Your Path to a Master’s in Education at Converse University

South Carolina school districts project a 9% increase in elementary teaching positions over the next decade, making advanced credentials a strategic lever for career mobility. Converse University, a private women’s college in Spartanburg with fully coeducational graduate programs, offers a Master of Education (M.Ed.) for aspiring and practicing educators.

The program’s specializations cover curriculum and instruction, literacy, special education, and educational leadership, all available fully online or in a low-residency hybrid format. This structure lets working teachers earn a graduate degree without relocating or leaving the classroom.

A Look at Converse University’s School of Education and Faculty

Some graduate education programs route students through large, impersonal cohorts; others, like the School of Education at Converse University, build their model around close faculty mentorship and small classes. Here, experienced educators guide aspiring teachers and administrators through rigorous coursework while offering the kind of personalized attention that larger institutions rarely duplicate.

A Mission Rooted in Student-Centered Preparation

The School of Education grounds its work in the belief that effective teaching begins with understanding the whole learner. Faculty emphasize reflective practice, culturally responsive pedagogy, and data-informed instruction, preparing graduates who can adapt to diverse classrooms and shifting policy landscapes. Converse is known for its small class sizes and individualized support, which create an environment where students are known by name, not ID number. This focus on relationship-building extends from admissions through alumni networking, reinforcing a professional community that lasts well beyond graduation.

Faculty Expertise and Scholarship

Faculty members in the School of Education are active scholars and practitioners whose work directly shapes South Carolina classrooms. Dean Dr. Lienne Medford (BA, Hamilton University; MA, UNC; EdD, East Carolina University)¹ and Associate Dean Dr. Kelly Harrison-Maguire (BA, MEd, Converse; PhD, Clemson)² lead a team that includes Department Chair Dr. James Lies³ and Assistant Professor Dr. Tawio J. Barksdale. Dr. Barksdale is the author of *First Things First: Putting Students Before Standards: A Practical Guide for Building Positive and Engaged Learning Communities*⁴, a text that reflects the school's commitment to student well-being over test scores alone. The faculty's expertise spans areas including South Carolina education policy and legislation⁵, giving graduate students direct access to instructors who understand the regulatory and funding realities shaping local schools. This blend of academic rigor and practical know-how ensures that program content stays relevant to what educators actually encounter in the field.

Partnerships and Field Placement Networks

Real-world experience is woven into every M.Ed. pathway through strong partnerships with K-12 districts across the Upstate region. The School of Education collaborates with TEACH South Carolina and participates in the South Carolina Reading Initiative⁵, connecting graduate candidates with clinical placements, mentor teachers, and professional development workshops. These partnerships not only provide essential hands-on training but also create a pipeline for employment; many Converse alumni go on to teach in the very schools where they completed field experiences. The school's track record of producing effective educators is reflected in recognition like the Presidential Educator of the Year award earned by alumni⁵, underscoring the lasting impact of Converse's preparation model.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Master’s in Education Concentrations Available at Converse University

Choosing a master's concentration often means balancing the depth of specialization against the breadth of career options. Converse University addresses this by offering tracks that lead to initial teacher certification, advanced endorsements, or focused expertise in high-demand areas. Below is an overview of the primary graduate education pathways.

Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)

The MAT is designed for career changers who hold a bachelor's degree outside of education and seek initial teacher licensure. Candidates can choose between Elementary Education and Special Education tracks. While specific credit requirements are tailored to each candidate's background, the program integrates foundational pedagogy with extensive field experiences, culminating in a student teaching placement. This pathway leads directly to South Carolina initial certification.³

M.Ed. in Special Education

This 30-credit program is for licensed teachers who want to deepen their skills in serving students with disabilities. Coursework covers assessment, instructional strategies, behavior management, and legal aspects of special education. A supervised practicum in a K-12 setting is required.¹ Candidates who have not already completed the Praxis II Specialty Area exam in Special Education will need to do so before program completion.²

M.Ed. in Elementary Education

Also a 30-credit advanced degree, the Elementary Education concentration prepares teachers to take on leadership roles in elementary classrooms. The curriculum emphasizes curriculum development, literacy instruction, and data-driven decision making. Like the Special Education track, it includes a supervised practicum¹ and may require the Praxis II Specialty Area exam if not previously passed².

