4+1 Master of Education in Transformational Curriculum and Instruction
Already a Florida Southern education student ready to advance your teaching? Begin your Master of Education early and graduate with research-based, transformational classroom methods, delivered 100% online.
New to the 4+1 model? See how accelerated programs work, including eligibility and tuition savings, on the Accelerated Program Options page.
The Same MED, Started Early
A Master of Education in Transformational Curriculum and Instruction (MEd) advances your classroom teaching through research-based strategies and transformational methods: active, student-centered, collaborative, experiential, and problem-based learning. It's designed for educators who want to deepen their practice, become teacher leaders, and have a measurable impact on P-12 student learning.
The 4+1 path leads to the same 30-hour MEd as our traditional track, delivered fully online. As a qualified FSC undergraduate, you begin graduate coursework early and count it toward both degrees. Teachers who earn a master's from a regionally accredited institution may be eligible for additional compensation; check with your local district.
The Early Credits
As a 4+1 student you may complete up to 6 credit hours of graduate work during your senior year, counting toward both degrees and billed at the undergraduate rate.
4+1 Admission Requirements
The 4+1 MAT path is for current Florida Southern undergraduates. To be eligible, you should apply during your junior year and meet the following:
- 93+ undergraduate credit hours completed at the start of the program
- Apply during your junior year; 3.0 GPA or higher
- Approval from the MEd Program Director
How 4+1 Billing Works
Because you begin graduate courses before your bachelor's is awarded, those credits are billed at your undergraduate tuition rate, which is how the 4+1 saves you money. Any MEd courses taken in the fall or spring before you receive your undergraduate degree are charged at the traditional undergraduate full-time tuition rate. Once your bachelor's is awarded, remaining MEd coursework is billed at the current MEd per-credit-hour rate.
Direct Admission
If you've been offered direct admission to the 4+1 MEd program, your place is guaranteed, with no separate graduate application. Submit your undergraduate enrollment deposit, indicate your interest on your Course Preference Form, maintain the required GPA, and work with your advisor to stay on track.
Student Voices
A master's degree is how educators step into shaping a school, not just a classroom — districts count on master's-prepared teachers to drive curriculum-wide change and improve student outcomes. Here's what earning the MEd has meant for FSC students.
The School of Education at FSC is so welcoming and supportive for all students. I knew I wanted to stay at FSC and earn a master’s degree. Enrolling in the 4+1 degree program allows me to continue the momentum of furthering my education after earning my bachelor’s degree in elementary education.
I selected this program because I completed my undergrad at Florida Southern. I knew, first hand, how phenomenal the Education program is and wanted to continue with it during my graduate studies. Additionally, the course content appealed to me because of its relevance in today’s classrooms and fresh perspective on teaching.
I love being able to continue my education at Florida Southern College with the most incredible faculty members. It is so easy to communicate with them and I know they are always there to support me. I have already become a more reflective and effective educator because of this program. I look forward to seeing how my teaching practices improve over the course of this degree.
Frequently Asked Questions
An accelerated path that lets FSC education students begin master's coursework in their senior year and earn both a bachelor's and a Master of Education in Transformational Curriculum and Instruction on a faster timeline.
All Florida Southern education students are eligible to be considered at the end of their junior year. You'll need 93+ completed undergraduate credit hours at the start of the program, a 3.0 GPA or higher, and approval from the MEd in Transformational Curriculum and Instruction Director.
Up to 6 credit hours of graduate work, which count toward both your undergraduate and MEd degree requirements.
Yes. MEd coursework is delivered 100% online, so you can earn your degree while teaching or working full-time.
The MEd is a 30-hour program. You begin with 6 hours of foundation courses that establish a strong grounding in education, then move into 24 hours of advanced MEd coursework.
It may. Teachers who earn a master's from a regionally accredited institution may be eligible for additional annual compensation. Work with your local school district to determine your eligibility and the level of increase.
The program prepares you to become a teacher leader, modeling best practices and collaborating with colleagues to influence school-wide student learning. School districts value master's-prepared educators to help direct a school's growth and improve student outcomes.
Get in Touch
Ready to start early? Talk with the Adult and Graduate Admission about the 4+1 path.
Brooke Veal, MATL
Director of Field Study and Evening Education Programs
- 863.680.5004
- bveal@flsouthern.edu
- Carol J. Barnett / Curry Education Office - 106
Lori Rakes, Ph.D.
Dean of Education, Nina B. Hollis Endowed Chair of Education, Associate Professor of Education
- 863.680.4172
- lrakes@flsouthern.edu
- Carol J. Barnett / Curry Education Office - 113