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Online M.Ed. Applied Learning and Instruction – Research in Practice

Apply Modern Research To Improve Student Learning

Online

2 Years

36 Credit Hours

$362 per Credit*

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Earn Your Gifted and Talented or Project-Based Learning Endorsement

  • Apply By: 05/21/26
  • Start Class: 06/04/26 

Strengthen your research literacy capabilities and use them to create differentiated lessons and assessments with an online Master of Education. Become a leader in education when you learn how to teach other educators these elevated, evidence-backed strategies through high-impact professional development sessions and personalized coaching.

In addition to specializing in applicable research, this online program also enables you to add the Gifted and Talented or Project-Based Learning endorsement to your South Carolina teaching certificate. Whether you’re interested in working with exceptional students or transforming your classroom with engaging, hands-on lessons, this master’s degree can help you accomplish your goals.

Concentration Details

  • No application fee
  • Accelerated, 8-week courses
  • Fully online program designed for flexibility
  • Endorsement-focused program that opens new doors
  • Taught by mentoring faculty
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Practice Solving Real-World Education Problems With Research

In this online program, you will learn how to identify the problems hindering student learning and solve them with research-informed interventions. Local school leaders review and approve the USC Upstate program curriculum, ensuring you will learn sought-after skills that align with the region’s learning priorities and today’s best practices.

Tailor your degree with electives that match your teaching interests. Depending on the courses you select, you will graduate prepared to add the South Carolina Gifted and Talented or Project-Based Learning endorsement to your existing teaching certificate.

Research in Practice Education Required Courses

Exploring research in various teaching fields and establishing plans for classroom interventions.
Research-based interventions and instructional techniques in classrooms based upon the needs of learners and curricular objectives. Evaluation of interventions using a variety of data sources are shared across disciplines and contexts.
The historical, social, and pedagogical foundations of project-based learning approaches to education.
The cultural and pedagogical similarities and differences between various project-based learning applications.
The capstone for project-based learning (PBL). Implementation of a project-based learning assignment including the presentation of a project overview that incorporates both project design and qualitative and quantitative results from the project application
Theory and practice related to gifted identification, educational and community programs, and provisions for this exceptionality. The unique learning and behavioral characteristics of gifted and talented children and youth and the methodologies for differentiation of the curriculum for these students are explored.
Examination of history and theories of the field, models and processes for curriculum modification and design.
Curricular design, instructional strategies, and the exploration of theoretical models that are suited to the development of differentiated curriculum for the academically and artistically gifted. The design and implementation of thematic units of study are required

Our online Master of Education degree equips you with enhanced tools to take your classroom to the next level. Increase your repertoire of cutting-edge instructional strategies with seven core courses covering a range of modern education trends and challenges.

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See How Our Online M.Ed. Advances Your Education Career

Increase your career mobility with an online master’s degree that boosts your credentials. Since USC Upstate’s curriculum meets the South Carolina standards for the Gifted and Talented and Project-Based Learning endorsements, you will be able to pursue roles in a wider range of classrooms.

You will also benefit from the helpful services provided by the Career Management Office. Both current and graduated students can contact them for resume and cover letter assistance, mock interview help, skills workshops, one-on-one career counseling and more.

Middle School Teacher $62,970 per year1

High School Teacher $64,580 per year2

Explore More M.Ed. in Applied Learning and Instruction Concentrations

Align your M.Ed. degree online program to your future when you select a required concentration. Each option is taught by world-class faculty and delivered in a flexible online learning format.

Applied Learning and Instruction, (M.Ed.): Early Childhood

The M.Ed. Early Childhood Education online coursework is rooted in developmental theory and provides today’s best practices for working with children.

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Applied Learning and Instruction, (M.Ed.): Elementary

Expert educators will teach you research-driven, grade-level specific teaching strategies you can use right away in this master’s elementary education.

View Program

Applied Learning and Instruction, (M.Ed.): Literacy

Support literacy development in K-12 students with a master’s literacy education that prepares you to design and implement effective reading initiatives.

View Program

Applied Learning and Instruction, (M.Ed.): TESOL

This TESOL online program prepares you to effectively teach and support multilingual K-12 students in a broad range of educational environments.

View Program

Sources and Disclaimer

  1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Middle School Teachers.” Retrieved Sept. 29, 2025, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/middle-school-teachers.htm.
  2. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “High School Teachers.” Retrieved Sept. 29, 2025, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/high-school-teachers.htm.

*In-state tuition with South Carolina teaching certificate