Master’s in Education at SC State: Programs & Specializations

Some master's programs in education build general instructional expertise; others focus squarely on licensure for a specific role. At South Carolina State University, the School of Education offers both a Master of Arts in Teaching for aspiring classroom teachers and an M.Ed. in Counselor Education for those pursuing school counseling licenses.

As South Carolina’s only public historically Black university, SC State has long centered equity and access. Its graduate education programs prepare educators to serve in high-need districts, combining rigorous coursework with clinical practice. State-level teacher shortages in math, science, and special education, along with an expanding need for mental health professionals in K-12 settings, place SC State graduates in strong demand across the region.

M.ed. Specializations at South Carolina State University

As demand grows for culturally responsive educators and licensed counselors in underserved communities, South Carolina State's focused M.Ed. programs in South Carolina address multiple entry points into the profession. Two distinct pathways, the M.Ed. in Counselor Education and the Master of Arts in Teaching, provide specialized training that aligns with state licensure and certification requirements, supported by clinical experiences and targeted coursework.

M.Ed. in Counselor Education (Educational and School Counseling)

The CACREP-accredited M.Ed. in Counselor Education prepares students for licensure as professional school counselors in elementary and secondary settings. The program offers two concentration options within a three-semester structure, emphasizing real-world readiness through 700 total clinical hours, 600 internship hours paired with 100 practicum hours.¹ Evening classes accommodate working professionals, and a 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio supports close mentorship. Coursework builds competencies in academic advising, social-emotional support, and career counseling, while faculty hold certifications across multiple states. Graduates are prepared to pass the Praxis II Professional School Counselor exam and often secure employment through their internship sites, aided by networking opportunities through organizations like PSSCA and ASCA.

Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) Programs

For aspiring teachers seeking initial licensure, SC State offers MAT degrees across five specializations: Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, English, Mathematics, and Biology. Each program embeds extensive field experiences in K-12 classrooms, blending theory with supervised teaching practice. The Early Childhood track focuses on PreK, 3 learners, while Elementary Education covers grades 2, 6. Secondary-level MATs in English, Math, and Biology prepare candidates for middle and high school instruction, with content-specific methods courses and adolescent development studies. While exact credit requirements vary by subject, all MAT pathways include a full-time student teaching internship and lead to South Carolina initial teacher certification upon completion. The curriculum aligns with state and national standards, ensuring graduates are classroom-ready and equipped to meet diverse student needs.¹

Additional M.Ed. tracks in Elementary and Secondary Education serve experienced teachers pursuing advanced professional development, though they do not lead to initial certification.¹ Across all programs, SC State emphasizes the educator as a reflective decision-maker and humanistic practitioner, a philosophy woven through coursework and field-based learning.²

Online, On-Campus, and Hybrid Learning Options

South Carolina State University delivers its Master of Education programs primarily through traditional on-campus instruction, but with scheduling structures built around the lives of working professionals. At present, SC State does not offer any fully online or hybrid M.Ed. programs.³ All coursework takes place face-to-face on the Orangeburg campus, with classes meeting during evenings and weekends to accommodate current teachers and school staff.

On-Campus Delivery with Flexible Timing

The Counselor Education M.Ed., for example, holds weekly evening sessions (6:00 PM , 9:00 PM) and weekend sessions (9:00 AM , 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM , 4:00 PM) that allow students to maintain full-time employment while earning their degree.¹ Early Childhood Education follows a similar face-to-face model, though specific meeting times may vary.² There are no accelerated 8-week terms or online components within SC State’s own M.Ed. catalog.³

Field Placements Reinforce In-Person Learning

All M.Ed. tracks include significant field experiences that require on-site presence in schools. The school counseling program, for instance, mandates 700 total clinical hours (100 practicum plus 600 internship) completed across multiple semesters.¹ These placements are arranged in K-12 settings, making remote completion impractical. SC State does not currently house a standalone Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program; students seeking initial teacher certification may need to explore other pathways or partner institutions.

