Montessori Education, MEd

This program may not be covered by VA benefits. Contact the off-site Montessori Institute where enrolled in classes. Students in the Online M.Ed. should email the Records Office of Loyola University Maryland.

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 their 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 3-6) 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 in collaboration with select AMI partner institutes and culminates in an intensive summer capstone session online or at Loyola's Baltimore campus.

Online Evergreen Pathway

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

Certification

A master's degree in Montessori education does not lead directly to teacher 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.

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

Concurrent Pathway Program of Study

The MEd in Montessori Education with Montessori training consists of 36 graduate credits plus written and oral comprehensive examinations. The coursework is divided into two parts. The Montessori courses comprise the requirements for the AMI diploma. These courses total 27 credit hours and are listed in the catalogue with the MO course key. The subsequent education core courses are designed to broaden the student's knowledge of research and trends in the field of education. These courses total nine credit hours and are listed with ED or SE course keys.

The AMI diploma is awarded at the end of the training portion if the AMI written and oral examinations are passed and all requirements to date have been completed. Successful completion of AMI comprehensive examination is required for students to be eligible for the final summer capstone component.

Online Evergreen Pathway Program of Study

The MEd in Montessori Education is for students that already hold a teacher training diploma that consists of 36 graduate credits. This track is typically completed fully online over one or two calendar years, beginning in the summer with the Educational Core classes in Research and Special Education as well as a course on the infant and toddler sub-plane of development. During the academic year, students will take online foundational courses spanning the second sub plane, or Primary age through Elementary and Adolescent planes of development, a course on inclusive principles of pedagogy, as well as complete an action research project.

Education Core Courses

The three core courses (ED 600 , ED 625 , and SE 761 ) are offered in summer sessions. The program must follow completion of the Montessori training or equivalent, and must be taken within the five-year program completion deadline.

MEd, Montessori Infant Education (Birth to Age 3)

(Available only with off-site AMI Institute)

MEd, Montessori Primary Education (Ages 3-6)

Available only with off-site AMI Institute.

MEd, Montessori Elementary Education (Ages 6-12)