Thread: American College of Education - RA M.Ed for under 7k

Hello, I came across this school: http://www.ace.edu/ which advertises online M.Ed degrees for just under $7,000.00, a program which can be completed in 18 months. It is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission.

Not for me... but since I see a lot of M.Ed discussions here, and, did not find anything about this school via search of degreeinfo, I just thought I'd share.

Thanks for the information; I’d never heard of this one. The downside could be that they’re not NCATE accredited (e.g., some states will not accept for educator credentialing /certification non-NCATE accredited coursework universities). Lamar University (Texas) offers the M.Ed. in several specializations online for under $5000 for current educators. The Lamar program can also be completed in 18-months and is additionally accredited by NCATE as well as SACS. I just don't recall if this tuition rate is only for Texas residents.
http://stateu.com/lamar/edu_ea.asp

	Lamar University Lamar University Lamar offers the Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences degree completion program. The program gives flexibility, and prepares students for a professional career of their interest The Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences degree completion program at Lamar University has one of the lowest tuition rates in the country, costing only $450 per course for Texas residents and $495 per course for out-of-state students. This degree is ideal for students who have earned 45 or more academic credit hours but never finished their bachelor's degree. Credits can also be granted for qualifying work experience or military service and training. 120 credits will be needed to graduate. The school is regionally accredited, the most widely recognized accreditation. Click Here to receive FREE information on this school.

Good stuff! I knew nothing about NCATE. Thanks for making that known. Out of state tuition at Lamar is $6,960.00. The Lamar University site doesn't say if online students have in or out of state tuition, but that still is only $10 more than the ACE program... a $10 that would definitely be worth the accreditation. :D

Here is a very interesting article about online students outperforming the rest on the Principal's Exams.

Originally Posted by major56

Thanks for the information; I’d never heard of this one. The downside could be that they’re not NCATE accredited (e.g., some states will not accept for educator credentialing /certification non-NCATE accredited coursework universities). Lamar University (Texas) offers the M.Ed. in several specializations online for under $5000 for current educators. The Lamar program can also be completed in 18-months and is additionally accredited by NCATE as well as SACS. I just don't recall if this tuition rate is only for Texas residents.
http://stateu.com/lamar/edu_ea.asp

	Lamar University Lamar University Lamar offers the Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences degree completion program. The program gives flexibility, and prepares students for a professional career of their interest The Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences degree completion program at Lamar University has one of the lowest tuition rates in the country, costing only $450 per course for Texas residents and $495 per course for out-of-state students. This degree is ideal for students who have earned 45 or more academic credit hours but never finished their bachelor's degree. Credits can also be granted for qualifying work experience or military service and training. 120 credits will be needed to graduate. The school is regionally accredited, the most widely recognized accreditation. Click Here to receive FREE information on this school.

Originally Posted by Maniac Craniac

Good stuff! I knew nothing about NCATE. Thanks for making that known. Out of state tuition at Lamar is $6,960.00. The Lamar University site doesn't say if online students have in or out of state tuition, but that still is only $10 more than the ACE program... a $10 that would definitely be worth the accreditation. :D

Here is a very interesting article about online students outperforming the rest on the Principal's Exams.

In that it’s an online program there is probably no difference in tuition – at least there shouldn’t be IMO. Normally if there is a difference in tuitions they’d most likely list it on the web page. Just give Lamar a call for the answer. Lamar is a well established and respected university in Texas.

As far as online students out-performing traditional students on the state exam: Most online students are older and more mature with industry experience. A M.Ed. online student is more than likely a credentialed educator wanting to both advance their knowledge and career opportunities – more motivated /focused (?).

	Lamar University Lamar University Lamar offers the Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences degree completion program. The program gives flexibility, and prepares students for a professional career of their interest The Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences degree completion program at Lamar University has one of the lowest tuition rates in the country, costing only $450 per course for Texas residents and $495 per course for out-of-state students. This degree is ideal for students who have earned 45 or more academic credit hours but never finished their bachelor's degree. Credits can also be granted for qualifying work experience or military service and training. 120 credits will be needed to graduate. The school is regionally accredited, the most widely recognized accreditation. Click Here to receive FREE information on this school.

