Masonic Education Courses
These courses are available, or will be available, through the Hiram online education system.
Lodge System of Masonic Education (LSOME)
Course Abstract
The Lodge System of Masonic Education (LSOME) was one of the original educational programs developed by the Grand Lodge. As early as the 1920s, publications similar to the Short Talk Bulletins were widely circulated and used for Masonic instruction across generations. The program was reinvented in the 1990s with a popular video series and corresponding educational materials that brought renewed attention to its value. Now, LSOME is entering a new era as we modernize and redevelop its offerings to meet the evolving needs of today’s Lodges. Stay tuned to what is coming as we build a LSOME for a new generation of Masons.
Audience: All Masons
Once LSOME is relaunched, it will provide tools to support Lodges and their programming—from the moment an interested man first knocks on the door, to when he becomes a seasoned Master Mason. In its current form, LSOME specifically focuses on guiding the candidate through the process of the three degrees, beginning with his initial inquiry and continuing through his journey in Freemasonry.
Course Requirements
While the use of LSOME in its current form is highly recommended, it is not mandatory. The videos included in LSOME are strongly encouraged for use throughout the degree process, as they offer valuable guidance and support. Additionally, the Northeast Project and the Grand Lodge Retention Program provide updated and insightful materials designed to enhance the mentoring experience and support candidate development.
Course Credit
Currently, LSOME course credit is reported to the Grand Lodge Staff Officer upon completion at the Lodge or district level. The Staff Officer will submit a Certification Letter to confirm completion. Once received, Grand Lodge will record the credit in Groupable and issue a certificate of completion to the participant.
Time Expectations: LSOME is currently delivered in stages — beginning before petitioning and continuing before and after each Degree. It is intentionally designed to be a progressive experience, aligning with the Brother’s journey through the
Degrees.
LSOME is not a one-day session and is not intended to be delivered as such. Each individual session is meant to be brief, lasting approximately 30 to 45 minutes, including the accompanying video.
Current Version: LSOME was updated in 1994, this is the only acceptable format.
The Masonic Development Course (MDC 2.0)
Course Abstract
The Masonic Development Course 2.0 is a modernized and engaging approach to Masonic education designed to enhance the journey of new and seasoned Brothers. Built around meaningful conversations rather than reading compression MDC 2.0 emphasizes personal growth, reflection, and practical understanding of the Craft. It equips Entered Apprentices, Fellowcrafts, and Master Masons with a deeper connection to Masonic values through guided discussion, mentorship, and interactive learning. This updated course fosters Brotherhood, encourages active participation, and supports lifelong learning within the Lodge.
Audience: All Masons – Especially new members as they progress through the Degrees.
All Masons, regardless of rank or station, are eligible to take the Masonic Development Course (MDC). The course is specifically designed to accompany the cycle of the Three Degrees, supporting a Mason’s progress at every stage of his journey. It is suitable for both newly initiated Brothers and those who have long been part of the Craft.
Course Requirements
All those seeking to serve at the Grand Lodge level must completed the Masonic Development Course (MDC) prior to advancement – this must be the most current version of the course. Additionally, Masters of Lodges are required to complete the MDC prior to being elected to the East.
Course Credit
Course credit is granted to all who completed prior versions of the Masonic Development Course (MDC) before March 2025. For completions after that date, credit will only be granted to those who complete MDC 2.0.
The MDC is designed to be delivered at both the Lodge level (strongly encouraged) and the district level. Upon completion, the Grand Lodge Staff Officer will submit a Certification Letter to confirm participation. Once received, Grand Lodge will record the credit in Groupable and issue a certificate of completion along with a commemorative pin.
Credit is permanent once granted. While retaking the course is encouraged for continued growth, there is currently no requirement to do so after successful completion. Those seeking Grand Lodge office, appointed or elected, are required to have taken current course version.
Delivery to New Mason: MDC 2.0 is specifically designed to accompany the pre- and post-Degree experience for new members as they progress through the Craft. For new Masons, it is not recommended to deliver the course in a single-
day session. Instead, it should be presented as seven individual sessions, strategically aligned with the moments before and
after each Degree. Each session is intended to be conversational in nature and should not exceed 60 to 90 minutes in length, ensuring an engaging and manageable experience for both the candidate and the facilitator.
