The Master of Arts in Educational Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship (MEITE) program prepares students to leverage emerging technologies, educational research, and design thinking to shape the future of learning across professional settings. Through rigorous coursework and immersive experiences, graduates learn to produce, implement, and analyze high‑impact educational innovations that advance the social good.
MEITE offers a flexible, interdisciplinary curriculum that weaves together learning sciences, educational technology, design, and entrepreneurship. Students gain skills in:
- Design thinking and innovation strategy
- Emerging technologies and their educational applications
- Instructional design and learning theory
- Data‑informed decision‑making
- Entrepreneurial strategy and product development
Electives across Carolina — such as business, media and journalism, computer science, and information science — allow students to build a broad, cross‑disciplinary foundation aligned with their professional goals.
After completing core coursework, students select one of four concentrations that align with their intended career path. Each concentration offers a focused area of study and culminates in a distinct final project.
- Edupreneur – For students interested in launching or joining education-focused ventures. Emphasizes business models, market analysis, and product development through a hands-on innovation project.
- Innovative Specialist – For those designing learning experiences within organizations. Focuses on curriculum development, learning theory, and technology-enhanced instruction.
- Learning Engineer – For students building personalized, data-driven learning systems. Centers on adaptive learning, data analysis, and instructional design.
- Adaptive Learning Analyst – For students pursuing research or strategy roles in education. Focuses on market research, industry trends, and generating insights to inform organizational decision-making.
The MEITE program is offered in-person at UNC‑Chapel Hill’s campus with coursework, collaboration with faculty, events, and internship experiences designed to take place in person.
MEITE is a 36‑credit hour program that can be completed full-time in 12 months or part-time in 18-36 months.
Students who complete the Learning Engineer concentration may be eligible to apply for the Instructional Technology Specialist license through the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. Coursework in this concentration aligns with state requirements and prepares students to design, implement, and support technology‑enhanced learning environments.
Yes. MEITE is built around applied learning and its coursework includes hands‑on design projects, prototyping, and real-world problem‑solving with partner organizations. The program culminates in the summer Innovation Showcase, where all students share takeaways from their internship or capstone project with the community.
MEITE welcomes applicants from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds. Ideal candidates are curious, collaborative, and motivated to shape the future of learning through technology, design, and innovation. A bachelor’s degree or international equivalent from an accredited institution and a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 are required.
The program offers fall and spring start options, and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Prospective students are encouraged to apply early for priority consideration.
Applicants must submit a statement of purpose, video essay, three letters of recommendation, references, resume/CV, and transcripts through the School of Education’s online application.
GRE scores are optional for applicants to the MEITE program. If submitted, scores must be valid within the last five years.
Yes. MEITE can be completed full‑time in 12 months or part‑time over 18–36 months, making it accessible for working professionals who need flexibility.
Yes. International students are encouraged to apply and bring valuable global perspectives to MEITE which is a STEM-OPT approved program. International applicants must submit English‑language proficiency scores as part of the Graduate School requirements.
Many graduate students receive financial support directly through the School of Education and their academic program. In addition, The Graduate School offers a small number of competitive awards that require nomination by the program. To ensure programs have adequate time to review applicants for these opportunities, all application materials — including required uploads and test scores — must be submitted in full by the deadline.
Tuition and fees are determined by the university. Tuition is based on residency status and the credit hours taken. When reaching out for estimated cost, please be aware this program has a fall term, spring term and summer terms. Please reach out to the cashier’s office to learn more.
Tuition waivers can be used for this program.
For questions about admissions, program requirements, or advising, contact the Office of Student Affairs at education_studentaffairs@unc.edu or attend an upcoming virtual information session. You can also connect directly with Todd Cherner, MEITE Program Director, at education_meite@unc.edu.