Cohort Graduate Programs

What is a cohort at Loyola? A cohort is a group of students who work together through an academic program to achieve the same academic degree together. Loyola offers a lock-step cohort experience for teachers, staff, and school-based professionals in Maryland and the surrounding area.

The School of Education offers hybrid and fully online master's degree and certificate cohort program options through site-based locations near you or school partnerships. The following programs offer cohort options:

Programs Offered

* Programs offered fully online.

** The Post-Master's Certificate Executive Leadership Pathway is not included in the graduate cohort programs.

Program Highlights

Convenient

Cohort and non-cohort options available
Lockstep format (cohort option)
Entire program conducted in or near your school
Most programs will be completed within two years or less
Hybrid programs and fully online program options available
Online programs have dedicated 8-week synchronous sessions one night a week (summer class schedules may vary)

Professionally and Personally Rewarding

Earn your master’s degree, hone in on your leadership skills, and increase your salary potential
Expand your network of colleagues
Deepen your understanding of the role education plays in society and your ability to improve the quality of life for all children and the community at large

Accredited Quality Programs

Approved by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE)
Renowned as the program of choice in the greater Baltimore region
High-impact learning and mission-driven curriculum

Affordable Tuition and Scholarships Available

15% tuition discount for cohorts
Financial aid and monthly payment plans available
Direct Billing or Tuition Reimbursement options (depending on county)
Scholarship opportunities available

Upcoming Virtual Information Sessions

Loyola offers prospective students virtual opportunities to learn more about our graduate programs, cohort options, benefits, and admission process. Register today for a virtual information session or request a one-on-one session with a recruiter for a time that's convenient for you. Attendees will have the opportunity to speak with recruiters, if an online application is completed during the session, your $60 application fee will be waived! Register for a session today!

All Programs Sessions

Register for an upcoming session!

How to apply?

Cohorts begin each fall (End of August) and spring (January) semester. We are currently accepting applications for the Spring 2023 term. Please review deadlines and admission requirements below.

Deadlines

Applicants are encouraged to apply early for priority consideration for scholarships and space in the cohort. These cohorts are available to the first 25 students to apply and be accepted. Applicants will be considered with rolling admission after the priority deadline as space is available. Limited scholarship opportunities are available to those who apply by the scholarship deadline. Scholarships are given based on merit as evident in the application. Admission does not guarantee a scholarship.

Term	Scholarship	Priority
Spring 2023	Nov. 15	Dec. 15

Steps to Apply:

Submit an online application.
You will receive an email with your login information and next steps to complete.
Log in and upload supplemental materials, which includes an essay (the essay should be at least 200 words or more describing your academic and professional achievements and how Loyola’s program will help you fulfill your goals) and any other optional documents (i.e. resume, letter of recommendation).
Submit official transcripts of colleges/universities attended to to the physical address listed below or e-scripts can be emailed to: graduate@loyola.edu.

Office of Graduate Admission
Timonium Graduate Center
2034 Greenspring Drive
Timonium, MD 21093

Financial Aid and Payment Options

Learn more about various financial aid opportunities and payment options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a certified teacher to participate in a cohort program?

Certain cohort programs do require for you to be a certified teacher, however some of the programs do not require certifications.

Requires Certification	Does Not Require Certification
Certificate in Administration and Supervision (Post-Master's)	Curriculum and Instruction for Social Justice
Literacy Teacher	Educational Technology
Reading Specialist	Certificate in Teaching English Language Learners (TELL)
	Educational Leadership (Admin I)

Do I have to participate in the cohort county in which I teach?

No. You have the option to participate in the cohort county of your choice if the program is offered in that county.

Are all programs completely online?

No. The Educational Technology, M.Ed. in Literacy programs, and TELL certificate are offered fully online, all other programs are offered in a hybrid format.

If I am not a school employee, do I still qualify for the cohort discount?

Yes. Anyone participating in a cohort qualifies for the 15% cohort discount.

Cohort vs. Non-cohort?

A cohort is a group of students who work together in an academic program. Research states that having students take the same classes together lead to an overall better academic outcome.

A non-cohort has the flexibility to work at their own pace taking one or more classes. Non-cohort students do not qualify for the 15% tuition discount. However, we do have other scholarships and awards for you to explore as a traditional student.

Can international students participate in the cohort program?

No. Currently international students are unable to participate in cohort programs.

What is the cohort structure?

Our cohort structure is a lockstep format; cohorts are held once a week with only Spring and Fall starts.

Can I receive the Admin I and the Admin II certification through the M.Ed. in Educational Leadership program?

Upon completion of the Educational Leadership or the Administration and Supervision Certificate, students will receive a transcript endorsement from the University that allows for students to apply for the Admin I certification through MSDE. If students are interested in Admin II, please contact MSDE.

Can I complete the internship/practicum within my own school setting?

Yes, both the internships and practicum can be completed within your own school setting. For further information, please contact the recruitment team.

Does Loyola accept transfer of credit?

Yes. Admitted students only are eligible to have their transcripts evaluated for transfer of credit. For degree programs you can transfer in up to 9 credits = 3 classes, and for the certificate programs up to 3 credits = 1 class.

Request More Information

Have questions or not ready to apply just yet? Sign up to receive important information about the School of Education at Loyola, cohort programs and options, scholarships, financial aid, and payment plans.

Contact Information

Questions? Contact our recruitment team at education@loyola.edu or 410-617-2990.

Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday - Friday

Testimonials

I like the cohort experience because, throughout my program, I take classes with nearly the same group of peers with whom I started. As we are familiar with each other, we are able to dig deeper into controversial topics and take risks in sharing our thoughts and experiences as educators. Eboni Akpan Zook
M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction for Social Justice, expected '20 Technology Teacher, Baltimore City Public Schools

I chose Loyola due to its focus on students and their whole person. Loyola’s cohort partnership with Montgomery County Public Schools, where I work, made it very convenient to take classes! The professors and internship site supervisors support and guide you through the process of becoming a school leader. Megan Herman
M.Ed. Educational Leadership, '18 Classroom Teacher, Montgomery County Public Schools

Because of my degree, my Principal created an instructional technology position for me at my school. I'm so thankful for my experience at Loyola, I'm more knowledgeable, more confident and a leader among my peers. I've made lasting friendships and professional connections. Nia Wilkes
M.Ed. in Educational Technology, '16 Instructional Technology Teacher, Lewisdale Elementary School, Prince George's County

Meet Our Community

Pursuing Justice, Together

When students enroll in the undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education programs at Loyola’s School of Education, they are welcomed into a vibrant and diverse community of faculty, staff, students, and alumni who are engaged in ensuring an inclusive educational system that actualizes social justice.