About this Program

This master’s program in elementary education with a concentration in middle school education (grades 6-8) is designed for prospective teachers wanting to obtain initial middle school teaching licensure and a master’s degree at the same time. Available to students who have a non-teaching B.S. or B.A. degree, the program requires students to complete two content areas from the following: mathematics, English, science and social studies.

The program prepares professional educators who are confident and excel in their content and pedagogy. They are committed to using effective practices innovatively, while respecting and addressing the needs of diverse student populations in middle school settings.

Program Highlights

  • The program prepares candidates to teach in diverse settings using culturally sustaining pedagogy.

  • Faculty are world-class educators who use their own real world experiences to teach in relevant ways.

  • Courses include extensive field placements early on to provide candidates with classroom experiences throughout the program.

  • There are many opportunities to study abroad and deepen both pedagogical and cultural knowledge. 

AT A GLANCE
Degree Level
Graduate
Degree Earned
Master of Science in Education
Delivery Modes
On-Campus

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.

Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

$61,040 Median Salary

Teach students in one or more subjects in public or private schools at the middle, intermediate, or junior high level, which falls between elementary and senior high school as defined by applicable laws and regulations.

Alumni Careers

Norfolk Public Schools
Virginia Beach City Public Schools
Suffolk Public Schools
Portsmouth Public Schools
Department of Defense Schools

Requirements

What are the requirements to apply for Middle School Education with Initial Licensure at ODU?
Students entering the Master of Science in Education program in Middle School Education with Initial Licensure should meet the minimum university admission requirements Graduate Admission.

An application for graduate studies and official transcripts must be submitted by the appropriate deadline for admission. Under certain circumstances, applicants who do not fully meet the requirements for regular admission to the program may be admitted on a provisional basis subject to conditions specified by the graduate program director. Requirements include:

  • A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college/university in the liberal arts and sciences (or equivalent), including a minimum of 21 semester hours (which meet Virginia’s stated coursework competencies) in two content areas (English, mathematics, science, and history/social studies)

  • Passing scores on the Virginia Board of Education prescribed assessments

  • A cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.80

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). Non-resident rates are charged for anyone who is not a current Virginia resident, including international students.

Virginia Resident
Cost Per-Credit $620
Technology Delivered Courses Outside Virginia and/or the United States
Cost Per-Credit $642
Non-Resident
Cost Per-Credit $1,486

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.

Contact

Associate Professor

3134 EDUCATION BUILDING
NORFOLK, 23529