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Higher Education (Education, M.S.Ed.)

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.

Higher Education (Education, M.S.Ed.)


Description


What is Higher Education at ODU like?

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


What makes Higher Education at ODU unique?

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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


What are some careers in this field?

Check out these ideas from ODU Career Development Services and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is the midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.

Education Administrators, Postsecondary

$107,670

MEDIAN SALARY


Plan, direct, or coordinate research, instructional, student administration and services, and other educational activities at postsecondary institutions, including universities, colleges, and junior and community colleges.

Education Teachers, Postsecondary

$72,410

MEDIAN SALARY


Teach courses pertaining to education, such as counseling, curriculum, guidance, instruction, teacher education, and teaching English as a second language. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Courses


What are some courses offered in Higher Education at ODU?

FOUN 611:
Introduction to Research Methods in Education


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.

HIED 708:
Foundations of Higher Education


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.

HIED 752:
The Law of Higher Education


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.

Requirements


What are the requirements to apply for Higher Education at ODU?

Students entering the Master of Science in Education program in Higher Education should meet the minimum university admission requirements (Graduate Admission)

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:

  • Complete an online application, and pay application fee;

  • Upload unofficial transcripts from previous educational institutions;

  • 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.

  • 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.

Cost

Tuition and Fees

Estimated rates for the 2022-23 academic year. Rates are subject to change. Anyone that is not a current Virginia resident will be charged non-resident rates. That includes international students.

Virginia Resident


Per Credit:

$ 571

Non-Resident


Per Credit:

$ 1,394

Technology Delivered Courses Outside Virginia and/or the United States


Per Credit:

$ 595

Ways to Save

Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending ODU. For more information visit University Student Financial aid

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.

Next Steps


I like this program. What are the next steps?

Contact


Need help applying?

Meet Your Enrollment Team

Our enrollment coordinators are ready to help you through the admissions process.

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ASSISTANT PROFESSOR


Name:

Laura Smithers


Location:

2300 EDUCATION BUILDING, NORFOLK, VA, 23529



Office:

757-683-3165


For General Inquiries:

hied@odu.edu


Graduate Admissions


Location:

1000 Rollins Hall, Norfolk, VA 23529


Phone Office:

757-683-3685


Fax:

757-683-6512


Email:

gradadmit@odu.edu


International Admissions


Location:

2101 Dragas Hall, Norfolk, VA 23529


Phone Office:

757-683-3701


Fax:

757-683-3651


Email:

intladm@odu.edu

Additional Programs


Are there other programs at ODU I may be interested in?

With over 120 undergraduate programs, 130 graduate programs at the master'seducation 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.

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