Introduction to Online Masters in Education

By earning a Master’s in Education degree, you may qualify for leadership roles in schools and other educational institutions. Graduates are prepared to progress in their teaching careers at the elementary, secondary, post-secondary, or adult level or become principals and superintendents. With an advanced degree in education, your skills will be sharpened and enhanced with coursework in psychology, community, child development, policy, and pedagogical practice.

Online Master in Education Degrees

A master's degree in education, whether an Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MS), or Master of Education (M.Ed.) will open up a world of opportunities for aspiring teachers and educational administrators. Several accredited universities offer degrees entirely online. We have listed some options below.

University of Southern California — University of Southern California is a highly-respected provider of online, college education with several programs added to their course catalog in response to growing interest in online education. These courses offer a practical approach to education, combining hands-on exercises with industry-driven curriculum. USC offers a MA in Teaching, MA in Teaching Credentials, and a MA in Teaching ESL.

Capella University — Capella offers Master level teaching programs that cover preschool through high school education and into adult education, attracting both current teachers and those entering the field. Courses focus on helping future teachers improve student achievement by applying the most current theories, research and technology. Students leave with a portfolio that demonstrates their master's level competency to potential employers.

Kaplan University — Kaplan University's MS in Education program offers specializations in technology, leadership, student affairs, online teaching, administration, and college teaching because the university's faculty is aware that classrooms today come in a variety of unique learning environments. Students learn all the tools necessary for effective teaching in all of these environments, whether they be online, in colleges, or vocational schools.

Ashford University — Ashford University's online Masters in Education program offers fourteen unique specializations in areas such as child development, education policy, assessment & measurement, and culturally responsive education. These cutting edge specialties are designed prepare today's teachers to help their students excel in the classroom by providing a psychological and technological framework other programs don't.

University of Phoenix — The University of Phoenix offers advanced education programs to help train the next generation of teachers and administrators in a variety of areas. Specializations available for the elementary education, secondary education, special education, and more, helping to prepare students to excel in their teaching exams.

Liberty University — In Liberty University's Masters in Education online program in Teaching & Learning, all the basics are covered and students leave prepared to pass their teacher certification exams with flying colors. But, the program doesn't just teach to the test, it also covers the real-world classroom skills that are of paramount importance to effective teaching, like discipline and planning engaging curricula.

Walden University — Walden University's MS in Education program includes a number of specializations, including regular and unique single subjects for grades K-8. Some of the cutting edge specializations, like Adolescent Literacy and Technology for grades 6-12, and Integrating Technology in the Classroom, are sure to make teachers' resumes stand out. All MS in education programs emphasize practical strategies for managing a classroom and designing current curricula.

Drexel University — Drexel University, a leader in higher education, has added several masters in education online programs in response to growing interest in online education. This selection allow students to direct their careers to a field of their interest. Drexel offers many online programs including MS in Special Education, MS in Learning Technologies, and MS in Higher Education.

Post University — Post University online programs for two of its masters in education degrees: MEd in Teaching and MEd in Instructional Design and Technology. These programs are designed for students who want to quickly advance their careers as they can be completed in two (2) years. Post University has over 100 years of excellence in serving students and helping them obtain the skills, knowledge, and resources required by today's work environment.

University of Cincinnati — For student who want to advance their careers in education, University of Cincinnati offers several master in education degrees through online programs. These include programs for becoming a leader in education and developing innovative curriculum. In addition, MEd can help prepare students to teach special programs like gifted and talented (GT) students, students who speak languages other than English (ESL), and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM).

University of Massachusetts — The University of Massachusetts' M.Ed. in instructional design offers training in how to craft and deliver adult education that meets the current educational demands of the marketplace. The M.Ed. in Science Education combines faculty with specializations in science and education to create a well-rounded program. Students learn to design hands-on curricula that engage students. The online M.Ed. in School Counseling is one of UMass's most popular degrees, but requires two weeks of on campus clinical courses.

George Washington University — George Washington University offers two accredited Masters of Education through online programs in addition to their campus counterparts. These degrees offer greater convenience and flexibility and can be completed in under two (2) years or at a pace that is comfortable to you. The first degree is a MEd in Educational Leadership and Administration, and the second degree is a MEd in Educational Technology Leadership.

