Online M.Ed Programs: Inside the Best Schools

Common Traits of the Best Online Education Master’s Programs

Choosing the best online master’s in education program is a personal decision. What’s best for you may not be ideal for someone else. However, there are many similarities that some of the top master’s in education online programs share.

CAEP Accreditation

Accreditation is a process in which an independent organization confirms that a school or program offers an education that meets basic standards. It’s usually necessary for financial aid providers and future employers to recognize the degree. Before applying to any master’s in education online programs, confirm that it is accredited. The leading accrediting body is the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). The CAEP website has a handy search to help prospective students confirm if a program is CAEP accredited.

Specializations Offered

If you want to earn an online master’s degree in education, there’s a good chance you are doing so to achieve a higher level of understanding in a particular area. This might be an academic subject, or it could be a new area of expertise so you can transition into a new job or subset in the education field. The best programs will not only have a wide range of specializations to choose from but offer specializations in your area of interest.

Online Collaboration

One of the biggest reasons to earn a master’s degree in education online is the flexibility to take classes and complete assignments on your timetable. However, there is a tremendous benefit to synchronous learning, where you have the chance to interact with your classmates and professors in real-time. Even optional or occasional opportunities to attend class or meet with peers in a live setting can improve the quality of your education and networking opportunities.

Why Earn an Online Master’s in Education?

An online master’s degree in education is a major investment in time, money, and effort. So it’s understandable if you are wondering whether earning this degree is worth it, especially if you are already a licensed teacher. It is worth it, and here’s why:

Convenient Learning

Distance education has revolutionized education by offering a level of flexibility never seen before. With asynchronous learning formats and self-paced learning, students can earn their degrees while also working as full-time teachers. Online learning allows them to attend class at any time and from any location with an internet connection.

Improve Teaching Skills

Most teachers need a bachelor’s degree before becoming certified teachers. A master’s degree provides an excellent opportunity to become a more effective teacher by going in-depth into a specific academic subject, such as science or math. It can also expose teachers to new methods and concepts that they may not have learned during their undergraduate training.

New Career Opportunities

Most master’s in education online programs offer opportunities to specialize in a particular academic area. Some of these areas cover topics that do not relate directly to the teaching, such as leadership or curriculum design. These topics provide the training necessary for current teachers to step into new careers, especially in school administration, where leadership skills and a graduate degree are often prerequisites.

Master of Education (MEd)

The Master of Education prepares teachers for a wide range of careers. Much of the curriculum focuses on practical teaching skills and information that allows teachers to continue their careers as educators. But there are also courses covering leadership, curriculum design, and educational theory. This leads to MEd graduates working in other settings, such as corporate training in business or academic administration.

Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)

The Master of Arts in Teaching is a more specialized degree compared to the Master of Education. The MAT’s curriculum focuses more on practical classroom skills to help individuals become more effective teachers. Because the coursework is heavily weighted toward training on teaching, the MAT is ideal for those who want to become teachers and gain their initial teaching certification or licensure.

Master of Science (MS) / Non-Teaching Master of Arts (MA)

Master of Science and Master of Arts in Education degrees are sometimes interchangeable, depending on how a school chooses to name their program or academic degree offering. Generally speaking, both these degrees are intended for current teachers who wish to gain more specialized or in-depth knowledge in a particular subject. Depending on the school, an MS in Education degree may have a curriculum with more research or theory-based classes or specializations that focus on mathematics or the sciences.

Adult Education

This concentration addresses the different approaches teachers will take when teaching adult students. Topics covered include adult learning theories, the administration of different learning formats, and program assessment. Students will also receive training in areas such as corporate settings, outdoor education, and athletics.

Early Childhood Education

The focus in this specialization involves a lot more than just academic topics for young students. Much of the coursework will explain how to create lesson plans that build a child’s self-esteem and encourage them to learn in a supportive environment. Instruction will also include training on accommodating the various learning styles of young students.

Educational Administration

This concentration aims to provide teachers with the necessary leadership and management skills to step into the realm of school administration. Skills include how to solve complex problems using collaborative methods, mentorship of fellow teachers, and conflict resolution.

Educational Leadership

Educational leadership enhances the leadership ability of teachers for advanced roles in the classroom or with academic administration. Courses in this specialization include ethics, educational leadership, academic research, and administration.

Educational Technology

This specialization focuses on how teachers can implement new technologies to improve student learning. Students will learn how to conduct research and analysis to decide if unfamiliar technology should be integrated into the classroom and, if so, how that can take place.

Elementary Education

Students will learn about teaching techniques and strategies for students in grades one through six in this concentration. There will be a special focus on developing critical thinking skills and building confidence in learning. Part of the curriculum also examines how to best integrate technology into the classroom.

Instructional Design

This specialization prepares students to create curriculums for a wide range of recipients in many environments. Whether it’s adult students in a community center or middle school students at a private school, this concentration will teach the skills needed to create lesson plans to accommodate various learning styles, ages, and subjects.

Math Education

This concentration uses research-based teaching techniques to create the most effective math lessons possible. It focuses on creating activities, using technology, and designing research projects that will convey complex mathematic concepts to students and do so in a way that keeps their attention.

Music Education

One of the rarer specializations, this is typically designed for individuals with music backgrounds who do not have their teaching certification. The coursework trains individuals who already have in-depth music skills but need the pedagogical training to effectively convey that knowledge to students.

Secondary Education

By entering this specialization, students will learn principles, theories, and concepts that apply to teaching in grades seven through 12. In most secondary education master’s degree program concentrations, the curriculum will prepare students to teach in various class subjects, such as math, science, English, and social studies.

Special Education

This specialty properly equips teachers to work with students with varying degrees of learning, cognitive, or other disabilities. The focus includes looking at the most up-to-date evidence-based teaching methodologies to create the proper curriculum for special needs students. There are subspecialties to choose from, such as early intervention, mild to moderate special education needs, and moderate to severe educational needs.