Busy educators looking to advance their career often seek out graduate programs that can accommodate their schedule and budget. While traditional, in-person master’s programs can be difficult to fit into a working professional’s life, programs like the online Master of Education (M.Ed.) programs offered by the University of Louisiana Monroe (ULM) enable educators to gain career-boosting credentials on a flexible schedule while maintaining a work-life balance.
This 100% online, CAEP-accredited program prepares educators for career advancement in specialized areas including educational technology, educational leadership and curriculum and instruction. Featuring multiple start dates and pay-by-the-course tuition, the program offers educators an accessible, affordable path to professional growth.
What Factors Should I Consider When Choosing a Master’s Program?
There is no silver bullet for identifying the perfect degree program. However, deciding whether to pursue a master’s degree in person or online is an important first step. As ETS, a global education and talent solutions organization, states: “The decision to obtain a master’s or doctorate degree online or in person is an important one, as it will dictate a large part of the graduate experience you’ll have as a student.” For most students, deciding whether to pursue an online or in-person experience ultimately hinges on their priorities.
While attending classes on campus can be more time-consuming, some students may find an on-campus experience helps them stay connected and motivated to continue their studies. Student concerns about enrolling in a virtual program include “becoming more distracted by studying online, getting bored if the learning experience is not motivating, and lacking discipline to complete the online program,” according to McKinsey. However, online degree programs also have unique advantages.
The Benefits of Online University Degree Programs
A critical advantage of an online program is that it enables working professionals to pursue a degree without leaving their jobs. As McKinsey points out “many students, especially those trying to balance work with study, are gravitating toward online learning because of its greater convenience and accessibility compared with traditional classroom instruction.” In fact, most students count ease of access to study materials and scheduling convenience among an online program’s biggest benefits, according to McKinsey.
While some online programs have schedules that match up with traditional school semesters such as fall, spring and summer sessions, ULM’s program offers additional options, including an eight-week online course format with five annual start dates. This unique approach removes geographic and scheduling barriers common in more traditional programs. These benefits, combined with affordable, pay-by-the-course tuition options, make ULM’s M.Ed. programs even more accessible to educators looking for a flexible pathway to career advancement.
Is an Online Master’s Degree Worth the Cost?
While in the past there was a stigma attached to online degrees, employer confidence has grown significantly in recent years, in part due to the pandemic-induced surge in virtual learning. As an Inside Higher Ed article points out, 84% of respondents to a survey of American adults believe employers are more accepting of online degrees today than they were before the pandemic.
By combining affordability, flexibility and CAEP-accredited quality instruction, ULM’s online Master of Education programs provide working educators with a practical pathway to gaining specialized expertise without the need to disrupt their current employment and personal commitments. Whether their goal is to qualify for leadership roles, master emerging technologies in the classroom or refine curriculum development skills, ULM graduates gain the knowledge and skills needed to advance their careers in today’s competitive education landscape.
Learn more about the University of Louisiana Monroe’s online M.Ed. programs.