Delivery to Seasoned Members It is highly recommended that both new and experienced Masons receive the MDC in the same format to ensure consistency and shared understanding. If a separate session must be held—such as for experienced Brothers—two sessions of approximately four hours each may be sufficient due to the depth and volume of material. However, this condensed format is not recommended, as it may reduce the conversational and reflective nature of the course.
Current Version: The MDC 2.0 was updated
in 2025 and this is the only acceptable format.
The Road to the East (RTTE)
Course Abstract
The Road to the East is a cornerstone Masonic education course designed to prepare Brothers for leadership within the Lodge. Focused on the journey toward becoming Worshipful Master, the program explores the essential responsibilities of governance, ritual excellence, Lodge operations, and member engagement. Through structured lessons, practical tools, and guided discussion, participants develop the knowledge, confidence, and foresight needed to lead with purpose and uphold the traditions of Freemasonry. This course is often seen as a key step for those aspiring to take on greater roles within the Craft.
Audience: Master Masons Only
The Road to the East (RTTE) program is open to all Master Masons. It is specifically designed for those currently serving in, or aspiring to, leadership and administrative roles within the Lodge and beyond.
Course Requirements
All those seeking to serve at the Grand Lodge level must complete the Road to the East (RTTE) program prior to advancement, and it must be the most current version of the course. Additionally, Masters of Lodges are required to complete RTTE before being elected to the East. It is strongly recommended that any Brother taking the course for the first time while serving as a Lodge officer do so before assuming the role of Senior Warden, to ensure proper preparation for senior Lodge leadership.
Course Credit
Course credit is granted to all who completed prior versions of the Road to the East (RTTE) before March 2025. For completions after that date, credit will only be awarded to those who complete the current version of the course. Credit is granted to all Master Masons that complete the course.
RTTE is a Grand Lodge–sanctioned program and must be delivered by a current Grand Lodge Officer. Individual Lodges may not offer this course independently, and credit will not be granted for sessions not facilitated by a Grand Lodge Officer.
Upon completion, the facilitating Grand Lodge Officer will submit a Certification Letter to confirm participation. Grand Lodge will then record the credit in Groupable and issue a certificate of completion to the participant. Once granted, credit is permanent. While retaking the course is encouraged for continued personal development, there is no requirement to repeat it after successful completion.
Those seeking Grand Lodge office, appointed or elected, are required to have taken current course version.
Time Expectations: The Road to the East (RTTE) is the most comprehensive administrative education course offered by Leadership and Educational Services. The curriculum is expansive and detailed, and as such, it cannot be effectively delivered in a single-day session.
Session planning tools provided to Grand Lodge Officers recommend dividing the course into either two six-hour sessions or three four-hour sessions to ensure proper pacing and participant engagement.
RTTE is a rigorous program that includes homework, reading assignments, and interactive activities. These elements require preparation outside the classroom to ensure participants gain the full benefit of the course.
Current Version: The RTTE was updated in 2024 and the 2024 version is the only acceptable format.
The Master’s Chair
Course Abstract
The Master’s Chair is an advanced Masonic leadership course designed for incoming and current Worshipful Masters. This program delves into the practical, philosophical, and strategic dimensions of Lodge leadership, focusing on effective governance, ritual proficiency, conflict resolution, member engagement, and long-term Lodge vitality. It encourages Masters to think beyond the gavel—developing vision, fostering harmony, and building a sustainable future for their Lodges. Through discussion, mentorship, and real-world application, participants leave better prepared to serve with wisdom, dignity, and purpose in the East.
Audience: Newly elected Masers of Lodges and Wardens
The Master’s Chair is open to all Master Masons, with specific focus on Junior Wardens, Senior Wardens, and current Masters of Lodges.
Course Requirements
All those seeking to serve at the Grand Lodge level must complete the Master’s Chair prior to advancement, and it must be the most current version of the course. Additionally. Masters of Lodge are required to have completed this course prior to the start of their term.
