What is Education?
Good teachers excel in the nation’s classrooms because they, too, continue to learn and build new skills and expertise.
Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia, enables many teachers in the region to expand their skillset in the field of education. Marshall offers the Master of Arts (MA) in Education, a graduate degree program that is primarily designed for licensed teachers seeking an advanced degree or added endorsement. Available in a range of specialized areas, endorsements qualify teachers to be classroom-ready in additional subject areas, which adds value to their portfolio as educators.
Since most students in Marshall’s Education master’s degree program are working teachers, all MA coursework is fully online with asynchronous learning experiences. This enables Marshall students to continue teaching full-time while completing their master’s degree.
The College of Education and Professional Development (COEPD), accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) since 1954, is the oldest academic unit within Marshall University, dating back to 1867. COEPD offers 16 bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs, and 32 educational certifications ranging from early childhood and elementary education to secondary education and administration. The College is adept at meeting the needs of adult learners who are primarily fully employed students.
Why Study Education at Marshall?
The Marshall master’s degree in Education enables licensed teachers to earn an advanced degree or an added endorsement. These credentials expand teacher skills and expertise, and increase their marketability and earning potential. Master’s in Education students who enroll full-time can complete their degree in four semesters; part-time students typically take six semesters.
The Master of Arts in Education consists of a set of core course requirements, area of emphasis requirements, and a capstone experience.
Endorsements
Added endorsements for MA in Education students include:
A non-licensure track in Early Childhood and Teaching English as a Second Language provides an option for non-licensed individuals. They can build their professional knowledge to better work with early learners in environments or work with learners with a language other than English where teacher licensure is not required.
Additional areas of emphasis in Marshall’s online master’s in Education program include: Instructional Processes and Strategies, Instructional Technology and Learning, and an individualized plan of study. These specializations may be taken by licensed P-12 educators and others interested in working in education-related fields such as training and development, and in careers such as instructional designers and technologists.
The ability to add an endorsement increases the marketability of graduates. Teachers in some states, such as West Virginia, are eligible for a raise upon completion of a master’s degree.
Online advantages. The cost for Marshall Online programs is very competitive so Education master’s degree students can continue their graduate education cost-effectively. The MA in Education degree has been ranked among the Most Affordable Online Colleges by OnlineU.org for 2017, 2018 and 2019.
Coursework is fully online with asynchronous learning experiences. Education faculty are accessible and experienced at providing instructional and advising support for distance learners pursuing their online master’s degree in Education.
Career Outlook for Education Majors
The majority of the students in the online master’s in Education degree programs are currently employed teachers who are working on added endorsements or to enhance their knowledge.
Master’s in Education Jobs
Most Marshall graduates with an MA in Education are teachers in public schools in the state of West Virginia. Completion of added endorsements allows teachers to work in the following positions:
Other areas of emphasis included within the master’s in Education degree help to improve the knowledge of practicing classroom teachers and technology integration specialists.
Job Outlook
Employment in education, training and library occupations is projected to grow 5 percent through 2029, faster than the average for all occupations. About 441,000 new jobs are projected to be added from 2019 to 2029. Student enrollment is projected to increase; therefore, postsecondary teachers and preschool, elementary and secondary school teachers will be needed to meet the demand. Education, training and library occupations are, however, affected by state and local budgets, and budgetary restrictions may limit employment growth.
The median (or midpoint) annual wage for education, training and library occupations was $52,380 in May 2020, which was higher than the median annual wage for all occupations at $41,950.
Here are some specific positions and salaries within education, training and library occupations that may be relevant to Marshall graduates with an MA in Education:
Opportunities for Education Majors
The College of Education and Professional Development provides an array of degree and professional development programs, continuing education opportunities, and services that fully address the needs of adult learners who are primarily fully employed students. The College provides professional/technical expertise for students and is actively involved in addressing regional and state-level educational, mental health and social issues.
Access to Resources
As part of Marshall’s online master’s degree in Education, students are not required to be on campus. However, they can contact the library staff for support, and also have access to Marshall’s writing center for guidance.
In addition to teacher education master’s degree programs, as well as bachelor’s and doctoral programs, COEPD offers these service programs: Appalachian Studies Association, West Virginia Autism Training Center, HEART Tutoring Program, June Harless Center for Rural Education Research and Development, Higher Education Learning Program (H.E.L.P.), Marshall Child Development Academy, Marshall Early Education Center, MU Computer Based Testing Center, and Professional Development Schools Partnership.
Admission Requirements
Admission Requirements to Master’s Degree Programs
Applicants to the MA in Education should follow the admissions process described in this catalog or at the Graduate Admissions website at www.marshall.edu/graduate/admissions/how-to-apply-for-admission.
For full admission, applicants must have an undergraduate degree from an accepted, accredited institution with an undergraduate Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale or have a master’s degree from a accepted, accredited institution.
Applicants having an undergraduate degree from an accepted, accredited institution with an undergraduate GPA of 2.5 or above, but below 3.0, may be granted provisional admission. Provisionally admitted applications will be granted full admission upon successful completion of 12 hours toward the approved plan of study with a GPA of 3.25 or higher, assuming that all other admission requirements are met.
Note: Some areas of emphasis are designed to lead to added endorsements for licensed teachers. Applicants may be asked to submit additional materials, such as documentation of current teacher licensure, before an admission decision is made.
Certificate Program Admission Requirements
Prospective certificate-only students should apply for admission to Marshall University as a Certificate/Professional Development student and select, on the application form, the certificate they wish to pursue. Applicants must have:
- A baccalaureate degree from from an accepted, accredited institution with an undergraduate Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.50 or higher on a 4.0 scale; or
- A master’s degree from from an accepted, accredited institution.