American InterContinental University — The American InterContinental University's M.Ed. in curriculum, assessment, instructional technology, and leadership programs help current teachers improve their techniques and learn new technology that will help them excel in their classrooms, and outside of them as leaders in education. Experienced teachers and aspiring teachers alike improve their abilities to motivate learners while earning the advanced degrees they need to keep growing in their careers.

Northcentral University — Northcentral University strives to create a unique learning experience for each student through the many online programs they offer. The masters programs are for students wanting to quickly advance their careers in education. These programs provide more flexibility and convenience than campus programs and can be completed on your own timeline. NCU has several fields of interest to specialize in, like Athletic Administration, eLearning, Global Training & Development, and Early Childhood Education.

Keiser University — Keiser University's MS in Education program with specializations in college administration, educational leadership, and teaching & learning, teaches students to work more effectively in diverse educational environments and communicate effectively to motivate and lead inside and outside the classroom. Practical and theoretical coursework are combined in the curriculum in subjects like Integrative Instructional Technology, and Ethical Decision Making.

Strayer University — Strayer University's M.Ed. in adult education & development, M.Ed. in educational management, and M.Ed. in Technology in Education programs are not only useful degrees for teachers, but also for training and development professionals and human resource staff managers. Students learn the business and information technology skills that are especially helpful to these careers, as well as the fundamentals of effective teaching and leadership.

Boston University — Boston University's MA in art education and the Master of Music in music education are teaching degree programs formed with the artist in mind. The curricula of each program develops a passion for teaching art while providing a practical framework of skills and teaching techniques so future teachers are completely prepared to bring out the best in their talented students.

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Overview of a Master of Education Program

The Master of Education (MED or M.E.d.) degree is designed for people with a background in education who wish to advance their degree, such as public school teachers. This degree will broaden their knowledge of curriculum instruction, counseling and school administration A Master’s of Education is considered a professional master’s degree. It’s normally a successive degree to your bachelors from the same discipline, and often require a bachelor’s of education as a component of admissions.

There are many different online Master of Education programs, as well as different degree types that you can receive. The three most popular online Master of education degrees are Master of Arts in education (MAEd), Master of Education (MED), and Master of Science in Education (MSED). Each of these programs and degrees vary based on the online institution you choose to attend. We’re going to focus on the MED degree, which covers teaching theory and trends in education, among other topics.

Types of Master of Education Programs

The MED degree offers the most variety in different specialties that a person can focus in. Typically you will also choose to teach a specific subject with the MED, so it’s important to make sure your online program offers the subject of your choice. Most programs offer a core set of classes that every MED student must take. Beyond that the curriculum will vary depending on your specialization. For example, classes such as models of instruction, curriculum design, and multicultural education would be required for a “Curriculum, Teaching, and Learning” specialization. On the other hand classes in human growth and development, multicultural counseling, and the ethics of counseling would be required for a student with “School Counseling” as their specialization. Because the specializations have different sets of curriculum, the length of MED programs may vary.

The following is a list of individual programs that may be offered through the Master of Education degree at online institutions:

  • Reading Education
  • Math Education
  • Gifted Education
  • TESOL/ESL – Teaching English as a Secondary Language
  • Special Education
  • Coaching Education
  • Educational Leadership
  • Curriculum & Instruction
  • Literacy (K-12)
  • Inclusion Education
  • Educational Leadership
  • Early Childhood Development
  • Secondary Education
  • Elementary Education
  • Music Education
  • Art Education
  • Science Education
  • Technology Education
  • Engineering Education
  • Math Education

Within some of the general concentrations, such as secondary education, you can focus on specific subjects and core competencies like English, History, Biology, Chemistry or Physics.

Benefits of an Online Master of Education Program

There is an array of different schools that offer online Master of Education programs. These programs have a variety of ways of handling classes. Some are available to begin each week, whereas other programs follow a schedule similar to that of an on-campus program. Online programs will use an online classroom format, such as CourseKit, Blackboard, WebCT, or Moodle. The MED online programs provide the same types of studies as a traditional program, and the trustworthiness of accredited universities and colleges is high.

