Masters Degree in Distance Education

Hi everyone!

I'm interested in pursuing a Masters degree in Distance Education, and would appreciate some advice from anyone who has earned (or is working toward) a similar degree.

Several universities offer this type of degree, and it is difficult to decide which is best.

Like many people, I'm looking for a quality degree that I can complete (at home) as quickly as possible, for the lowest cost possible.

I have learned about degrees from Athabasca (in Canada), University of London (UK), Open University (UK), California State University-Hayward, Capella University, Jones International University, University of Maryland, and George Washington University.

I learned about most of these on my own, but I learned about CSU-H and Jones from Sunnie on this discussion board (Thanks, Sunnie!).

Has anyone had any experience with any of these schools? Would I have an easier time getting a job with a US Masters degree, as opposed to a degree from outside the country?

I'm leaning toward the CSU program, because it's the cheapest and the fastest, but I'm not sure about the school's reputation, and I would really like to be able to find a job after I get my degree. I also plan to apply to a doctoral program, so I want to be sure the Masters I get will be accepted.

I am interested in entering the field of distance education for adults. I would like to design and/or teach online college courses.

Thank you for any help anyone can provide. Sunnie has been so helpful, and she gave me a great introduction to this board. I hope the messages I have posted in response to questions will help someone too. I just found degreeinfo.com, and I've already learned so much!

Hope everyone is having a great weekend!

Regards,
Susan

 

University of Southern Queensland offers a graduate program in distance education (www.usq.edu.au)

 

One more advantage of the CSUH program -- you mentioned earlier your interest in adult learning rather than K-12. The great thing about the CSUH program is that every class, without exception, allows each student to focus on his/her own career interest. Every assignment in every class is designed in such a way that you can tailor it to fit either higher ed, K-12, or business training. I would say in every class I've taken, at least half of my classmates were in business rather than education -- and the ones in education were a good mix of higher ed, adult ed, and K-12. That diversity makes for some very interesting discussions and I have learned a lot from my classmates. It also makes for some really good networking down the road

As for job hunting -- I have a few tips on that -- I'll be glad to do some brainstorming with you. If you want to take this to email -- let me know.

Remember that each of the first four prerequisite courses at CSU are only 5 weeks long -- that doesn't mean you'll do less work -- you will do 10 weeks of work in 5. The payoff is that it shortens the program considerably. If you can start next week -- by all means do so. It will give that much of a head start

Let me know how it goes and what you hear from Nan Chico. I'll be glad to put in a good word for you and let her know how motivated you are to get started in the program -- if that's what you decide to do

You can email me at [email protected]

 

Susan, another school you might want to look into is Florida State University. They offer a Master's in Open and Distance Learning in conjunction with Open University in the UK. From what I can gather, the degree is issued by Florida State. http://idl.fsu.edu/odl/

Bruce

 

Hi again!

Thanks for the information -- I'm checking any and all options! I'm emailing Sunnie for more details about the CSUH program (THANKS AGAIN, SUNNIE!) I will also check the websites for the other schools mentioned in the replies to my posting.

Has anyone heard good things about Athabasca, Open University, or University of London? Or should I try to stick with a US school since I'll be working here? (I'm really leaning toward te CSU program because the Masters can be completed in a fairly short period of time, and the price is right!)

Decisions, decisions...

Thanks again, and have a great week!

Susan

 

Open University offers a totally DL master's degree in distance and open learning.

 

Hi Rich!

I know that Open offers the Distance and Open Learning master's, but that's all I know! I read all the info on their website and the program looks impressive, but I'm wondering if the degree is accepted in the US, and if anyone has had any personal experience with Open University.

I know Open in the UK is affiliated with the program in Florida, but the Florida master's is far more expensive.

Thanks again!

Susan

 

The literature is rife with articles on Open University. It is well-respected. Of course, there is the issue of using a degree earned from a foreign school, even a good one like OU.

I had a terrific exchange with Derek Rowntree of OU. It was primarily about a book he wrote that I used in both my own academic studies and in teaching for Webster University. Dr. Rowntree is with OU and the MA in DL. Cool dude, great book.

Really great book for anyone trying to grasp statistics, especially inferential stats. The ISBN: 0024040908. I bought my first copy in 1985 for about 12 bucks. I lost it in a hurricaine (sort of! ) and bought a new copy two years ago for 36 bucks. Now I see it's up to 50. Get it while it's hot! (Or find it used.)

