Education FAQs

The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) is designed for students pursuing their initial teaching credential and leads to initial licensure. The Master of Science in Education (M.S.Ed.) is for students who are already certified teachers and focuses on advanced specialization and research. The programs also differ in duration and credit hours required.

No, you do not need a teaching license to apply to the online M.S. in Education program. However, the program is designed for in-service teachers who have already completed an initial teacher preparation program. If you are seeking an endorsement (such as ESOL, Reading Intervention, or Special Education), you must already have an Oregon teaching license, as these are not initial licensure programs.

The online M.S. in Education can be completed in as little as 12 months if you attend full-time, or you can extend your studies to a part-time schedule. The program requires 36 quarter credit hours total, including 15 credits in the teacher-researcher core. The flexible online format is designed specifically for working professionals who need to balance their education with career and personal commitments. View the complete curriculum and course sequence to plan your path.

EOU’s M.S. in Education offers seven specialized  concentrations to align with your career goals. Included are the English for Speakers of Other Languages, Literacy, Special Education, Dyslexia , and Trauma in Educational Communities.

No, the M.S. in Education does not require a traditional thesis. Instead, you’ll complete a research project as part of the teacher-researcher core sequence. This capstone project allows you to conduct meaningful research in your own educational setting, addressing real-world challenges and contributing to your professional practice. The research project is completed over multiple quarters and is informed by the research methods and literature review courses you’ll take earlier in the program.

Yes, the M.S. in Education includes practicum experiences that vary by concentration. For example, the Literacy concentration, Reading Intervention endorsement requires a 90-hour practicum in a working classroom setting. These hands-on experiences allow you to apply your learning in real educational environments while working toward your degree. The practicum component provides valuable experience even for those who don’t have prior teaching experience. Learn more on the program courses page.

The cost per credit hour for the M.S. in Education is $558.50 , making the total estimated program cost $20,106 for the full 36 credits (before any transfer credits). This is significantly more affordable than many comparable programs. About 92% of EOU online students receive financial aid and scholarships to help cover costs. View complete tuition details and payment options to plan your investment in your education.

EOU offers multiple financial aid options for graduate students, including federal loans, scholarships, employer tuition benefits, and military benefits. Approximately 92% of online students receive some form of financial aid. Options include federal financial aid (complete the FAFSA), graduate assistantships, payment plans, and employer tuition reimbursement programs.

Yes, the online Master of Science in Education is specifically designed for working professionals. The flexible online format allows you to complete coursework on your schedule, and the part-time option (typically 2 classes per 11-week term) is structured to accommodate full-time work commitments.

The M.S. in Education is not an initial licensure program and does not lead to a teaching license in any state. However, if you are already a licensed teacher in Oregon, certain concentrations prepare you to pursue endorsements. The ESOL, Literacy, and Special Education concentrations can lead to Oregon endorsement recommendations, and the Trauma in Educational Communities concentration prepares you for a specialization. To receive an endorsement recommendation, you must already hold an Oregon teaching license. Teachers from other states should contact their state department of education to determine if the program meets their state’s endorsement requirements.

Yes, Eastern Oregon University is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). Regional accreditation is the gold standard ensuring your degree is recognized by employers and graduate schools nationwide.

Yes, online courses at EOU are taught by the same experienced faculty who teach on-campus courses. Our diverse faculty includes full-time and part-time professors who are experts in their fields and specially trained in delivering engaging, effective online education. You’ll receive the same high-quality instruction and personalized attention as on-campus students, with faculty available for support via email, video conferencing, and within the learning management system.

Yes, EOU has a generous transfer credit policy that accepts up to 12 graduate-level transfer credits toward the M.S. in Education program. Transfer credits must be from regionally accredited institutions and align with program requirements.

No, EOU does not require GRE or GMAT scores for admission to the online M.S. in Education program. The application process is streamlined to help you get started sooner, focusing instead on your academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and personal essay.

To apply to EOU’s online M.S. in Education program, you need an online application, official transcripts from all previously attended institutions, letters of recommendation, and a personal essay. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required for admission. No GRE or entrance exam is required, and while the program is designed for in-service teachers, prior work experience is not mandatory, though a practicum is included to provide applicable experience

No, prior work experience is not required. Learn more about our admissions policy by visiting our admissions page.

No, prior work experience is not required. Learn more about our admissions policy by visiting our admissions page.

No, prior work experience is not required. However, this program does include a practicum which can help you gain applicable experience. Learn more about our admissions policy by visiting our admissions page.

No, prior work experience is not required to build expertise in trauma education online at EOU. Learn more about our admissions policy by visiting our admissions page.