Master Degree: Distance Education Degree and Programs

Distance education--programs that allow students to earn their degrees online--has experienced explosive growth over the last decade. Once scoffed at as being akin to degree mills, online universities have earned both accreditation and credibility, and today even major universities offer online degree programs.

Earn a Master's Degree in Distance Education

The corporate world has also taken notice, and increasingly uses distance learning programs to replace more traditional training. This growth has created strong demand for those who can develop online and distance classes and teaching materials. A master's degree in distance education can help push you to the top in a rapidly growing new field.

Developing a Class without a Classroom

Distance education is much more complex then taking textbooks and testing materials from a traditional class, putting them online, and telling students to dive on in. The interactive nature of a classroom, in which a student can ask questions of a professor or organize study groups with fellow students, doesn't exist automatically online. Distance education specialists have to be aware of the differences and design courses accordingly. A master's program in distance education includes training in distance learning technology, teaching methods, and course development, so that graduates are able to design effective classes and materials for online students.