Rich Douglas

 

Just a quick update: Unless I hear some unpleasant things about California State University - Hayward in the next few days, I'm going to choose that program.

Of course, there's still time for me to change my mind altogether and pick a different school if someone recommends an accredited Master's program that can be completed in 2 years or less, and that isn't too expensive... I'm not asking for much, am I???

Have a great week!

Susan

 

Another update...

I registered this afternoon for my first online class at CSUH -- I start next week!

So far, the process has been quick and painless. Everyone I have spoken with or emailed has been very helpful and friendly, so I consider that to be a very good sign.

Hopefully the course I'm taking ("Models for Online Instruction") will be interesting, informative, and not TOO difficult... I still can't believe that at this time last week, I had no clue about which school to choose, and now I've already registered for a class. I never make decisions this quickly -- I took 3 months to shop for a new car!

Have a great week!

Regards,
Susan

 

Susan2,

Since it has been a while since you enrolled, I would like to hear how the CSU-Hayward Master's program in Online Learning and Teaching is working out for you. A longitudinal perspective. Thanks,

 

CSU

I would not ever worry about the reputation of a CSU education MA. More people have CSU degrees than from any other university. CSU may not be the best, but its status, basic reliability, name recognition and output are ubiquitous.

Late,
Craig
CSULA 1984, 86

And Good Luck!

 

Hello.

While your searching....you might want to check out Athabasca University in Alberta, Canada. I'm not sure what the program is like but your US $$ might make it very affordable in terms of the best bang for your buck. Why not request a catalogue from them?

Best of luck to you.

 

CSU and doctoral programs and jobs

I was accepted into 3 doctoral programs - 2 US and 1 Australian - with the CSU masters (didn't like any of them for the long run). I have contracts for online course design and teaching work that will keep me solidly busy from now through summer. (I'll also be teaching 6774 in summer session in the CSU program). I am starting a textbook (you know -- one of those paperback things so popular now!!) and a course to accompany the text (or vice versa -- which comes first the chicken or the egg?).

The degree from CSU has opened a lot of doors in the DL field for me. I must say also -- that networking with colleagues from CSU has helped immensely. Never underestimate the power of networking

Email me anytime-- I look forward to hearing from you Susan!

Sunnie *who started using real name "Leslie" about 2 months ago but still answers to both - plus a whole lot more LOL and wishes I could have all those posts as *Sunnie* added to my new registration*

 

CSUH Master's Program

Hi everyone!

I just wanted to post an update about the Cal State Master's Program (MD Ed) in Online Teaching & Learning...

I will finish my degree at the end of this summer, just about a year after starting the program. I'm really enjoying it, and wish CSU had a comparible Ph.D. or Ed.D. program.

I have Leslie to thank for EVERYTHING, because she is the person who recommended the program to me, and who went out of her way to help someone (me!) she didn't even know.

The program has been wonderful, most of the instructors have been excellent, and my classmates are serious students who also seem to know how to have fun.

Now I have to find a good RA doctoral program... I'm going to look into the University of Nebraska-Lincoln programs, but I'm also looking for other suggestions.

I'm looking for "the usual," quick, cheap, RA, and prestigious. (Ok, I know I'm never going to find anything approaching that combination, but I can dream, can't I?

 

Re: CSUH Master's Program

Susan -- glad to hear it's all working out so well Just between you, me and the fencepost LOL -- I've heard rumors that CSUH is working on a distance learning EdD program. Maybe we'll do that together

Leslie

PS: send me an email -- [email protected]

 

The only ones that would be considered inferior are:
1) Jones International:
2) University of Maryland (assuming this is the University College and not one of the other schools in the UoM system)
3) Capella

The remainder are solid schools,.... however,


the University of London is clearly in a class above the rest... I mean, this is "the" University of London. Athabasca, CSU, George Washington... fine schools, but not in the University of London league.

I really would not be at all concerned about pursuing a foreign degree. Do some research (INS visas, look at some good university faculty listings, etc)... foreign degrees from good schools import just fine.

However, British academic standards are ugly tough... be prepared to be well prepared!

 

Given my personal experience, I can easily and with good conscience recommend the University of Tasmania and the University of New England for a masteral program. I finished one degree, and on module (course) shy away of another. My experience has been in all respects quite positive.