A Master Degree in E-learning via Online Education
Why Online Education?
Today’s adult learners seem to lead busy lifestyles that make it difficult, if not impossible, to attend higher education classes in “brick and mortar” classrooms. Work and family obligations, and the commitment and time involved in traveling to and from class, hinder many adult learners from pursuing additional degrees. If you find yourself in such a situation, online education may be a viable solution.
You will no longer have to build your life around your classes; instead, you can fit your studies into your lifestyle. Online education provides a convenient and flexible alternative to taking courses in physical classrooms. Your course materials, syllabus, and virtual library are available whenever your study time is most convenient for you, typically 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Multimedia presentations enhance the overall learning experience. You often have the opportunity to interact with your instructor and classmates through various online applications, including discussion boards and live chat sessions.
Master of Education Degree in E-learning
A master’s degree in education, with an e-learning concentration, will prepare you to participate in this exciting educational venue as you share your passion for learning. E-learning, or electronic learning, is akin to online education; your education degree in e-learning creates the opportunity for you to provide online instruction or design curriculum for the online learning environment. Imagine the satisfaction of first earning your master of education degree in e-learning through online education, and then helping other students likewise achieve their educational goals.
A master’s degree with an e-learning concentration focuses on adult learning, particularly as it applies to an online setting. You will learn how to adapt traditional teaching methods to be compatible with a virtual learning environment. Your studies typically also include instructional design and technology, as these are relevant to the successful implementation and delivery of e-learning courses.
Schools Offering Master of Education E-Learning Degree Programs
Capella University, with corporate headquarters in Minneapolis, Minnesota, offers a fully online Master of Science in Education degree program, with a specialization in Instructional Design for Online Learning. Capella requires official transcripts from previous schools along with a $75 application fee. Capella also evaluates non-academic factors, such as your résumé, work history, and other achievements to determine if online learning is appropriate for you.
Northcentral University (NCU), based in Prescott Valley, Arizona, offers a fully online Master of Education program with a dual concentration in Educational Technology and E-Learning. You must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. NCU also requires official transcripts from your previous schools and you must submit an application fee of $75 along with a current résumé.
The University of Maryland University College (UMUC), situated in Adelphi, Maryland, offers a fully online Master of Distance Education and E-Learning degree program. UMUC requires official transcripts from previous accredited schools and a $50 application fee.
Career Outlook
As an online instructional coordinator or curriculum developer, you may expect to earn approximately $57,000 annually, or an average hourly wage of about $28, according to 2008 figures from the Occupational Handbook compiled by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This applies to related positions such as educational technologists, educational consultants, and other specialists. This figure varies based on your location, size and type of institution, and other factors.
Conclusion
Keep in mind that even though you can study your Master of Education in E-Learning program online at your convenience, you will still have assignment due dates and discussion board postings to complete. You may also need to virtually attend lectures or presentations. Stay organized and maintain a calendar to track your assignments and other activities.
