How to Choose the Best Online Master's Degree in Education

A master’s degree in education can help you launch your career as an educator or advance and expand your skill set. With online programs, you can earn your graduate degree on your terms and start taking steps to achieve your career goals and make a powerful difference in countless students’ lives. Keep reading to learn more about online master’s degrees in education and how you can find the ideal program for you.

Why Pursue an Online Master’s Degree in Education?

Before you start comparing programs, you may want to consider the reasons to earn your master’s degree in education and why doing so online is a smart move.

Qualify for a teaching license after just two years.

To earn your teaching license, you need to go through a teacher preparation program and earn your education degree, but that degree can be a bachelor’s or graduate degree. So, if you’re looking to make a total career change and pursue your passion for education, you can build on the education you already have and enroll in a master’s program. Most of these programs can be completed in two years, and then you’re ready to apply for licensure. 

Expand your credentials and career opportunities.

With a master’s degree and a teaching license, you can qualify for many in-demand jobs in education. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that demand for elementary, middle, and high school teachers will hold steady through 2032. Depending on the license you gain, you could focus on an age group or subject area you’re passionate about, or you could support students with disabilities. 

Enjoy personal satisfaction. 

If you’re feeling stuck in your life, it may be time to expand your knowledge and welcome some new, exciting experiences. The learning experience in an online education master’s degree program can be rich and varied. Through both online coursework and classroom fieldwork, you’ll gain valuable skills. Feeling challenged through a degree program can provide a sense of personal fulfillment, especially when you know you can put that learning to good use, helping young learners grow and thrive.

Take advantage of flexible course schedules.

Why go with an online master’s degree in education? Here’s one great reason: Online degree programs tend to afford a higher level of flexibility so you can fit in coursework around work and family obligations. That means you don’t have to wait until life slows down (does it ever, really?) to pursue your dream—you can start working on your degree now while continuing to excel in other parts of your life. (See the second item in the next section for guidance on choosing a flexible program.) 

Choose from a wide range of programs.

With a remote teaching master’s degree, you’re not bound to universities within driving distance of your home or in locations where you’re willing to relocate. Instead, you can choose from institutions throughout the state to find the program that most appeals to you.  

Tips for Selecting the Right Online Master's Degree Program in Education

Ready to start comparing online master's degrees in education? Look for a program that delivers the qualities that matter to you. Here are six important characteristics to consider.

Accreditation

Start with the most essential requirement. The program you choose should be recognized by your state education department as an approved teacher preparation program and accredited by a reputable education agency. These forms of validation ensure your degree is recognized and respected in the field. With the appropriate accreditation, an e-learning master's program in education is just as valuable as a degree from a traditional on-campus program.

Flexibility 

One of the advantages of an online program is its flexibility, so make sure you choose a program that allows you to capitalize on this benefit. Evaluate the program's flexibility in terms of course scheduling. For example, a course curriculum that involves live lectures you must attend at a set time offers less flexibility than an asynchronous learning program that allows you to watch pre-recorded lectures or work through course material when it’s most convenient. 

You should also take note of programs’ start dates to see how soon you could start earning your degree. Some programs may follow a traditional semester schedule, whereas others allow you to jump in at various points throughout the year.

Support

When it comes to online programs, some learners are understandably concerned about whether they’ll receive the level of support and the feeling of camaraderie they need to thrive academically and personally. Some online programs could leave you feeling isolated, so be sure to find a program in which you’re treated as a valued member of the learning community. 

Look for testimonials from current online students or alumni (if they aren’t available on the institution’s website, look on sites like LinkedIn), and see what support services are available for online students from any institution you’re considering.

Curriculum

Education is a broad umbrella with plenty of room to specialize in the area you’re most passionate about, so consider your career goals and interests and choose a program that offers the appropriate preparation for the license you want to earn. You can explore program pages online or download course catalogs to learn about the classes you would take and any experiential components involved.  

Cost

Budget is a practical concern for nearly all students. Fortunately, online programs are often more budget-friendly, especially if they allow you to keep working while you earn your degree. To determine the affordability of a program, research the price per credit hour and any additional fees involved. You should also consider financial aid options available to you through the institution, government, and private organizations. 

Values

Although some qualities are objective and measurable, some of the most important aspects of a program are intangible. The values embedded in an institution and an education degree program can have a real impact on your experience. When it comes to education, you’re not only learning hard skills but also developing a philosophy that will help you shape young minds.

So consider a university’s values to see if they align with yours. What sort of worldview informs the education you’ll receive? For example, MVNU Online’s Christ-centered values inform the curriculum and philosophy of our programs.

Earn Your Online Master’s Degree in Education from MVNU Online

Are you ready to gain the skills and confidence needed to start positively impacting students in your community? With MVNU Online, you can enjoy all the perks of an online degree program and receive a high-quality education that qualifies you for teaching licensure in Ohio. Unsure which of our education programs to pursue? Take a moment to check out our e-book, Which Education Program Is Right for Me?