Unique Online Master's Degree Programs for Licensed Teachers

The minimum requirement for becoming a teacher is a bachelor's degree. Upon being hired by a school district, a teacher usually embarks quickly upon a master's degree program as well. This not only moves the teacher up on the salary scale, but can also open doors to other areas of education. Since teachers are working full-time, the thought of getting a master's degree online can be enticing. The cache of programs available for online master's degrees for teachers increases each year. The programs are unique, meshing with the needs of individual teachers. An online master's degree program can take one to three years, depending whether a student goes part-time or full-time.

Nova Southeastern University: Teachers Apply Action Research Projects to Their Own Classroom Issues

Nova offers four specialized online master's degree programs for teachers: elementary reading, elementary math, curriculum and instruction, and K-12 technology integration. Prerequisites are a bachelor's degree from an accredited university, at least a 2.5 out of 4.0 grade point average, and a current teaching license. Nova's programs center around a problem-based approach. There are no exams and a thesis is not required. In lieu, coursework and an action research project are the evaluation tools. Teachers identify issues in their own classrooms and then personalize their approaches around those issues. If you choose one of Nova's online master's programs, you will collaborate with a cohort of professionals. The start dates are January, March, May, August, and October.

Western Governors University: Competency-Based, Not Credit-Hour Based

The 13 online master's degree programs at WGU are designed for already-licensed teachers. They are unique in their competency-based approach. You'll be asked to 'prove you know your stuff'. You can earn a master's degree in educational leadership. With this degree, you will open the door to administration and possibly a job as a school principal. There are degrees that would certify you for teaching in areas such as physics and chemistry at the secondary level. You can earn a degree in ESL (English as a Second Language), and that will give you the option of working in a school district or possibly teaching English language learners at a community college. WGU suggests that potential master's degree candidates take this quiz to help them determine if online learning is the correct choice.

National University: Preparation for National Board Certification

National University offers many master's degree programs from educational counseling and psychology to administration. If you would like to assume a leadership position at your school, but are not interested in becoming an administrator, National University has a unique master's degree program in instructional leadership. This degree program incorporates courses on educational administration, while simultaneously preparing you to take the national board certification exam. Teachers in my district who achieved this certification were guaranteed annual raises.

Every state is different. Before you apply for any master's degree program, be sure to check with your school district and state Department of Education to verify that that the program meets with their standards and will fulfill your desired purpose.

Online Master's Degree: Is It Right for You?