What is an online Master in Education? Gaining a degree online has become a popular choice, especially for those who has busy schedule. A Master in Education is designed to provide training for teachers within a specialized area. These areas may include early childhood, science, gifted education, special education, developmental psychology, mathematics and curriculum. Online master’s in education is one advanced degree that some students continue after getting their bachelor’s degree. This masters program expands on previous knowledge and can provide options to additional career paths.
What is online education?
Online education is a learning tool which is delivered and administered through the use of internet. Online education is a flexible instructional conveyance system that provides any kind of learning that takes place via the Internet. Online education gives educators an option to reach students who may not be able to enroll in a face to face classroom course and supports students who want to work on their own time and at their own pace.
Resources for Online Education
In general, when taking an online education degree program we might go through resources like:
- EBooks;
- Journals;
- Videos;
- Recorded lectures;
- Quizzes;
- Discussion forums
- Live Q&A sessions; and
- Interviews.
The resources offered to us for online education will depend on the institution where we take our online degree. Some online learning programs may require us to order physical textbooks in advance by in the mail, but these are generally being phased out in favor of online Books and online-only methods of delivery.
For those institutions that have made the change to using 100 percent online materials, students can anticipate to study using a combination of cutting-edge technological resources with no need to go to campus to attend lectures, exams or personal discussion sessions.
School and course instructor will determine the pattern for each individual course and will select delivery methods that are best suitable for the course or program. What an Art History major needs to learn successfully online will totally different from what a Biology major needs.
Online education may be a completely new experience for students and teachers. If we are belonging to a more traditional learning background, read on to discover how to make the most of the study resources we may encounter in our online learning journey.
Summary
The quantity of online degrees and online education in most fields is large and increasing day by day. Schools and institutions that offer online education are also increasing rapidly. Students continuing degrees via the online approach must be selective to ensure that their coursework is done through a respected and credentialed institution.
What are the best Master’s degrees in Education programs of 2020?
Following are top 10 master’s in education programs:
| Rank | School | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | North Carolina State University | Raleigh, NC |
| 2 | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | Champaign, IL |
| 3 | Northeastern University | Boston, MA |
| 4 | University of Central Florida | Orlando, FL |
| 5 | University of Southern California | Los Angeles, CA |
| 6 | Purdue University | West Lafayette, IN |
| 7 | University of Georgia | Athens, GA |
| 8 | California State University-Fullerton | Fullerton, CA |
| 9 | University of South Florida | Tampa, FL |
| 10 | San Diego State University | San Diego, CA |
Best Accredited Online Master’s in Education Programs
The variety of master’s in education online programs provide a excess of options for those searching graduate training in tune with their academic interests and career objectives. However, the complete number of options can just as easily feel overwhelming. The following institutions can help you make the right choice by detailing application requirements, tuition prices, and programmatic outcomes.
Online degree programs usually provide flexible scheduling through asynchronous classes facilitated by environment like Canvas and Blackboard. Certain schools deliver other learning models. The following institutions will tell you if a given program includes synchronous coursework, campus residencies, or cohort learning. These institutions also covers enrollment options included full-time, part-time, or accelerated and how the pace affects degree completion.
- North Carolina State University
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Northeastern University
- University of Central Florida
- University of Southern California|
- Purdue University
- University of Georgia
- California State University-Fullerton
- University of South Florida
- San Diego State University
- University of San Diego
- Clemson University
- University of South Florida-Sarasota-Manatee
- Columbia International University
- Carlos Albizu University-Miami
- Michigan State University
- California State University-San Bernardino
- University of St Thomas
- Texas A&M University
- University of South Carolina-Columbia|Columbia, SC
- University of Utah|Salt Lake City, UT
- University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus
- California State University-Fresno
- Indiana University-Bloomington
- Florida International University
Why do some students select online masters in education programs?
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The first reason that why students choose online master’s in education programs is flexibility.
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Online masters in education programs helping people to earn graduate degrees when they need to continue working while studying, elderly relatives to care for or have children, or there are no colleges or universities with masters in education programs…
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Some students choose online degree programs rather than traditional class room study because those programs allow them to enroll in distinguished schools far from home or choose particular, career-boosting concentrations.
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Some online education degree programs are more affordable than traditional on-campus programs, and some have more easy and relaxed admissions requirements.
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However, just because a masters in education program is provided online does not mean it will have less fee or let more people in.
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Online Masters in education programs at high level colleges and universities can cost a lot and tend to be extremely selective.
What kind of core courses do students in online master’s in education programs take?
Because most colleges and universities offer multiple Masters in education program specializations, it’s not easy to summarize the master’s in education curriculum. Typically, core courses in MEd programs vary by concentration and specialization area. However, at some institutions, students across attentiveness complete similar or identical core coursework related to educational theories, educational policies, school leadership, and data evaluation.
