Graduate Program Admissions
A quality advanced degree should be within reach. At MCLA, it is.
A Quality Graduate Education. At an Affordable Price.
MCLA offers graduate programs designed to help working professionals continue their education while balancing career and other commitments. Options include the Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Education (MEd), and Leadership Academy with optional Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS). Eligible undergraduates education students can also pursue an accelerated bachelor's-to-MEd pathway, also know as the 4+1.
With flexible scheduling and programs connected to professional goals, MCLA makes it possible to keep moving forward without putting the rest of your life on hold.
MCLA is a public liberal arts college in North Adams, Massachusetts, accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
For 2026-2027, the estimated cost per three-credit course for the MBA program is $1,748.82 and for the MEd is $1,453.98.
Flexible
MCLA’s graduate programs offer a combination of on-campus and online learning designed to meet the needs of working professionals. This flexible approach allows students to balance their studies with career and personal commitments while still benefiting from engagement with faculty and peers.
Affordable
As Massachusetts's most affordable liberal arts college, MCLA's Financial Aid office is committed to making the financial aid process easier to navigate and more transparent. We offer a generous and robust financial aid programs including grants, loans, employment and scholarships.
Programs & Licenses
MCLA offers exclusive graduate programs supported by personalized advising, dedicated student services, and academic resources. Together, these provide the guidance and flexibility needed to help you achieve your educational and career goals.
what does a graduate program cost?
Graduate tuition varies by program.
Master of Business Administration
- $75 Application Fee
- $250 Non-refundable deposit upon acceptance to reserve spot. Deposits are applied against the bill.
- $1,748.82 Estimated* 2026-27 cost for a 3-credit hour class
Must be registered for a minimum of 5 credit hours each semester to qualify for financial aid.
As a graduate student who already has a bachelor's degree, you are only eligible for a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Student Loan. The interest rate for 2026-27 academic year is 8.07%
*These fees are estimated and subject to change.
Master of Education
- $50 Application Fee
- $100 Non-refundable deposit upon acceptance to reserve spot. Deposits are applied against the bill.
- $1,453.98 Estimated* 2026-27 cost for a 3 credit hour class
Must be registered for a minimum of 5 credit hours each semester to qualify for financial aid.
As a graduate student who already has a bachelor's degree, you are only eligible for a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Student Loan. The interest rate for 2026-27 academic year is 8.07%
*These fees are estimated and subject to change.
Leadership Academy & CAGS
- $50 Application fee
- $500 Non-refundable deposit upon acceptance to reserve spot. Deposits are applied against the bill.
- Estimated program costs for the 2027 Leadership Academy cohort
It is important to note that Leadership Academy/CAGS students do not qualify for federal financial aid through the the FAFSA. This includes the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Student Loan. Individuals needing to borrow for the Leadership Academy/CAGS are only eligible to borrow the Sallie Mae Smart Option loan. Leadership Academy students do not need to complete the FAFSA in order to apply for a Sallie Mae Smart Option loan.
is the MBA right for me?
Geared toward working professionals, the MBA program is intended to fit around professional and personal commitments. MCLA's MBA is designed to respond directly to the needs of regional industries and employers, with newly launched elective courses in healthcare management and accounting. These areas reflect the workforce demands of the region and prepare graduates with the knowledge and skills needed to advance their careers and contribute to the success of local organizations. View current credit requirement, course format, and expected completion timeline.
Is the MEd right for me?
The MEd supports educators seeking advanced preparation with or without licensure across 16 selected pathways. MCLA serves educators on provisional licensure, district waivers, seeking professional licensure, or wishing to pursue an independent plan of study. View current licensure pathways, credit requirements, and expected completion timelines.
What is a CAGS?
A CAGS is a post-master's qualification positioned between a master's degree and a doctorate. It is most commonly pursued in education where it supports advancement into leadership and administrative roles. It requires fewer credits than a doctorate and suits professionals who already hold a master's degree and want further advanced preparation without committing to a full doctoral program.
The CAGS is post-master's credential for educators seeking advanced study beyond the master's level. At MCLA, the optional CAGS is part of the Leadership Academy. A total of nine credits can be applied to many doctoral programs and is directly transferrable to Texas A&M's educational leadership program.
Can I finish my bachelor's and master's faster?
Students can begin MCLA's accelerated one-year MEd program with second initial licensure
in moderate disabilities immediately upon graduation. Students need to apply by junior
year for the accelerated one-year MEd program. Because timing depends on course sequencing
and program requirement, students should speak with an academic advisor early in their
undergraduate program.
Meet Your Graduate Admissions
Financial Aid Assistance
We know a graduate education can be transformative. It also is a major investment. That's why we do all we can to help maximize the impact of your experience while minimizing the cost. Our team is here to support you every step of the way as you learn about financial aid opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
MCLA offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA), a Master of Education (MEd), and Leadership Academy with optional Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS). Programs are designed for working professionals with flexible scheduling that accommodates professional and personal commitments. MCLA is a public liberal arts college in North Adams, Massachusetts, founded in 1894 and accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education
MCLA's Leadership Academy is an accredited licensure program that provides Assistant Principal/Principal and Assistant Superintendent/Superintendent licensure with an optional Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) degree. This program provides an exceptional value and empowers graduates to lead in a variety of school district and administrative settings.
A Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) is a post-master's credential positioned between a master's degree and a doctorate. It is most commonly pursued in education, where it supports advancement into leadership and administrative roles and can satisfy requirements for certain licensure pathways. A CAGS typically requires fewer credits than a doctorate and is designed for professionals who already hold a master's degree and want additional advanced preparation without committing to a full doctoral program. MCLA offers an optional CAGS as part of its Leadership Academy.
Yes. MCLA offers a Master of Business Administration designed for working professionals, with flexible scheduling that accommodates full-time employment. MCLA's MBA is designed to respond directly to the needs of regional industries and employers, with newly launched elective courses in healthcare management and accounting. These areas reflect the workforce demands of the region and prepare graduates with the knowledge and skills needed to advance their careers and contribute to the success of local organizations.
Yes. Undergraduate education students at MCLA can complete a bachelor's degree and a Master of Education through an accelerated pathway. Students move directly into an accelerated one-year moderate disabilities second initial licensure with MEd degree. Students interested in this pathway should apply by their junior year, since eligibility depends on course sequencing.
MCLA 4+1 Programs
Undergraduate education students can earn their bachelor’s degree and Master of Education with our 4+1 Program.
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