Texas teachers find online master’s program quicker, cheaper

An unusual new graduate program backed by Dallas businessman Randy Best is signing up Texas teachers in droves as they seek to earn a fast, inexpensive master’s degree. School districts reward teachers who earn master’s degrees by paying them more and considering them for administrative promotions.

Lamar University’s new program sets itself apart in convenience and cost: Students take one five-week course at a time and finish a dozen required courses in 18 months, shorter than many traditional master’s programs designed for working teachers. They take all their courses on a computer—watching videos of lectures and doing assignments—and pay just $4,950, less than half the price of most education master’s degrees in Texas. Read about the new program in The Dallas Morning News online.