Online Masters in Educational Leadership and Policy
The Masters in Educational Leadership and Policy is an online masters program that mainly focused on critical reflection, social impact and leadership. Core courses include:
- Educational Law and Public Policy
- Family and Community Engagement
- Introduction to Educational Leadership and Change
- Instructional Leadership
- Organizational Theory and Learning
- Using Data and Evidence for School Improvement
Master’s in Education Program in Global Perspective
Meanwhile, the Masters in Global Perspectives: Teaching, Curriculum and Learning Environments is an online graduate program that focused on applying global approaches and awareness of to improve education. Students take classes like:
- Curriculum Theories, Practice, and Design
- Designing Learning Environments in a Social and Digital World
- Family and Community Engagement
- Global Perspectives: Teaching, Curriculum, and Learning Environments
- Globalization, Mobility, and Education
- Language Learners in Global Perspective
- Models and Theories of Instructional Design
- Perspectives on Disabilities and Special Education Practices
- Preparing the Whole Person for Global Citizenship
Summary
The only way to know what the curriculum looks like for a specific master’s in education program is to look up its course list. Read program guides carefully if you are looking for online Master of Education programs that can help you get a teaching license or endorsements. A program offered in one state may not fulfill the licensure or endorsement requirements of another, so always double-check with your state’s department of education before enrolling.
Do online masters in education programs offer students the same concentration options?
The top master’s in education programs allow students to choose from a broad range of MEd concentrations and specializations. The same is true of the top online MEd programs. That’s good because it means students don’t have to compromise. Chances are they will find a Master of Education program that aligns closely with their personal and professional goals.
On the other hand, it does mean that finding the right online master’s in education program can take longer. There are a lot of master’s in education concentrations, and they can seem quite similar upon first glance. Examples of common master’s in education concentrations include:
- Applied human development
- Athletic leadership
- Counseling
- Curriculum and instruction
- Deaf education
- Early childhood education
- Educational psychology
- English language and literacy education
- Experiential learning for early childhood
- Gifted and talented populations
- Higher education administration
- Instructional Design and Development
- Learning, design, and technology
- Mathematics Education
- Measurement and evaluation
- Middle grades education
- Science education
- Special Education
- STEM education
- Teaching English as a Second Language (ESL)
- Vision impairment
How much do online master’s in education programs typically cost?
It is difficult to pin down the average cost of online master’s in education programs. Colleges and universities with online MEd programs may charge anywhere from less than $400 per credit to more than $1,400 per credit. You might assume that the best online master’s in education programs would be the most expensive, but happily, that is not the case. Most of the top programs in the United States charge around $500 per credit hour. That is not cheap, but it is also not MBA-level expensive, either. You will probably pay somewhere between $20,000 and $40,000 for a Master of Education. The least expensive school on the list above is Utah State. The priciest is VCU.
What are the pros and cons of earning a master’s in education online?
Most online degree programs are just as rigorous as traditional on-campus programs and require students to complete the same coursework over the same timeframe. Sometimes studying online can be more challenging than taking classes on campus because you need to be self-motivated and extremely good at managing your time.
These aren’t the only pros and cons you should consider when looking into online master’s in education programs, however.
Pro Side
On the pro side, you will usually earn the exact same degree as students who study on campus, and your future employers would not know you were a distance learner unless you decide to tell them. If you choose to tell them, chances are good they won’t care.
Most online MEd programs are designed to be flexible, which means you can keep working while enrolled. And teachers with graduate degrees earn anywhere from $1,400 to $11,000 more than those without, and it doesn’t matter how they earned those degrees.
Con Side
On the con side, be aware that some online master’s in education programs may not meet your state’s licensure requirements. If you are looking at online MEd programs with licensure tracks, be sure those programs meet your state’s requirements before enrolling.
You may also have a challenging time meeting internship or practicum requirements if you don’t already have your own classroom when enrolled in an online program based in another state. These cons can be easily mitigated by reading program guides and state regulations carefully before choosing a school to ensure you are getting the education you need.
Summary:
Getting a master’s degree online gives a student access to programs at nationally recognized, accredited universities. Whether a student lives in a rural area or serves in the military, he or she can earn a master’s degree from a prestigious school. While Studying for a master’s degree online is not for everyone. There are some situations where it may be best to enroll in a campus-based program.
Earning a Master’s in Education Online vs. On-Campus: Important Factors to Consider
Online study carries many benefits. It also carries certain drawbacks that are important to consider before committing to a program.
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If you have not taken online classes in the past, the first step is evaluating whether distance learning is a fit with your learning style and academic skills.
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One way to assess your readiness for online learning is by auditing a college-level course on a distance education site like Coursera; such sites often host teaching courses from some of the best education schools in the US.
