Old Dominion University Master's in Education: Programs, Costs & Outcomes

Virginia’s public schools are projected to need over 2,700 new elementary teachers annually through the late 2020s, and Old Dominion University’s Darden College of Education sits at the center of that demand in Norfolk.

Prospective students choose from specializations in reading, early childhood, or elementary education, delivered online, on campus, or in hybrid formats that leverage the university’s strong clinical partnerships with Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and other Hampton Roads school divisions.

With steady demand across the region, ODU’s master’s programs have become a pipeline for reading specialists, literacy coaches, and master teachers in the Commonwealth’s largest urban districts.

Inside the Darden College of Education: Reputation and Philosophy

Prospective graduate students often weigh a program’s reputation and guiding philosophy against practical considerations like location, cost, and flexibility. Old Dominion University’s Darden College of Education in Norfolk, Virginia, has long prepared educators who serve communities throughout the Hampton Roads region and beyond. Understanding its identity can help you decide if the college’s approach aligns with your professional goals.

A Legacy of Educator Development

The Darden College of Education draws on decades of experience in teacher training and educational leadership. While specific founding dates and historical milestones are best confirmed on the college’s website, its standing as a major provider of educators in Virginia is well recognized. Programs typically adhere to national accreditation standards, often including those set by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), which signals a commitment to quality and continuous improvement. For current accreditation status and a detailed timeline, visiting the college’s site or consulting the CAEP directory provides authoritative information.

Philosophy Centered on Practice

At its core, the college’s philosophy emphasizes the integration of theory with hands-on practice. Many of its master’s programs are designed to connect academic coursework with real-world classroom experiences. Teacher residencies, clinical placements, and partnerships with local school divisions are common features, though the exact structure varies by program. Cohort models, in which students progress together through a sequence of courses, may offer a supportive network while mirroring collaborative professional environments. For specific residency requirements, partnership schools, or cohort availability, contact the admissions or academic advising office.

Aligning Career Goals with Program Strengths

When evaluating a college of education, it is useful to look beyond general reputation and examine how its programs prepare graduates for licensure and career advancement. Darden College likely offers pathways aligned with Virginia Department of Education certification requirements, though these details change. Checking the state’s education department website can clarify what credentials are required and how ODU’s programs map to those expectations. Career outlook data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS.gov) can further inform your decision by showing demand for careers for masters in education roles in the region.

Taking a Closer Look

Because the college’s specific initiatives and faculty research centers evolve over time, direct research is essential. Professional associations like the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE) provide context on national trends, while a visit to the Darden College of Education website offers the latest details on mission statements, notable faculty, and community partnerships. An appointment with an academic advisor or graduate admissions representative can also clarify how philosophy translates into your day-to-day learning experience.

ED at Old Dominion University: Online, On-Campus, or Hybrid

Can I earn a master’s in education from Old Dominion University entirely online, or are there on-campus obligations? The short answer is yes, but the right format depends on your specialization. Old Dominion’s Darden College of Education offers a range of Master’s in Education programs with distinct delivery methods to serve different student needs, from fully remote degrees to traditional face-to-face cohorts.

Fully Online Degrees for Working Educators

Several M.S.Ed. programs are designed entirely for distance learners. The Elementary Education for Licensed Teachers M.S.Ed. is fully online and primarily asynchronous, with possible scheduled online interactions. This makes it ideal for already licensed elementary teachers who want to deepen their pedagogical knowledge while working full-time. The Reading Education M.S.Ed., an online masters degree in literacy, follows a similar online, mostly asynchronous model, targeting licensed educators who aim to become reading specialists or literacy leaders without commuting to campus.²

The Educational Leadership: Administration and Supervision PreK, 12 M.S.Ed. runs as an online cohort, with coursework delivered primarily online and some synchronous online meetings. Internships are completed locally, so practicing K, 12 teachers or instructional leaders can pursue principal or central-office licensure while staying in their communities. The Counseling M.S.Ed. offers a fully online pathway for distance learners, though clinical training includes required synchronous video sessions and in-person practica and internships.⁵

