Earn an Online Masters in Education with A Gifted and Talented Focus

Earn an Online Masters in Education with A Gifted and Talented Focus
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An online masters degree in Education (Gifted and Talented) can help teachers achieve their professional development goals and bring new strategies to the classroom. Learn more about available degree programs as you read on.

Choosing Gifted and Talented Education

With so many masters degree options, why should teachers choose a concentration in gifted and talented education? Gifted and talented students have special needs, both social and emotional in addition to intellectual. Teachers who complete these degrees will be prepared to coordinate special programs for the gifted and talented, teach self-contained or pullout programs for these students or bring helpful knowledge to a mixed-ability classroom to make sure all students can work to their full potential.

Choosing an Online Degree

An online program is a convenient option for working professionals. Teachers can better balance their busy schedule with the flexibility offered by online classes. Not all schools offer a Masters degree in Education of the Gifted and Talented, online or otherwise. Taking online classes allows teachers to broaden their list of potential colleges and choose the program that best fits their needs, regardless of distance.

Available Programs

The following are a few of the Masters in Education of the Gifted and Talented online programs available. Reading through their descriptions will help you get a sense of program options and varying requirements.

The University of Missouri offers an online masters degree in Special Education with a concentration in gifted education. The 33 hours of required coursework includes 18 hours of core classes and 15 hours of classes focused on educating gifted and talented students. For Missouri teachers, the focus courses fulfill the requirements for gifted certification in the state. Before graduation, students must complete either a final project or complete a comprehensive exam. Teachers may also take classes as “post-baccalaureate” students if they do not wish to complete the entire program.

The University of Houston’s programs include a Masters of Education in Gifted and Talented Education. Students must complete 36 credits, including three classes of core requirements, six classes in the gifted and talented concentration, and six credits of electives. Three courses are available that will help teachers transition to a doctorate program, if desired. Classes in this program can be used to fulfill state certification requirements.

The University of Connecticut Masters of Education in Educational Psychology with an emphasis in gifted and talented education is another online degree option. The 33-credit program includes a mix of required foundation courses to prepare students for graduate education, core courses focused on gifted and talented education and elective classes. Potential students who live far from campus need to note that this online degree does require some time on campus during summer sessions at the beginning and end of the program.

Contact the College of Education at any school in which you are interested to find out if a gifted and talented degree is available and whether you can complete courses online.

Resources

https://mudirect.missouri.edu/degprog/ed-gifted/index.shtm

https://www.distance.uh.edu/degrees/graduate/gifted_talented.html

https://www.gifted.uconn.edu/WebClasses/OnlineMasters.htm