Seattle University

What you'll study

This master’s combines coursework in curriculum and instruction, adult learning, leadership and research methods with applied practicum work tailored to a specific level (for example elementary or secondary) and method (such as literacy, STEM, special education or English language development). Core topics typically include:

• Foundations of Professional Development: theories of adult learning, models for job-embedded professional learning, and designing effective PD cycles.
• Curriculum, Assessment and Instructional Design: aligning standards, designing assessments for learning, differentiated instruction and culturally responsive pedagogy for the chosen level/method.
• Leadership and Coaching: instructional coaching techniques, facilitation skills, change management and distributed leadership in schools and districts.
• Research and Inquiry: applied classroom or school-based action research, programme evaluation, and using data to inform professional learning decisions.
• Policy, Ethics and Equity: the role of policy in shaping professional learning, ethical considerations and strategies to advance educational equity.
• Capstone/Practicum: a sustained, supervised project in a school or district setting that demonstrates the design, implementation and evaluation of a professional development initiative targeted to a specific level or method.

Course sequencing usually balances theory and practice; students work closely with faculty and local partner schools to apply new approaches in real-world settings. Electives allow focused study in areas such as literacy coaching, STEM coaching, special education methods, or multilingual learner supports.

Entry requirements

• A recognised bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• Professional experience in education; typically several years of teaching or related K–12 experience is expected for those focusing on professional development and leadership.
• Application materials commonly include an academic transcript, a current CV or résumé, a personal statement describing professional goals and how the specialism aligns with them, and references from supervisors or academic referees.
• Teaching certification or licensure is often preferred for candidates seeking classroom-level specialisms, though some pathways accept candidates without a licence depending on prior experience and the chosen concentration.
• Some applicants may be invited to an interview as part of the selection process; international applicants should provide evidence of English language proficiency where applicable.

Career prospects

Graduates move into roles that bridge classroom practice and system-level improvement. Typical career paths include:

• Instructional coach or mentor in schools and districts.
• Professional development coordinator or director for school districts, non-profits or educational service agencies.
• Curriculum specialist or curriculum coordinator with responsibility for specific grade bands or subjects.
• Teacher leader, department chair or assistant principal with a focus on teacher growth and instructional improvement.
• Education consultant, trainer or programme evaluator for NGOs, publishers or PD providers.
• Further doctoral study in education, leadership or curriculum and instruction for those pursuing research or higher education careers.

Why study at Seattle University

• Jesuit mission and equity focus: Seattle University emphasises social justice, culturally responsive practice and working with diverse urban communities—key themes woven throughout the programme.
• Applied, practice-driven learning: the programme blends research with job-embedded practicum opportunities and partnerships with Puget Sound-area school districts, allowing candidates to implement and evaluate PD in authentic settings.
• Experienced faculty and practitioner network: faculty bring PK–12 leadership experience and scholarship in teacher learning, and cohorts offer strong peer collaboration and networking across Seattle’s dynamic education ecosystem.
• Customisable specialisms: students can focus on specific grade levels and instructional methods to tailor their studies toward literacy, STEM, special education, multilingual learners or other areas of need.
• Support for career transitions: services and alumni networks assist graduates moving into instructional leadership, district roles or consulting careers within public, private and non-profit education sectors.