The University of Southern Maine offers three online graduate education degrees — each tailored to your specific career goals. USM’s accelerated online format and affordable tuition can advance your possibilities in a convenient and financially sound way.
Tuition for USM’s online graduate education programs is a fixed $12,900, or $430 per credit hour. Students can graduate in as few as 10-12 months, depending on the program, and the pay-as-you-go plan allows courses to be scheduled according to financial or time-commitment needs.
Master of Science in Education in Teacher Leadership With a Concentration in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
This degree is for educators who want to be leaders in their schools, fostering excellence in what students learn (curriculum), how they learn it (instruction), and how their learning is demonstrated and measured (assessment). Beyond in-depth study of these pillars of education, the courses also focus on areas like educational leadership and professional learning.
Graduates of this program pursue positions as curriculum specialists or directors, instructional coaches or coordinators, and teacher leaders. Income varies across regions and school systems, but 2019 data from PayScale puts the average salary for curriculum directors at $73,369. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports median pay for instructional coordinators is $64,450 annually.
Master of Science in Education in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
Building on literacy theory, methodology and practice, this degree prepares students to address the linguistic needs of English language learners in various contexts. Graduates apply what they learn in the traditional K-12 setting as an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher internationally, or they work in TESOL in adult education, workplace programs or college ESL programs. The adventurous graduate may choose to teach English abroad, which can be lucrative. A good salary with an advanced degree is achievable for teachers overseas.
Master of Science in Special Education With a Concentration in Effective Instruction and Assessment for Students With Suspected and Identified Disabilities
This degree prepares students to address the nationwide need for special education teachers and innovators. It places heavy emphasis on leadership within school- or district-wide special education programs, developing and implementing more effective, culturally responsive curriculum and instruction.
Special education teachers, behavioral intervention specialists and special education directors are all appropriate job pursuits for graduates of this program. At the administrative level, the average salary for directors of special education is $73,201, according to 2019 data from PayScale.
These three USM online M.S. in education programs focus on areas of vital importance in today’s educational system, all addressing the learning needs of diverse student populations. With affordable tuition, well-designed curricula and flexible online format, USM’s online graduate education programs can help educators achieve their own professional goals as they strive to give every student the education needed to succeed in life.
Learn more about the University of Southern Maine’s online Master of Science in Education programs.
Sources:
The Balance Careers: What Does a Curriculum Specialist Do?
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Instructional Coordinators
PayScale: Average Curriculum Director Salary
Teachaway: Top Countries to Make the Most Money Teaching Abroad in 2019
Teacher.org: How to Become an ESL Teacher
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Special Education TeachersPayScale: Average Director of Special Education Salary