Online Alternatives Elsewhere in South Carolina

While SC State’s M.Ed. programs are campus-based, other South Carolina universities provide online or hybrid options for those who need distance flexibility. The University of South Carolina and USC Aiken, for example, offer education administration and educational leadership degrees with 8-week online or hybrid formats.⁴⁵ South Carolina State University remains an excellent choice for educators who prefer face-to-face interaction and can attend scheduled evening and weekend classes in Orangeburg.

Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid for SC State Graduate Students

At $552 per credit hour, South Carolina State University charges a flat tuition rate for all M.Ed. students, regardless of residency or delivery mode.¹ This consistency simplifies planning and removes the cost difference that often accompanies online versus on-campus or in-state versus out-of-state enrollment.

Understanding Tuition and Fees

The per-credit charge remains $552 whether you study in Orangeburg or log in from another state. In addition to tuition, graduate students pay a semester fee of $84.¹ For a standard 30-credit M.Ed. sequence, tuition alone comes to $16,560, and adding the semester fee over a typical four-semester timeline brings the total closer to $16,896.¹ These figures are estimates for the 2025, 2026 academic year, and the university recommends checking with the bursar’s office for any updates.

Total Program Cost Breakdown

To see how affordable an SC State M.Ed. can be, compare it to other South Carolina M.Ed. programs like those at USC Upstate M.Ed. programs and Citadel Military College of South Carolina. Many of SC State’s education specializations require 30 credits, which translates to a direct instructional cost of $16,560. When you account for the semester fee, the full program falls under $17,000.¹ This positions SC State as a competitive option for working educators who want to advance without accumulating significant debt.

Financial Aid Opportunities

• TEACH Grants: SC State participates in the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant program, which provides up to $4,000 per year to students who commit to teaching in a high-need field at a low-income school.²
• Graduate Assistantships: The School of Education and other departments offer a limited number of assistantships that cover tuition and provide a stipend. Applicants typically need a strong academic record and relevant professional experience.
• Scholarships: The university maintains a list of institutional and external scholarships for graduate students. Some are need-based, while others reward academic achievement or dedication to specific fields like special education or counseling.
• Federal Loans: Eligible students can apply for Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Grad PLUS Loans by completing the FAFSA. The Office of Financial Aid at SC State helps candidates understand borrowing options and repayment plans.
• Military and Veteran Benefits: While SC State does not advertise a general tuition discount for educators, veterans and active-duty service members can often use GI Bill benefits or Yellow Ribbon Program funding to reduce costs. The veterans affairs office on campus can verify current eligibility.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Admissions Requirements and How to Apply to SC State’s M.ed. Programs

Applying to a Master’s in Education program at South Carolina State University involves meeting academic standards and submitting a complete application. Here’s what you’ll need, based on the most current information for 2026. Note that requirements for the MAT in Teaching are still being finalized; please reach out directly to the program for the latest details.

• Bachelor’s Degree from an Accredited Institution

  You must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. The M.Ed. in Counselor Education does not require a prior teaching certification.
• Minimum GPA

  A cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 2.50 is required for the M.Ed. in Counselor Education program. Specific GPA requirements for the MAT in Teaching are not yet published for 2026.
• Standardized Test Scores (GRE or MAT)

  The M.Ed. in Counselor Education requires GRE or MAT scores. Preferred minimums: GRE composite of 280 (verbal + quantitative) or 420 (total); MAT of 388–393. Applicants below these thresholds may still be considered through a holistic review. For the MAT in Teaching, testing requirements have not been announced; check with the program.
• Professional Experience or Prerequisites

  No prior teaching or counseling experience is required for the M.Ed. in Counselor Education. For the MAT in Teaching, prerequisites are not specified in current materials.
• Letters of Recommendation and Personal Statement

  While exact numbers are not listed, most graduate programs require 2-3 letters of recommendation and a personal statement. Contact the School of Education for the current application packet for your intended concentration.
• Application Deadlines

  No specific deadlines are published for these M.Ed. programs. Contact the Graduate Admissions Office for the latest timeline; some programs may offer rolling admission.

Related Articles

Career Outcomes and Salary Potential for SC State Education Graduates

Pursuing a master's in education is a significant investment, and graduates naturally weigh the upfront cost against long-term salary and employment returns. For South Carolina State University (SC State) M.Ed. completers, the picture is shaped by statewide wage data, institutional placement trends, and the competitive edge that an advanced degree provides in the education job market.