On-Campus Programs for Immersive Study

Some programs at Darden College require face-to-face attendance. The Early Childhood Education M.S.Ed. is a traditional on-campus program with classes on the Norfolk campus, suited for early childhood educators who can attend in person and participate in local field sites.³ The Higher Education M.S.Ed. is also on-campus and cohort-based, often attracting full-time graduate students who hold assistantships or internships in student affairs or higher education administration.⁴ For the Secondary Education M.S.Ed., there is an on-campus track with face-to-face classes, available for local students who prefer in-person learning.³

Hybrid Options That Blend Both Worlds

The Elementary Education MAT is a hybrid program combining online coursework with in-person student teaching.¹ Some courses require synchronous online sessions, but the hallmark is the hands-on teaching experience. This format fits career changers or post-baccalaureate students seeking initial PK, 6 licensure, with most students attending part-time. The Counseling M.S.Ed. also has an on-campus pathway for those who value direct interaction, though the clinical placements are always in person regardless of format.⁵

What to Expect Across Formats

Delivery methods at ODU are not one-size-fits-all. Fully online programs often lean asynchronous, with occasional synchronous seminars or office hours, giving students maximum flexibility. Hybrid and on-campus programs require some physical presence, whether for student teaching, clinicals, or cohort-based activities. Before choosing, consider your licensure goals, current work schedule, and location. Working professionals gravitate toward online degrees, while career changers and full-time students may benefit from the structure of on-campus or hybrid models.

Tuition and Financial Aid: What an ODU M.ed. Really Costs

Tuition for a master's degree is one of the most significant factors in any educator's decision to enroll. At Old Dominion University, the total cost of an M.Ed. depends on your residency status and whether you choose an online or on-campus format. Understanding the per-credit rates, fees, and total program cost can help you budget effectively and weigh your financial aid options.

How Tuition Is Structured

ODU charges tuition by the credit hour. All M.Ed. programs require 30 credits for completion.¹ The per-credit rate for the 2026 academic year varies by track. In-state students on the standard track pay $672 per credit hour, bringing the total tuition to $20,160.¹ Out-of-state students on the standard on-campus track face a higher per-credit rate of $1,523, with a total program cost of $45,690.¹ However, out-of-state students enrolling in a technology-delivered (online) program benefit from a significantly reduced rate: $662 per credit hour, or $19,860 total.¹ These rates are all-inclusive; a mandatory auxiliary fee of $162 per credit hour, which funds technology platforms, library access, and student support services, is already factored in.¹

What Fees Should You Expect?

Beyond the per-credit charge, ODU imposes few additional fees for master's students. The mandatory auxiliary fee is built into the published tuition rates, so no surprise expenses appear at registration. Some courses may carry small lab or materials fees, but these are rare in education programs. If you plan to take advantage of campus facilities like the recreation center or parking, separate incidental fees may apply, but they are optional.

Financial Aid Opportunities for Educators

ODU offers several avenues to offset the cost. Graduate assistantships are available within the Darden College of Education. These positions provide a stipend and full or partial tuition remission in exchange for research or teaching support.² Additionally, current teachers may qualify for the federal Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program after five consecutive years in a low-income school. Virginia educators sometimes access state-sponsored tuition discounts or scholarships, and the university's financial aid office maintains a list of external grants. Department-specific scholarships for education graduate students are awarded based on merit and need. All graduate students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to unlock federal loan and work-study eligibility; even if you intend to rely on assistantships or employer reimbursement, the FAFSA is often a prerequisite for institutional aid.² Prospective students should contact the graduate financial aid office early to explore all options, as deadlines for assistantships and scholarships are typically well before the start of the term.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Admissions Requirements for ODU's M.ed. Programs

Admission to Old Dominion University’s Master of Education programs is competitive and varies by specialization. Most programs share a set of core requirements, but some, especially those leading to licensure, have additional prerequisites and documentation.

