Masters in Education Online

Degree Overview

The Online Masters Degree in Education (MEd)  allows teachers to broaden their teaching skills while learning the newest educational trends and classroom techniques. MEd candidates often wish to reinforce their teaching skills in order to continue being an effective presence in the classroom or they wish to move up into education administration roles. Non-teachers with undergraduate degrees in other subjects also often choose to pursue MEd degrees in order to break into the teaching field. The length of time it takes to complete a MEd degree varies, but students can find programs that take as little as one year and as long as three years to complete.

Masters in Education Online Programs

Individual Masters in Education Online Programs will vary depending on your institution of choice, though most do cover teaching theory and trends in education. Many times a MEd degree will prepare you to teach a specific subject group. The programs  listed below are just a sampling of common online master degree in education programs you may encounter during your education. Click on the individual programs for more detailed information on each degree:

Benefits of a Online Masters Degree in Education

Why should a teacher or prospective teacher obtain a Online Masters Degree in Education ?

• Teachers with a MEd degree stay abreast of their field and become even more effective in the classroom
• With a MEd degree, non-teachers can prepare for a teaching career
• MEd degrees are stepping stones to positions in school administration, educational curriculum design, and teaching at all levels of education, from early childhood to adult
• Teachers with MEd degrees typically receive higher pay than teachers without post-graduate degrees, even for the same position
• Some school systems require teachers to obtain a MEd degree within a certain period of time after hire

Career Opportunities

The below is a list of possible career opportunities for Online Masters Degree in Education  Degree Holders.  This does not represent a complete list of career opportunities; it should only serve as a guide to potential career pathways.

• Preschool Teacher
• Primary School Teacher
• Middle School Teacher
• Secondary School Teacher
• College Professor
• School Administrator
• Organization Administrator
• Curriculum Designer
• Tutor
• Private Organization or Nonprofit Teacher

What You Need to Know About Online Masters in Education Programs

Many MEd programs require students to perform field work. Depending on the curriculum of the program, students may be required to student teach, to develop a course in their chosen specialty, or even to find a job in their field. Student teaching is generally unpaid and takes place over 10-12 weeks during normal school hours, so non-teacher students looking to pursue a Online Masters Degree Program in Education should consider whether this requirement will conflict with your schedule.

Because some teachers choose to take courses toward a MEd while holding down a teaching job, many choose to pursue a degree online.

Some MEd programs require a Master’s thesis, but often fieldwork or a major project is substituted for a thesis.

Educational & Admissions Requirements

MEd programs will require students to submit college transcripts. They will also almost always require an acceptable undergraduate GPA and GRE score, and one or more letters of recommendation.  For students wishing to specialize in a certain teaching field, an undergraduate degree in that field may be required.

Some MEd programs catering to non-teachers will not accept applicants who have already received their teaching license or undergraduate teaching degree.

Because MEd programs vary so widely, students should research schools until they find the MEd program that suits their goals.

For more information on applying to a MEd program, consult the program’s admissions requirements or call a representative for details. Many programs offer credit for prior coursework, and transfer credits, but that will be judged on a per-institution basis. Accreditation can also play a role in determining if you are eligible to transfer credits or experience.

Accreditation

There are a number of recognized accrediting agencies and professional associations for teachers. Make sure you research the accrediting body before you select a program.

Teacher Education Accreditation Council, Inc. (TEAC)
www.teac.org

National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
www.ncate.org

National Board for Professional Teaching Standards
www.nbpts.org

Professional Organizations

There are a large number of professional teaching organizations. They are a great resource and a wealth of information for current and potential teachers. Many states also have statewide teaching organizations, so research your area for more information.

AFT – American Federation of Teachers
www.aft.org

NCSS – National Council for the Social Studies
www.socialstudies.org

NCTE – National Council of Teachers of English
www.ncte.org

NCTM – National Council for Teachers of Mathematics
www.nctm.org

NEA – National Education Association
www.nea.org/

National Science Teachers Association
www.nsta.org

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