Course Credit
Course credit is granted to all Wardens or Masters-Elect who complete The Master’s Chair within one year prior to first ascending to the East. If a Brother is re-elected to the East for multiple terms, it is encouraged—but not required—that he attend the current year’s session. However, if a Brother has previously served as Master but did not complete the course within one year prior to his (re)election, he is required to retake it.
The Master’s Chair is a Grand Lodge–sanctioned program and must be delivered by a current Grand Lodge Officer. Individual Lodges are not authorized to offer the course independently, and no credit will be granted for sessions not facilitated by a Grand Lodge Officer.
Upon completion, the facilitating Grand Lodge Officer will submit a Certification Letter to confirm participation. Grand Lodge will then record the credit in Groupable and issue a certificate of completion to the participant. Once granted, credit is permanent, but it is only valid for service as Master of a Lodge if the course was completed within one year prior to ascending to the East.
Time Expectations: The Master’s Chair is designed to be interactive and conversational, presented within a lecture-
style format. Unlike the Road to the East (RTTE), it is intended to be delivered in a single-day session, not to exceed six hours in total duration.
Current Version: The Master’s Chair was updated in 2025 and the 2025 version is the only acceptable format.
Coming in 2026: Your Time in the East: Master’s Roundtable
Course Abstract
This interactive roundtable workshop is designed for incoming Worshipful Masters seeking to chart a successful and impactful year in the East. Using the Your Time in the East Degree Guide, Budget Guide, Official Visit, and Yearly Planning Workbook, participants will engage in facilitated discussion, peer learning, and hands-on planning exercises that transform intention into action. Topics will include crafting a compelling Trestleboard, executing meaningful degree work, building a sustainable budget, organizing lodge communications, and leading with purpose. Worshipful Masters will leave the session with a personalized annual plan, practical tools for execution, and a supportive network of peer leaders. This course is ideal for Masters-elect, first-time Worshipful Masters, and returning leaders looking to enhance their strategic approach to lodge governance and ritual excellence.
Audience: Newly elected Masters of Lodges and Wardens
The Master’s Roundtable is for incoming Worshipful Masters, or perspective Wardens of Past Masters that will likely serve in the East in the next Lodge election cycle.
Course Requirements
Those who will be serving their Lodge as Master are required to attend this session as an extension of the Master’s Chair.
Course Credit
Course credit is granted to all Wardens or Masters-Elect who complete The Master’s Chair within one year prior to first ascending to the East. If a Brother is re-elected to the East for multiple terms, it is recommended he attend each session of this course prior to the start of the Lodge’s Masonic year.
The Master’s Roundtable is a Grand Lodge–sanctioned program and must be delivered by a current Grand Lodge Officer. Individual Lodges are not authorized to offer the course independently, and no credit will be granted for sessions not facilitated by a Grand Lodge Officer.
Upon completion, the facilitating Grand Lodge Officer will submit a Certification Letter to confirm participation. Grand Lodge will then record the credit in Groupables for the year completed. Once granted, credit is permanent, but it is only valid for service as Master of a Lodge if the course was completed within one year prior to ascending to the East.
Time Expectations: The Master’s Roundtable is a leader-led, interactive workshop and roundtable discussion designed to help incoming Worshipful Masters plan their upcoming year in the East. The session offers a structured environment for collaboration, idea-sharing, and strategic planning.
While the duration may vary based on attendance, it is recommended that the session run for a minimum of four hours. Participants should arrive with a draft outline of their intended trestleboard for the year to ensure meaningful engagement and productive dialogue.
Current Version: The Master’s Roundtable will launch for incoming Masters in 2026.
Coming in 2026: The Master Scholars Program
Course Abstract
The Master Scholars Program, an advanced educational initiative launching in late 2025 or early 2026. Designed to develop Masonic thinkers, writers, and researchers, the program mirrors graduate-level academic rigor with structured readings, mentor guidance, and graded scholarly analyses. Participants will progress through five certification levels, culminating in a publishable research project and the distinguished title of Master Scholar, reaffirming Freemasonry as a lifelong pursuit of light and learning.
