Master's in Education at MSSU: Programs & Specializations

How do you move from classroom teacher to instructional leader in Missouri without quitting your job? At Missouri Southern State University, the answer is built into three focused master’s tracks: Curriculum & Instruction, Educational Leadership, and Master of Arts in Teaching. Missouri teachers with a master’s degree earn roughly $8,000 more yearly, a 32% boost that compounds over a career. MSSU delivers these programs through online and hybrid formats designed for working educators, with the same accreditation and mentoring that have anchored teacher preparation in Joplin for decades. For working educators, the calculation often comes down to earning potential versus immediate cost, and MSSU’s graduate tuition structure is built to make that math work.

Master’s in Education Programs at Missouri Southern State University

Program Offerings: Three Distinct Paths

• Master of Science in Education (M.S.Ed.) in Curriculum and Instruction: 30 credits, designed for practicing teachers who want to deepen their instructional expertise without leaving the classroom.
• Master of Science in Education (M.S.Ed.) in Educational Administration: 31 credits, tailored for educators aspiring to leadership roles, including principal or other building-level administrator positions.
• Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT): 30 credits, an alternative certification pathway for individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree in a field other than education and wish to become licensed teachers.

These graduate programs are structured with working professionals in mind. Most students complete their degree part-time over two to three years, attending classes in the evenings, on weekends, or through flexible online formats.

Curriculum and Instruction (M.S.Ed.): A Focus on Teaching Excellence

The 30-credit M.S.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction emphasizes applied research and instructional design. Core coursework includes EDUC 0615 (Foundations of Education), EDUC 0625 (Curriculum Design), EDUC 0630 (Assessment and Evaluation), and EDUC 0650 (Instructional Strategies). Instead of a thesis, students demonstrate mastery through a comprehensive exam at the end of the program.¹ This structure allows practicing teachers to immediately integrate new strategies into their own classrooms. Graduates often pursue roles as curriculum specialists, instructional coaches, or department leads.

Educational Administration (M.S.Ed.): Preparing School Leaders

For those aiming to move into administration, the 31-credit M.S.Ed. in Educational Administration blends theory with field-based learning. The program’s core includes EDUC 0606 (School Law), EDUC 0607 (Leadership Capstone), and EDUC 0608 (School Finance).¹ The capstone project requires candidates to synthesize their learning in a real-world leadership scenario. A distinctive feature is the required Building-Level Administrator Missouri Educator Gateway Assessment (MEGA)², which aligns with state certification standards and must be passed for licensure eligibility. This embedded certification preparation makes the program a direct pathway to becoming a principal or assistant principal in Missouri.

Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT): An Alternative Route to the Classroom

The 30-credit MAT³ addresses the needs of career changers and recent graduates who hold a bachelor’s degree outside of education. Coursework covers pedagogical theory, adolescent development, and content-area methods, combined with supervised field experiences and student teaching. Because candidates enter with diverse academic backgrounds, the program includes both foundational teaching courses and practical application. Upon completion, graduates are eligible for initial Missouri teaching certification in their chosen subject area.

Across all programs, MSSU maintains a minimum graduate GPA requirement of 3.0¹ for admission and ongoing enrollment. The combination of streamlined credit totals, practitioner-focused faculty, and state-aligned certification components makes these master’s pathways a pragmatic choice for advancing in the Missouri education landscape.

Program Specializations: Curriculum & Instruction, Educational Leadership, and MAT

Missouri Southern State University's graduate education programs equip educators with targeted expertise through three distinct specializations that directly align with in-demand career paths. The M.S.Ed in Curriculum & Instruction, the M.S.Ed in Administration (Educational Leadership), and the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) each serve a unique professional goal, from classroom instructional mastery to school-wide leadership and initial teacher licensure.

M.S.Ed in Curriculum & Instruction: Refining Classroom Practice

Designed for practicing educators who want to deepen their ability to shape what and how students learn, the 36-credit M.S.Ed in Curriculum & Instruction, a masters in curriculum and instruction, is delivered fully online. The program's core courses build a foundation in research-based instructional design and assessment. Required courses include EDUC 0605, EDUC 0620, EDUC 0625, EDUC 0630, EDUC 0640, and a capstone Research Design course (EDUC 0650) that serves as the culminating experience.¹ Students then customize 18 credits of electives to match their professional interests, choosing from offerings that allow specialization in areas such as English Language Learner (ELL) instruction through the K-12 ELL concentration². Graduates emerge prepared for roles like curriculum coordinator, instructional coach, or department lead, and the online format accommodates working teachers' schedules.

