Where to Go: Towson, ODU, LSU

[OwlBeYourFriend]

So, here's the deal:

Going for a Master's with Teaching Certification for Secondary Education, usually an MAT, but also an M.Ed, M.S.Ed, etc. All generally to give education courses to those who want to teach in the same subject area as their bachelor's. So far, I've been accepted to Towson and ODU, both good schools, and I'll probably be accepted to my undergrad alma mater LSU as well.

The perks for each:

• Towson: program's classes would be more at night, leaving my days open for a job; the area is nice and lots to do; walkable; housing isn't too bad; only 4 1/2 hours [with traffic] from s.o.
• ODU: pretty much the same stuff as Towson, except only 3 hours from s.o.
• LSU: know the place; could find a good roommate easy; only one year compared to the other two

There are other things, but my main question is this: do I wrack on the inevitable student loan debt and go off somewhere new? Or do I stay where I am, for a shorter program and less financial burden? Part of me wants to save the money, but the other side is saying, Go to new places!

Argh.

[Xanthan]

Congrats on your acceptances. I was a high school teacher for several years, so I thought I'd weigh in. I don't personally have a masters, but I know plenty of people who do. If I had thought I was going to stay in sec ed, I would have gone that way (for one thing, in most districts you'll get paid more with a masters).

Honestly, seeing as education isn't a big money field, I'd be inclined to go where it's cheapest. Also consider that a one year program will mean half the living expenses. BUT... there are a few other points that could sway things:

1. You mentioned a S.O. That can change the equation, although if you're 3-4 hours away, that could make it hard (in both time and money) to visit. What is the difference in price between the programs? Remember that if you do the one year program, you'll be free to move near S.O. sooner. (Maybe you could just fly to visit S.O. on holidays/breaks?)

2. Where you you want to teach? Note that you'll be getting a cert in a specific state. Are they transferrable to where you want to be? (Check via websites of state departments of education.) Also note that if you want to teach in a place close to one of the schools, maybe going to that school would help you make connections there. However, as distance increases from Towson/Norfolk/Baton Rouge, the networking benefit will drop.

3. Is there any financial aid available? One thing you might look at is graduate assistantships. At some schools, mostly those that don't have doctoral programs, education departments have trouble finding GA's, because at some schools GA's have to be full time students, and many education programs are mainly part timers. Also, sometimes there are GA positions in non academic departments (graduate office, academic enrichment, tutoring center, ect.) My father is a professor (not of education), and he told me often students in his department get assistantships in education departments (sec ed, spec ed, eled) because they have lots of spots for few full time students. Ask around at your potential schools. Further, what about being a residence adviser? Might be a pain to do this, but at some places you get a tuition waiver and free housing. My cousin financed a masters this way.

Any way, good luck with whichever program you choose!