Teachers interested in a leadership role or a career change may benefit from earning an online Master of Education with an emphasis in English. Earning an M.Ed. may lead to a higher salary. Those interested in job advancement may be required to have a master’s degree, especially for senior or leadership roles.
How Much Does a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction Cost?
You may be weighing your options for graduate school. No doubt, you will be thinking about the right program, degree and, perhaps most importantly, cost. Unquestionably, tuition and fees have soared in recent years. But by just how much?
U.S. News & World Report breaks out the ballooning costs between 1995 and 2015:
- Private universities: 179 percent.
- Out-of-state tuition at public universities: 226 percent.
- In-state tuition at public universities: 296 percent.
The National Center for Education Statistics reports the average graduate tuition and required fees in 2012-2013 for all schools was approximately $16,400. The average was $10,400 for state schools and $22,000 for private schools.
Completing the required 30 hours for an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in English through Southeastern Oklahoma State University’s online program costs $8,400 at $280 per credit hour. The total represents the cost for the entire program, not per semester or per year, and it includes fees. The only additional costs are for the application fee, books and an online portfolio. These costs are as of August 2017 and could change over time.
How Do Costs at Southeastern Oklahoma State University Online Compare to Other Schools?
Another major state university in Oklahoma costs almost $7,000 per year for 18 credit hours — half of the school’s required 36 hours. A graduate degree without the fees will cost roughly $14,000. Another Oklahoma public university’s price per hour is $300 for in-state and $396 for out-of-state. Because SOSU is a 100-percent-online program, there is no added cost of transportation and campus-related fees.
The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) has accredited all teacher education programs at SOSU. The university is also accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
U.S. News & World Report‘s 10 Low-Cost Online Graduate Education Programs for Out-of-State Students lists the per-credit out-of-state tuition rate for 10 affordable programs. SOSU’s per credit hour rate falls in the middle. Whether you are from Oklahoma or live out of state, SOSU offers competitive rates.
Teachers interested in this degree may want to check with their school or district about tuition reimbursement plans. Those who do not work with a school or district may also have the opportunity to get reimbursed; some schools or districts offer reimbursement for new employees.
What Do I Need to Do to Apply for SOSU’s Online M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction — English?
You won’t need to study for a GRE as that is not required. Admission requires a bachelor’s degree and a minimum GPA, depending on your circumstances. This may be all you need to qualify.
Those who have a minimum 2.0 overall GPA will need a current resume, a professional letter of recommendation, and a letter that outlines career goals, objectives and how the degree will enhance the applicant’s career.
English teachers will have the opportunity to dig deeper into curriculum and instruction as well as literature and semantics. The degree could open the door to roles outside of the classroom, such as curriculum specialist, educational administrator and other leadership positions.
Learn more about the SOSU online M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction — English program.
Sources:
U.S. News & World Report: Chart: See 20 Years of Tuition Growth at National Universities
National Center for Education Statistics: Digest of Education Statistics