Masters in Education Duration: How to Quickly Complete the Course
Posted By admin on January 13, 2012
Learn effective ways of quickly completing your masters in education degree, and general information on the average duration of such degrees.
Oftentimes, graduates of masters in education become teachers. They may choose careers within the education field, specifically in curriculum development, university support, children counseling etc. Any education degree has a specified period for its completion. Students planning to take up an education masters program may discuss the matter with college advisers to look up their educational options.
Masters of education degrees consist of Master of Teaching (MAT), Masters of Arts in Education (MAEd or MEd) and Master of Science in Education (MSEd). MAT programs are intended for people who want to obtain a teacher’s license and can be completed in 12 to 14 months. Although each university has its own individual system of credit designation, the standard requirement for completion of a masters degree in education is 10 classes.
On the other hand, an MA or MS in Education directs students in various fields such as research, school psychology and higher education administration. This degree does not lead to a teacher’s licensure, compared to MAT. On average, you can complete it for five years after you enter the program.
Many practicing teachers holding advanced degrees want to return to school for a masters degree in education to advance their teaching careers or shift to a new teaching field. They can obtain advanced degrees in administration, special education certification or a specific subject area (i.e social studies, math, science) in 2 to 3 years. However, this duration depends on whether the degree is pursued on a full-time or part-time basis.
Knowing the average duration of studying a masters in education degree, you may be anxious as it can potentially take you several years to complete it. Education degrees need plenty of time in reading, passing examinations and researching. Despite the long time it may take to normally complete masters in education programs, there are many ways to accelerate the process of completing the degree as long as you are motivated to follow through on them.
The best way of getting your education masters quickly is to make use of your time wisely. Because most of the work will writing assignments and reviewing, better start early. Education masters programs demand intensive research in different topics such as sociology of education. You will also encounter different kinds of assignments, with most requiring class presentations so its best to use time management.
Sometimes, there are masters in education programs that offer College Level Examination Programs tests (CLEP test), which can be taken for a payment. The CLEP test is a skills test that assesses a student’s ability to apply college-level knowledge, despite not taking the class. In case you pass one test, you can get full credit for the said class that is equivalent for an entire semester course.
A CLEP test consists of several tests and if you get a satisfactory score, you can earn 3 to 12 credits for every CLEP you take, depending on the exam subject. If you have enough, you can test out the whole semester in one sitting, especially if you pass enough tests. However, it will require considerable study and several hundred bucks for testing fees.
If you are among the older ones to return for your masters in education degree, you may be qualified for the Life Experience Credit, a type of credit given to students who possess a substantial amount of work experience in a specific field. For instance, those teaching for 20 years and getting education masters can apply for the credit. This credit is only applicable to those who can prove substantial life experience.
Some universities or colleges offer acceleration programs for masters in education students. This program lets students complete more hours of study in a short amount of time. For instance, instead of getting the degree in two years, the student can earn it in less than a year of intensive study.
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