Working professionals interested in pursuing an advanced degree in educational administration can continue to work full time and balance that commitment with their studies and family responsibilities by enrolling in an online program. This may seem like a daunting goal to pursue, so what is the actual time commitment of an online M.Ed. in Educational Administration?
Lamar University Alumni Talk About Their Experience
“Obtaining a master’s degree has been a goal of mine for years,” says Natasha Harris, a 2016 graduate. She started the program in the summer of 2014 and spent 15-20 hours per week on her studies while still working full time as a teacher. If that wasn’t challenging enough, Harris, who already had a young child, had two more children while pursuing her goal. “My determination would not let life get in the way or discontinue my goal of earning a master’s degree.”
In contrast, Kathy Leonard, who was a single mom with two children and working full time as a reading interventionist, spent five to six hours per week on her studies. She had worked as a teacher for 18 years before deciding to go back to school in 2011, and she completed the program in December 2013.
Jason Inman is assistant principal at Compass Academy Charter School, and he earned his M.Ed. in Educational Administration online from Lamar University in May 2012. Inman says he spent four to six hours per week on his studies. “The only way I was able to complete the program was by using the online option. I would not have been able to complete any traditional program. My schedule as a teacher and coach was not flexible enough to allow me that freedom. Additionally, travel time and expense to a university would have been an issue.”
Academic Assistant Principal Alisha Cunningham began her degree program with two small children and her full-time teaching job in the mix. She and her family lost their home to Hurricane Ike while she was enrolled in the M.Ed. program. “The flexibility helped me to stay focused on my degree during a time in my life that many things seemed out of control,” Cunningham said. “Regardless of the condition of my home/belongings, I was able to log in and everything seemed to be ‘normal’ again.” She was able to complete the program in December 2009 and spent about 8 to 10 hours a week on her studies.
Although the M.Ed. in Educational Administration online program was rigorous for Paul Hidalgo, he was able to spend 12 to 15 hours per week on his studies while also teaching high school biology and coaching varsity football. “Online accessibility made it convenient and easy to work on and complete coursework successfully without taking away from job expectations and most importantly, family time,” Hidalgo said.
Executive Director of Athletics for Abilene ISD, Phil Blue, received his M.Ed. in Educational Administration in December 2013. “The Lamar online program gave me the flexibility to take only one or two courses in the fall semester and then another course or two in the spring semester. It took quite a while for me to take all of the needed courses, but it also allowed for me to plan for paying for the next class,” Blue said. He spent 15 to 25 hours per week on his studies, depending on the class.
How Long Does the Program Take?
Students who enroll in the fully online Master of Education in Educational Administration program at Lamar University can complete their coursework in as few as 16 months. This is a 30 credit-hour program, and includes a capstone internship course. The flexible nature of the online format makes it ideal for those who need to take their time working through the program.
Learn more about Lamar University’s online Master of Education in Educational Administration program.
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