Masters of Education Programs that Accept Low GPA

Master’s of education low GPA programs could mean finally earning your graduate-level teaching degree instead of getting sidelined by your less-than-perfect grades. In fact, applicants to master’s programs can and do overcome unimpressive undergraduate GPAs in order to pursue their goals.

Here, we’ll show you to ten partner schools that may offer the second chance you’re looking for.

List of 8 Master’s of Education Low GPA Programs

Don’t let your low undergraduate GPA keep you out of the classroom. Explore these sponsored listings for graduate schools with low GPA requirements.

Keep in mind that all listed GPAs are on a 4.0 scale and that GPA and other admissions requirements may vary by program and are subject to change.

1. Walden University

Minimum GPA: None

Master’s in Education Programs:

• M.S. in Education – Educational Leadership and Administration (Principal Preparation)
• M.S. in Education – Mathematics and Science (Grades K–8)
• M.S. in Education – Teacher Leadership (Grades K-12)
• M.S. in Education – Reading and Literacy with a Reading K–12 Endorsement
• M.S. in Education – Science (Grades K-8)

Potential Features and Benefits:

• Simple admissions process
• 100%-online master’s programs
• Multiple start dates
• Accelerated MSEd programs

Walden University is an accredited online university designed to serve the needs of adult students. They’re home to several master’s programs that focus on education, including an NCATE-accredited M.S. in Education with 15 specializations to choose from – including a self-designed track!

In addition, six MSEd program tracks are offered in an accelerated format, meaning you could potentially earn your degree in as few as 12 months.

2. Northcentral University

Minimum GPA: None

Master’s in Education Programs:

• Master of Education – Leadership in Higher Education
• Master of Education – Adult Learning and Workforce Education
• Master of Education – Curriculum and Teaching
• Master of Education – Special Education
• Master of Science in Instructional Design (MSID)

Potential Features and Benefits:

• Flexible online learning
• Classes start every Monday
• One-on-one learning model, where you work with faculty in a class size of one
• 100% doctoral faculty

Northcentral University is a regionally accredited online institution that serves students from around the world. The university offers several master’s programs for teachers, including a Master of Education program designed to help you prepare for future educational leadership.

Choose from 16 specialization areas, including Reading Education, Early Childhood Education, Curriculum & Teaching, and even E-Learning!

3. Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota

Minimum GPA: 2.75

Master’s in Education Programs:

• Master of Arts in Educational Leadership
• Master of Arts in Special Education
• Master of Education in Learning Design and Technology
• M.A. in Teaching
• Master of Arts in English as a Second Language

Potential Features and Benefits:

• Blended online and classroom learning designed for busy adults
• Six start dates throughout the year
• Choose to study online or at locations in Twin Cities, Rochester, Winona, greater Minnesota, and Wisconsin.

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is a private, nonprofit institution centered around student success. They offer over 60 graduate and professional degree programs, including master’s in education programs designed for teachers at various stages of their careers.

Whether you are seeking initial teaching licensure, exploring a new area of the education field, pursuing leadership and administration, or something else, Saint Mary’s may have a program designed to help you make your goals a reality.

4. Purdue University Global

Minimum GPA: None

Master’s in Education Programs:

• M.S. in Higher Education – Student Affairs
• M.S. in Education (for Existing Teachers, Grades K-12)
• M.A. in Teaching (for Aspiring Teachers, Grades 5-12)
• Master of Science in Instructional Technology – Adults
• M.A. in Teaching

Potential Features and Benefits:

• 100%-online interactive classrooms OR campus programs
• Multiple start dates throughout the year
• The Classroom Pathways Bundle may help students pursue certification in specific states, while earning the M.A. in Teaching online.

Part of the renowned Purdue University system, Purdue Global offers flexible learning designed for working adults. Choose from several online master’s programs for current or aspiring teachers, in areas like instructional technology, higher education, secondary education, and more.

For example, the Master of Arts in Teaching program offers both a certification track (for aspiring Iowa teachers) where you’ll participate in a student-teaching experience, and a non-certification track designed for students in other states.

5. Concordia University-Portland

Minimum GPA: 2.8 for the MAT Program

*M.Ed applicants with a GPA below 2.8 may be conditionally accepted but must provide a letter of recommendation, as well as an explanation of what led to the low GPA and how they plan to succeed in graduate school.

Master’s in Education Programs:

• MEd in Curriculum and Instruction – ESOL (K-Adult)
• MEd in Curriculum and Instruction – Reading
• MEd in Career and Technical Education
• MEd in Curriculum and Instruction – STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math)
• MEd in Educational Leadership

Potential Features and Benefits:

• Earn your M.Ed 100% online or on campus in Portland, Oregon
• Potentially earn your MAT in 11 months (full-time study)
• Online MEd and online EdD applicants could receive free textbooks

Founded in 1905, Concordia University in Portland, Oregon is a Christian institution committed to making a difference. One way they achieve that goal is through graduate programs designed for educators.

