Technology (M.S.) program focuses upon the application of research and best practices in instructional technology. The courses provide a balance of product development and utilization of technology with theoretical basis for design, development, implementation, and evaluation of educational and training programs. Designed for individuals seeking advanced technology training. (View the Program Sheet PDF)

Master of Arts In Teaching (M.A.T.)

Master of Arts In Teaching (M.A.T.) is designed for individuals who have degrees in English, history, mathematics, science, or Spanish, but have not earned teacher licensure. The program includes coursework in pedagogy, academic discipline, and an internship. Designed for individuals who have degrees in English, history, mathematics, or science, but have not earned teacher licensure. (View the Program Sheet PDF)

M.A.T. in Middle Grades Education

The M.A.T. in Middle Grades Education seeks to better prepare candidates for teaching young adolescents and addresses the North Carolina Professional Teaching standards, the Masters/Advanced Competencies which include standards in Instructional Expertise, Knowledge of Learners, Research Expertise, Connecting Subject Matter and Learners, and Professional Development and Leadership as well as the North Carolina Standards for Middle School Teachers. In addition, the program addresses the National Middle School Association’s (NMSA) programmatic standards for initial teacher preparation. (View the Program Sheet)

Ed.D. in Educational Leadership & Administration

The mission of the doctoral program in Educational Leadership and Administration is to prepare graduates to be informed, proactive and reflective agents of change to improve public schools and other educational organizations for the benefit of all students, particularly in southeastern North Carolina. The primary target audience for the program is current B-12 educators who will become public school leaders, superintendents, state policy makers or higher education curriculum, instruction, and supervision specialists. Three years of school leadership experience is required. Areas of Faculty Research and Interest