Originally Posted by major56

Thanks for the information; I’d never heard of this one. The downside could be that they’re not NCATE accredited (e.g., some states will not accept for educator credentialing /certification non-NCATE accredited coursework universities). Lamar University (Texas) offers the M.Ed. in several specializations online for under $5000 for current educators. The Lamar program can also be completed in 18-months and is additionally accredited by NCATE as well as SACS. I just don't recall if this tuition rate is only for Texas residents.
http://stateu.com/lamar/edu_ea.asp

American College of Education was part of DePaul University in Chicago, but detached in 2005 as separate institution.

	George Washington University George Washington University GWU offers an online Bachelor’s Degree in Police Science; and Master’s Degrees in Education and Human Development, Paralegal Studies, Public Relations, Educational Technology Lead, MBA – Healthcare, and MPS in Security and Safety Leadership. GW University is a prestigious and well regarded school. Established in the heart of the nation's capital in 1821, GW provides innovative programs in more than 200 fields of study, including graduate certificate, master's and doctoral programs. Under the guidance of a world-renowned faculty, you will explore both theory and practice in courses that prepare you to meet the needs of an increasingly complex society. Click Here to receive FREE information on this school.

	Lamar University Lamar University Lamar offers the Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences degree completion program. The program gives flexibility, and prepares students for a professional career of their interest The Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences degree completion program at Lamar University has one of the lowest tuition rates in the country, costing only $450 per course for Texas residents and $495 per course for out-of-state students. This degree is ideal for students who have earned 45 or more academic credit hours but never finished their bachelor's degree. Credits can also be granted for qualifying work experience or military service and training. 120 credits will be needed to graduate. The school is regionally accredited, the most widely recognized accreditation. Click Here to receive FREE information on this school.

Originally Posted by TEKMAN

American College of Education was part of DePaul University in Chicago, but detached in 2005 as separate institution.

Certainly nothing off the mark with DePaul …

Originally Posted by major56

Thanks for the information; I’d never heard of this one. The downside could be that they’re not NCATE accredited (e.g., some states will not accept for educator credentialing /certification non-NCATE accredited coursework universities). Lamar University (Texas) offers the M.Ed. in several specializations online for under $5000 for current educators. The Lamar program can also be completed in 18-months and is additionally accredited by NCATE as well as SACS. I just don't recall if this tuition rate is only for Texas residents.
http://stateu.com/lamar/edu_ea.asp

Is there any information on Lamar 's online MEd program on their official website? I looked around but couldn't find anything ... it's not listed on their "distance education " page:
http://dept.lamar.edu/cde/cdepages/degrees.html

I did find this page which mentions the 18-month online MEd program:
http://www.lamar.edu/newsevents/articles/221_5981.htm

But their list of their MEd programs makes no mention of it, they all look like they are on campus:
http://dept.lamar.edu/education/educ...s_in_education

Their website is rather poorly designed and confusing

	American InterContinental University Online American InterContinental University AIU offers Associate's, Bachelor's, and Master's degrees in all the following programs: business administration (MBA, marketing, finance, accounting, human resources, etc), criminal justice, computer science, information technology, healthcare administration, medical billing and coding, fine arts, and education. Special learning facilities include a learning resource center, art gallery, and computer labs. The school is regionally accredited, the most widely recognized accreditation. Click Here to receive FREE information on this school.

	George Washington University George Washington University GWU offers an online Bachelor’s Degree in Police Science; and Master’s Degrees in Education and Human Development, Paralegal Studies, Public Relations, Educational Technology Lead, MBA – Healthcare, and MPS in Security and Safety Leadership. GW University is a prestigious and well regarded school. Established in the heart of the nation's capital in 1821, GW provides innovative programs in more than 200 fields of study, including graduate certificate, master's and doctoral programs. Under the guidance of a world-renowned faculty, you will explore both theory and practice in courses that prepare you to meet the needs of an increasingly complex society. Click Here to receive FREE information on this school.

