Teachers who keep pace with the ever evolving and diverse modern-day classroom find themselves better equipped to do their jobs and face challenges that arise. Ongoing professional development, training and education help educators acquire the skills and knowledge to address the needs of today’s student body.
By earning a master’s in education from an accredited college or university, teachers can gain the tools, strategies and big-picture view required to take their careers to the next level. Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) offers several graduate-level online education programs designed to provide modern skills and expertise in a convenient and flexible format that can be ideal for the working educator.
General Information About Online Education Graduate Programs
Each of the five online graduate degrees in education from FGCU offer the convenience of studying on your schedule. You’ll also have the flexibility to learn wherever you have access to the internet.
FGCU’s advanced education coursework offers a solid foundation in the study and application of theory, research and emerging technologies that are at the forefront of current educational trends. In each course, you will have the support of seasoned faculty as you develop your knowledge, skills and aptitudes to become more effective in the classroom and more competitive in the workplace.
Depending on the specific concentration you choose, the education master’s degree programs require 33 to 36 credit hours of coursework and can be completed in as few as 12 months. Tuition is affordable, with an out-of-state waiver available.
FGCU’s Online Education Program Details
FGCU offers five 100% online education master’s programs. These include four Master of Education (M.Ed.) programs and one specialized Master of Arts (M.A.) program focused on higher education.
Each concentration provides educators with the expertise, knowledge and credentials needed to pursue their unique career aspirations. The M.Ed. programs share core coursework while also providing specialized studies aligned with each concentration. Coursework in the M.A. program is uniquely focused on higher education and administrative topics. The five options for career-advancing education degrees are as follows:
1. Online Master of Education in Special Education
If you want to advocate for the personal and educational success of students with disabilities, the online M.Ed. in Special Education from FGCU offers you a viable pathway. You will become familiar with current trends and issues related to students with exceptionalities and learn the best ways to help students overcome learning challenges and obstacles beyond the classroom.
Coursework explores effective strategies and teaching techniques for students with behavioral and learning disorders and developmental disabilities. Professional positions available to you with this degree include:
- Director of special education
- Special education teacher
- Special education supervisor or coordinator
- Leader in agencies for adults with disabilities such as Lighthouse for the Blind
- Expert in special education state agencies
2. Online Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction with a concentration in Reading Education
The FGCU online M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction with a concentration in Reading Education incorporates innovative teaching approaches for the experienced teacher who works with K-12 students struggling with reading and literacy. In this program, educators learn the most effective instructional practices and strategies for student assessment and reading in content areas.
In a seven-week practicum, you will have an opportunity to apply what you learn to real-life situations. Career paths include:
- Reading specialist
- Curriculum and instruction coordinator
- Director of curriculum and instruction for reading
- Curriculum specialist
- Reading instructional coordinator
3. Online Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction with a concentration in Elementary Education
Coursework in FGCU’s online M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction with a concentration in Elementary Education will equip you with the tools you need to work with young learners. You will investigate the field of language arts education and advanced reading methods. You will also learn how to assess the best strategies for identifying, placing and instructing students with reading difficulties. Completing the degree program prepares you to advocate for best instructional practices, equal access to learning and the well-being of all learners in your school and district.
This program also rigorously explores the foundations of curriculum and instruction, educational research and design, and measurements of achievement. Unique to the elementary education program is a topic concentration, in which you choose and investigate a specific area of study under the guidance of program faculty. As a graduate, you will be qualified for a variety of roles at the building and district level, including:
- K-12 lead teacher
- Curriculum and instruction coordinator
- Specialized teacher in elementary education
- Director of curriculum and instruction
- Curriculum specialist
4. Online Master of Education in Educational Leadership
Experienced teachers seeking Florida assistant principal certification should consider FGCU’s online M.Ed. in Educational Leadership. As a graduate of this online master’s program, you will be well prepared to meet leadership challenges in P-12 schools. You will study effective instructional, organizational and operational trends and practices.
The program curriculum aligns with Florida Educational Leadership Standards and leads to Florida Level 1 Educational Leadership certification upon completion of coursework, internship and passing the Florida Educational Leadership Exam (FELE). Graduates will be able to take on complex tasks in numerous educational leadership roles, including:
- Assistant principal
- Instructional coordinator
- Department chair
- District administrative support staff
5. Online Master of Arts in Educational Leadership with a concentration in Higher Education
The FGCU online M.A. in Educational Leadership with a concentration in Higher Education is designed specifically for professionals who work in post-secondary and higher education. This advanced degree program prepares you to pursue positions of leadership in college, university and technical school settings.
The program concentrates on academic advising, student affairs, financial aid, strategic planning, career services and curriculum development. This program requires two seven-week internships that will give you field experience in identifying, analyzing and solving problems in higher education settings.
FGCU’s higher education master’s program strengthens your skills in curriculum development and implementation, communication and organization. In-depth studies equip you with the leadership skills and expertise needed to excel in areas such as:
- Administrative leadership
- Admissions
- Enrollment management
- Student services
- Student financial aid
- Alumni relations
- Advising
Advance Your Career With an Education Master’s Degree From FGCU
FGCU’s online education master’s degree programs prepare you to take the next step in your career. The program’s range of concentrations enable you to align your studies with your professional goals.
The flexibility and convenience of these online programs allow you to pursue advanced education without sacrificing income, valuable time on the job and opportunities for promotion. By investing in an online master’s degree from FGCU, you’ll gain the specialized knowledge and credentials needed to unlock new career opportunities and leadership positions in your field.
Learn more about Florida Gulf Coast University’s online education programs.