M.S.Ed in Administration (Educational Leadership): Moving into School Leadership

The M.S.Ed in Administration pathway develops the skills educators need to step into principal or other administrative roles, as covered in an educational administrator career guide.³ While specific course sequences and credit totals are updated annually in the graduate catalog, the program emphasizes practical leadership theory, school law, finance, and organizational management. This degree aligns with Missouri's building-level administrator certification requirements, making it a strategic choice for those seeking to lead schools. Candidates typically engage in field-based internships and complete a portfolio or comprehensive exam as a culminating assessment. The program's blend of theoretical and applied learning ensures graduates can manage school improvement, navigate policy, and foster a positive school culture.

Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT): An Accelerated Route to the Classroom

For career-changers holding a bachelor's degree in a field outside education, the MAT offers a streamlined path to initial teacher certification. The program integrates foundational pedagogy, content-area methods, and a full-time student teaching experience. While the exact credit requirements are listed in the current university catalog, MAT candidates can expect intensive, cohort-based coursework that covers classroom management, lesson planning, assessment literacy, and inclusive teaching practices. Upon completion, graduates are eligible for Missouri state licensure in their chosen grade level and subject area, ready to fill critical teaching needs in area schools.

Aligning Specialization With Your Career Stage

Choosing among these three tracks starts with a clear-eyed assessment of your current role and long-term aspirations. The Curriculum & Instruction M.S.Ed is built for teachers who want to stay in the classroom while taking on greater instructional leadership. The Educational Leadership program is meant for those aiming to leave the classroom for building-level administration. The MAT is specifically designed for individuals who are not yet licensed educators but are drawn to the profession. All three share a commitment to connecting theory with practice, but they diverge in the audiences they serve and the credentials they confer. Prospective students should review the most recent graduate catalog for full course lists, credit hours, and application deadlines.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Online, On-Campus, and Hybrid Learning Options for Working Educators

Missouri Southern State University tailors its graduate education programs to the demands of full-time teachers and career changers. With options that span fully online, hybrid, and field-based formats, you can advance your credentials without leaving the classroom you currently lead.

Flexible Online Options for Curriculum and Instruction

The Master of Science in Education in Curriculum and Instruction is delivered entirely online.¹ Courses follow an accelerated 8-week schedule, allowing you to focus on one or two subjects at a time. There are no required campus visits or synchronous meeting times, so you complete readings, discussion boards, and projects on a rhythm that fits your work week. The program’s online design means you can continue teaching in Missouri or any other state while earning your degree.

Hybrid Educational Leadership with Structured Internship

If you aim to become a principal or instructional coordinator, the MSEd in Educational Leadership blends online coursework with a critical on-ground component.² All didactic classes are offered online in that same 8-week format, providing the flexibility of self-paced study. The program’s capstone, however, is a 16-week on-site internship under the supervision of a practicing school leader and a university supervisor. This clinical experience is arranged in partnership with a school district near you, often your own workplace, so you can apply leadership theory directly to real administrative tasks while maintaining your current employment.

Master of Arts in Teaching: Field-Based Preparation

For those seeking initial teacher certification, the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) pathway anchors learning in practical classroom experience. While some courses may be online or hybrid, the MAT inherently requires sustained in-person student teaching placements. MSSU works with area schools to place you in a mentored setting where you gradually assume full teaching responsibilities. Exact delivery modes and residency requirements can shift, so reach out to the Office of Teacher Education for the most current MAT format details.

Designed for Working Educators: Schedule and Pacing

Across all programs, MSSU structures graduate coursework with the working professional in mind. The 8-week online terms create concentrated study periods that leave room for grading, lesson planning, and family life. New cohorts often start multiple times per year, so you can begin when it makes sense for your calendar. Because the online courses are asynchronous, there is no pressure to log in at a set hour: discussion posts and assignments can be completed in the evenings, on weekends, or whenever you have a pocket of time. The hybrid and field-based elements are designed to align with K-12 school calendars, making it feasible to fulfill internship hours without taking a leave of absence.

