Columbia University Online Masters

Columbia University's Teachers College is rolling out a new online MA Computing in Education.
http://www.tc.columbia.edu/news/article.htm?id=6273

 

I had been aware of the coming launch of the distance-delivered version this masters program for quite some time. It has been available as “intensive” program requiring summer residency for decades. Though cost may be prohibitive for those on a teacher’s income, it seems like an intriguing offering from an institution with an outstanding reputation in the field of education.

The Summer Intensive M.A. in Computing and Education:
http://www.tc.edu/academic/ctsc/masters_intensive.asp

The Online M.A. in Computing and Education:
http://www.tc.edu/academic/ctsc/masters_online.asp

- Intro

 

I think a Columbia MA for $32k is a sound lifetime investment.

 

I agree that there is much to be gained by learning from those who are among the best. There are likely few who’d argue that counted among the faculty of Columbia’s Teachers College are some of the most esteemed educators in the world. In that regard, if no other, the tuition is bargain at twice the price. However, we are discussing a program being primarily marketed to teachers; members of a profession known for comparatively low earnings, with limited income potential over the span of the average career. Teachers have especially low income potential in relation to professions with a relatively equivalent amount of time commitment, responsibility, expertise, and training requirements. Ergo, for the average teacher who will likely spend their entire career in-classroom, from a strictly return-on-investment (ROI) perspective, the cost is not necessarily a positive factor. (Unless one’s ultimate goal is to eventually enter the upper-echelon of administration, or become a teacher educator.) Now, with regard to intellectual and professional development, the cost is irrelevant, and the program is possibly without equal among distance learning offerings.

You’ll find no argument with me about the probable quality of the program. There is no doubt in my mind that the institution has its reputation for more meaningful reasons than merely age, affiliation, endowment, and the like. I commented about the cost simply because there are similar programs out there, with a good reputation, for considerably less cost. Hence, the value of the program really depends on an individual’s goals and needs. So often I read posts on this and other forums which give me the impression that too many people are hung-up on an institutions name, or ranking. If someone were to enroll in a given program, I’d hope they’d enrolled because the program fit their needs, rather than solely because of the schools name. ...That a program be considered because the department is, and faculty are, reputed to be exceptional in the individual’s area(s) of interest, or the program was the best fit: whatever relevant criteria applies to a given individual’ circumstance.

Many people who never post read this forum and use our personal opinions--even as bias as opinions generally are--at least in part, as a factor in the consequential life-decision of what schools or degree programs to consider. So in essence, by posting our views, we are advocating, and may have an effect on the lives of people we likely will never meet. I trying to consider this when I post. It reminds me to be considerate about what I write, and to be socially-responsible. Just as I wouldn’t advocate going to the cheapest school or program, if it isn’t what best suits someone’s needs. I also wouldn’t advocate going to one of the more expensive schools, unless what it offers is the best option for a person’s circumstance. I wasn’t trying to deter someone from the program by calling the per-credit-price “prohibitive.” I was stating my opinion. Cost is an important factor for many of us when considering a school, even a stellar school like Columbia. I thought of that aspect when I made my previous post.

 

I might better have stated, for those that seek the value proposition offered by Columbia vs a UMUC, and have life goals that benefit from the opportunity cost associated with Columbia, it has high ROI potential.

 

Have you looked into their EdD program through AEGIS (Adult Education Guided Independent Study)? Marcie Thorson used to list that one in her guides.

 

Does Coumbia offer other dl degrees except this one?

 

Yes, Columbia Video Network.