If you have already completed your undergraduate studies and would like to earn your Master’s in Education in one year, you will have a challenging year ahead. However, it is possible to complete your studies if you are driven and can devote a great deal of your time to course work in a twelve month block of time. A Master’s is usually completed in at least a two-year period. Consider the following tips when striving to crunch your classes into only one year.
Find Flexibility in Your College of Choice
If you are going to complete the required amount of credits in a year, you will need a full course load for the fall and spring semesters. In addition, you can take a full offering of classes in the summer. Your college of choice may also offer a winter session. The more you can squeeze in, the easier it will be to reach your goal. Do your homework before you begin the admissions process for any program. You need to find out if all of the classes will be offered in the time frame of one school year.
Consider Going to School Online
Now that online colleges have gained in popularity, you may find that this is a solution as well. You can do your work at your convenience and you are not nailed down to a particular time to be on campus. Online courses allow you to fit in other obligations, such as work and family time. However, if you are dedicating yourself to completing a Master’s in a year, you should think about clearing your schedule. You are going to need intense focus, have many papers to complete, and will need to do observations or a practicum as well. Online coursework is for the extremely motivated student who is able to be independent.
Find Out if Previous Credits Apply
You may be able to shorten the length of your time in school is you have previous credits that will apply toward your Master’s in Education. For example, you may have taken a child psychology course or an early childhood education class while working on a master’s in a different area. If you started a graduate program and stopped, or switched gears, be sure to discuss the possibility of transferring any of your previous credits. You could save yourself a considerable amount of time and money.
Discuss Life Experience Credits
If you have work and life experience that is relevant to your degree, it could pay off as you earn your Master’s in Education.Many incentives are being offered in the present day to encourage more individuals to enter the field of education. Your experience as the owner of a daycare or running the local YMCA after school program might be accepted as part of your course work, even if it counts as your practicum.
Leave no stone unturned as you prepare to return to school. You need to be savvy about all of the requirements for your graduate degree in education. Make sure you shop around as well to find the best school for the most economical price. Be clear about your intentions to complete your studies as soon as possible, allowing you to enter the workforce in the near future.
