M.A./M.ED. Secondary Education (General)

The program develops teacher leaders who will make significant contributions in schools and other educational settings.
students

Program Overview

Since its inception in 1899 as a teachers college, Texas State University has continuously prepared educators who will bring about positive change in schools. Texas State proudly offers a variety of Master of Arts (M.A.) and Master of Education (M.Ed.) programs in Secondary Education for graduate students who aspire to make significant educational contributions in schools and other educational settings. The program's most famous graduate is Lyndon Baines Johnson, who taught speech in a public school in Texas before becoming President of the United States. 

Course Work

Students may pursue the M.A. (thesis option) or M.Ed. (non-thesis option). It is possible for students to complete these master’s programs online. 

The course options that are integrated into these degree programs offer valuable opportunities for additional depth or breadth according to students’ goals and interests. 

DegreeConcentrationHoursThesis OptionMinor OptionLocation
Degree
M.A.
Concentration
No concentration
Hours
30
Thesis Option
Thesis
Minor Option
Minor required
Location
San Marcos
Degree
M.Ed.
Concentration
No concentration
Hours
30
Thesis Option
Non-Thesis
Minor Option
No minor
Location
San Marcos

For more information on online programs, certifications, and international restrictions, visit our Application Policy Information page.

What Our Alumni Say

“The secondary education program has made a big impact on my career. The professors have helped me to grow professionally and have ensured that I am on the right path to become a successful educator. I now feel completely ready to meet all my future students’ diverse needs.”

— Jennifer Morrison, M.Ed., Class of ’16

Program Details

The department offers paid assistantships, which give students opportunities to help professors conduct research or teach classes while earning a salary.

Program Mission

The mission of the graduate secondary education program is to prepare culturally responsive educators at an advanced level to meet the challenges of the 21st century by:

  • enhancing instructional, leadership, inquiry and collaborative expertise
  • expanding knowledge, understanding and application of current research
  • using technology to make advancements in the teaching-learning process

Career Options

The majority of the students remain in the Central Texas area, teaching in public and private schools. Graduates are also qualified to become instructional coaches, education consultants, curriculum coordinators, grade level or content team leaders, directors of departments, mentor teachers or authors of textbooks. Students are also prepared for doctoral study at Texas State or another qualified university.

Program Faculty

Graduate secondary education faculty are nationally recognized leaders and scholars in education. Through their peer-reviewed publications and presentations at national and international conferences, grant writing and awards, and service as officers and board members of professional associations, they bring a wealth of academic and professional experience to the program.

Contact us for general questions about your application, funding opportunities, and more. If you have specific questions after reviewing the program details, contact the program's graduate advisor.

Program Contacts

outside

Apply Now Already know that Texas State is right for you?

Application Process

Application Deadlines

Expand FAQ List

For important information regarding deadlines and decision timelines, review the Application Policy Information page.

Admission Requirements

The items required for admission consideration are listed below. Additional information for applicants with international credentials can be found on our international web pages.

Expand FAQ List

  • Review important information about the online application.

    • $55 nonrefundable application fee, OR
    • $90 nonrefundable application fee for applications with international credentials

    Review important information about application fees.

  • M.A. Applicants

    • Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university. (Non-U.S. degrees must be equivalent to a four-year U.S. Bachelor’s degree. In most cases, three-year degrees are not considered. Visit our International FAQs for more information.)
    • A copy of an official transcript from each institution where course credit was granted.
    • A 3.4 overall GPA or a 3.4 GPA in your last 60 hours of undergraduate course work, plus any completed graduate courses.

    M.Ed. Applicants

    • Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university.
    • A copy of an official transcript from each institution where course credit was granted.
    • A 2.75 overall GPA or a 2.75 GPA in your last 60 hours of undergraduate course work, plus any completed graduate courses.

    Review important information about transcripts. Official transcripts, sent directly from your institution, will be required if admission is granted.

  • GRE

    • GRE not required

    Approved English Proficiency Exam Scores

    Applicants are required to submit an approved English proficiency exam score that meets the minimum program requirements below unless they have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or the equivalent from a country on our exempt countries list.

    • official TOEFL iBT scores required with a 78 overall
    • official PTE scores required with a 52 overall
    • official IELTS (academic) scores required with a 6.5 overall and minimum individual module scores of 6.0
    • official Duolingo Scores required with a 110 overall
    • official TOEFL Essentials scores required with an 8.5 overall

    This program does not offer admission if the scores above are not met.

    Review important information about official test scores.

  • M.A. Applicants

    • Statement of purpose (one page) identifying and describing your research interests. Your statement of purpose should answer the question:
      • What has motivated you to enter the teacher profession, become a dual-credit teacher, and/or want to earn your M.A.?

    M.Ed. Applicants

    • Statement of purpose (one page) that answers the question:
      • What has motivated you to enter the teacher profession, become a dual-credit teacher, and/or want to earn your M.Ed.?

    Review important information about documents.

Additional Information

Ready to Apply?

Need More Info?