Online Master’s Degree in Distance Education

The rapid expansion of distance education technology has created a field in which qualified professionals are in high demand. From K-5 homeschooling support to PhD programs, distance education offers expertise taught by qualified professionals. Distance education requires educators who are technologically savvy, have a passion for education, and are open to new education delivery programs. An online Master’s Degree in Distance Education provides curriculum support, technology training, and graduate-level training in all areas of distance education.

Online Master’s Degrees in Distance Education Requirements

Online master’s degree students in distance education should have a background in both education and technology. They may have taken courses through distance learning online masters programs, have teaching or curriculum experience, and have comfort and a passion for new technology. In addition, distance learning students should have strong written communication skills across a variety of formats, including email, chat rooms and message boards.

Online masters in distance education usually require a bachelor’s degree prior to application. Common bachelor’s degrees held prior to pursuing an online master in distance education include:

• Bachelor of Education
• Bachelor of Arts, Education
• Bachelor of Arts, Education Curriculum Development
• Bachelor of Science, Computer Science
• Bachelor of Arts, Distance Education

A background in teaching, technology, and curriculum development are often desired for applicants to an online masters program in distance education. Many students have prior experience in these areas, and concurrently work and participate in a degree program.

Online Distance Education Master’s Degree Education

Good online master’s degree programs in distance education typically take between 2 to 3 years to complete. The types of distance education degrees offered by the best distance education master’s programs online include:

• Master of Education, Distance Education
• Master of Arts, Distance Education
• Master of Science, Distance Education Technology

Information on Distance Education Courses

Courses to earn an online master’s degree in distance education involves developing skills in teaching, curriculum development, technology, and communications. Educators working in the distance education model must have extensive experience in all areas of distance education, as well as an understanding of new technology and its use in the distance education environment. While students will likely specialize in a particular area of interest during their online distance education master’s degree program, basic courses are essential to developing needed skills. Required courses may include:

• Distance Education Delivery
  This course has been designed for those who plan to teach via distance education technology. This course will review current literature on how to deliver distance education content with attention to developing materials, setting delivery timelines, facilitating interactions, and using appropriate teaching strategies.
• Distance Education: Management and Support
  This course has been designed for educators who plan to manage or direct programs delivered through distance education technology and will focus on current issues and challenges in distance education administration.
• Multimedia for Distance Education
  A variety of video applications for distance education and multimedia will be discussed, including basic video skills and production experience needed for distance education course delivery and development and multimedia projects.
• Instructional Design
  This course is an introduction to the instructional design process from needs assessment and goal definition through evaluation. Each student will design prototype instructional materials based on an instructional design model and/or procedures.
• Distance Learning Research and Design
  This course is a study of the design and development of distributed learning systems in education and training. Topics include the foundations of distance education, distance learning research, and the design and development of e-learning courses and workshops.

Specializations and Concentrations

While basic courses in a top online distance education master’s program are required, students will also have an opportunity to specialize their studies. This allows students to understand and utilize all areas of distance education, but also have an opportunity to focus on an area in which they are especially interested. Distance education can be broken down into three distinct specialties:

• Distance Learning Curriculum Design
• Distance Learning Technology Design
• Distance Learning Program Management and Development

Careers in Distance Education

The field of distance education is rapidly developing across all academic and employment areas. High school diplomas, PhDs, and job-specific certificates are all available in a distance learning format, and the industry strongly needs skilled employees to work in this field. From developing distance learning technology to creating appropriate curriculum, distance learning is a new, fulfilling area in which employment is generally growing at a faster than average rate.

Graduates of top online master’s programs in distance education may pursue the following career opportunities:

• Teacher
  Distance learning teachers typically teach one or two classes at a time, either as a part-time job or as part of a full-time position. In a part-time position, teachers earn an average of $500 per class. In a full-time position, teachers earn an average of $57,600 per year. Job growth in distance education is growing at a far faster than average rate.
• Distance Learning Curriculum Developer
  A distance learning curriculum developer modifies current curriculum to meet the needs of the distance learner. Curriculum developers in distance learning typically have a teaching credential and extensive experience in the distance learning format. Curriculum developers earn an average of $67,000 per year. Job growth is expected at a faster than average rate.
• Distance Education Technology Developer
  Distance education technology developers create technology programs that support distance learning programming. Technology developers earn an average of $101,880 per year. Job growth is expected at a faster than average rate.
• Distance Education Program Manager
  Distance education program managers handle all administrative issues relating to a program, including staffing, curriculum, student issues and turnover rates. Distance education program managers earn an average of $89,000 per year. Job growth is expected at a faster than average rate.
• Distance Learning Principal/Director of Education
  A principal or director of education for a distance learning program manages curriculum development, student achievement and staff development for an online institution. Distance learning principals earn an average of $98,000 per year. Job growth is expected at an average rate.

Distance education is an industry that has expanded and continues to need qualified, skilled workers. A master’s degree in distance education from a top online college provides essential skills and practice to enter the industry with confidence.