How to Choose a MAE Path That Fits Your Career Goals

For educators who want to continue growing professionally, a graduate degree can provide an opportunity to strengthen teaching practices, develop new areas of expertise, and expand the way they support students and schools.

Lindenwood University’s Master of Arts in Education (MAE) offers several pathways that allow educators to focus on different areas of professional development, from Curriculum and Instruction to e-Learning, STEM Education, Early Interventions in Autism and Sensory Impairments and School Library Media and Technology.

Unlike certification preparation programs, the MAE is designed for educators who want to deepen or broaden their expertise rather than pursue initial teacher certification.

Start With the Area You Want to Strengthen

The best MAE pathway depends on what you want to focus on in your current or future role.

Curriculum and Instruction

The Curriculum and Instruction Emphasis is a strong option for educators who want to deepen their understanding of teaching, learning, curriculum development, and instructional practice.

This pathway may appeal to teachers who want to strengthen how they design learning experiences, evaluate student needs, and improve instruction in their classrooms or schools.

It can also be a good fit for educators interested in taking on greater responsibility in curriculum planning or instructional leadership.

Designing and Implementing K-12 e-Learning

The Designing and Implementing K-12 e-Learning Graduate Certificate pathway is focused on digital learning and online instruction.

This option may be a strong fit for educators who want to better understand how to design engaging online learning experiences, use educational technology effectively, and support students in virtual or blended environments.

For teachers already incorporating technology into their classrooms, this pathway can provide a more focused opportunity to develop those skills.

Endeavor STEM Teaching

The Endeavor STEM Teaching Graduate Certificate pathway is designed for educators interested in strengthening their approach to teaching Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education.

This option may appeal to teachers who want to create more engaging STEM experiences, connect learning across disciplines, and help students build problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.

It can be especially useful for educators looking to bring more STEM-focused instruction into their classrooms or schools.

Integrated School Library Media and Technology

The Integrated School Library Media and Technology Graduate Certificate pathway combines areas of education, information literacy, school library media, and instructional technology.

This option may be a good fit for educators interested in helping students and teachers find, evaluate, and use information effectively while also supporting technology-enhanced learning.

It can also appeal to educators interested in school library or media-centered roles.

Early Interventions in Autism & Sensory Impairments

The Early Interventions in Autism & Sensory Impairments Graduate Certificate pathway prepares educators and professionals to support infants and young children with autism spectrum disorders, visual impairments, and deaf/hard of hearing impairments. Through a family-centered approach, participants learn how to partner with caregivers, address developmental needs, and create meaningful early intervention experiences that improve outcomes for children and families.

This option combines flexible online learning with practical applications focused on early childhood development, sensory impairments, and evidence-based intervention strategies. Designed for educators and professionals working with young children, the program emphasizes collaboration, inclusion, and supporting developmental success during the earliest years of life.

Build Expertise That Supports Your Next Step

The Master of Arts in Education gives educators an opportunity to continue developing without following a single prescribed path.

Whether you want to improve your instructional practice, become more confident with digital learning, strengthen STEM Education, or explore the intersection of technology and school library media, Lindenwood’s MAE pathways allow you to focus your graduate education around your professional goals.

Choosing the right path starts with one question: What do you want to be better prepared to do next?