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 helps 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 career 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
With each of the five online graduate degrees in education from FGCU, you’ll have 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 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. 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 Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education at FGCU can help meet your needs. You will become familiar with the current trends and issues related to students with exceptionalities and learn the best ways to help them overcome learning challenges and obstacles beyond the classroom.
Coursework will explore effective methods and strategies for teaching students with behavioral disorders, developmental disabilities and learning disorders. 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. The program surveys the most effective instructional practices and strategies for student assessment and reading in content areas.
In a seven-week practicum, you will have the 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 introduce you to 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 those with difficulties in reading. 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 explores the foundations of curriculum and instruction, educational research and design, and measurements of achievement. Unique to this program is a topic concentration in which you’ll choose and investigate a specific aspect of study, under the guidance of 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 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. Two seven-week internships will give you field experience in identifying, analyzing and solving problems in higher education settings.
This higher education master’s program strengthens your skills in curriculum development and implementation, communication, and organization. In-depth studies provide you with the skills and expertise to excel in leadership positions, such as:
- Administrative leadership
- Admissions
- Enrollment management
- Student services
- Student financial aid
- Alumni relations
- Advising
5. Online Master of Education in Educational Leadership
Experienced teachers seeking Florida assistant principal certification will want to 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
Advance Your Education Career With an Education Master’s Degree From FGCU
The education master’s degree programs FGCU prepare you to take the next step in your career. Through the various specialized program options FGCU offers, you can tailor your advanced degree to the job pursuit of your choice.
Additionally, the online model of FGCU’s programs allows you to continue working and gaining experience while you complete your degree. The flexibility and convenience of these programs can help you achieve your professional goals without sacrificing income, promotion opportunities and valuable time on the job.
Learn more about Florida Gulf Coast University’s online education programs.
