The M.S.Ed. program draws in students from all over the US and world due to its comprehensive curriculum, nationally recognized faculty, and emphasis on practical experience. The 36-credit program takes full-time students two academic years or four semesters to complete. ODU's reputation as a U.S. News & World Report top-ranked research university and its status as the most affordable university in the Commonwealth of Virginia makes your degree worth the investment.
Program Highlights
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1 Program, 3 Tracks: Our unique approach allows HIED MSED students to take core courses and field experiences with their cohort while specializing in one of three tracks
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D.C., Richmond, & Study Abroad Programs: ODU GAs receive travel support for professional development to attend and present at national conferences, e.g., NASPA, ACPA, NAFSA, SACSA, etc.
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Career Development & Mentoring: Students have opportunities for up to eight interviews for 48+ different assistantships and internship at different types of higher education institution in the region, including research universities, liberal arts colleges, HBCUs and community colleges
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Diversity & Inclusive Excellence: ODU is a proud minority-serving institution that believes diversity drives innovation and creativity, and fosters academic excellence. We are among the top-ranked universities in CollegeNet’s Social Mobility Index for high-quality education that provides economic opportunity
Careers
Check out these ideas from ODU's Center for Career & Leadership Development and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is a midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.
Requirements
M.S.Ed. fall semester applicant review begins on January 1st and continues on a rolling basis. Fall applicants are encouraged to submit as early as possible in preparation for Monarch Preview Days in mid-February. M.S.Ed. spring semester applicants must apply by October 1st. To apply to the program:
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Complete an online application, and pay application fee;
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Upload unofficial transcripts from previous educational institutions;
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Applicants whose native language is not English must submit a current score for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) iBT of at least 80.
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Applicants also upload supplemental materials including: • A CV or resume that describes the your academic and professional background; • 1-page Essay/Statement of Purpose that addresses: What are your professional interests and goals? Why are you interested in higher education? Why do you wish to obtain a MSEd? • A writing sample from undergraduate coursework; • Two (2) letters of recommendation: one academic, one professional. At least one letter must come from a professor or an individual who describes the applicant's academic performance and writing ability. Applicants will enter the emails for references in the online system, and references will be emailed a link to upload a letter of recommendation on letterhead and complete the online reference form.
Featured Courses
The primary goal of the course is to provide students with the knowledge and skills to access, evaluate, and synthesize empirical research. The course examines types of educational research and criteria for evaluating empirical studies. It introduces various types of research questions and associated research designs, components of research reports, sampling, validity of measures, threats to internal and external validity, and simple statistics. Prerequisites: Students in the graduate Counseling program must take COUN 601 before taking this course.
An examination of the historical foundations and contemporary challenges facing higher education leaders. Coursework encourages students to explore linkages between research, theory, and practice, promoting a nuanced understanding of differing perspectives on complex and evolving issues. Development of graduate-level writing is emphasized.
An exploration of the legal issues facing higher education in the United States. Topics to be discussed include the foundations from which higher education law emerges, current case law, state and federal statutory law, and contract law, as well as risk management and liability issues. Students may have the opportunity to visit the Supreme Court and to view oral arguments. Additionally, the course will address the ethical issues faced when shaping and implementing institutional policy, curriculum, and procedures.
Cost of Attendance
We believe in providing students with transparent and accessible information about the cost of attendance.
Review the estimated tuition rates for the 2024-25 academic year (subject to change). Other fees are assessed for special services and certain academic programs. Non-resident rates are charged for anyone who is not a current Virginia resident, including international students.
Ways to Fund Your Degree
There are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending Old Dominion University, including scholarships, assistantships, and student loans. For more details about financial aid at Old Dominion, visit the Financial Aid Office page.
Graduate Assistantships
No additional forms need to be submitted with your online application to be considered for graduate assistantships (GAs). Admitted students are automatically eligible for GAs, so applicants do NOT need to complete the optional Application for Institutional Graduate Financial Assistance form to be considered for GAs.
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Additional Programs
Are there other programs at ODU I may be interested in?
With over 120 undergraduate programs, 130 graduate programs at the master's, education specialist and doctoral levels plus a wealth of certificate and professional development programs, Old Dominion University has the program for you. Visit our academic program listing page to see other programs ODU has to offer.