	Lamar University Lamar University Lamar offers the Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences degree completion program. The program gives flexibility, and prepares students for a professional career of their interest The Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences degree completion program at Lamar University has one of the lowest tuition rates in the country, costing only $450 per course for Texas residents and $495 per course for out-of-state students. This degree is ideal for students who have earned 45 or more academic credit hours but never finished their bachelor's degree. Credits can also be granted for qualifying work experience or military service and training. 120 credits will be needed to graduate. The school is regionally accredited, the most widely recognized accreditation. Click Here to receive FREE information on this school.

The Lamar M.Ed. program is delivered online or on campus. The University is in partnership with Higher Ed Holding (Dallas, TX) regarding this particular offering. According to the website: “Lamar University offers two online master's degree programs through its Academic Partnership with Higher Ed Holdings -- a Master's in Educational Administration and a Master's in Teacher Leadership. Students enrolled in either Master's of Education program at Lamar can pursue their degree online or on-campus.”

Just give them a call. 1.866.223.7675
http://stateu.com/lamar/edu_ea.asp

	Lamar University Lamar University Lamar offers the Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences degree completion program. The program gives flexibility, and prepares students for a professional career of their interest The Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences degree completion program at Lamar University has one of the lowest tuition rates in the country, costing only $450 per course for Texas residents and $495 per course for out-of-state students. This degree is ideal for students who have earned 45 or more academic credit hours but never finished their bachelor's degree. Credits can also be granted for qualifying work experience or military service and training. 120 credits will be needed to graduate. The school is regionally accredited, the most widely recognized accreditation. Click Here to receive FREE information on this school.

Both programs require you to be a licensed teacher . I wish they would open this up to anyone. These are great prices.

	Education Degrees Education Degrees Teachers play an important role in fostering the intellectual and social development of children during their formative years. The education that students acquire is key to determining the future of those students. Whether in elementary or high schools or in private or public schools, teachers provide the tools and the environment for their students to develop into responsible adults. Teachers act as facilitators or coaches, using classroom presentations or individual instruction to help students learn and apply concepts in subjects such as science, mathematics, and English. They plan, evaluate, and assign lessons; prepare, administer, and grade tests; listen to oral presentations; and maintain classroom discipline. Teachers observe and evaluate a student's performance and potential. They are increasingly asked to use new assessment methods •Public school teachers must be licensed, which typically requires a bachelor's degree and the completion of an approved teacher education program; private school teachers do not have to be licensed but may still need a bachelor's degree. •Job prospects are best for teachers in high-demand fields, such as mathematics, science, and bilingual education, and in less desirable urban or rural school districts. •Teachers must have the ability to communicate, inspire trust and confidence, and motivate students, as well as understand students' educational and emotional needs. Click Here to find FREE information on schools offering this course of study.

Anyone have a problem with 2000 students in a GRADUATE class?

How about multiple choice tests for grad students?

http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2009/03/24/heh

At Lamar , where the partnership with Higher Ed Holdings is in full swing, classes have grown to as large as 2,000 students.

The large enrollments have raised questions in the minds of some professors about how they could possibly develop any kind of relationship or dialogue with their students. While Higher Ed Holdings officials maintain that faculty control curriculum, they don’t dispute that the large classes require faculty to rely more heavily on standardized testing than essays or other assignments that require more grading time.

Did anyone see how they obtained their RA accreditation?

http://www.ace.edu/about_accreditation.asp

The accreditation of Barat College, Lake Forest, IL (accredited 1943-2005) was continued through the College's purchase by American College of Education in October, 2005

Apparently it is possible to buy regional accreditation.

	Lamar University Lamar University Lamar offers the Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences degree completion program. The program gives flexibility, and prepares students for a professional career of their interest The Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences degree completion program at Lamar University has one of the lowest tuition rates in the country, costing only $450 per course for Texas residents and $495 per course for out-of-state students. This degree is ideal for students who have earned 45 or more academic credit hours but never finished their bachelor's degree. Credits can also be granted for qualifying work experience or military service and training. 120 credits will be needed to graduate. The school is regionally accredited, the most widely recognized accreditation. Click Here to receive FREE information on this school.