• Bachelor’s Degree and GPA

  A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution is required. The minimum cumulative GPA is typically 2.80, though some programs may consider applicants with lower GPAs on a case-by-case basis.
• Graduate Exam Scores

  Test requirements differ by program. Many M.Ed. tracks, such as Higher Education and Counseling, do not require the GRE. However, the Early Childhood Education licensure program requires the GRE (minimum combined 290, verbal 146) or MAT (minimum 399). Check your program’s specific policy.
• Letters of Recommendation and Personal Statement

  Most programs require two letters of recommendation and a written statement of purpose or personal essay. Higher Education and Counseling mandate both. Some programs may have different essay requirements, but a statement is commonly expected.
• English Language Proficiency

  International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through TOEFL iBT (79), IELTS (6.5), PTE (53), or Duolingo (120) unless they have earned a degree from an English-medium institution.
• Program-Specific Prerequisites

  Certain licensure programs have additional requirements. The Early Childhood Education initial licensure M.S.Ed. requires a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies with teacher education from ODU. Admissions for this program are currently on hold for review.
• Application Deadlines and Start Terms

  Deadlines vary by program and entry term. For Higher Education, fall admission has rolling review beginning January 1, spring deadline is October 1. Counseling follows with fall review starting February 1, spring on October 1. Many programs admit for fall and spring; some may admit summer. Check individual program pages for precise dates.

Career Pathways and Earnings for ODU Education Graduates

When you invest in a master’s in education, you’re betting on a degree that can open doors to new roles, responsibilities, and pay scales. For ODU graduates, that bet often translates into a clear set of career pathways, though earnings can vary widely by specialization and location.

Common Career Paths for M.Ed. Graduates

An ODU master’s in education prepares you for roles that go beyond the classroom. Many graduates step into teacher leader or instructional coach positions, typical of master's in education jobs. Others become curriculum specialists, reading and literacy coaches, or early childhood program directors. For those with a counseling concentration, school counseling or clinical mental health roles in community agencies are common pathways. The Darden College’s focus on practical, field-based training means you’ll have experience in real educational settings before you ever graduate, which strengthens your resume for these positions.

Earnings Over Time: What the Data Shows

Federal data tracks median earnings for all ODU graduates ten years after starting college, placing the figure at $54,914. However, this number reflects students across every field, not just education. For education master’s graduates specifically, program-level earnings at the 1-year and 4-year marks are not yet published in federal databases. Prospective students should consider that salaries in education vary by role and region: a beginning teacher with a master’s in Virginia might earn in the mid-$40,000s, while an experienced instructional coordinator can earn over $70,000 annually. The national median wage for counseling graduates (a related field) is around $48,050¹, though this is not ODU-specific. For the clearest picture, connect with Darden’s career services to learn what recent graduates are experiencing in your target role.

Career Support Through the Darden College

ODU’s Career and Advising Resource Center (CARC)² provides targeted support for education graduate students. You can tap into Handshake, the university’s job platform, and attend career fairs that draw school districts from across Hampton Roads and beyond. The college also runs career treks and professional mentorship programs that link you directly with alumni and employers.³ In the Higher Education program, a yearly career development series⁴ and up to eight on-campus interviews per student⁵ help build a pipeline into roles at research universities, liberal arts colleges, HBCUs, and community colleges.⁵ Many local school systems recruit directly from ODU’s graduate pool, which shortens the job search for newly minted M.Ed. holders. With career professionals available for weekly appointments⁴, you’ll have guidance at every stage of your transition from student to education leader.

Median Salary Spotlight

How ODU's Education Master's Stacks up in Virginia

Old Dominion University's Master of Education programs present a stark contrast in affordability depending on residency status. For Virginia residents, the tuition is highly competitive, making ODU a cost-effective choice for local educators, while out-of-state students pay a premium that is typical of public universities.

