Education degree online programs range from online bachelors degree in education, online teaching degree, elementary education, early childhood education degrees, online special education degrees, instructional technology and design, teacher certification, health education to online graduate education degrees - master degree in education and PhD or doctoral degree in education.
If you're thinking about pursuing an education degree online program, but you're not sure what an education degree will do for you, rest assured that a career in education can be truly satisfying.
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Education degree online and related programs are available in these and more areas of study:
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Education degree programs are designed to provide you with the tools you need to create a safe, structured learning environment, develop curriculum and curricular materials, and help students grow and mature intellectually and emotionally in an age-appropriate manner. Some teaching degree programs provide specialized training so that you can help children with special needs or those who are gifted and talented to reach their full potential.
Education degrees focus on providing you with knowledge and skills in classroom management, childhood development, education theory and practice, and legal and ethical issues in education. Education degree programs usually focus on specific fields such as K-12 education, adult education, education administration, early childhood education, special education, and library and resource management.
Recent immigration trends have increased the demand for English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers. Education technology is another new and rapidly growing field due to technology advances and emergence of online education and e-learning. Teachers with solid science or mathematics backgrounds are also in high demand.
Many students pursue their education degree through an education degree online program. Online colleges focus on providing working people access to high-quality education courses at any time. You should be careful to make sure that the education degree online program you attend is accredited to ensure that your degree will be accepted by employers and other colleges and universities, and to protect yourself against fraudulent degree programs and diploma mills.
An associates degree in education - is an under graduate degree program that can provide an aspiring educator with an entry portal to a career in education. Associate's degree training includes introductions to the history and philosophy of education, effective communication skills, classroom diversity, and legal and ethical issues in the classroom. Associate's degrees in education are frequently used as a stepping stone to a bachelor's degree in education or teaching degree.
Bachelors Degree in Education - is a four year under graduate degree that provides greater depth and breadth to your understanding of education. Bachelor's degrees in education typically offer specialized elementary education degrees, early childhood education degrees, instructional technology degrees, adult education degrees, and special education degrees. There are many high-quality online schools offering a teaching degree. In addition to coursework in education ethics and law, effective communication skills, and diversity, you will also receive instruction in education theory and practice, classroom management, and specific teaching methods for specific subjects.
Your teaching and classroom management skills will be sharpened and challenged through mandatory internships in real classroom settings under the guidance and supervision of an experienced classroom teacher.
Masters Degree in Education (MEd) - many people choose to continue their education training in a MEd program. Master degree in education online (MEd) programs are designed for busy professionals who want to enter the teaching profession from a different career field, or current teachers and students who want to take their teaching careers to the next level. A MEd provides you with in-depth training in educational psychology, curriculum development, pedagogy, and specialized subject matter such as science, math, or language arts. Your MEd will prepare you to provide leadership and professional development to your fellow teachers.
Doctorate Degree in Education (EdD, Ph.D.) - for those who are oriented toward research, a Ph.D. or online doctorate degree in education can be pursued at an accredited college.
Completion of a doctoral degree in education is a major undertaking, requiring additional coursework that analyzes education in great detail. You will also write and defend a dissertation which will include an original piece of research you have conducted. An EdD trains you to understand education research and how to apply research conclusions to an educational situation. EdDs often specialize in educational leadership, educational policy, or curriculum development.
Alternative certification programs are designed to provide working professionals who already possess at least a bachelor's degree with the training and skills needed in teaching theory and practice, classroom management, and legal and ethical issues in education to be effective teachers. AltCert programs, as they are known, require either internships in classroom settings similar to what you will experience in an education bachelor's degree program, or on-the-job supervision and mentorship by an experienced classroom teacher.
As an educator, you will be required to obtain additional training beyond that which you receive with your degree. All teachers and education professionals are required to meet continuing education requirements that are specified by each state. Advanced certificates such as graduate certificates, teacher certification programs, Gifted and Talented, ESL, Special Education, and many others provide you with a competitive edge. They identify you as an educator who has passed a rigorous course of study in a highly sought after educational specialty.
Your education degree online will open doors to you in a wide variety of careers.
With an associate's degree, you can work as a teaching assistant, pre-school teacher, or childcare worker. Jobs open to graduates with a bachelor's degree in education include classroom teacher, lead teacher, department chair, professional development specialist, corporate trainer, and instructional coordinator. MEds and EdDs typically become curriculum developers, instructional coordinators, and principals and assistant principals.
A Ph.D. in education can lead to a career as a professor, think-tank member, or high level government policy analyst. Education careers can be found anywhere students or employees require training and education. Careers can be found throughout industry and government including education administration, agribusiness, industrial production, hospital and medical practices, social and community services organizations, local, state, and federal government, banking and finance, and the securities markets.
Salaries for graduates in education vary widely, depending upon the degree you earn, the specialization you choose, and where you live. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2008), graduates with an associate's degree in education can expect to earn an average of $22,200. Bachelor's degree graduates can easily earn over $33,000 to start, on average, and rapidly advance into the mid-$40's. Teachers who work with student clubs or who coach teams are often paid a supplement in addition to their regular salary. MEds, EdDs, and Ph.D.s typically average over $80,000 within a few years of their initial employment. Teaching jobs in bilingual education, the sciences, and mathematics, as well as positions in poor urban and rural school districts are expected to grow more rapidly than other teaching jobs.
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