M.Ed. in Gifted Education

Delivered fully online, this 30-credit program equips educators to identify and nurture gifted and talented learners. The sequence covers the nature and needs of gifted students, differentiated curriculum and instruction, advanced curriculum practices, and social-emotional development. Two practicum experiences and an action research project embed real-world application. Completion may lead to South Carolina add-on endorsement in Gifted Education.⁴

Master of Music in Music Education

While not an M.Ed., the Master of Music in Music Education offers two distinct routes: a professional-practice emphasis for currently certified music teachers, and an initial certification track for those seeking licensure to teach music in K-12 schools. The degree combines advanced musicianship with pedagogical coursework and clinical experiences. Credit totals vary by track and prior preparation.⁵

Additional M.Ed. concentrations, including Art Education, Advanced Studies, and Administration and Supervision, are also available for educators pursuing specialized roles or leadership. Each program requires a minimum of 30 semester hours and aligns with South Carolina licensure or endorsement standards.¹

Converse University at a Glance: Key Stats for Education Students

These metrics give a snapshot of Converse University's outcomes and learning environment, drawn from the most recent federal data.

Online, On-Campus, and Hybrid Delivery Options for Converse M.ed. Programs

Converse University designs its Master of Education (M.Ed.) programs to be accessible for practicing educators, with all current specializations offered either fully online or through a low-residency hybrid model. This flexibility allows teachers to continue working while earning a graduate degree, with part-time enrollment available across programs.¹

Fully Online Master's Programs

Two M.Ed. concentrations are delivered entirely online, requiring no campus visits. The M.Ed. in Advanced Studies is a 30-credit program that can be completed in as few as 12 to 16 months. Notably, it includes South Carolina's first entirely online M.Ed. with an Autism Spectrum Disorder concentration,² preparing educators to support neurodivergent learners. The M.Ed. in Gifted Education is also a 30-credit, fully online program designed for teachers seeking add-on certification in gifted education.

Low-Residency Hybrid Option in Art Education

The M.Ed. in Art Education combines online coursework with hands-on summer residencies. Students complete most of the 30-credit curriculum online but attend one or two two-week summer residencies on campus. These intensive sessions provide studio-based learning and face-to-face collaboration with faculty and peers. The program can be finished in 24 months, making it a compelling fit for art teachers who need the flexibility of online learning but value in-person creative engagement.¹

Flexible Scheduling for Working Professionals

All Converse M.Ed. programs support part-time study, allowing students to spread coursework over a longer period if needed.¹ Online courses are designed for working adults, with no required synchronous class meetings.¹ This asynchronous format means students can watch lectures, participate in discussions, and submit work during evenings, weekends, or other times that suit their schedule. Converse provides online learners with access to academic advising, library databases, and technical support, ensuring a smooth remote learning experience.

Converse University Graduate Tuition and Fees for Education Students

Public graduate programs often advertise lower per-credit rates for in-state residents, but private universities like Converse University present a different value: a single, residency-neutral price and a lean fee structure that simplifies cost planning.

Per-Credit Tuition and Total Program Cost

For the 2025-2026 academic year, Converse University charges graduate education students $525 per credit hour.¹ Most M.Ed. specializations require 30 credit hours, yielding an estimated tuition total of $16,500.¹ Some concentration pathways, such as those with additional endorsements or extended fieldwork, can reach 36 credits, which pushes the tuition estimate to $19,600.¹ Because the university applies a uniform per-credit rate, you can multiply your planned credits by $525 and arrive at a clear base number. The university has noted a $25 per-credit increase for the 2025-2026 year,² a modest annual adjustment that helps you project future costs with some confidence.