Admission Requirements and Application Process for MSSU Graduate Education

MSSU’s graduate education programs maintain clear admission standards, with some variation across specializations. Most tracks require a bachelor’s degree and a minimum GPA, though specific test and document requirements differ.

• Bachelor’s Degree

  Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. For the MSEd in Education Administration, the degree must be in education or include teacher certification.
• Minimum GPA

  A 3.0 cumulative undergraduate GPA is standard for all MSEd and MAT programs. Those with a GPA between 2.75 and 2.99 may be considered for provisional admission in the general MSEd.
• Standardized Tests

  The MAT program does not require GRE or MAT scores. The MSEd in Education Administration requires the GRE only if the GPA is below 3.0, with a minimum combined score of 700. The general MSEd does not list an exam requirement.
• Application Materials

  Submit an online graduate application, official transcripts, a résumé, and a statement of purpose. The MSEd in Education Administration also requires a typed professional autobiography and three professional references (one from a current supervisor). The MAT requires a writing sample.
• Application Deadlines

  Fall: August 1; Spring: January 1; Summer: May 1. MSSU uses a rolling review process, but meeting these priority dates ensures full consideration.
• International Applicants

  International students must demonstrate English proficiency via TOEFL iBT (75), IELTS (6.5), PTE (50), or Duolingo (110).

Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid for Graduate Education Students

For working educators, the decision to pursue a master’s degree often comes down to a simple but critical calculation: will the long-term salary boost outweigh the immediate financial commitment? At Missouri Southern State University, the numbers are designed to be transparent, with a clear per-credit rate and a range of aid options that can significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses.

Breaking Down the Per-Credit Costs

Missouri Southern uses a straightforward per-credit-hour pricing model for graduate education. For the 2025, 2026 academic year, in-state students pay $385 in tuition per credit, plus a mandatory $42 Lion Fee each credit hour. That brings the effective per-credit cost to $427.¹ Out-of-state students face a higher tuition rate; the university does not publish a separate per-credit figure for non-residents, so prospective students should contact the bursar’s office for current rates. All students should also budget for textbooks, materials, and any course-specific fees, which vary by program.

Total Estimated Cost for a Master’s in Education

Most MSSU master’s tracks require between 30 and 36 credit hours. At the in-state rate of $427 per credit, a 30-credit program totals approximately $12,810, while a 36-credit program reaches roughly $15,372.¹ These figures cover tuition and the Lion Fee only; they do not include additional university fees, living expenses, or loan interest. Out-of-state students should anticipate a higher total. For the 2025, 2026 academic year, the estimated cost of attendance (including tuition, fees, room, board, and personal expenses) is $29,394 for Missouri residents and $34,826 for non-residents², though many students reduce these totals through financial aid.

Financial Aid for Graduate Students

Missouri Southern participates in all major federal aid programs. Graduate students can apply for Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Graduate PLUS Loans by completing the FAFSA. Federal Work-Study may also be available.² Education students may qualify for the TEACH Grant, which provides up to $4,000 per year to those who commit to teaching in high-need fields and schools; interested students should verify eligibility requirements. Financial aid packages vary based on need and merit, and may include grants, scholarships, and graduate assistantships. Prospective students are encouraged to contact the financial aid office and their graduate program coordinator for the most current opportunities.

Online vs. On-Campus: What Changes?

Missouri Southern does not currently charge a separate online tuition rate. Online students pay the same per-credit cost as their on-campus peers, plus the same Lion Fee. This parity means that choosing an online or hybrid format does not inflate tuition, though students may save on commuting, parking, and certain campus-based fees. Some online courses may carry a modest technology fee, but these are assessed on a course-by-course basis. Always review the student account statement for a complete breakdown of charges before the term begins.

Career Outcomes and Salary Projections for MSSU Education Graduates

For many educators, earning a master's degree opens a fork in the career path: remain in the classroom as a teacher leader or transition into a building-level leadership role. At Missouri Southern State University, the graduate education programs prepare you for both, equipping you with the skills to advance your career whether you aim to deepen instructional expertise or move into administration.

