Starting in January 2019, historically Black Elizabeth City State University in North Carolina will offer its first online master of education degree program. The program will be 100 percent online and will offer two concentrations; one for teacher leaders, and another for initial certification. The total tuition will be less than $7,000, making it one of the most affordable online graduate teaching programs in North Carolina.
The initial certification concentration is for individuals with bachelor’s degrees who want to pursue a career as an elementary school teacher. The concentration can also be used for obtaining middle school and high school certification if additional endorsements are added.
The concentration in teacher leadership is for current classroom teachers with at least three years of experience. It will help teachers complete the National Board Certification, which in North Carolina provides a 12 percent salary increase. Additionally, an add-on endorsement for a curriculum and instruction specialist is also integrated within this degree and it allows teachers to advance their careers as central office administrators or in non-principal school leadership roles.
“Initial response has been outstanding,” said Dr. Timothy Goodale, an assistant professor of education and director of graduate studies at Elizabeth City State University. “Over 50 potential students have initiated their admissions applications for the graduate program and there is over a 1,000 percent increase in the number of students that have accepted their place in the program, compared to the fall admissions cycle.”