Mandatory Fees to Budget For

Alongside tuition, several standard fees apply. A term access fee, covering registration, technology, and parking, totals $80 for fall and spring semesters and $50 for summer and January terms.³ A one-time matriculation fee of $225 is charged at initial enrollment,⁴ and a $150 graduation fee is assessed in your final semester.³ If you finish in four terms (for example, fall, spring, summer, fall), expect about $300-$400 in term fees plus the flat $375 for matriculation and graduation. That puts the all-in cost for a 30-credit degree around $17,200-$17,300, depending on your exact term sequence.

How Converse Compares

At $525 per credit, Converse’s rate aligns with many regional private universities while sitting above typical public in-state graduate tuition in South Carolina. However, the per-credit price applies equally to all students, so out-of-state educators avoid the premium often attached to public programs. The education department does not layer on separate course or lab fees, which helps keep the total transparent. When you compare total program cost to other private graduate education offerings in the Southeast, Converse often lands in the middle, higher than public options but frequently more affordable than private peers in larger metro areas. For teachers weighing a graduate investment, that balance can make a meaningful difference.

How to Apply: Converse University Graduate Education Admission Requirements

Graduate education programs increasingly value admissions processes that recognize diverse candidate strengths beyond test scores. At Converse University, the master’s in education application process follows a straightforward series of steps, with clear requirements that vary slightly depending on the specific program you choose.

Prerequisites for Admission

To apply for any graduate education program at Converse, you must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution¹. A minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 is generally expected¹, though the MEd in Administration and Leadership requires a 3.0¹. For MEd programs, you typically also need to hold or be eligible for a professional teaching certificate⁵. The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) does not require prior teaching experience, making it accessible to career changers².

Required Application Materials

A complete application includes the following: - Transcripts: Official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended. - Letters of recommendation: Two letters for the MAT program²; three letters are required for the Educational Administration program. - Personal statement: A 250-300 word essay detailing your professional goals and reasons for pursuing graduate study². - Current resume: Highlighting relevant educational and professional experiences. Some programs have additional requirements, such as a portfolio and interview for MAT Art Education candidates². International applicants must submit TOEFL scores with a minimum internet-based score of 79-80¹.

Standardized Test Requirements

Converse does not require the GRE for any graduate education program¹, but the Master of Arts in Teaching requires Miller Analogies Test (MAT) scores². The MAT application also has a $40 fee² and a $100 deposit upon acceptance³.

Application Deadlines

While Converse operates on a rolling admission basis, the MAT program has specific term deadlines: July 15 for fall entry and December 15 for spring entry². To ensure full consideration and allow time for financial aid processing, applying well before these dates is strongly recommended.

Step-By-Step Application Process for Converse M.ed. Programs

Applying to a Master's in Education at Converse University is a straightforward process designed to help you start your advanced degree efficiently. Follow these steps to prepare a complete application and secure your spot in the next cohort.

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Career Paths and Earnings for Converse University Education Graduates

For many educators, the decision to pursue a master’s degree comes down to a clear tradeoff: investing time and tuition now in exchange for expanded career opportunities and a higher earning ceiling later. A master’s in education from Converse University can shift your trajectory into one of many rewarding master's degree in education jobs from classroom teacher to lead instructor, specialist, or coordinator, roles that not only deepen your impact but also unlock salary lanes tied to advanced degrees.

Where Converse M.Ed. Graduates Work

Graduates of the program often step into positions that reflect the university’s emphasis on applied practice and specialized training. Common roles include:

• Elementary or secondary school teacher in public or private settings
• Special education teacher and interventionist
• Reading specialist or literacy coach
• Gifted education coordinator
• Music teacher or arts integration specialist

Converse maintains strong partnerships with school districts throughout the Upstate South Carolina region, and many students complete clinical placements that turn into full-time offers. Alumni are frequently hired by Spartanburg County Schools, Greenville County Schools, and nearby districts that value the practical preparation Converse provides.

