Graduate Education Programs
Dedicated to the Future of Education
Transform Your Career and Classroom
At Carlow University, we know our schools need skilled and compassionate educators. Rooted in the Mercy tradition, our graduate programs prepare educators to remove barriers to learning and create innovative classrooms and school systems.
Whether you’re advancing your teaching career with an MEd or endorsement or preparing for district leadership with an EdD, you’ll gain:
- Practical skills to immediately apply in your school or organization
- Experience in reflective practice and scholar-practitioner leadership
- Opportunities to specialize in areas like literacy, curriculum & instruction, special education, or educational leadership
You’ll Thrive Here
Our graduate education students are passionate about teaching and leadership, committed to justice in education, and looking for flexible, high-quality programs that fit their lives. Whether you’re a current teacher, career changer, or aspiring leader, you’ll find a welcoming and supportive community here.
Advance Your Career
Carlow graduates are prepared to take on meaningful roles in classrooms, schools, and educational organizations. Our programs equip you with practical skills, research-driven strategies, and the confidence to influence positive change. Whether you want to grow as a teacher leader or move into administrative leadership, you’ll graduate ready for advancement.
Graduates of Carlow’s education programs are prepared for roles such as:
Reading Specialist
Curriculum Leader
Principal
*Average salary in 2025 per Payscale.com.
Courses are Designed to Fit Your Life
Courses are offered online in combination with in-person field practicums that are tailored to your career path and work schedule.
Career-Focused Education Programs
Doctor of Education (EdD)
Carlow’s EdD program is built for educators ready to lead transformation in schools, districts, and educational organizations. You’ll join a cohort of scholar-practitioners, begin dissertation work from your very first course, and graduate in as little as three years, prepared to influence policy, improve practice, and create innovative learning environments. Courses blend synchronous online meetings with flexible asynchronous work, designed to fit your life as a working professional.
Specializations include:
- Curriculum & Learning
- Early Childhood Policy & Leadership
- Educational Leadership
- Educational Leadership with Principal Certification
- Educational Leadership with Superintendent Letter of Eligibility
- Literacy
Master of Education (MEd)
Carlow’s MEd programs are designed for working educators who want to advance their teaching practice, qualify for leadership roles, or add certifications that open new doors. The programs are fully online, affordable, and flexible, with most completed in just one year. Guided by Mercy values, you’ll join a supportive community of peers and faculty dedicated to innovation in education.
Specializations include:
- Art Education
- Curriculum & Instruction with tracks in: Autism Teaching, Dyslexia Teaching, Early Childhood Leadership, English as a Second Language (ESL)
- Early Childhood Education
- Early Childhood Supervision
- Educational Leadership with Principal Certification
- Reading Specialist
- Secondary Education
- Special Education
Graduate Certificates
Graduate certificates let you quickly add credentials or deepen expertise while continuing your teaching career. These online programs are ideal for educators who need to stay licensed, qualify for pay increases, or expand their impact in the classroom.
Available certificates/endorsements include:
- Autism Teaching
- Dyslexia Teaching
- Early Childhood Leadership
- Educational Leadership with Principal Certification Prep
- Reading Specialist
- Special Education
Support at Every Step
At Carlow, you’re never alone in your graduate journey. From day one, you’ll be surrounded by mentors and resources that help you balance school, work, and life while keeping your goals on track.
Personal advising
Every student has both a program advisor (a faculty content expert) and a graduate program coordinator who provide academic guidance, scheduling help, and career coaching.
Professional development opportunities
Take part in elective workshops, conferences, and research presentations to expand your skills and network.
Faculty Mentorship
With small class sizes and student-faculty ratios averaging 14:1, you’ll be seen, heard, and known, not lost in the crowd.
For me, it has been really impactful to see how much passion all the professors bring to every lesson. Seeing that high-quality instruction modeled has motivated me to step up my game.
Amy Wooler, MEd Graduate