Even online students are still required to perform some field work. This may mean a student teaching requirement, the duty of developing a course in a chosen specialty, or to find a job in your field of study. Student teaching is the most common path of fieldwork. It usually consists of spending 10 to 12 weeks in a classroom during normal school hours. It’s important to know what your online program requirements are in case you have conflicts with the student teaching component. Occasionally MED programs require a thesis, but often the fieldwork component or project is substituted for the thesis.

The online method of learning is perfect for those who already have careers in teaching or another field. Classes can fit into your busy schedule, and you’re able to work while attending the courses online. The convenience of online instruction is also worthwhile. Graduate students and teachers who live in rural areas don’t have to travel many miles to get to a university campus. Without commuting to class everyday a student can also save hundreds of dollars.

Many students prefer online learning to the classroom environment because discussions are more open and courses are much less intimidating. Students find they can express themselves better through the online writing medium rather than speaking in person. Also, surprisingly, online learning increases interaction with students. Most classes require that students participate in online discussion boards and they’re graded for these postings, therefore students who don’t normally interact in conversations will. Online learning also focuses on a student-centered approach of teaching, which is best for retaining information. You can learn at your own pace, take breaks when necessary, and even multi-task while taking a class. You’re given as much “think time” as you need to answer questions and assignments.

Online courses also teach students about technology, as the classroom setting relies on technology to function. Class assignments usually require a student to use forms of technology, too, which will improve their tech skills. Online learning facilitates team learning, using chat rooms, newsgroups, and discussion areas for teams to meet and perform joint work. Unlike on campus group work, online groups do not have to worry about mismatched schedules of group members, locating a meeting place, or distributing work between class meetings for review.

Although online programs are gaining in popularity and credibility, it’s still important that you choose an accredited institution of study. There are a number of recognized accrediting agencies and professional associations for teachers. You should research the school and program you select by using one of these organizations:

Career Opportunities with an Online Master of Education Degree

There are a variety of career opportunities in the education field that become available to those with an MED degree. A MED prepares students for advanced managerial positions at schools, including working as a principal or guidance counselor. Some MED graduates with a practical background in teaching may work as curriculum coordinators for schools, while others may work as educational coordinators for museums or even as military training instructors. The following is a guide to potential career options:

  • Preschool Teacher: This is education for children below the kindergarten level. This may be in a private or public setting. Usually these programs help with children’s motor skills and work at the beginner level of literacy. Creativity and interactive education are key components to preschool teaching.
  • Primary School Teacher: This is K-3 education. This is usually working on reading and writing literacy and penmanship. You also work with beginner level math and science material.
  • Middle School Teacher: This is typically 4-8 grades of education. This is more advanced level learning that sometimes requires teachers to have specializations in specific topics, such as history or math.
  • Secondary School Teacher: This is another way to say “high school teacher”, usually for grades 9-12. Secondary education prepares students for college or career level application of learning. Students are encouraged to use critical thinking at this level of education.
  • College Professor: Working in colleges or universities is an available option for MED graduates. This would be working in a very specific area of study, and most likely requires advanced research after your master’s degree.

Other potential jobs include school administrator, organization administrator, curriculum designer, tutor, and private organization or nonprofit teacher, and more. There are many options in the education field, and you’ll most likely be able to find your place somewhere.

Master of Education Professional Organizations:

The teaching field has a plethora of professional organizations for teachers of all subjects and areas of study. These organizations are a great resource for those seeking a MED. They offer a wide range of information for current and potential teachers. Individual states also have statewide teaching organizations that would be worthwhile for you to research more. The following are a few organizations that may be helpful with your online Master of Education degree.

  • American Federation of Teachers (AFT): A member organization that represents five divisions of professionals: pre-K through 12th-grade teachers; paraprofessionals and other school-related personnel; higher education faculty and professional staff; federal, state and local government employees; and nurses and other healthcare professionals.
  • National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS): The mission of National Council for the Social Studies is to provide leadership, service, and support for all social studies educators including elementary, middle, high school, and undergraduate studies.
  • National Council of Teachers of English: The NCTE is devoted to improving the teaching and learning of English and the language arts at all levels of education.
  • National Council of Teachers of Mathematics: The NCTM is a public voice of mathematics education supporting teachers to ensure equitable mathematics learning of the highest quality for all students through vision, leadership, professional development and research.
  • National Science Teachers Association: The NSTA is the largest organization in the world committed to promoting excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning for all.

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