Earn Your Master's in Education at Oklahoma Baptist University

Oklahoma’s teacher pay gap narrows considerably when you add a graduate degree to your credential. In many districts, a master’s adds $5,000 to $10,000 annually to the base salary schedule, yet the upfront cost can feel daunting for a working educator. Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee addresses that tension with a Master of Arts in Teaching that totals $13,500, delivered fully online to fit a teacher’s schedule.

OBU integrates Christian faith with classroom practice, preparing educators who lead with ethical clarity. Its graduate education programs are built for working professionals who need affordable, asynchronous coursework.

Across Oklahoma, school districts are increasingly viewing a master’s as a hiring and retention lever. Earning an advanced degree early in your career is no longer optional for those pursuing departmental chair, instructional coaching, or assistant principal pathways.

OBU Master's in Education Specializations and Curriculum

Available Specializations and Certificates

Oklahoma Baptist University's Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program is built around a flexible certificate model, allowing you to tailor your degree to your career goals. All students complete two graduate certificates from the following options, each requiring 18 credit hours of focused study:¹

• TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages): Prepares you to work with English language learners in K-12 and adult settings.
• Behavior and Trauma: Equips you with strategies to support students affected by adverse experiences and trauma.
• Curriculum and Instruction: Deepens your expertise in instructional design, assessment, and curriculum development across grade levels.
• Reading Specialist: Trains you to diagnose reading difficulties and implement evidence-based literacy interventions; aligns with Oklahoma Reading Specialist certification.
• Alternative Teaching Certificate (ACCESS): Designed for career changers who hold a bachelor's degree and wish to earn an Oklahoma teaching license through an approved alternative route.
• Christian Educator: Integrates faith and learning, focusing on teaching within Christian schools or bringing a faith-informed perspective to public education.²

The Bison Plus Integrated Graduate Pathway is a dual-degree option for current OBU undergraduates, allowing them to earn up to 12 graduate credits that count toward both a bachelor's and the MAT, accelerating time to completion.³

Curriculum Structure and Credit Requirements

The MAT program totals 36 credit hours, combining core educational foundations with your two certificate specializations.¹ While specific course titles vary by certificate, the curriculum generally includes:

• Core pedagogy courses covering learning theory, classroom management, and assessment.
• Two 18-credit certificate sequences that deliver in-depth, practical training in your chosen areas.
• Capstone or portfolio experience (varies by certificate; many include a practicum or action research project).

All courses are delivered in an asynchronous online format with 8-week terms, giving you the flexibility to advance through the program in as little as 12 to 24 months.¹ The program has three start dates per year (spring, summer, fall), and you work with a faculty advisor to create a personalized plan of study.

Unique Program Features

The hallmark of OBU's MAT is its integration of Christian faith with professional preparation. The Christian Educator certificate explicitly explores the intersection of faith and teaching, but all coursework is grounded in a worldview that values service, ethical practice, and the whole student. Additional distinctives include:

• Affordability and transparency: Total program tuition is $13,500 ($375 per credit),² with financial aid available for qualifying students.
• Personalized guidance: You collaborate with a success coach from enrollment through graduation, ensuring you stay on track.
• Expert faculty: Instructors bring decades of K-12 experience, offering mentorship that extends beyond coursework.

Oklahoma Certification Alignment

OBU has structured its certificates to align with Oklahoma state certification areas. The Reading Specialist certificate meets the requirements for the Oklahoma Reading Specialist certification,¹ and the ACCESS certificate is a state-approved alternative pathway to initial teaching licensure. After completing the MAT, you may be eligible for additional endorsements depending on your chosen certificates and any prior teaching credentials. For detailed certification requirements, consult the Oklahoma State Department of Education or your program advisor.

Flexible Learning Options: Online, On-Campus, and Hybrid M.ed. Formats

Oklahoma Baptist University’s Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) is delivered in a 100% online asynchronous format¹, allowing you to complete coursework on your schedule without attending live classes. This structure is especially beneficial for educators balancing full-time teaching jobs, family commitments, or other professional responsibilities.

Designed for the Working Professional

The asynchronous model means there are no set login times or required video meetings. You can access lectures, readings, and assignments through the online learning platform at any hour, completing work within each eight-week course term. Alternative Teaching Certificate (ACCESS) students follow the same fully online, self-paced structure², making both programs accessible regardless of your location or work shift.

What About On-Campus and Hybrid Options?

