Course contact hours, credit types, and grade types…
You will choose either ED 501 level Masters-Eligible graduate credits –or– ED 500 level semester graduate credits for non-degree seeking purposes.
ED 501 level receive a Letter Grade on official university transcripts
ED 500 level receive a Pass/Fail grade on official university transcripts.
There is currently NO PRICE DIFFERENCE between the two. For a limited time we are absorbing the additional costs incurred for masters level courses, by offering both options at the same low price to help during this transition.
Most States and Districts accept either format for post-baccalaureate needs such as pay scale increases or recertification/relicensure. We have worked with thousands of educators from all 50 States, but ultimately it is your responsibility to check your State/District requirements. See below for additional considerations…
ED 500 “PF” courses require 15 contact hours PER CREDIT, as shown on each course syllabus (look for the red .pdf icon on each course page). 500 Level courses receive a Pass/Fail Grade on official university transcripts (sometimes listed as “S” for Satisfactory). They are only for non-degree-seeking students for State license renewals and District pay scale advancement. Note that some States and districts are moving towards requiring a letter graded transcript so please consult your State and local District for approval of the Pass/Fail marks on your transcripts if you choose to go with ED500 level courses.
ED 501 “MA” Courses require 37.5 contact hours PER CREDIT, as shown on each 501 level course syllabus (look for the red .pdf icon on each course page). 501 Level courses receive a Letter Grade on official university transcripts. These courses are also MASTERS ELIGIBLE, and can be applied to a Masters Program at Colorado State University Pueblo (and thus may be transferred to another institution if needed). They require additional assignments, writings, and Research Article Reviews as compared to 500 level courses. Some School Districts and Union Contracts nationwide are moving to these masters-eligible requirements for license renewals or pay scale advancement. As such, the higher 501 level MA courses are also valid for State license renewals, pay scale increases. Consult your District’s HR Dept or State Edu. Dept. or desired University Masters program for approvals.