Thinking About Getting an Online Masters Degree in Education?

With a rough economy and a record number of college graduates, many individuals are left without a job. To get back into the workforce, employees must

pursue advanced degrees and develop new job experiences. For many workers, returning to school can be a financial burden. Traditional college classes are often held at inconvenient hours and in distant locations. For adults who want to pursue an education at their convenience, an on-line Master's in Education is the best option.

The first step toward pursing an online masters degree in education is to decide on the type of program. Each program ranges from full-time classes to just credits toward a certificate. For students who lack an undergraduate degree in education, most graduate programs will require extra prerequisites and coursework. No matter what the student wants in a degree, they should always make sure that their program is fully accredited. For the graduate degree to be useful, it should lead to a certification as a National Board Certified teacher. This certification enables the student to receive a higher salary and ensures that they can pursue numerous career tracks.


Additional Certifications

Many graduate programs also enable students to get an additional certification. Master of Education programs will often include specializations like educational psychology or educational leadership and public policy. Students can also select specialties like curriculum and instruction or special education. If someone plans on working in special education or as the school principal, these specializations can help fill out a resume.

Completing the Requirements

Each degree is formatted differently, but most Master of Education degrees will have a few traits in common. They will generally consist of one to two years of graduate level courses. In addition, students will have to take a written exam and complete a master's thesis. Some schools will choose offer an alternative to the master's thesis in the form of a research project or internship.

Fifth Year Programs Versus MEd

For students who are interested in research, policy or educational administration, a Master of Education is the best option. An alternative program is
offered by some schools in the form of a fifth-year Master of Education. This secondary option is normally done by individuals who want to study their subject matter in depth while they are an undergraduate. After they finish their first four years, they continue to attend the same school to getting a graduate degree in education. By going this route, students can focus more on the subject they will teach in their undergraduate and focus completely on pedagogy while they are in the graduate program.

Anyone who chooses to do the fifth-year master's degree programs should always ensure that their program is state certified. Although most programs do lead to a teaching credential, some may require the student to take additional tests or fulfill other requirements before they can be certified as a teacher.

Conveniently, some states also allow students to start teaching before they have completed their graduate degree in education. Students who live in one of these states can take classes on-line and teach at their school during the day. This option lets teachers gain the required level of education without having to take time off of their career.

Why an On-line Education is Best

Most states require teachers to attend a required number of courses each year to keep their teaching license. This requirement is intended to make teachers continue their education and stay abreast of recent developments in the field. If teachers are required to pursue additional credits each year, it makes sense to do a few extra credits to complete an online masters degree in education. The extra coursework will help the teacher reach their career goal and can improve their chances of receiving tenure.


When it comes down to it, an on-line degree is primarily chosen for its convenience and affordability. Students from around the world can study on their own time schedule at a price they can afford. With the rise in on-line education, many degree programs also offer a high-quality education that is comparable to any degree offered by a brick-and-mortar institution. For the same quality of education and a flexible class schedule, students should check out some of the top on-line degree programs in education.