Two programs in the Darden College of Education were nationally ranked by the Top Master's in Education website for having superior online Master's programs. The Master's in Secondary Education ranked third out of 15 universities, and the Master's in Special Education ranked 34th out of 50 universities.
Located within the Department of Teaching and Learning, the online Master's in Secondary Education Program is designed for students with a bachelor's degree in a field other than teaching. Graduate course work consists of 31-34 credits in professional education, including classes in foundations of education, instructional strategies for teaching the selected academic concentration, strategies for teaching reading across the curriculum and research and assessment. The final semester in the program is an internship in a secondary school.
"This unique program is tailored to students who hold a bachelor's degree in a number of specific concentration areas and wish to teach in the classroom," said Dr. KaaVonia Hinton, department chair for Teaching and Learning. "Our online option expands on that even more by allowing students to observe and teach right in their community."
Housed within the Department of Communication Disorders and Special Education, the Online Master's in Special Education program prepares teachers and agency personnel to design and implement curricula for individuals with disabilities in a variety of settings. The program was noted for its experienced teaching faculty, as well as accessible course materials accessed from any location.
"Our cutting edge program features interactive instructional technology supplemented by field experiences," said Dr. Jonna Bobzien, graduate program director of Special Education. "Our students serve as key members in society holding careers as special education teachers, coordinators and professional development trainers. Also, many pursue advanced education to become reading or math specialists, as well as board certified behavioral analysts, just to name a few. We could not be more proud to be ranked among other prestigious schools."
Top Masters in Education provides objective rankings and reviews of Master's in Education degrees, creating an independent and detailed guide on how to earn the right degree, according to the website. Criteria for the ranking was based on two categories, institutional excellence and student success.
The Darden College of Education prepares students to be education, industry and service professionals through its six departments: Communication Disorders and Special Education, Counseling and Human Services, Educational Foundations and Leadership, Human Movement Sciences, STEM Education and Professional Studies, and Teaching & Learning.