Accreditation and State Authorization: Why It Matters

Old Dominion University's graduate education programs carry the full weight of national and regional accreditation, a non-negotiable foundation for licensure and career mobility.

Dual Accreditation: CAEP and SACSCOC

ODU's educator preparation programs are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), the single specialized accreditor for education schools in the U.S. This status, reaffirmed through a rigorous review cycle that included an April 2026 site visit², signals that the Darden College of Education meets the highest standards for candidate quality, clinical practice, and program impact. The university itself has been continuously accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) since 1961¹, a baseline that confirms institutional integrity and qualifies students for federal financial aid. The school counseling track holds additional programmatic accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), effective January 2024⁴.

Why Accreditation Matters for Licensure and Employment

State licensing boards require graduation from a regionally accredited institution, a key aspect of what national accreditation means for your M.Ed. degree, and often specifically from a CAEP-accredited program¹. Without these credentials, you may be ineligible for an initial teaching license or school counseling credential. Even beyond licensure, employers view accredited degrees as evidence of consistent quality. In a competitive hiring market, that distinction can shorten your job search and broaden your options across public, private, and charter school networks.

State Authorization for Online Programs

ODU's online Master of Education and certificate programs are approved by the Virginia Department of Education for licensure in Virginia³. For students residing in or planning to work in other states, state authorization is not automatically guaranteed. The situation varies by state, and ODU cannot currently confirm authorization status for all jurisdictions³.

What Out-of-State Students Need to Know

If you intend to teach in a state other than Virginia after graduation, start by exploring M.Ed. programs by state and contact that state's education department to confirm that ODU's online M.Ed. will meet its licensure requirements. Recent data shows many students from nearby states like Maryland, North Carolina, and West Virginia enroll in ODU's programs, but authorization must be verified individually. Virginia residents and those planning to work in Virginia can proceed with confidence, knowing the programs are recognized by the state's own regulatory body³.

Student Life and Support for Graduate Education Students

The Darden College of Education and Professional Studies at Old Dominion University structures its support services for working educators juggling careers, families, and coursework, offering guidance from enrollment through graduation and beyond.

Academic Advising and Mentorship

Each Master's in Education student works with a faculty advisor to shape an academic plan. Advisors have classroom and research experience, so they understand the daily challenges of education work. Advising often covers course pacing, elective choices, and aligning coursework with long-term career goals like reading specialist or instructional coach roles.

• Personalized planning: Advisors help students map a course sequence that fits work and personal schedules.
• Faculty mentorship: Instructors often involve students in research or school initiatives, building informal mentoring beyond formal advising.

Online Student Resources

Because many of ODU's education master's students complete their degrees online, the university provides dedicated virtual support. The Office of Distance Learning and the Graduate School offer online portals for tutoring, writing assistance, library services, and technical help.

• Virtual writing center: Graduate students schedule one-on-one consultations for academic papers, literature reviews, and thesis development.
• Tech support: A 24/7 help desk resolves connectivity and platform questions, minimizing disruptions during evening or weekend study.

Professional Networking and Student Organizations

Education graduate students can join organizations that connect them with peers and practitioners. National groups like Kappa Delta Pi and subject-area associations often have campus affiliates or regional networks open to ODU students, though availability varies. These groups host workshops, lectures, and service projects that strengthen professional identity.

• Career center integration: The University's Career Development Services provides resume reviews, mock interviews, and job-search strategies for educators.
• Networking events: The Darden College holds professional development nights and alumni panels, letting students meet school district leaders and program coordinators.

For educators who want community in a distributed learning environment, these services offer connection and practical career support alongside rigorous academics.

Frequently Asked Questions About ODU's Master's in Education

Choosing a Master’s in Education program brings up a host of practical questions. Below, we tackle the most common inquiries about Old Dominion University’s education graduate programs, including program options, delivery formats, cost, and where the degree can take you.

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