Originally Posted by foobar

Anyone have a problem with 2000 students in a GRADUATE class?

Are you sure that doesn't mean 2,000 total for the whole program, or 2,000 total for each course (with several different classes and professors), not 2,000 in the same class?

How about multiple choice tests for grad students?

Hmm... interesting... :\

Did anyone see how they obtained their RA accreditation?

http://www.ace.edu/about_accreditation.asp


Apparently it is possible to buy regional accreditation.

Maybe we need clarification here... does the word "through," in this context mean "by the means of" or "continued during the course of?" Is it saying that the purchase procured their accreditation, or that the same accreditation they had previously survived the purchase?

Their enrollments are definitely greater than 2,000 students.

From an official Larmar University website bearing a date of June, 2009:

http://www.lamar.edu/newsevents/news/207_7626.htm

Access and affordability are the primary reasons Lamar’s online offerings have attracted more than 4,000 students among its three Master’s Degree programs.

The referenced insidehighered.com article is the source of that "2,000 students in a class" number. The comments at the end of that article are quite interesting.

There's nothing I see there that would alarm me about the quality of the program. However, your take on the matter, and willingness to share your thoughts, might be worthwhile points for one who is considering this program to keep in mind.

Maybe now is the point where someone who has taken this program could jump in and tell us about their experience- supposing anyone on this board has.

Originally Posted by foobar

Their enrollments are definitely greater than 2,000 students.

From an official Larmar University website bearing a date of June, 2009:

http://www.lamar.edu/newsevents/news/207_7626.htm



The referenced insidehighered.com article is the source of that "2,000 students in a class" number. The comments at the end of that article are quite interesting.

Originally Posted by Maniac Craniac

Maybe now is the point where someone who has taken this program could jump in and tell us about their experience- supposing anyone on this board has.

Though I didn’t personally take this particular M.Ed. route in that it wasn’t available when I did the M.Ed. ... I have worked with a number of Lamar University College of Education graduates (both under- and graduate-level degreed). I have never individually experienced any lack of confidence whatsoever with the professional abilities displayed by Lamar University graduates – top notch! I believe Lamar has been quite innovative and forward-thinking in its educational partnership with Ed Holdings of Dallas in offering a very competitively priced M.Ed. NCATE accredited program for educators – meeting consumer needs whether they be desired traditionally or via web-based format.

	George Washington University George Washington University GWU offers an online Bachelor’s Degree in Police Science; and Master’s Degrees in Education and Human Development, Paralegal Studies, Public Relations, Educational Technology Lead, MBA – Healthcare, and MPS in Security and Safety Leadership. GW University is a prestigious and well regarded school. Established in the heart of the nation's capital in 1821, GW provides innovative programs in more than 200 fields of study, including graduate certificate, master's and doctoral programs. Under the guidance of a world-renowned faculty, you will explore both theory and practice in courses that prepare you to meet the needs of an increasingly complex society. Click Here to receive FREE information on this school.

	Lamar University Lamar University Lamar offers the Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences degree completion program. The program gives flexibility, and prepares students for a professional career of their interest The Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences degree completion program at Lamar University has one of the lowest tuition rates in the country, costing only $450 per course for Texas residents and $495 per course for out-of-state students. This degree is ideal for students who have earned 45 or more academic credit hours but never finished their bachelor's degree. Credits can also be granted for qualifying work experience or military service and training. 120 credits will be needed to graduate. The school is regionally accredited, the most widely recognized accreditation. Click Here to receive FREE information on this school.

Can someone post this to the MEd Sticky?

Arkansas State University Jonesboro has an online M.Ed. for under $5k, if memory serves...

	Arkansas State University Arkansas State University ARSU offers online degrees in the following: MSE in Curriculum and Instruction, MSE in Educational Theory and Practice, MSE in Special Ed/Instruction Specialist 4-12, and MSE in Special Ed/Instruction Specialist P-4. The school is regionally accredited, the most widely accepted form of accreditation. Click Here to receive FREE information on this school.