Master of Arts in Classical Education

Our vision of classical education relies upon the rich Western intellectual tradition, which includes the most excellent contributions of the world’s many cultures as the “tools of learning” by which we form the human person in the intellectual and moral virtues. Through our program, we seek to pass on the rich tradition of paideia through the cultivation of a lively and inquisitive intellect by means of Socratic and seminar-style instruction and the cultivation of will in wonder and awe for the true, the good and the beautiful.

Review our courses and degree requirements or contact us for more information.

This program is designed for teachers actively engaged in classroom instruction who seek to understand the theory and practice of classical liberal arts models of education. Similar to the ends of a liberal arts education, e.g., forming the intellect and will of the human person, this program provides teachers with an opportunity to study the great works of the Western intellectual tradition, an understanding of the nature of the human person and its relation to instructional practice, and a variety of pedagogical methods for use in the classical classroom.

If you’re not currently engaged in classroom instruction or are at the beginning of your teaching career, this program might still be a good fit for you. Please contact us to schedule an appointment to discuss your interests!

If you’re still unsure about whether this is the program for you, please contact us to arrange a phone call, in-person meeting or virtual meeting.

This program does not result in teacher licensure. The program is designed primarily for educators seeking to gain an understanding of the classical liberal arts tradition who are already licensed or who teach in schools which do not require licensure.

If you are interested in this program and require a path to licensure, please contact us to discuss licensure pathways.

You may enroll in a course as a non-degree seeking student as long as there is room available in that course. We are also in the process of developing endorsement tracks, which – though not associated with any teacher licensure – would demonstrate a specialization in classical education. See here for more information on available graduate sequences.

Yes. You can enroll in this degree as a part-time student with the expectation that you would take one course (3 credit hours) per semester. You have 6 years from the start of your first semester to complete all the degree requirements. However, you may not be eligible for federal student loans if you are enrolled part-time.

All courses during the school year are offered online with both synchronous (live, virtual meetings) and asynchronous components. Two of the required courses are offered only in-person at Benedictine College as summer institutes, i.e. two-week intensive courses in June or July.

Students who wish to enroll with the cohort beginning this summer must apply by April 15. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.