While OBU does offer select master’s programs on campus: such as the MA in Christian Studies and the Master of Divinity²: its graduate education offerings are currently available online only. This includes the MAT and the ACCESS certificate. The university does not currently advertise a hybrid or blended M.Ed. pathway. Any required field placements, such as student teaching or practicum experiences, are typically arranged in your own school district, with support from program coordinators, so you never need to commute to Shawnee for in-person requirements.

Time to Completion and Pacing

Most candidates finish the MAT in 12 to 24 months¹, depending on how many courses they take at once. The program runs on a rolling admission cycle with three start dates per year (spring, summer, fall), and you can enroll in one or two courses every eight weeks¹. With 36 total credit hours needed¹, full-time students can graduate in as little as one year, while part-time students often take around two years. This flexibility lets you accelerate or slow your pace based on personal and professional demands.

• Start terms: Three intakes per year: spring, summer, fall
• Course length: Eight-week accelerated terms
• Typical pace: One or two courses per eight-week session
• Total credits: 36 credit hours
• Earning timeline: Complete in 12-24 months

What Does an OBU Master's in Education Cost? Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid

Graduate tuition rates continue to climb nationally, yet OBU's Master of Education costs remain thoughtfully calibrated for the working educator. For the 2026, 27 academic year, the program offers a straightforward pricing model with no hidden surprises.

Tuition and Fees at a Glance

• Per-Credit Cost: $500,¹ consistent across all M.Ed. specializations.
• Mandatory Fees: A $140 technology fee each semester and a one-time $100 graduation fee.
• Credit Requirements: The 30-credit curriculum typically allows completion in two years of part-time enrollment.

Estimated Total Program Cost

• Tuition: $15,000 (30 credits × $500).
• Fees: Assuming four semesters of part-time study, technology fees total $560. Adding the $100 graduation fee brings fee costs to roughly $660.
• Total Estimated Cost: Around $15,520, $15,660,¹ not including textbooks or supplies. Students who take fewer or more credits per term will see proportional adjustments.

Financial Aid and Discounts

• Federal Loans: OBU participates in federal aid programs. Graduate students who file the FAFSA may access Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Grad PLUS Loans.
• Assistantships: Graduate assistantships are not a guaranteed benefit of the M.Ed. program. Interested students should contact the education department directly about any available positions.
• Educator Discounts: No automatic tuition reduction is currently offered for partner districts or in-service teachers, though external scholarships from professional associations may apply.
• Payment Plans: Semester-based payment plans spread costs over time, easing the load for working students.

How OBU Compares to Other Private Universities

• Per-Credit Rate: Oklahoma private graduate programs frequently charge $600 to $1,000 per credit. OBU's $500 rate is well below that band.
• Fee Transparency: The university keeps mandatory fees minimal, just the technology and graduation fees, avoiding the layered charges seen at some peer institutions.
• Total Cost Value: At roughly $15,500 for a full master's degree, OBU stands as one of the more affordable options among M.Ed. programs in Oklahoma. Many comparable private universities price similar credentials above $25,000 or even $30,000.

Applying to OBU's Graduate Education Programs: Requirements and Timeline

Applying to Oklahoma Baptist University's graduate education programs is a straightforward process, but the details that matter most: specific GPA thresholds, testing policies, and intake deadlines are updated directly by the university. Because admissions criteria can shift from term to term, the most reliable path is to consult OBU's official graduate admissions website and speak directly with an admissions counselor.

Understanding the Admissions Landscape

Graduate programs in education typically look for applicants who hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution and can demonstrate readiness for advanced study. While many schools set minimum undergraduate GPAs in the 2.5-3.0 range, OBU's current threshold may differ. Similarly, some programs require GRE or MAT scores, while others have adopted test-optional policies. Rather than rely on outdated third-party summaries, connect with the OBU Graduate Admissions office to confirm what is presently required for your intended specialization.

What You'll Need to Apply

A complete application file usually includes an online application form, official transcripts from every college attended, a statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation from academic or professional references. Some education specializations may ask for a teaching certificate, a writing sample, or evidence of classroom experience. Again, the definitive list lives on okbu.edu/admissions/graduate, where you can also find instructions for international students regarding English proficiency and credential evaluation.

Timelines and Next Steps

OBU utilizes rolling admissions for many graduate programs, but popular cohorts can fill early. Contacting the admissions office at (405) 585-4600 or [email protected] will give you a clear picture of upcoming start dates, priority submission windows, and when to expect an admission decision. If you are also navigating Oklahoma teaching certification, check with the Oklahoma State Department of Education to coordinate program timelines with licensure testing schedules. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS.gov) can provide broader context on education career growth, helping you weigh the return on your application investment.