Salary Benchmarks for Master's-Prepared Educators in South Carolina

According to the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce, the median annual wage for workers holding a master's degree in the state was $50,385 in 2023². More specifically, within education, instruction, and library occupations, the mean annual wage reached $52,290 in 2022¹. These figures offer a baseline, but actual earnings can shift substantially based on role, district, and years of experience. For instance, instructional coordinators and school principals, common masters in education jobs, often exceed these averages, while entry-level teaching positions may start lower.

Employment Outcomes for SC State Graduates

Program-specific outcome data for SC State's M.Ed. completers is not yet published as of 2026. However, the university's most recent senior survey from 2017 offers a window into broader graduate placement. At that time, 37% of SC State seniors were employed within six months of graduation⁴, and an additional 31% were enrolled in military service⁴, yielding a combined positive placement rate of 68%⁴. By comparison, the overall employment rate for college graduates in South Carolina stood at 64.9%³ during the same period, drawn from the same state labor market data. While these numbers are not exclusive to education majors, they reflect SC State's historical strength in preparing students for the workforce or further service.

Long-Term Earnings Potential and Career Growth

Education master's degree holders in South Carolina tend to outpace bachelor's-level peers. The data indicates a wage premium of approximately $10,000¹ for those with a graduate credential, consistent with broader masters in education salary trends. Additionally, education graduates are 33%¹ more likely to work within the state than graduates from other fields, which can translate to a more stable local network and consistent demand in South Carolina's school systems. For a fuller picture, you can explore tools like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics regional profiles, SC State's career services publications, or professional networks such as LinkedIn for self-reported salaries from alumni in roles like curriculum specialist, academic dean, or lead teacher.

Accreditation and Program Quality at South Carolina State University

Accreditation is the process by which an independent agency reviews a college or program to confirm it meets established quality standards. For education students, it serves as a signal that the degree will be recognized by employers, licensing boards, and other institutions. South Carolina State University holds institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), meaning the entire university has been evaluated and found to operate with integrity and adequate resources.

Why Accreditation Matters for Educators

Accreditation affects several practical aspects of your career. First, it determines whether your degree will be accepted for teacher licensure in South Carolina and through reciprocity agreements with other states. Second, many school districts, particularly public systems, require a degree from an accredited institution as a baseline for hiring. Finally, if you ever plan to pursue a doctoral degree or additional certifications, having an accredited master's degree is essential for seamless credit transfer and admission.

Specialized Accreditation for Teacher Preparation

Beyond the university-level accreditation, education programs often seek programmatic accreditation specific to the field. The primary agency for educator preparation is the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), which succeeded the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). These bodies examine factors such as candidate knowledge and skills, clinical partnerships, and program impact. SC State's College of Education has historically aligned its programs with state and national standards. While program-level recognition can change over time, checking the SC State website or the CAEP directory provides the most up-to-date status.

How to Verify Current Accreditation

Because accreditation cycles involve periodic renewal, you should always verify directly before applying. The SACSCOC website maintains a searchable member list where you can confirm SC State's institutional status. For teacher preparation, visit the CAEP website or the South Carolina Department of Education's list of approved programs. The College of Education at SC State also typically posts accreditation details on its official page, often under an "About" or "Accreditation" tab. If you need information on program-level recognitions from groups like the Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI) or subject-area associations, a call to the education dean's office can provide clarity. Taking these steps ensures that the credential you earn will carry the weight you expect in the classroom and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions About SC State’s M.ed. Programs

Specific FAQs for SCSU's M.Ed. programs were not available at the time of writing. Below are common inquiries and guidance on where to find authoritative answers.

An M.Ed. from South Carolina State University combines affordability, scheduling built for working educators, and the supportive environment of a leading HBCU. With flat-rate tuition at $552 per credit and on-campus classes designed around professional commitments, you gain hands-on training without sacrificing income.

The close-knit community provides mentorship that prepares you to lead in diverse classrooms. To confirm current deadlines and program details, visit SC State's official website and take the next step.