FAQs « Online Master of Education (Ed.M.) « TCE « Graduate Degrees & Programs « Online Degrees « Home

Online Master of Education (Ed.M.) - FAQs

1. How long will it take to complete the Online Master's program? [Answer]
2. What is the cost per credit and overall tuition? [Answer]
3. Is financial aid available? [Answer]
4. Can you apply OSU vouchers to the Ed.M. tuition? [Answer]
5. What are the admission requirements for the Online Master's program? [Answer]
6. What is the process to apply for the Online Master of Education Degree at OSU? [Answer]
7. What are the application due dates? [Answer]
8. How many credits can be transferred into the program? [Answer]
9. What are the focus areas of study that are offered as part of the 19 elective credits? [Answer]
10. Are the online courses in this Ed.M. program the same as the courses offered on campus? [Answer]
11. What kind of technology is necessary to take online courses at OSU? [Answer]
12. Can students receive instruction on the use of Blackboard? [Answer]
13. Will there be online help support for Blackboard? [Answer]
14. Are tutoring services available? [Answer]

Q&As

Q1.  How long will it take to complete the Online Master's program?

A1.  The Online Master's degree could be completed in at least 11 terms (1 term = 10-11 weeks) which is equivalent to 2-2 1/2 years based on a minimum enrollment of 3 credits each term (Fall, Winter, Spring) and 6-9 credits during two summer terms.  The degree could be completed in less time if graduate credits are transferred into the program.  Note: Students can transfer up to 15 graduate credits from other accredited university which were taken within the last 7 years.  

Q2.  What is the cost per credit and overall tuition?

A2.  Since the program is being offered through OSU's Extended Campus (Ecampus) which manages all of the university's online courses, the tuition is different from regular OSU rates. Student tuition is $448/credit.  Rates may change.  

Q3.  Is financial aid available?

A3.  Yes, degree-seeking distance students admitted to OSU may be eligible for federal and state financial aid through OSU if enrolled for 6 or more credits per term.  For more information visit the Ecampus Financial Aid and/or OSU Financial Aid Department websites. 

Note: If an EdM graduate student is receiving financial aid, they cannot use this financial aid for courses taken at other universities (relevant to the 15 hours maximum that can be transferred into the masters program from other universities).

Q4.  Can you apply OSU voucher to the Ed.M. tuition?

A4.  Yes, you will be able to apply any OSU vouchers that you have to tuition for a reduced tuition of $196/credit.  

Q5.  What are the admission requirements for the Online Master's program?

A5.

• Baccalaureate degree
• Cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 in the last 90 hours of coursework
• K-12 teaching license or completion of a teacher preparation program
• Part-time practicing teacher or two years of prior teaching experience in a K-12 classroom
• Complete application six weeks before the start of first term in program

Q6.  What is the process to apply for the Online Master of Education Degree at OSU?

A6.  The online Ed.M. program has open enrollment; you can apply any term.  You must apply to both the OSU Graduate School AND to the College of Education.

1. Apply to the OSU Graduate School
2. To apply to the College of Education, applicants must also submit:
   
   • a letter of application
   • official transcripts
   • three letters of recommendation
   • a current resume or vita
   • a 5-7 page essay on an educational topic
   • a one-page statement regarding knowledge of and/or experience with diversity

For more information, contact Kristin Kinman at kristin.kinman@oregonstate.edu or at 541-737-3739.

Q7.  What are the application due dates?

A7.   The deadline for consideration is six weeks prior to the start of the term in which the applicant would like to begin the course of study.

• Winter 2010 (starts January 4) - application materials due November 23, 2009
• Spring 2010 (starts March 29) - application materials due February 22, 2010
• Summer 2010 (starts June 21) - application materials due May 10, 2010

Q8.  How many credits can be transferred into the program?

A8.  Students can transfer 15 graduate credits into the program.  Ask the Program Lead or your adviser for details about what specific courses you may apply toward the degree.  

Q9.  What are the focus areas of study that are offered as part of the 19 elective credits?

A9.  The possible focus areas are to create your own, ESOL/Bilingual Endorsement, or Reading Endorsement. 

• Customized program based on subject area and grade level
• ESOL/Bilingual Endorsement (18 credits):  Earn endorsements in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) or Bilingual Education.  This is an 18-credit-hour program for anyone interested in teaching English as a Second Language (ESL), as well as ESOL teachers and specialist.  The site-based internship (TCE 510) can be done from anywhere in the world.  However, to get an official Oregon State TSPC ESOL endorsement, the internship and work sample must be done in an Oregon classroom. 
• Reading (12 or 24 credits):  The ReadOregon program is a collaborative effort of five university in the Oregon University System -- Oregon State University, Eastern Oregon University, Portland State University, Southern Oregon University, and Western Oregon University.  The ReadOregon program consists of two new collaborative distance education programs available to teachers statewide.
  
  • Reading Specialist Program- graduate-level, distance-delivered 24-credit reading specialist endorsement program. 
  • Literacy Education Course of Study- graduate-level, distance-delivered, 12-credit literacy education certificate of completion for general classroom teachers.
• Authorizations:
  
  • Middle School Endosement (12 credits)

Q10.  Are the online courses in this Ed.M. program the same as the courses offered on campus?

A10.   Yes, the online courses are the same as or the equivalent of the courses offered face-to-face at the OSU campus.  

Q11.  What kind of technology is necessary to take online courses at OSU?

A11.  You will need access to the Internet, an email account, and at least a 4.0 browser. If you are unsure if you meet the minimum requirements, you can run a system check on your computer.  

Q12.  Can students receive instruction on the use of Blackboard?

A12.  Yes, there is an online tutorial for using Blackboard for all users.

Q13.  Will there be online help support for Blackboard?

A13.  Yes, Blackboard offers technical assistance to all students.  

Q14.  Are tutoring services available?

A14.  Yes, OSU Extended Campus is happy to provide our distance students with online tutoring. 

For additional program information please visit Online Master of Education (Ed.M.)