Online Masters Degree Programs Continue to Grow and Diversify

As the number of unemployed professionals continues to grow, more adults are choosing to return to school to become or remain competitive in a narrowing job market.The media outlet recommends professionals wishing to continue their education consider enrolling in local or online colleges, as the certification itself will suffice in careers that are not focused on impressing clients with advanced degrees from expensive universities.The school's online masters program for education in reading and literacy saw a 153 percent increase in enrollment over last year.Since bachelors degrees are now considered to be standard qualifications by many employers, more adult learners are pursuing advanced certifications through campus-based or online masters programs.Consequently, students who are deciding which traditional or online university will best serve their educational and professional needs may benefit from the increasingly diverse and convenient programs such institutions are offering to compete with one another.Robert Hellman, a professor at New York University's School of Continuing and Professional Studies, recently told Forbes "this is a great time to get a masters degree because of the economy," but advised prospective students to "avoid the common mistake of wasting time and money for something that won't get you what you want.Students enrolled in the university's masters program may now take a suite of online courses devoted to childhood development and special education.Joen Rottler, dean of Ashford's College of Education, said the programs aim to prepare educators to "address the needs of an increasingly diverse student population" and provide them with "a sound foundation of knowledge in core special education areas.

The online school has recently added two 12-credit specializations to its masters program in education.More educators are taking advantage of online options, such as those that were recently developed by Benedictine University.For example, education professionals may advance their careers by obtaining masters degrees from convenient and focused programs such as those offered by Ashford University.

Numerous degree programs are now designed to cater to students who have additional commitments - such as those required by their families or careers - leaving degree candidate with many options to consider when choosing an educational path