Master's Program Overview

National University’s program is offered online with optional study group meetings (in some regions) and an online support environment. A portfolio of your work with the students you teach is developed during your courses and allows you to “show case” and apply your skills and knowledge.  This portfolio serves as your master’s thesis, and its inquiry-based nature customizes the program to your classroom.  Five of the 10 courses are devoted to developing each part of your portfolio, which means that 5 of your master’s courses will directly relate to and impact your teaching and your students.

You have a choice of submitting the portfolio for scoring by the National Board, as desired (we align the NBCT submission dates to match your coursework). If you choose to submit your portfolio for scoring, NBCT will distinguish you as a teacher leader in the field of education.

View the Program Pathways video below for an overview of our Master's program options from Director Rae Adams :

New cohorts are forming today, including our new Masters of Science in Instructional Leadership degree program! 


For more information: visit the Program Facts page or download the Program Facts document.  You can also attend an Online Information Meeting to get your questions answered live, or visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.

Explore Options for Financing Your Program:

Visit the U.S. Department of Education Student Loan and Loan Forgiveness website for information on   options for funding your master's program. You may also want to check out the FAFSA Social Stories page for archives of their Q & A sessions, as well as the article What Is a Loan Servicer and Why Should I Care?

Visit a National University Online Information Center near you to speak with an adviser and access interactive demonstrations of our online learning environments!

Back to Join a Cohort page.