Credit for Prior Learning

Loyola University Maryland’s M.Ed. program in Montessori Education is designed to revolutionize your career. 

The Credit for Prior Learning pathway is tailored to individuals possessing a credential from a Montessori Accreditation Council of Teacher Education (MACTE) accredited Infant and Toddler, Early Childhood, Elementary I-II, or Administrator training program. 

Admitted students may be eligible to transfer 15 graduate credit hours from their MACTE credential towards the 33-credit M.Ed. in Montessori Education.

Note: International students cannot be issued a form I-20 for this online program. 

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Scholarship and Grant Opportunity

A limited number of partial Merit-based Scholarship and Ignatius Grant* awards are typically available each new application cycle (beginning Summer). All applicants will be considered.

*Ignatius Grant recipients should be able to demonstrate a strong commitment to equitable practices in Montessori Education through their application.

Program Format

It is important to note that credit for prior learning requests can only be made at the time of application. Credits cannot be applied to degree sequence once a student is admitted to the program.

Coursework can be completed in as little as one year for students who begin the program in the summer. All instruction is delivered in a convenient online format designed for working professionals.

Requirements for Credit for Prior Learning M.Ed. Applicants

• Prospective students must submit their credential from a MACTE-accredited IT, EC, EL I-II, or Admin training program during the admissions process for evaluation. Upon assessment, qualifying candidates may apply 15 graduate credit hours towards the master’s degree.
• A non-refundable flat fee of $165 per credit ($2,475) is charged at the time of admission for the evaluation of the MACTE credential and must be paid in full prior to entering the program.
• Admitted students take 18 credit hours over a 12–18-month period depending on their start date.

The Loyola Difference

Academic Excellence

The Center for Montessori Education’s learning aims and outcomes reflect a commitment to excellence in Montessori education. Throughout the program, graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to discern inclusive and innovative teaching practices, critically analyze diverse perspectives, and engage in collaborative strategies. 

Community Engagement

Loyola’s Jesuit philosophy is grounded in the importance of service to one’s community. Our graduate program curriculum reflects Dr. Montessori’s commitment to collaborative strategies that encourage a supportive and inclusive learning environment that extends beyond the classroom. 

The M.Ed. in Montessori Education offers students across the globe an opportunity to collaborate and create their own pathway towards an updated model of education that meets today’s Child where they are. 

Career Ready

Graduates of this program have entered the following fields:

• Classroom Educators
• Teacher Coaches and Mentors
• Curriculum Development Specialists
• School Leadership
• Advocacy and Policy
• Consultants and Trainers
• Higher Education

View Curriculum Sequence

• Based on which MACTE credential is held, the following pedagogical courses will be posted to the Loyola transcript as transfer equivalency upon acceptance into the program.
• Admitted students must take the remaining Program Core curriculum to complete the M.Ed. Montessori Education degree.
• Students will take all courses in a convenient asynchronous online format and will need access to a professional environment for MO667 (Advanced Capstone Practicum).
• Most courses run in 8-9 weeks dependent on semester.

Pedagogical Coursework (15 credits)

• MACTE-accredited Infant & Toddler diploma is equivalent to the following coursework: MO637, MO638, MO640, MO642, MO644.
• MACTE-accredited Early Childhood diploma is equivalent to the following coursework: MO631, MO632, MO633, MO634, MO636.
• MACTE-accredited Elementary I-II diploma is equivalent to the following coursework: MO646, MO649, MO651, MO652, MO653.
• MACTE-accredited Administrator diploma is equivalent to the following coursework: MO629, MO638, MO658, MO660, MO663.

Program Core (18 credits)

Upon admission into the program and payment of the Credit for Prior Learning fee, students will take the following Core credits to complete the M.Ed. program.

Program Core (18 credits)
SE 671	Introduction to Special Education (3 Credits)
MO 665	Creating Equitable Montessori Classrooms (3 Credits)
MO 667	Advanced Capstone Practicum (3 Credits)
MO 668	Leadership Principles in Montessori Education (6 Credits)
MO 664	Inclusive Principals of Pedagogy

Completion Time

Students have up to five years to complete the degree. Please see the Time Limit policy in the Graduate Catalogue for more details.

Note:  Tuition for the subsequent credits of the program will be billed according to the approved tuition rate of $690 per credit hour for the remaining 18 credits.