The university’s unique 3 to PhD® campus brings the community together, with a focus on providing much-needed services to local children while giving current and future teachers the chance to apply their learning in real classrooms.

6. Liberty University Online

Minimum GPA: 3.0

*The 3.0 GPA requirement is for admission in good standing, but both the M.Ed. and MAT programs may accept students with a lower GPA “on caution.”

Master’s in Education Programs:

• Master of Arts in Teaching: Secondary Education
• Master of Arts in Teaching: Special Education
• Master of Arts in Teaching: Middle Grades Education
• Master of Arts in Teaching: Elementary Education

Potential Features and Benefits:

• Both licensure and non-licensure tracks
• Many programs are NCATE-accredited through CAEP (Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation)
• Military-friendly

Liberty University is a large, evangelical liberal arts institution founded in 1971, in Lynchburg, VA. As a pioneer in distance learning, they offer over 250 online programs, including those aimed at current and future educators across various areas of professional focus. Currently, Liberty serves over 100,000 students and helps them pursue their goals while reinforcing their Christian faith.

7. Notre Dame de Namur University

Minimum GPA: 2.5 (the MA in Education program requires a 3.0)

Master’s in Education Programs:

• Special Education
• School Administration
• MA in Education (requires 3.0 GPA)

Potential Features and Benefits:

• 95% of full-time faculty hold doctoral or terminal degrees
• The School of Education and Psychology has trained over 3,000 of San Mateo County’s education professionals
• Evening, weekend, and online learning may be available

As the third oldest college in California, Notre Dame de Namur University has been a force in higher education for over 165 years. The private, Catholic university serves students on campus in the Silicon Valley, plus online in graduate programs designed to be earned part-time.

NDNU is home to master’s programs in Education, Special Education, School Administration, and other master of education programs.

8. Anna Maria College

Minimum GPA: 2.7

Master’s in Education Programs:

• Master of Education with Initial Teacher License Preparation – Master

Potential Features and Benefits:

• Tracks for initial teacher licensure or career enhancement
• Focus areas may include Moderate Disabilities, Instructional Design and Technology, English Language Arts, and self-designed.

Anna Maria College is a private, Catholic institution founded by the Sisters of Saint Anne in 1946. With an emphasis on service learning, community service opportunities, and helping students prepare for rewarding career paths, they may offer the ideal environment for pursuing goals in the field of education.

This includes whether you are seeking teacher licensure for the first time or interested in professional development.

DID YOU KNOW?

37% of Education Administrators in elementary and secondary schools said they needed to earn a master’s degree, as of 2018.ⁱ

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What are Common Admission Requirements for Masters in Education?

Some master’s programs have a more holistic admissions process, in which they consider the whole person and not just grades. If you’re compensating for a low GPA, it’s important to ace the other components of your application. These may include:

• Transcripts from all previous institutions you attended
• GRE Scores and/or Praxis CORE scores
• Statement of Purpose
• Letter(s) of Recommendation
• Resume

You can’t change your GPA, but you may be able to enhance the rest of your application – say, by writing a compelling Statement of Purpose or scoring high on the GRE.

3 Considerations for Applying to Earn a Master’s of Education With a Low GPA

Education graduate programs with low GPA requirements may be out there, and what’s more, there may be steps you can take to make yourself a more impressive candidate.

For starters, it may help if you have a strong professional background as a teacher, since master’s programs may value your relevant work experience – and the potential insights you bring to the table as a result of that experience.

But what if you’re an aspiring teacher rather than a seasoned educator? You may be able to wow admissions with other aspects of your application, like laudatory letters of recommendation from those who can attest to your grad school readiness.

And, you may consider taking a couple of graduate courses to prove you have what it takes to pursue a master’s program.

1. Clarify Your Goals and Know Where You Went Wrong

Admissions officers may doubt your readiness for graduate study unless you’re very clear about your goals and ability to succeed. That means first understanding why you were derailed as an undergraduate, and how you’ve changed since.

For instance, maybe you lacked maturity in college but have since found your focus and proven yourself in other areas of your life, like your career. Your Statement of Purpose or admissions essay may be a good place to explain.

2. Look for Master’s of Education Programs with No GPA Requirement

These programs tend to consider a more complex picture of applicant potential, beyond just grades. You’ll probably want to avoid applying to Master’s in Education programs that list a high GPA requirement right off the bat.

Luckily, we’ve compiled a list of no GPA grad schools, some of which offer master’s in education programs.

3. Don’t Just Look for the Easiest Online Masters Degree in Education Programs

Consider applying to some reach schools as well, provided you feel you have a chance to be considered. Programs that take a more holistic approach while still conducting a rigorous admissions process may be worth applying to, since hopefully they’ll look beyond your regrettable GPA to see your successful qualities.

Find Masters of Education Programs With Low GPA Requirements

Your low GPA doesn’t have to be a deal-breaker as you pursue new career goals in education. Click any of our sponsored listings to learn more about programs that may accept a low GPA or fill out our form to get matched with education master’s programs that may be the perfect fit.