APUS Expands Its Online Master's Degrees in Education

Charles Town, WV (Vocus) August 12, 2008 -- To answer the demand for a wider range of programs for public servants, American Public University System (http://www.apus.edu) (APUS), has expanded its online Master of Education Teaching degree to include concentrations in Elementary Education and Secondary Social Studies. The new online education degrees are designed for post-baccalaureate students who wish to become elementary teachers and secondary social studies teachers, respectively. The M.Ed. programs are available at member institutions American Public University (http://www.apu.apus.edu) and American Military University (http://www.amuonline.com).

APUS is an online university system that serves more than 30,000 working adults in 50 states and more than 100 foreign countries. It offers 73 online undergraduate and graduate degree programs (http://www.apus.edu/APUS/Academics/index.htm) in an affordable and flexible online format.

"Given our institution's mission of educating those who serve, we are proud to offer these accredited, online degree programs for educators at an affordable tuition of $825/course," said Wallace E. Boston, Jr., President at APUS. "At our current tuition levels, our M.Ed. degree programs can be completed for $9,900-$13,200 in tuition with minimal additional fees. We hope that this will enable additional qualified individuals to become teachers and advance their careers."

The new education degree programs -The Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Teaching with a concentration in Elementary Education and the Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Teaching with a concentration in Social Studies - are designed for post-baccalaureate students with an endorsable major from an accredited institution of higher learning who want to teach in either of these areas. The programs require students to take 48 semester hours of a selected curriculum, which includes nine semester hours of student teaching and a three-semester-hour capstone course. Candidates in both online education degree programs will be eligible to earn the West Virginia teaching certificate upon completion of the program.

The APUS M.Ed. program provides the required professional education courses at the graduate level. Students may need to complete additional undergraduate courses if they have insufficient course work in a particular content area. Included in the program is a requirement for student teaching onsite. All courses other than student teaching are offered online, with a school-based observation requirement at an APUS approved location of the student's choosing.

"It is truly exciting to be able to launch additional education degrees this fall," said Dr. Cindy Emmans, Dean of the School of Education at APUS. "These degrees are particularly important additions, giving people the opportunity to earn an advanced degree as well as West Virginia teacher certification, which has reciprocity with most other states."

The APUS School of Education also includes:

Master of Education in Administration and Supervision (36 credit hours)

Master of Education in Guidance and Counseling (48 credit hours)

Master of Education in Teaching with a concentration in Instructional Leadership (36 credit hours)

APUS classes start monthly, with many offered in either 8- or 16-week sessions. For more information on education degrees, call 1-877-777-9081 or go to www.apu.apus.edu/education.

NOTE: Teachers with licenses in West Virginia may apply for licensure in other states. Many states have formal reciprocity agreements with West Virginia. Persons considering licensure in additional states should contact the State Department of Education for the prospective state to obtain current testing and licensure requirements or procedures.

About American Public University System

American Public University System is comprised of American Public University (http://www.apu.apus.edu) and American Military University (http://www.amuonline.com). Courses are taught by professors who are experienced in the real-world subjects they teach. APUS's curriculum, affordability and flexibility help working adults pursue degrees that will help them advance in a variety of career fields, including business, information technology, education, and management. APUS also provides specialized education in homeland security, national security and emergency and disaster management. A university book grant provides textbooks at no cost for eligible undergraduate students. Eligible students may apply for Federal Student Aid. American Public University System is a wholly-owned subsidiary of American Public Education, Inc. (NASDAQ:APEI). For more information, please visit http://www.americanpubliceducation.com.

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