Program Overview
Highlights
- The Master Scholars Program includes three academic levels with required and elective work
- Receive mentorship from experienced Masonic scholars to guide your academic journey
- Earn Masonic Education Units (MEUs) and receive a certificate upon completion of each level
- Complete a final capstone project to earn the title of Masonic Scholar
Three Certification Levels
- Level I – Critically analyze and produce 1 required Masonic Publication
- Level II (8 MEUs) – Critically analyze and produce written assessments of 3 required and 5 elected Masonic Publications
- Level III (10 MEUs) – Critically analyze and produce written assessments of 3 required and 5 elected Masonic
Publications - Level VI (12 MEUs) – Critically analyze and produce written assessments of 5 Required Masonic Publications and 4 elected, submit a final research paper, and earn the title Master Scholar
Elective MEU Opportunities
- Earn MEUs through additional book analyses, article reviews, and reflections on Masonic events.
- Whether your passion lies in Masonic history, philosophy, symbolism, or ritual, this is your opportunity to pursue serious Masonic scholarship and contribute meaningfully to our Grand Lodge’s body of Craft knowledge.
Learn More & Stay Informed
Email: MasonicUniversity@nymasons.org
Time Expectations: The Master’s Roundtable is a leader-led, interactive workshop and roundtable discussion designed to help incoming Worshipful Masters plan their upcoming year in the East. The session offers a structured environment for collaboration, idea-sharing, and strategic planning.
While the duration may vary based on attendance, it is recommended that the session run for a minimum of four hours. Participants should arrive with a draft outline of their intended trestleboard for the year to ensure meaningful engagement and productive dialogue.
Current Version: The Master’s Roundtable will launch for incoming Masters in 2026.
Coming in 2026: Your Work in the Quarry
Course Abstract
Launching in 2026, Your Work in the Quarry is a comprehensive Masonic officer education course designed to prepare Brethren for leadership within the Lodge. This program will provide an in-depth study of the roles, responsibilities, and best practices required of each elected and appointed officer. Through structured instruction, practical guidance, and discussions rooted in Masonic tradition, participants will gain the tools needed to serve their Lodge with confidence, competence, and dedication. The course emphasizes not only the duties of office but also the collaborative spirit necessary for the success of the Lodge as a whole.
Audience
Your Work in the Quarry is designed for all Lodge officers, both elected and appointed—from the Senior Warden through the line—as well as the Secretary, Treasurer, and Trustees. It also serves Brothers who wish to better understand how these roles function as they prepare for future service.
Course Requirements
Brothers, whether newly elected or long-serving in their office, are strongly encouraged to attend this learning session to gain a clearer understanding of their responsibilities. While attendance is not currently mandatory, it is highly recommended.
Course Credit – Tentative
Course credit is granted to all Master Masons who attend. Participation is not limited to those elected or appointed to office — all Master Masons are welcome. Your Work in the Quarry is a Grand Lodge–sanctioned program and must be delivered by a current Grand Lodge Officer, assisted by experienced Past Masters or tenured officers serving in the role being presented. Individual Lodges are not authorized to offer the course independently, and no credit will be granted for sessions not facilitated by a Grand Lodge Officer.
Upon completion, the facilitating Grand Lodge Officer will submit a Certification Letter confirming participation. Grand Lodge will then record the credit in Groupable for the year completed. Once granted, credit is permanent. However, it is strongly encouraged that Brothers retake the class if elected or appointed to a role they have not held within the past three years.
Time Expectations: Your Work in the Quarry is designed to be delivered in dedicated sessions for each Lodge officer position. Each session is dynamic, combining lecture and activity-based learning, and will generally require no more than four hours for most officers. Sessions for the Secretary, Treasurer, and Trustees may require additional time due to the complexity of their responsibilities and the varying experience levels of the participants.
Current Version: Your Work in the Quarry will launch for incoming Officers in 2026.
Masonic Culture Class
What is Masonic Experience-based Education?
Not all education offered by Leadership and Education takes place in the classroom. Our Experience-Based programs create opportunities for Brothers to explore topics through open conversation and shared fellowship. By connecting participants directly with subject-matter experts, these sessions become engaging, thought-provoking, and deeply personal — a modern expression of the timeless Socratic tradition of learning together