The classical education movement is growing, and according to recent market research, parents and educators alike are seeking classical education programs at higher rates than ever before. Classical education is quite simply the fastest-growing educational movement in our lifetimes.

The rich tradition of the classical model offers a counterpoint to shallow, contemporary educationism, a vision rooted in a deep understanding of the human person, and one that sets out to cultivate intellectual and moral virtues in students. Yet knowledge and leadership in classical education are in short supply. The movement struggles to find enough teachers, teacher mentors, and school leaders to grow as quickly as parents want it to.

This gap presents a unique opportunity for those equipped with a master's degree in classical education, opening doors to rewarding career paths and supercharging the classical movement with talent and leadership. Here, we will define what classical education is and explore why it is uniquely valuable to pursue a master’s in classical education.

The Enduring Approach of Classical Education

Classical education is a unified and integrated approach to learning that aims at the formation of the whole person—mind, body, and heart. Unlike modern “progressive” educational models that emphasize “21st century skills,” outcomes, or the latest socio-political trends, classical education focuses on timeless and deep learning, inviting students to explore connections across subjects and to contemplate the unity of truth, goodness, and beauty.

The classical education model aims to guide students in their search for truth by 1) equipping them with the “arts of language” and 2) transmitting to them a body of knowledge about the cosmos.  

It attends to foundational subject matters like grammar, logic, and rhetoric (sometimes called the classical Trivium, or "Three Ways") and arithmetic, geometry, music, and astronomy (called the Quadrivium, or "Four Ways"). These subjects help students pursue their personal calling, equipping them to see the beauty of the integrated intellectual world and how they can contribute to its existence.

The broader study of these disciplines encourages real critical thinking–not its shallow, contemporary debasement—while fostering a sense of wonder and contemplation in students

Why Earn a Master's in Classical Education Degree?

Classical education’s value speaks for itself, but why pursue a master’s degree in the field? For educators who aspire to renew primary and secondary education, a graduate degree offers essential tools and knowledge. Below are four significant benefits.

1. Master the Foundations of the Classical Model of Education

An advanced degree in classical education gives educators a deep and comprehensive understanding of the core principles and practices that define this enduring approach, including:

• The Trivium: Grammar, logic, and rhetoric—the fundamental arts of language and tools of learning, the "Three Ways" that constitute classical education’s core and have for thousands of years.

• The Quadrivium: Arithmetic, geometry, music, and astronomy—shorthand for all the subjects that expand a student’s understanding of the natural world.

• The Great Books: A collection of foundational texts that span disciplines and eras, enabling students to connect with the greatest thinkers in history and to join “the Great Conversation."

• Socratic Dialogue: A method of guided questioning that empowers students to develop intellectual autonomy and respond thoughtfully to challenges.

With this knowledge, educators gain the confidence to educate their students to go beyond the textbooks and apply their learning to their lives.

2. Advance a Holistic Approach to Education 

Earning a master’s in classical education offers teachers more than an academic credential. This advanced degree equips them to guide students toward wisdom, virtue, and moral discernment—qualities necessary for making an enduring impact on the world.

Unlike passive, lecture-based models, classical education fosters active engagement through Socratic seminars and discussion-based learning. Master’s programs provide educators with the foundational knowledge and techniques of classical pedagogy, preparing them to lead students to encounter the good, the true, and the beautiful.

3. Expand Opportunities For Your Career in Teaching

Your career prospects broaden significantly with a master’s degree in classical education as the demand for educators skilled in this unique approach grows. A classical education master’s program prepares you to teach not only in K-12 classical schools but also in private institutions, homeschooling cooperatives, and charter schools, each of which presents unique opportunities to form young minds.

In addition, this specialized expertise positions graduates for roles in administration, curriculum development, and consulting. Schools and educational organizations need leaders with the vision and understanding to guide classical education programs, train faculty, and uphold educational standards. 

4. Join a Community of Passionate Classical Educators

A master's degree will also open the door to others invested with the same educational ideals as you. At the University of Dallas, graduate students benefit from a strong community of mentors, peers, and faculty who collaborate to pursue truth and cultivate virtue in education.

Through in-classroom practicums, mentorship opportunities, and continuing education workshops, students experience hands-on learning within a collaborative environment. This sense of shared purpose enriches professional connections and provides support as you advance in your career.

Earn Your MA in Humanities With a Concentration in Classical Education at UDallas

The Braniff Graduate School of Liberal Arts at the University of Dallas offers an MA in Humanities with a Concentration in Classical Education, designed to prepare classical educators for the next generation. With specialized tracks and flexible formats, our program allows you to tailor your education to fit your passions, interests, and goals.

To learn more about joining the classical education movement, download our resource, An Educator’s Guide to Joining the Classical Education Movement.