Teachers Earn a Degree Online

Posted by teacher on November 8, 2006

© Kimberly Moen

Many teachers today are considering an online graduate degree program to expand their knowledge and increase their teaching salaries. The advantages of an online college degree are many. You no longer have to adjust a work schedule around a class schedule, and you can avoid the time and money it takes to commute to a campus. You can earn a graduate degree online, continue to work, and still spend quality time with your family—rather than sitting in a classroom.

Key Factors

The following are a few important points to investigate if you’re thinking about an online degree program:

• Accreditation
• Acceptance by your district
• Instructors’ credentials
• Technology/equipment required
• Campus requirements
• Programs and specializations available
• Costs
• Transfer of credits
• Online Accredited Degree

Accreditation is pivotal in deciding which online degree program to pursue. The school awarding the online graduate degree should be accredited by one of the six regional accreditation associations. Most public school districts will accept only degrees from accredited institutions.

Technology/Equipment Required

Students should own or have dependable access to a computer with an Internet connection. The institutions I visited listed different minimum requirements, so you should check those, especially if you plan to purchase equipment.

Online or On Campus

Some online graduate degree programs also require quarterly on-campus meetings, so make sure you understand and can meet those requirements before committing to earn a degree online.

Online Degree Graduate Programs

Common online MA in Education programs include the following specializations:

• Administration and Supervision
• Curriculum and Instruction
• Early Childhood Education
• Special Education
• Teacher Education for Elementary Licensure
• Teacher Education for Secondary Licensure
• Curriculum and Instruction-Adult Education
• Curriculum and Instruction-Computer Education
• Curriculum and Instruction-English as a Second Language
• Online Degree Costs

Costs for an accredited online college degree are somewhat higher than a traditional classroom-based degree, but most working professionals I surveyed believe the additional costs are justified because many expenses associated with attending classes are eliminated—not to mention the value of convenience.

Transfer Credits

Most institutions of higher learning have guidelines for accepting transfer course credits, should that be required. Typically, transferred credits are accepted by schools, provided the credits were awarded by an accredited institution; further, a specific number of credits must be earned from the institution granting the degree. Make sure you understand the school’s policy on accepting transfer credits, if applicable.

If you’re interested in pursuing an online graduate degree, the most important aspects are accreditation and your district’s acceptance policy. Although the other points are significant, they are moot if the first two requirements aren’t met. Want to learn about other Distance and Online Education options? If you’re not quite ready to commit to an online degree, but you want to expand your horizons, explore Continuing Education.