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Although many online teaching degree programs offer real-time video conferencing, remote lectures, and similar opportunities for interaction with faculty and peers, not all do.
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Even among programs that feature these options, much of the coursework is completed asynchronously meaning, not at a designated time or place.
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While this offers greater flexibility compared to on-campus programs, it also means that online students must be disciplined and self-directed in order to complete their coursework within the deadlines established by the faculty.
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Another important factor to consider is completing fieldwork and student teaching internship requirements.
Although the majority of your coursework in an online master’s in teaching program will be completed through distance learning, you will need to complete student teaching for at least one semester in order to qualify for teacher certification, depending on the requirements established by your state and program. You will likely be able to arrange to complete these in-person experiences in a local school district, but it is critical to ensure that this will be possible (and will meet your state’s licensing guidelines) prior to enrolling in a program.
Summarize:
While there are many online education programs that can lead to first-time teacher certification, not all specializations may be offered through distance learning or be recognized in all states. Consider carefully which grade level(s) and subject(s) you want to teach and research the certification requirements established by your state to avoid misunderstandings when it’s time to apply for your license.
Advice for Choosing an Online Master’s Program
In addition to considering the critical factors of teacher preparation program accreditation and state approval discussed above, other aspects of an online program that are good to consider include the competitiveness of the tuition for online students and the overall program cost. Graduate school represents a significant investment in your career no matter which school you choose, but the costs between programs can vary widely. The value of a master’s degree may be found in part in the school’s reputation, but you should also consider the cost of student loans as well as incidental costs, such as distance learning fees and student teaching placements.
As you research master’s programs, other considerations to keep in mind include:
- Is the program is a fit for your academic background and career goals? Programs at research universities can be highly competitive, are often thesis-oriented, and may require higher-than-average undergraduate GPAs for admission.
- Does the program meet at least the majority of your state’s teacher certification requirements? It will likely be necessary for you to do your own research and, as mentioned above, consult your state’s board of education for current guidelines.
- Will full-time study fit with your schedule? Some programs offer part-time study options for coursework, while others do not. However, with any program, it is wise to consider how you will meet student teaching internship requirements, which typically require at least one semester of full-time commitment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions related to online masters in education program.
1. Are online education degrees respected?
As more and more trusted schools offer online degree programs, respect continues to grow. According to a survey conducted by CareerBuilder.com, 83 percent of executives say that an online degree is as credible as one earned through a traditional campus-based program.
2. How difficult is a master’s degree in education?
In general, master’s degree programs are more difficult than undergraduate programs as they build on previously learned concepts and skills. Moreover, when you are going for your bachelor’s degree, you spend your time reviewing what other people have discovered.
3. Does an online masters degree look bad?
Most companies are not too concerned about online degrees, but many are wary of degrees earned from for-profit “diploma mills.” The reputation of the school, the degree received, and the accreditation of the program are the most important facts to most employers.
4. What is the best online master in education?
You might want to look at American College of Education. You can get a masters in education for around $8,000. What I have learned from online learning (I have 3 online masters degrees), is you get out what you put in. Don’t let school rankings and silly things like that get in the way of learning. Go for something you can afford and you can benefit from.
5. Is an online master’s worth it?
Most online programs are designed for the working professional. There’s no need to fear that educational quality is sacrificed through online learning. Most programs have the exact same faculty teaching both on-campus and online courses. So you can be assured that you are learning the same materials and being offered the same support as those on campus. After you’ve graduated, another bonus of earning an online master’s degree is that a salary increase is likely in certain fields. As per studies, there is a direct relation of higher wages in certain careers from earning a master’s degree, but that’s not the only reason an online master’s degree is worthwhile.
6. What is your experience with an online master’s degree?
I have received a master’s degree online and I have taught in online degree programs. The upside is the added flexibility. For adults in particular, completing a program with fixed class meeting times may be impossible. For them, online classes open up opportunities to complete a degree that they would not have otherwise.
With advances in technology, some schools are moving to a “semi-synchronous” model where most of the assignments can be spread across a prescribed time-period but remote video sessions occur at a set time to simulate the experience of live in-class interaction. That said, there are some limits to the ability to replicate in person experiences, online.
Conclusion:
Online degrees are beneficial in that students can get through the curriculum on their own schedule. Earning a masters degree in education also allows for non-traditional career opportunities in the areas of teaching and training, and it may lead to higher salaries. There are a number of career opportunities for those with a master’s degree in education. While some may choose traditional teaching positions in the private or public sector, others may choose another path. Other options include supervision and administration, training and adult education, school counseling and curriculum development. Some job titles include career counseling, corporate training consultant, education policy developer, educational coordinator, school technology consultant, special education director, online instruction developer and institutional researcher.