Strayer University’s Online Teaching Degree: A Comprehensive Guide
In an age where technology increasingly integrates into all aspects of life, education is no exception. Online learning is rapidly gaining popularity as a convenient, flexible way for people to acquire degrees. Strayer University, a leader in online education, offers a range of degrees tailored to the needs of working adults. If you are aspiring to become an educator and are exploring your options, you may wonder: does Strayer University offer an online teaching degree? This article will explore Strayer’s online programs related to education, the advantages of pursuing a teaching degree online, and how Strayer University aligns with the evolving landscape of digital education.
Strayer University Overview
Founded in 1892, Strayer University has a long-standing history of providing educational opportunities to working professionals. It offers flexible programs that allow students to balance their personal, professional, and academic lives. With a focus on adult learners, Strayer has become a top choice for individuals looking to further their education while maintaining full-time jobs.
Although Strayer University is renowned for its business and information technology degrees, it does not offer a traditional online teaching degree specifically designed for K-12 education. However, the university offers several online degrees that cater to individuals interested in the field of education, particularly in educational leadership, instructional technology, and adult education. Let’s delve into these options in greater detail.
Strayer University’s Online Education Programs
1. Master of Education (M.Ed.)
Strayer University offers a Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree with specializations that focus on leadership, instructional technology, and adult education. While this is not a traditional teaching degree designed for K-12 educators, the M.Ed. prepares graduates for roles in educational leadership, curriculum development, corporate training, and other educational fields.
Key Specializations:
- Instructional Technology: This specialization is ideal for those interested in integrating technology into learning environments. The coursework focuses on using digital tools to create engaging and effective learning experiences. This is particularly relevant as e-learning becomes more prominent.
- Educational Leadership: For individuals aiming to take on administrative or leadership roles in schools or other educational institutions, this specialization focuses on organizational management, policy development, and leadership strategies in education.
- Adult Education and Development: This specialization is tailored to those who wish to teach adult learners. It covers the principles of adult education, program development, and effective strategies for engaging adult students.
Curriculum Highlights:
- Foundations of education theory and practice
- Technology in education
- Educational assessment and evaluation
- Leadership in educational settings
- Curriculum and instruction design
These specializations are designed to equip graduates with the skills necessary to succeed in non-traditional teaching environments, such as corporate training, educational consulting, and instructional design. While the M.Ed. does not lead to teacher licensure for public K-12 schools, it is a valuable degree for individuals seeking to make an impact in educational settings outside of the traditional classroom.
2. Bachelor of Science in Information Technology with a Focus on Education
Strayer University also offers a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Information Technology with a focus on education and instructional technology. This program is not a direct teaching degree but rather prepares students to work in the field of instructional design, which is increasingly important in both corporate and academic settings.
With the growth of e-learning platforms and digital education tools, instructional designers play a crucial role in creating effective online learning environments. This degree is ideal for individuals interested in combining their passion for education with cutting-edge technology. Graduates of this program can pursue careers in educational technology, e-learning development, and online curriculum design.
Curriculum Highlights:
- Instructional design and technology integration
- Educational software development
- Online course creation and management
- E-learning tools and applications
- Learning management systems (LMS)
Graduates of this program are well-prepared to work in educational technology roles within schools, universities, corporations, or non-profit organizations. The focus on instructional technology ensures that students gain the technical skills needed to create innovative learning experiences for various types of learners.
Advantages of Pursuing an Online Teaching Degree
1. Flexibility and Convenience
One of the most significant advantages of pursuing an online teaching degree or related program at Strayer University is the flexibility it offers. Strayer’s programs are designed for working professionals, allowing students to take courses at their own pace. Whether you are balancing work, family, or other commitments, Strayer’s online platform enables you to access coursework at any time, from anywhere.
This flexibility is particularly beneficial for those who may not be able to attend traditional, on-campus classes. It allows students to manage their schedules without sacrificing the quality of their education.
2. Career Advancement Opportunities
While Strayer University’s programs do not lead to traditional teaching licensure, they offer opportunities for career advancement in the field of education. For example, the M.Ed. program’s focus on leadership and instructional technology can prepare graduates for administrative or specialist roles in schools, higher education institutions, or corporate training environments.
Instructional designers, educational technology specialists, and training coordinators are in high demand, particularly as more organizations adopt e-learning platforms and remote training tools. Strayer’s emphasis on digital education ensures that graduates are well-equipped to meet the demands of today’s evolving educational landscape.
3. Support for Adult Learners
Strayer University has a strong focus on supporting adult learners, offering personalized academic advising, career counseling, and technical support to ensure students succeed in their programs. Whether you are returning to school after a long break or balancing full-time work with your studies, Strayer provides resources to help you navigate your educational journey.
The university also offers financial assistance options, including scholarships and grants, to make higher education more accessible for working adults.
Strayer’s Accreditation and Reputation
Strayer University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), which is a recognized accrediting body. This ensures that the university meets high standards of academic quality and that its degrees are recognized by employers and other institutions.
While Strayer is not specifically known for teacher training programs like some traditional universities, its focus on flexibility, leadership, and instructional technology makes it a strong choice for individuals interested in educational careers that go beyond the traditional classroom setting. Graduates from Strayer’s education programs have found success in various sectors, including corporate training, instructional design, and educational leadership roles.
How Strayer University Aligns with the Future of Education
The field of education is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by advancements in technology and changes in the way people learn. Online education, e-learning platforms, and digital tools are becoming increasingly prevalent, and Strayer University is at the forefront of these changes.
By offering degrees that focus on instructional technology and leadership, Strayer is preparing graduates for careers in the future of education. Whether you are looking to design online courses, implement educational technologies in the classroom, or lead educational initiatives in a corporate or academic setting, Strayer provides the skills and knowledge needed to succeed.
Conclusion
While Strayer University does not offer a traditional online teaching degree for aspiring K-12 educators, it provides valuable educational opportunities through its Master of Education (M.Ed.) and related programs. These programs focus on instructional technology, educational leadership, and adult education, making them ideal for individuals looking to work in educational roles outside the traditional classroom.
Strayer’s commitment to flexibility, career advancement, and support for adult learners makes it a strong choice for those seeking to further their education in the evolving field of education. Whether you are looking to work in instructional design, corporate training, or educational administration, Strayer University offers the tools and resources needed to achieve your goals.
If you’re interested in shaping the future of education in a non-traditional setting, exploring Strayer University’s online education programs may be the right step for you.