Typical Career Trajectories for MSSU Master's Graduates

MSSU alumni from the Master of Science in Education (MSEd) programs commonly step into roles that leverage their advanced training. The most frequently reported position among recent graduates is Instructional Coordinator, a role focused on curriculum development, teacher training, and instructional improvement¹. Other pathways include serving as a curriculum specialist, department head, lead teacher, or taking on district-level curriculum and assessment positions. For those completing the Educational Leadership emphasis, career progression often leads toward assistant principal, principal, or other school administrative posts. Graduates from the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program, designed for career changers, move into full-time classroom teaching while earning the salary bump that a master's degree typically brings on most district schedules.

Where MSSU Graduates Are Employed

MSSU education graduates are deeply integrated into the workforce of southwest Missouri. Many secure placements in Joplin, Webb City, Carthage, and other districts near the university, while others extend their reach to the Springfield, Neosho, and Neosho R-5 school systems. The geographic concentration around the Four State Area means that MSSU alumni often form a tight-knit professional network, supporting one another in career development and job referrals. While the university does not publish a formal job placement rate for its education master's programs², anecdotal evidence and local employment patterns suggest strong demand for MSSU-trained educators, particularly as regional districts grapple with ongoing teacher and administrator shortages.

Earnings and Salary Data for MSSU Education Master's Programs

Program-level earnings data for Missouri Southern's education master's graduates, including median earnings one to two years after completion, is not yet published by the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard. This means that prospective students cannot currently benchmark starting salaries specific to the university's programs against state or national averages. However, master's-prepared educators in Missouri generally command higher pay scales than those with a bachelor's degree alone, with many school districts offering automatic raises for earning a graduate degree. While waiting for MSSU-specific outcomes, candidates can research typical salaries for roles like instructional coordinator in Missouri by using careers for master's in education to gauge potential returns. MSSU's Office of Career Services offers individualized support for graduate students, including resume reviews, interview preparation, and job search strategies, helping to maximize post-graduation employment prospects. The strong regional alumni network also plays an integral role in connecting new graduates with opportunities across the Joplin-Springfield corridor.

Does MSSU Offer a Doctorate in Education? Exploring Advanced Study Options

Missouri Southern State University does not offer a doctoral program in education; its highest degree is at the master’s level.¹ For educators in Joplin and across Missouri who aspire to a terminal degree, several nearby institutions provide clear paths to an Ed.D. or Ph.D., including flexible formats that accommodate full-time teaching schedules.

Regional Doctorate Options for Missouri Educators

The University of Missouri (Columbia) offers an online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership. This 54-credit program is structured as a part-time, cohort-based experience and is designed to be completed in about three years. Students work on a dissertation-in-practice, applying research directly to their professional settings.

Missouri State University provides a face-to-face Ed.D. in Leadership, Learning and Educational Change. The 55-credit curriculum spans three years and uses a cohort model, emphasizing collaborative inquiry and social justice.² Classes meet face-to-face on the Springfield campus, which is within driving distance for many Joplin-area residents.

Additionally, Franklin University offers online education doctoral programs that accept Missouri residents. These programs are built for working adults and allow students to remain employed while pursuing a terminal degree.

Online and Hybrid Pathways for Working Professionals

Both the University of Missouri and Franklin University deliver their programs entirely online, making it possible to continue teaching or serving in an administrative role without relocating. Missouri State’s program, while on-campus, schedules courses to accommodate professional educators through periodic on-site meetings. These structures mean you can advance your credentials without interrupting your career or salary trajectory.

Building on Your MSSU Master’s Degree

MSSU’s own Master of Science in Education , Administration can serve as a stepping stone.³ Many Ed.D. programs welcome candidates who hold a relevant master’s degree, and some allow transfer credits. By completing your master’s at MSSU, you gain foundational knowledge in educational leadership that aligns with doctoral-level expectations at partner institutions. Advisors at MSSU can help you map out a seamless transition.

Frequently Asked Questions About MSSU’s Education Programs

Considering a master's degree in education from Missouri Southern State University? We address the most common questions from prospective students, covering programs, costs, admissions, and more. Use these answers to guide your graduate school decision.

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