Since you are reading this right now, it tells me you have some level
of Internet savvy to get here. Was it work for you, or does being
online seem comfortable or natural? If you have a “virtual” life
online, why not seriously consider completing your Master’ degree in
Education through a college or university distance education program?
In the last decade, nearly every major college and university has dedicated enormous energy and resources to bring some or all of their courses into electronic delivery. As baby-boomers age, the potential pool of students gets smaller each year and there is much greater competition for the available students than ever before. Colleges now compete for students by offering quality programs packed full of flexibility and excellent “customer service.” (Which, by the way, is a huge switch from when I was in graduate school during the mid 1980’s! Back then we were generally told by our graduate advisor which courses we needed and which time and semester they were offered ON CAMPUS, period.)
This is really great news for you. You get to enjoy the flexibility of the virtual classroom. It means you have a wide variety of graduate programs to choose from, not limited by schedule or physical location. Your next college or university might even be in another state! The problem becomes evident when you go online and see all of the possibilities! You look at the nearly infinite number of “hits” and wonder how you are going to choose one. Nearly everything looks impressive online, so you surely can’t make a choice based on the razzle-dazzle of an impressive website. Where do you begin?
I recommend that you start by limiting your search to the specific online graduate degree program you want. If you want a Master’s degree in Education and your emphasis is mathematics, immediately eliminate any program that does not offer EXACTLY what you want. There are so many choices; you don’t have to settle for less than what you want. Once you have that list, look to see if the degree completion is available COMPLETELY online, or are their physical attendance requirements or other on-campus components, such as exams or seminars. Taking these things into consideration will also shorten your list.
Now that your list is shorter, your very important next step is to look at how each program is accredited. There are several national and regional accrediting organizations that evaluate higher education institutions, as well as accreditation for specific programs within in an institution. Participation in accreditation is voluntary in our higher education system, and the full process takes many years. Very new programs or institutions will not have had the time to reach accreditation status, although they may be in the process of achieving accreditation. Just because an institution is “in the process,” this does not ensure they will ultimately be accredited.
Institutional or program-based accreditation is important to you for several reasons:
You are about to make a significant investment in both time and financial resources. Make sure you do your homework upfront and choose an online graduate program that will ensure both your success and be well-valued by future employers. See you online. (You may even encounter me as an instructor someday!)
In the last decade, nearly every major college and university has dedicated enormous energy and resources to bring some or all of their courses into electronic delivery. As baby-boomers age, the potential pool of students gets smaller each year and there is much greater competition for the available students than ever before. Colleges now compete for students by offering quality programs packed full of flexibility and excellent “customer service.” (Which, by the way, is a huge switch from when I was in graduate school during the mid 1980’s! Back then we were generally told by our graduate advisor which courses we needed and which time and semester they were offered ON CAMPUS, period.)
This is really great news for you. You get to enjoy the flexibility of the virtual classroom. It means you have a wide variety of graduate programs to choose from, not limited by schedule or physical location. Your next college or university might even be in another state! The problem becomes evident when you go online and see all of the possibilities! You look at the nearly infinite number of “hits” and wonder how you are going to choose one. Nearly everything looks impressive online, so you surely can’t make a choice based on the razzle-dazzle of an impressive website. Where do you begin?
I recommend that you start by limiting your search to the specific online graduate degree program you want. If you want a Master’s degree in Education and your emphasis is mathematics, immediately eliminate any program that does not offer EXACTLY what you want. There are so many choices; you don’t have to settle for less than what you want. Once you have that list, look to see if the degree completion is available COMPLETELY online, or are their physical attendance requirements or other on-campus components, such as exams or seminars. Taking these things into consideration will also shorten your list.
Now that your list is shorter, your very important next step is to look at how each program is accredited. There are several national and regional accrediting organizations that evaluate higher education institutions, as well as accreditation for specific programs within in an institution. Participation in accreditation is voluntary in our higher education system, and the full process takes many years. Very new programs or institutions will not have had the time to reach accreditation status, although they may be in the process of achieving accreditation. Just because an institution is “in the process,” this does not ensure they will ultimately be accredited.
Institutional or program-based accreditation is important to you for several reasons:
- You are assured of a basic level of quality in both education and services.
- Credits are more likely to be transferable to other accredited institutions.
- Your online degree is more likely to be recognized by colleges and employers as a legitimate credential.
- Accreditation also has important financial implications. If the school you attend is accredited, you may qualify for federal loans and grants, since regionally accredited institutions are eligible to participate in Title IV financial aid programs.
You are about to make a significant investment in both time and financial resources. Make sure you do your homework upfront and choose an online graduate program that will ensure both your success and be well-valued by future employers. See you online. (You may even encounter me as an instructor someday!)
