7 Reasons to Consider an On-Campus Masters in Education
Masters in Education are still one of the most widely offered programs at universities across the nation. A Masters Degree in Education on campus is what its name implies. Students physically attend classes, generally on a prescribed schedule, such as Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10 a.m. until 11:20 a.m. Different universities use different time frames for their grading terms, such as semesters, trimesters, and quarters. The semester method is the most common, with the usual schedules as follows: Fall Semesters from August through December; Spring Semester from January through May; and Summer Semester from late May or early June through July.
An on campus program allows for many teachers who are seeking a Masters in Education to have actual student interaction. This is very important for those individuals who are making a career change, or simply furthering their education, and are not actually teaching students in a school setting. Having the ability to work with live students, or even engage in group work that mimics a classroom situation, is crucial for many graduate students. On campus learning can take place in a number of locations, including the main campus or extended campuses. Some Masters of Education classes are even offered at individual school districts, if enough school employees register for the program. This can provide structure and convenience. Many students find the cost, focus, and involvement of a traditional education to fit their needs. Below we have compiled a more in-depth list of the various factors to consider when choosing to attend a campus based masters in education program.
1. Networking
Students are able to network in order to make contacts. This is done best in person through an on campus program. Personal contact makes the networking more memorable. Although lifelong relationships can develop from college, simply being in the same class with another student can forge a wonderful networking opportunity.
2. Real-Life Preparation
On campus learning provide real life preparation activities for teachers who are not currently teaching in a classroom. Many courses ask graduate students to go into classrooms and observe or even teach a short lesson. Other valuable experiences include exercises in the graduate classroom, which can mirror classroom situations that an online environment may not be ale to offer.
3. Face-to-Face Interaction
Aside from networking, attending a university is a wonderful way to meet new people. The face to face interaction can increase bonding and/or camaraderie. Relationships, such as friendships and professional relationships are often created while attending college. It is often said that some of the strongest relationships are those built in college.
4. Structured Learning Environment
The graduate student who needs a more structured learning environment often finds this in an on campus program. Students who are self starters tend to be more successful with online programs. Students who thrive in a more rigid makeup tend to be more successful in an on campus course
5. Social Interaction
Through on campus programs and in person classes, graduate students can further develop their social skills. Obvious roadblocks exist to developing social skills online. Through the many different opportunities on campus learning provides, students may find that their social interaction skills have gotten better.
6. Greater Options
Certain programs, such as those in the medical or legal field, are not available online. More specifically in the education field, administration programs, as well as doctoral programs in specific areas may be the only ones available online. On campus programs, however, often offer a variety of programs in the emphasis area.
7. Credibility
Though online learning has come a long way over the past few decades, many still do not see an online education as comparable to an on campus education. Many students prefer to see the credibility of a traditional university on their resume.
If your still not sure if an on-campus program is right for you than be sure to read our article 10 Reasons to Choose a Online Masters in Education.
Additional Masters in Education Resources:
- Masters in Teaching Guide – Answers frequently asked questions about MAT programs, and compares and contrasts it to other MED programs.
- Masters in Education Degrees & Majors – Lists out the top masters in education majors/concentrations such as elementary education, educational administration and more.
- Masters in Education Programs & Schools – Lists out the best masters in education program schools.
- Masters in Education Admissions Requirements – In-depth guide to masters in education admissions requirements.
- Masters in Education Guide to Accreditation – Provides detailed information about the various types of masters in education accreditation.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Am not sure that convenience should be listed here. For many, it is much more convenient to just turn on the computer and go online to take your course. No hassles of commuting, finding a parking space and all that.
A structured learning environment is not much of a draw for me. I don’t really think that I’d be able to keep up with the rest of the class with my family and my workload to think about.
I think that the reduced cost and the face-to-face interactions are what I miss most about going to a physical classroom. You have to admit there’s a certain sense of belonging if you go to a physical classroom on campus. You get closer relationships via a face-to-face interaction.
On the other hand, though, upon thinking about it, I get to save both time and money staying home or taking my modules online. Face-to-face interactions may be replaced by online discussion rooms and chats. So I guess am not really missing out on much.
You could also network even when you’re taking online classes. In fact, you could get more networks online than in a limited classroom environment. You do need to invest some time in it though, which is something that most people who are enrolled in online classes lack. But still what’s an extra hour or two in a week to network? It’s going to be worth it!
I really do not think that credibility is a problem if you have an online degree. As a hiring manager for a large firm, we first take a look at your work experience and then your education. As long as you have a masters degree related to your previous work and the position you apply for, then that’s a good thing for you. The fact that you took it online does not really matter. Also, with the improvement in technology happening now and with more and more people taking up online degrees, you no longer have to explain that an online course is just as good as the traditional one.
If you worry about the limited social interaction you get in online programs, then you shouldn’t. You can still hone your social skills at work or in other real life situations. You can even socialize with other people who are taking the same courses you are with the help of online chat rooms and discussion groups.