This program may not be covered by VA benefits. Contact the off-site Montessori Institute where enrolled in classes or Loyola University Maryland when enrolled at Washington Montessori Institute.

Purpose and Scope

The goal of the graduate program in Montessori education is to guide adults as they prepare for the work and the responsibility of helping each child to develop the fullness of his or her potential. The program provides students with opportunities to develop an understanding of a child's stages of development and the different conditions and strategies necessary to support development at each stage. The master's program is offered in two different pathways:

Concurrent Pathway

Loyola University Maryland offers students the choice of specialized graduate study in Montessori Education at either the infant (ages 0-3), primary (ages 2.5-6) or elementary (ages 6-12) level. Graduates receive both the internationally recognized Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) diploma and the Master of Education (MEd). The program is offered in a full-time academic year or multi-summer format (over three or four consecutive summers). The program is offered at the Washington Montessori Institute, as well as in collaboration with select AMI partner institutes.

Post-Diploma Pathway

Loyola also offers a post-training pathway focused on action research for Montessori educators who already have an AMI training diploma. Graduates receive a Master of Education with a specialization in Montessori Education. The program is offered in hybrid format with an on-site summer component.

Certification

A master's degree in Montessori education does not lead directly to state certification in Maryland. Students should submit official transcripts and course descriptions directly to their respective State Departments of Education to determine if courses satisfy specific certification requirements.

Admission Criteria

Students seeking admission to the degree program in Montessori education must meet departmental admission criteria. In addition, demonstrated professional competence and/or academic ability as evidenced by letters of recommendation is required. A personal interview may also be requested. The program admits full-time students only.

Detailed admission information (application procedures, required documents, deadlines, etc.) can be found under Admission .