Career Paths, Salary Potential, and Oklahoma Teaching Certification

Earning a master's in education from OBU is a strategic step toward career advancement in Oklahoma schools. The university's graduate programs prepare you for high-demand roles, specialized endorsements, and administrative leadership, all while offering a clear return on your educational investment.

Teaching Certifications and Endorsements

OBU offers multiple pathways to teaching credentials. The Alternative Teaching Certificate (ACCESS) program is an 18-credit, 12-month, fully online and asynchronous route for career changers who hold a bachelor's degree in a non-education field.¹ It leads to the Oklahoma standard alternative teaching certificate for Elementary Education (Grades 1-8).¹ Candidates submit a $50 application fee, complete a background check, and pass the required Subject Area Test (OSAT/Praxis) and Assessment of Professional Knowledge (APK).²³ For current educators, the online dual certification in Special Education (PK-12) and Elementary Education (1-8) expands expertise into two critical shortage areas.⁴ The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) with a TESOL concentration qualifies graduates to teach English language learners, a growing student population in the state.⁴ These credentials align with Oklahoma State Department of Education requirements and position you for immediate, impactful teaching roles.⁵

Salary Potential and Return on Investment

A master's degree can significantly boost your earnings, with master's in education salary premiums evident across Oklahoma. Federal outcomes data shows that OBU teaching master's graduates have median earnings of $48,434 ten years after enrollment. This figure underscores the value of an affordable program: the MAT costs $13,500 in total tuition, or $375 per credit for 36 credits, making it one of the most competitively priced graduate education programs in the region. In Oklahoma, teachers with a master's typically earn a premium over bachelor's-level peers, and many districts offer annual stipends of $2,000 to $5,000 for advanced degrees. For specialized roles, the earning potential rises further. Nationally, instructional coordinators with a master's earn a median salary of $66,490 (BLS, 2023), and Oklahoma instructional coordinators report salaries in line with regional averages, often exceeding $60,000 in larger districts.

Career Paths for M.Ed. Graduates

With an OBU graduate degree, you can pursue many master's degree in education jobs, such as: - Curriculum Coordinator: Design and implement district-wide instructional materials. - Instructional Coach: Mentor teachers and improve classroom strategies. - Reading Specialist: Provide targeted literacy interventions. - Special Education Director: Oversee programs for students with disabilities. - Principal or Superintendent: With additional administrative certification, many OBU alumni move into school leadership.

The program's flexible online format allows you to continue working while advancing your career, so you see immediate benefits in both salary and responsibility.

OBU Education Graduate Earnings: A Snapshot

Program-level earnings data for OBU's education graduates are not yet available, but the following figures offer useful context for prospective students.

Why Choose OBU for Your Graduate Education Degree?

What distinguishes Oklahoma Baptist University from other graduate education providers in Oklahoma and beyond?

Faith-Integrated Learning and Ethical Leadership

OBU's master's programs in education go beyond delivering curriculum and instruction theory. The university weaves its Christian mission throughout coursework, encouraging candidates to reflect on ethical decision-making and servant leadership. This faith-based approach does not narrow the academic experience; instead, it cultivates educators who lead with purpose, respond thoughtfully to classroom challenges, and model integrity in their schools. For teachers who want a graduate degree that aligns with their values, OBU offers a distinctly supportive environment.

Faculty Expertise and Student Support Services

Graduate students at OBU learn from experienced faculty who bring years of practical classroom and administrative knowledge. Professors hold terminal degrees and remain active in research, yet prioritize mentoring and accessible instruction. Beyond the classroom, OBU provides dedicated academic advising to help you map your coursework and stay on track, along with career services that assist with resume development, job searches, and interview preparation. Whether you study online or on campus, you'll benefit from a support network designed to help balance work, life, and graduate study.

A Proven Track Record of Student Success

Institutional data confirms that OBU delivers results. The university's overall graduation rate stands at approximately 52%, reflecting a strong commitment to helping students complete their degrees. OBU also serves a high proportion of students with financial need: roughly 61% of all students are Pell Grant recipients, demonstrating the school's dedication to accessibility. Long-term earnings data are also encouraging. Median earnings for OBU alumni reach $48,434 a decade after entry, signaling a solid return on investment. For aspiring education professionals, these outcomes mean you are joining a community that values completion, equity, and career advancement.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Frequently Asked Questions About OBU's Education Graduate Programs

Prospective graduate students often have questions about program offerings, flexibility, cost, and admissions. Below, we answer the most common queries about Oklahoma Baptist University's Master's in Education programs to help you make an informed decision.

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