Earnings and Employment Outcomes

Recent federal data on education program completers at Converse offers encouraging signals. Among graduates who received federal financial aid, median earnings fall between $40,000 and $45,000 within one to four years after graduation. While program-level earnings are not yet reported for all specializations, this range aligns with competitive masters in education salary data for Converse-trained educators in the regional job market.

Employment outcomes are strong. The latest available figures show that over 95 percent of education graduates are employed or pursuing further education shortly after completing their degree. Additionally, the share of completers earning above the poverty threshold exceeds 98 percent, a testament to the program’s ability to launch stable, professional careers.

How Converse Salaries Compare to State Averages

South Carolina teachers with a master’s degree earn a salary differential that can exceed $7,000 per year compared to those with only a bachelor’s, depending on years of experience and district pay scales. The state average teacher salary hovers around $53,000, and master’s-level educators typically rise faster through the salary schedule. Converse graduates often benefit from this structure early, as the degree signals advanced expertise and commitment.

For those moving into specialized roles, such as gifted education or reading intervention, salaries may trend higher, with regionally adjusted averages in the $48,000 to $58,000 range for practitioners with a few years of experience. These figures reflect both the value of the advanced credential and the demand for high-need specialties in South Carolina schools.

While exact earnings depend on location and role, Converse University’s M.Ed. provides a clear pathway to both immediate salary gains and long-term career growth in education.

What Converse M.ed. Graduates Earn

Accreditation, Teacher Certification, and Licensure Pathways

Accreditation confirms a university meets established standards of quality and rigor, while teacher certification officially authorizes you to lead a classroom in a specific state. Converse University holds respected institutional and program-specific approvals that directly support your career as an educator. Knowing exactly how these credentials align with your goals helps you move from graduate study to a licensed teaching position with confidence.

Accreditation That Backs Your Degree

Converse University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)¹, a mark of quality recognized across the Southeast and beyond. This regional accreditation means your graduate credits and degree carry weight with other institutions, employers, and licensing bodies. For education students, an equally important stamp of approval comes from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Converse’s education programs, including the M.Ed. and the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), meet CAEP’s rigorous standards through the South Carolina Department of Education’s review process¹. That M.Ed. accreditation signals to school districts that graduates are well-prepared for the demands of contemporary classrooms.

Earning Your South Carolina Teaching License

Converse’s M.Ed. tracks are designed to lead to South Carolina teaching licensure, with specific endorsements based on your chosen concentration. For example, candidates completing the M.Ed. in Special Education can apply for a special education endorsement, while those in Curriculum and Instruction or Literacy pathways align with advanced teaching credentials or added endorsements in those areas. If you are pursuing initial certification, the MAT program offers a streamlined route to the state’s Initial Educator Certificate¹. The licensure process involves three core steps: completing all required coursework and supervised student teaching, passing the necessary Praxis examinations (Praxis Core, Praxis Subject-Area, and Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching)¹, and submitting an application through the South Carolina Department of Education’s electronic certification system¹. A background check is also required as part of the state’s licensure requirements¹. The School of Education provides support at every stage, from test preparation to navigating the certification portal.

Licensure Reciprocity for Out-of-State Educators

Many Converse graduates teach beyond South Carolina. Because South Carolina participates in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement², educators who earn an initial license through M.Ed. programs in South Carolina can often use reciprocity pathways to obtain certification in another state. While exact requirements vary, some states may ask for additional tests or coursework, the CAEP accreditation and the solid reputation of Converse’s education programs make the transfer process smoother. If you plan to teach in a specific state after graduation, it is wise to research that state’s reciprocity policies early in your program.

Personalized Guidance from the Certification Office

Navigating licensure can feel complex, but you are not alone. The Converse University School of Education has a dedicated certification officer who can answer questions about exam requirements, endorsement options, and reciprocity agreements. Prospective students and current candidates are encouraged to contact this office directly for the most current information and tailored advice.