A inquiry about online dual degrees/dual majors (Nova Southwestern University)

First of all, I thank you guys for always being a source of enlightenment and information. I have been a so-called lurker for many years, and I finally decided to create an account, because I am, for the first time, dipping my toes into the (some say treacherous) waters of distance education.

First of all, I am living in Puerto Rico (with the intent of moving to Florida in the not-so-distant future), and I am looking to complete a Master in Secondary Education. Nova Southeastern University caught my eye with their Master of Science in Education with a Specialization in Spanish Language Education (Florida Initial Certification, 66 credits) and their Master of Science in Education with a Specialization in Teaching English As a Foreign Language(36 credits).

In your experience, do colleges allow students to complete two online Masters at the same time? These two degrees have a bunch of core classes that overlap, and I am not working, which makes me have plenty of time to focus on the degree(s) 100 %.

I am very curious as to what you guys think. I feel that, being a fully bilingual (Eng/Spa) individual, having both ESL and Foreign Language training could help me (and my future students) tremendously. Also, what's the word on NSU? I feel that their prices are not that high, so far their service and they already told me that it's highly likely that I could do my field experiences in PR, since they have had students in the past do that in Japan, Israel, and many other countries. Thanks!

 

The best way is contacting the program director or school's associate dean. Certain school requires student to complete as minimum additional 60% ( 6 courses out 10 courses) for a second degree. However, some school require 80%, and some is restricting from double dipping. Therefore, it vary school by school.

 

I'd ask you to consider getting the first Masters degree, then a job, and then letting your employer pay for the second Masters.
Just a thought.

 

Do they do that? I mean, would an employer pay for a second Master (as opposed to a PHd)?

 

Yes, most of the employers will pay for your graduate school degree. Even though Doctorate degree as well; however, there are always policies that might restricting you to earn your second Master degree.

For Example:
- Program must align with your current profession
- You have to achieve at least a grade of B and above for graduate, and C and above for undergraduate
- Sometimes course have to do with your job (e.i: You are Network Engineer, but you cannot take accounting course)
- There is limited per year you can receive from the company for tuition assistance, and anything beyond $5,850.00 per year is taxable.


My previous employer paid $11,000.00 for my tuition in 3 years for my degree at Southern Methodist University. All the classes were work relates....

 

I think this is especially true for school systems.

 

NSU is very well-regarded around here. Another compelling option with online graduate programs both in TESOL and in Spanish-language education: Auburn University.